Oklahoma City Thunder (46-15, first in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (21-38, 12th in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City visits the Dallas Mavericks after the Thunder took down the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime.
The Mavericks are 11-28 in conference matchups. Dallas gives up 118.0 points and has been outscored by 3.6 points per game.
The Thunder have gone 33-9 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City is second in the Western Conference scoring 119.5 points per game and is shooting 48.4%.
The Mavericks make 47.3% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.6 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.7%). The Thunder average 119.5 points per game, 1.5 more than the 118.0 the Mavericks give up.
The two teams square off for the third time this season. The Thunder defeated the Mavericks 132-111 in their last meeting on Dec. 6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, and Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 18 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Marshall is shooting 53.1% and averaging 15.4 points for the Mavericks. Max Christie is averaging 12.1 points over the last 10 games.
Gilgeous-Alexander is scoring 31.9 points per game with 4.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 14.7 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 44.8% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.7 points, 42.3 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 7.1 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.7 points per game.
Thunder: 6-4, averaging 114.5 points, 45.0 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 9.5 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Caleb Martin: day to day (back), 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), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (neck), Klay Thompson: day to day (rest).
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Branden Carlson: out (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Memphis Grizzlies (22-36, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (15-45, 15th in the Eastern Conference)
Indianapolis; Sunday, 5 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Indiana enters the matchup against Memphis as losers of five games in a row.
The Pacers have gone 10-21 in home games. Indiana has a 4-26 record in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Grizzlies are 10-19 on the road. Memphis is 11-16 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.7 turnovers per game.
The Pacers are shooting 45.0% from the field this season, 2.1 percentage points lower than the 47.1% the Grizzlies allow to opponents. The Grizzlies' 46.1% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.7 percentage points lower than the Pacers have given up to their opponents (48.8%).
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Grizzlies won 128-103 in the last matchup on Oct. 26.
TOP PERFORMERS: Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the past 10 games.
Cedric Coward is averaging 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 16.9 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 2-8, averaging 115.3 points, 40.7 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.7 points per game.
Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 118.1 points, 37.7 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 12.5 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.9 points.
INJURIES: Pacers: Pascal Siakam: day to day (wrist), Aaron Nesmith: out (ankle), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
Grizzlies: Taj Gibson: day to day (coach decision), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Ty Jerome: day to day (thigh), 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.
Milwaukee Bucks (26-32, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-36, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago hosts Milwaukee looking to break its eight-game home skid.
The Bulls are 3-10 against division opponents. Chicago is 9-5 in one-possession games.
The Bucks are 8-4 against the rest of their division. Milwaukee is 13-23 against opponents over .500.
The Bulls are shooting 46.9% from the field this season, 0.3 percentage points higher than the 46.6% the Bucks allow to opponents. The Bulls average 112.1 points per game, 8.4 fewer points than the 120.5 the Bulls allow to opponents.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Bucks won the last meeting 131-115 on Feb. 4, with Kyle Kuzma scoring 31 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is averaging 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Isaac Okoro is averaging 10.4 points over the past 10 games.
Ryan Rollins is averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 20.8 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 0-10, averaging 108.3 points, 40.5 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 9.0 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.0 points per game.
Bucks: 7-3, averaging 114.8 points, 42.3 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 6.4 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.5 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Patrick Williams: day to day (quadriceps), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: day to day (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Philadelphia 76ers (33-26, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (39-20, second in the Eastern Conference)
Boston; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia looks to keep its three-game win streak intact when the 76ers take on Boston.
The Celtics are 8-5 in division games. Boston scores 115.0 points and has outscored opponents by 7.5 points per game.
The 76ers are 8-6 against opponents from the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia has a 6-8 record in one-possession games.
The Celtics score 115.0 points per game, 0.9 fewer points than the 115.9 the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 12.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 fewer made shots on average than the 14.0 per game the Celtics allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The 76ers won 102-100 in the last matchup on Nov. 12.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 19.8 points and 5.8 assists over the last 10 games.
Joel Embiid is scoring 26.6 points per game and averaging 7.5 rebounds for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.5 points and 3.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 109.6 points, 49.8 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.3 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.9 points per game.
76ers: 5-5, averaging 115.6 points, 43.0 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 10.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.1 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles).
76ers: Johni Broome: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Detroit Pistons (44-14, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (31-27, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Sunday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Detroit visits Orlando trying to continue its five-game road winning streak.
The Magic have gone 19-18 against Eastern Conference opponents. Orlando is ninth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding with 43.4 rebounds. Paolo Banchero leads the Magic with 8.5 boards.
The Pistons are 29-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is second in the Eastern Conference giving up only 109.7 points while holding opponents to 44.1% shooting.
The Magic average 11.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.1 fewer makes per game than the Pistons allow (12.8). The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.8 fewer makes per game than the Magic allow.
The teams play for the third time this season. The Magic won the last matchup 112-109 on Nov. 29, with Desmond Bane scoring 37 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Banchero is averaging 21.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Magic. Bane is averaging 24.7 points and 1.7 steals over the last 10 games.
Ausar Thompson is scoring 10.3 points per game and averaging 5.9 rebounds for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham is averaging 26.1 points and 6.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 6-4, averaging 112.6 points, 41.6 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 10.4 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points per game.
Pistons: 8-2, averaging 118.3 points, 47.9 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 10.3 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Pistons: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
San Antonio Spurs (43-16, second in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (38-22, third in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio will look to keep its 11-game win streak alive when the Spurs take on New York.
The Knicks are 22-8 in home games. New York is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 27.1 assists per game led by Jalen Brunson averaging 6.1.
The Spurs are 22-10 on the road. San Antonio is fourth in the Western Conference scoring 118.5 points per game and is shooting 47.8%.
The 117.3 points per game the Knicks score are 5.6 more points than the Spurs give up (111.7). The Spurs score 7.0 more points per game (118.5) than the Knicks allow (111.5).
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 134-132 in their last meeting on Jan. 1. Julian Champagnie led the Spurs with 36 points, and Brunson led the Knicks with 29 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brunson is averaging 26.7 points and 6.1 assists for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 18.3 points and 9.6 rebounds over the past 10 games.
Stephon Castle is shooting 46.7% and averaging 16.6 points for the Spurs. Devin Vassell is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 6-4, averaging 114.2 points, 42.8 rebounds, 28.0 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.8 points per game.
Spurs: 10-0, averaging 126.1 points, 48.1 rebounds, 32.1 assists, 8.6 steals and 7.2 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.1 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).
Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Mason Plumlee: day to day (reconditioning).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
In his second year leading the program, May and the No. 3-ranked Wolverines clinched the Big Ten Conference regular season title with a dominant 84-70 win over No. 11 Illinois on Friday, Feb. 27, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
May has helped lead Michigan's transformation from an 8-24 campaign in the 2023-24 season to a potential No. 1 seed and the regular-season conference title with an impressive 27-2 record in 2025-26.
May, of course, wasn't with Michigan during the 2023-24 season: He was coaching Florida Atlantic to the Final Four as a major Cinderella. The run with the Owls had every program with an opening trying to court May. However, the choice of Michigan came down to a family decision.
"Anna, my wife, is a major, major influence and probably more of an influence on my decision-making than I," May said of his decision to pick Michigan over other programs with interest. "I'm a pretty simple man. Give me a ball, a gym and some dudes that want to work, and I am happy with Michigan."
May pointed to Michigan as a place where he would want his sons to attend college, which factored into his decision — rather than seeking a team that could win a championship right away.
Talk about having the best of both worlds: With the win over Illinois, the Wolverines clinched their first Big Ten regular-season title since 2021. Now, they are locked into a No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and are likely a lock for the same in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
"The first time we saw the team together, we felt like this was the most talented team that our staff collectively had ever been around," May said. "And some of us have been high majors, mid majors, low majors. ... We felt this team had the highest upside or most potential of any group."
Michigan showed promise in May's first year in 2024-25, finishing the season 27-10 with a loss to Auburn in the Sweet 16. The 14-6 record in conference play tied Maryland for second in the Big Ten, a sign the Wolverines were heading in the right direction.
May then went to the transfer portal to add UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg, North Carolina guard Elliot Cadeau, Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. — who had 19 points and 11 rebounds against his former team on Feb. 27 — and UCLA center Aday Mara, putting together a Big Ten championship-caliber roster.
"We want to win a Big Ten regular season championship every year," May said. "... Did we envision this? What's our record, 17-1 (in Big Ten play)? Absolutely not. Because I have that much respect for the teams, coaches and talent in this league."
Elite Michigan defense beats an elite Illinois offense
According to KenPom rankings, Illinois entered Feb. 27 as the No. 1 team in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Michigan entered with the No. 2 defense, trailing only No. 1 Duke.
The adage that defense wins championships won the day for the Wolverines.
"That's why they are so good," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said of Michigan taking away any potential mismatches Illinois has used against other opponents this season.
"They're as good a basketball team as I've seen in my nine years in this league," Underwood added.
Illinois' adjusted offensive efficiency (or points per 100 possessions) sat at 132.4 entering play on Friday. The Fighting Illini entered averaging 85.1 points per game, which ranked 22nd in the nation. They also tied for sixth in 3-point baskets made per game.
However, the Wolverines' defense limited Illinois to 70 points — its lowest total in a loss since Nov. 28 vs. UConn — 41.3% shooting from the field and 9-of-29 shooting from 3-point range.
"They're really good at punishing a matchup," May said of the Illinois offense. "Because of our lineup versatility, I don't think they did it as well as they usually do."
While Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler finished with a game-high 23 points, including 17 points in the second half, he shot just 7-for-17 from the field and had four turnovers. Lendeborg took the responsibility of not only guarding Wagler, but also guarding him for the full 94-feet, putting pressure on him as soon as he received the inbounds pass.
"Yax was up to the challenge," May said. "He loves guarding point guards. And then when he switches, you have a big body that played (center) in the American Conference, and played it pretty well. So it's not as easy to get the matchup advantages they are hunting against our team, because we can change what we do."
Veteran leftovers carry team to new era
Nimari Burnett, Will Tschetter and Harrison Hochberg are three members of the Wolverines who were around for the 2023-24 team that finished 3-17 in conference play, good for dead last in the Big Ten standings.
However, each of them has stuck around with the program, with Burnett starting all 29 games this season and Tschetter appearing in all 29 games. Instead of showing them the door when he took over the program, May instead kept the three to build the culture in Ann Arbor for the team that won the conference this season.
"We kept those guys because we believe in who they are as people, first and foremost," May said. "That was a tough season for Michigan basketball. There were a handful of guys we couldn't recruit for various reasons and then there were a handful we thought might fit our culture as far as work ethic.
"Nimari and Will were both guys who dove in from Day 1, and they wanted Michigan to be back in this position. It was that simple."
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Chris Kreider beat Connor Hellebuyck off a rebound at 4:47 of overtime to give the Anaheim Ducks a 5-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night.
Beckett Sennecke kept the puck and shot on a two-on-one break, with Kreider backhanding the loose puck in at the side of the net.
After Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov and Ryan Poehling scored third-period goals to give Anaheim a 4-3 lead, Winnipeg's Kyle Connor tied it with 1:22 left and Hellebuyck off for an extra attacker.
Hellebuyck made 35 saves in his first game since backstopping the United States to Olympic gold.
Jacob Trouba also scored for Anaheim, Sennecke had three assists and Lukas Dostal made 29 saves. The Ducks have won seven in a row at home and 11 of 13 overall.
Anaheim won two nights after returning from the break to beat Edmonton at home for coach Joel Quenneville’s 1,000th NHL victory. The Ducks have five games left on a nine-game homestand.
Winnipeg rookie defenseman Elias Salomonsson had his first NHL goal and Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi also scored. Well back in the race for a playoff spot, Winnipeg has a game left on three-game trip before an eight-game homestand.
SEATTLE (AP) — Emma Maltais scored a go-ahead goal early in the third period, and Sara Hjalmarsson and Kali Flanagan added empty netters in the final two minutes to give the Toronto Sceptres a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Torrent on Friday night.
Toronto (5-1-3-8) had gone winless in four straight road games. The Sceptres were also held scoreless in their last two games before the Olympic break.
Four different players scored their first goal of the season.
Jesse Compher scored 28 seconds into the game for Toronto off a nice back pass from Daryl Watts, who led Canada in her Olympic debut with eight points on two goals and six assists.
Renata Fast gave Toronto a 2-1 lead on her first goal of the season 4:25 into the second period with a shot from a sharp angle that bounced off the stick of goaltender Hannah Murphy.
Maltais scored her third goal after getting past the defense for a two-on-one opportunity.
Both goals for Seattle (4-1-2-8) came in the final 80 seconds of the first and second periods. Aneta Tejralová had a one-timer to tie it at 1-all with 11.2 seconds left in the first and Natalie Snodgrass sent in a rebound off of Alex Carpenter's breakaway shot with 1:12 left in the second.
Seattle, which was without Hilary Knight due to a lower-body injury suffered at the Olympics, announced it was the first sellout in franchise history with 17,335 fans.
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 27: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 27, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
DETROIT — The Cleveland Cavaliers had numerous chances to win Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, even though they were without four rotation players, including James Harden (finger) and Donovan Mitchell (groin). They couldn’t make the one play they needed to seal the victory. As a result, they fell 122-119 in overtime.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson believes in luck. He was asked before the game if his team was cursed given their latest rash of injuries.
He laughed the question off, but then proceeded to provide the perfect table setter for one of the wildest games of the season.
“I believe in luck,” Atkinson said before the game. “I think luck plays more into this whole thing in sports. I know in America, we don’t like to talk about luck, like you earn it, you win it. That was a good thing about being overseas for so long. I was shocked when I first went out there, especially in Spain, they talked about luck so much. … When you read the sports papers, it was part of the way they talked. … Here, we want right and wrong and clear yes and no. That’s kind of how our mentality is. So I definitely think luck plays a lot into this.”
The Cavs lost this game, so we’re programmed to see things in the worst possible light. Instead of viewing the areas that the Cavs did right, we automatically look at what didn’t go their way, and there’s a long list of those things.
Poor rebounding, inability to create offense late, turnovers, and blowing multiple chances to defeat the top team in the conference are a few that come to mind. All of these are problems that could be explored deeper, considering they’re things that could be an issue in a possible playoff series.
However, if a few calls go slightly differently, we’re likely looking at all the things that went right, such as Jarrett Allen’s dominance, Evan Mobley’s resurgence, and the role players stepping up.
This is a results-based business, but sometimes, the results come down to things far outside of the player’s control.
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Cleveland should’ve won this game.
They were up six with two minutes left when MVP candidate Cade Cunningham fouled out of this game. That should’ve been the final nail in the coffin, but the Cavs failed to execute from there.
In the final two minutes, they turned it over in the backcourt, allowed baskets on Detroit’s final eight possessions in regulation, Evan Mobley missed a free throw with seven seconds left that would’ve made it a two-possession game, and they didn’t properly commit a foul on the floor while up three, which led to the game-tying free throws.
It was a litany of errors from a team that has blown more than a few important games in this embarrassing way in the past.
“That was our game to take,” Jaylon Tyson said. “We were definitely there. We should have won that game. Yeah, we should have won that game.”
Overtime presented its own issues.
The Cavs struggled to generate offense after Allen fouled out, but they still had chances to win. They were on the wrong side of a few calls (and weren’t afraid to make that known in the locker room afterward), including what could’ve been easily called a shooting foul on a potential game-tying Sam Merrill three-point attempt.
Even so, they kept fighting, forced a jump ball when providing defensive pressure in the backcourt, and created what would’ve been a game-tying three-point attempt for Mobley that didn’t go.
“There’s no moral victories,” Atkinson said. “This was a big game. We had chances. … The execution, turnovers, you know, we’re just kind of kicking ourselves.”
Still, there are things that the Cavs should feel encouraged about if they happen to play the Pistons in the postseason, the most important being Allen’s continued dominant play.
Allen once again couldn’t be stopped, scoring 25 points on 10-12 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, four assists, and a block.
“Jalen Duran is one of the toughest, strongest guys in the league,” Atkinson said. “He went toe to toe with him. And I just love [it]. … We just got to keep him there. You know, it’s our job as coaches to keep him in this great, great space. But I loved his energy tonight.”
It’s easier to keep Allen in check when he doesn’t have the benefit of playing alongside dynamic guards like Mitchell and Harden. This allowed the Pistons to crash inside anytime he rolled to the basket, which made it difficult for them to get him the ball.
But if Allen got his hands on the ball, he was able to make them pay as he converted nine of his 10 shots in the paint. He spent stretches of this game being the best player on the court, which is incredibly impressive considering the talent on the other team.
Detroit also didn’t have an answer for Mobley.
He did more of his damage outside, going 4-8 from three. But they also couldn’t handle Mobley inside as he went 5-6 in the restricted area.
“He’s starting to catch a groove, I can see it,” Atkinson said. “Just seems like when he comes back from injury, it just takes him a little bit to get going. So that might be the most positive thing about this, about this game tonight.”
The Cavs are on the Pistons level, even though they couldn’t get the result on Friday, and rightfully so. They routed the New York Knicks on Tuesday and went toe-to-toe on the road with the conference leaders despite being severly short handed. They should feel that way.
“I feel like we’re one of the top teams,” Mobley said. “They’ve got to face us, honestly. We’re playing pretty good basketball, and we’re going to continue to play good basketball. Just got to play our best basketball in April, May, and June. That’s our goal right now. We’re going to learn from this game and just keep stacking wins and get ready for the playoffs.”
Right now, the Cavaliers are unlucky. Injuries are happening at all the wrong times. And on top of it, they weren’t rewarded with a win despite playing well enough to get one.
Yes, they should’ve closed it out, but they were also on the wrong end of more than a few calls that went against them. If the referees called the foul on the floor on the Dannis Jenkins “shot attempt” as they should’ve, this game ends differently. The same could be said about several other calls.
However, the end result in a game like this isn’t the only thing that matters. This team is putting the pieces together at the right time. And if they ever get healthy, they will be a problem in the playoffs.
And that’s true, even though luck wasn’t on their side on Friday.
“Learn from our mistakes right now and just keep ramping up, staying focused,” Mobley said. “Game in and game out, just being locked in, knowing what our game plan is and figuring that out. Getting comfortable with the new guys. But I feel like we’re getting there pretty quickly and we’re on a good trajectory right now.”
The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are among two of the top teams in the Western Conference this season. That was on display as the two teams played in a tightly contested game that went into overtime at the Paycom Center on Friday, Feb. 27.
Tensions were running high during the game between the two championship contenders.
Luguentz Dort was ejected following a Flagrant 2 foul after it was considered unnecessary and excessive by the officials.
Dort tripped Nuggets star Nikola Jokic while the Thunder had a 90-88 lead with 8:03 left in the fourth quarter.
Lu Dort was ejected after appearing to trip Nikola Jokic on this play.
Jokic was upset and immediately approached Dort. Jokic and Jaylin Williams received technical fouls for pushing and shoving one another following the initial tripping incident. The fouls offset.
Dort scored eight points and six rebounds in 28 minutes of play before the ejection. Even with Dort ejected and reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sitting out the overtime period, Oklahoma City prevailed, 127-121.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a hard-fought win in Orlando, the Houston Rockets travel to South Beach for a game about 40 hours later. This is a recipe for disaster. At least James Harden isn’t on the team anymore.
The Heat are 31-29 and are coming off back-to-back losses against the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. They play offense at the league’s fastest pace and take (and make) the most shots in the league. They grab the most defensive rebounds and are fourth on defense.
Norman Powell got hurt against the Sixers so Miami’s offense will mostly revolve around Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Amen Thompson’s nemesis, Tyler Herro.
The early games are basically always losses for the Rockets, regardless of roster. I expect Miami to come out hot after two losses and treat this game a bit more seriously than Houston. If the Rockets come out sloppily, this could be over in a hurry.
DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Duren had 33 points and 16 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons outlasted the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 122-119 on Friday night in a game that was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter because of a blaring horn.
During a timeout with Detroit up 65-64, a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction, with the horn remaining on after signaling the teams to return to the floor. Eventually, the scoreboard was shut down to stop the horn and a manual airhorn was used when play resumed.
Cade Cunningham had 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for East-leading Detroit before fouling out.
Cleveland — which will host Detroit on Tuesday night — led by nine points with 2:44 left in regulation, and Cunningham fouled out with 1:56 to play, but the Pistons outscored the Cavaliers 16-7 to force overtime.
With Cleveland up 114-111 with 4.7 seconds left in regulation, Jaylon Tyson tried to intentionally foul Daniss Jenkins near halfcourt, but Jenkins was able to shoot and draw three free throws that he made.
In overtime, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
CELTICS 148, NETS 111
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown had 28 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and Boston rolled past Brooklyn.
Nikola Vucevic finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double since joining the Celtics. Payton Pritchard added 22 points for Boston, which has won five of six since returning from the All-Star break.
The Celtics shot a season-high 66.7% from the field and connected on 22 3-pointers. They also got 77 points from their bench.
Michael Porter Jr. finished with 18 points for Brooklyn, which has lost seven straight games.
The Celtics took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Nets 43-26. Brooklyn managed only seven points over the final 6:23 of the period.
Boston shot 15 of 19 from the field with 12 assists in the pivotal quarter and connected 5 of 7 attempts from the 3-point line
Boston’s lead grew to as many as 41 points in the fourth.
KNICKS 127, BUCKS 98
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 27 points and OG Anunoby added 24 as New York routed Milwaukee.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 13 rebounds, Landry Shamet added 15 points, Josh Hart finished with 12 and Mikal Bridges and Mohamed Diawara each had 10 for the Knicks, who shot 21 for 42 from 3-point distance.
Myles Turner had 18 of his 19 points in the first half, Kyle Kuzma scored 17, Bobby Portis 14 and Ryan Rollins 13 to pace the Bucks. Milwaukee had won eight of 10 coming in and was playing its fifth game in eight days, including four in a row at home. Kevin Porter Jr. chipped 11 points and 10 assists.
The Bucks entered the game as one of the hottest offensive team in the league, but it was the Knicks who controlled play early.
New York jumped out to a 38-30 lead after one quarter fueled by 22 points from Brunson, the most by a New York player in any quarter this season. Brunson made 9 of 10 shots, including all three 3-pointers he attempted.
GRIZZLIES 124, MAVERICKS 105
DALLAS (AP) — Cam Spencer scored 25 points off the bench and Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Memphis to a victory over Dallas.
Scotty Pippen Jr. added 15 points and Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson each had 12 to help Memphis snap a three-game skid.
The Grizzlies, who had lost seven of their previous eight, led the entire game and won despite being short-handed with star guard Ja Morant out for a 16th consecutive game with an injured left elbow, and Zach Edey (ankle) and Cedric Coward (knee) also sidelined.
Taj Gibson, signed by Memphis on Thursday to help deal with the absences, wasn’t active.
Brandon Williams scored 16 points and had eight rebounds to lead the Mavericks, who have lost seven straight at home. Daniel Gafford added 14 points, Dwight Powell had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Max Christie also scored 13 points.
Rookie Cooper Flagg missed his sixth straight game with a sprained foot.
THUNDER 127, NUGGETS 121
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points in his return after missing nine games with an abdominal strain and Oklahoma City defeated Denver in overtime in a testy matchup that featured multiple technical fouls and an ejection.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, didn’t play in overtime, but the Thunder still pulled through in the extra period.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic, who got into an altercation with Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort in the fourth quarter, had 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists. Dort was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul.
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, listed as questionable with an illness before the game, led the Nuggets with 39 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander started and drew loud applause when his name was announced in pregame introductions. His first basket came on a driving layup two minutes into the game.
The teams are very familiar with each other — the Thunder defeated the Nuggets 4-3 in the Western Conference semifinals last year. The Thunder won the first two meetings this season and they play twice more.
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 27: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 27, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While many expected the Cavaliers to struggle against the Pistons without their star backcourt. Instead, the Cavaliers went toe to toe with the relentless Pistons, eventually falling to the number one seed in the East 122-119 in overtime.
Winners
The Cavalier Bigs
Many would think that without James Harden and Donovan Mitchell on the floor, it would be difficult for the bigs to generate the quality looks they’ve enjoyed throughout February. However, this game was decided by Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Thomas Bryant. The trio combined for 61 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 122 points against a stout Detroit Pistons frontcourt defense.
Whether it was Allen leading the team with 25 points, Mobley knocking down 4 of 8 from beyond the arc, or Bryant providing a spark off the bench with 13 points and eight rebounds, Cleveland received outstanding contributions across the board. This is exactly what you hope to see from your All-Stars when your All-NBA-caliber stars are sidelined for the night.
Sam Merrill’s dependability
In the absence of other primary offensive weapons, Sam Merrill continues to prove just how elite a shooter he is in this league. The constant motion he plays with within the offense creates quality looks regardless of who shares the floor with him. Tonight, Merrill went 6-for-12 from the field, and nearly every attempt came off movement that generated clean windows to fire away.
We even saw Merrill leverage his perimeter gravity to create quality opportunities inside the three-point line. That’s what separates high-level shooters from situational ones — the ability to bend a defense simply by relocating. It’s reassuring to know that Merrill isn’t solely dependent on others to manufacture his looks; he has the skill set and awareness to operate autonomously within virtually any system.
The Cavaliers Energy
The Cavaliers used to be where the Pistons are, a team that hangs its hat on its heart and hustles every night. Nowadays, it looks like that level of effort can come and go in place of nuclear offensive levels. On Friday night, this was an effort reminiscent of the Cavaliers’ JB Bickerstaff era. Ironically enough, it was against JB, but the Cavaliers matched the Pistons’ grit and grind mentality.
The Cavaliers were fighting for loose balls, getting dirty on the glass, and were not playing complacently. This was a pleasant surprise for a team that at times was sleepwalking during stretches of the season. Hopefully, this is a real sign that the Cavaliers’ mentality has shifted. Whether it is the new players in the locker room or this team has turned the page, the Cavaliers look like they are getting locked in for the postseason.
Losers
Late game execution
The Cavaliers had this game in the bag up four late in the fourth quarter. Cade Cunningham had fouled out for Detroit, the Pistons made up for the lack of offensive direction by creating havoc for the Cavaliers. The Cavalier generated little to no offense in the final two minutes; they turned the ball over multiple times due to the pressure Detroit exhibited.
The nail in the coffin was Jaylon Tyson fouling up three with 4 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Daniss Jenkins proceeded to knock down all three free throws. By the time overtime hit, the Cavaliers did what they could to stay afloat; however, without Allen, the offense did not look the same. This was a sour end to what was shaping up to be one of the most impressive wins of the season.
For those who didn’t watch the game in real time, there was about a 12 minute stretch in the third quarter where the horn was relentlessly blaring. The ESPN broadcast was having a field day capturing the looks of coaches, players, and fans looking miserable. As they should, by the way, that horn was BLASTING.
The icing on the cake was this was when ESPN decided to conduct their interview with Donovan Mitchell, and it went as one would expect. Mitchell tried his best, but imagine talking with anyone with that blasting your eardrums, and having to conduct an interview. Eventually, they resolved the issue, but I am sure that the arena operator will be having a heavy beverage tonight after looking like he was in hell for those 12 minutes.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 27: AJ Johnson #8 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Taylor Hendricks #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on February 27, 2026 in Dallas, 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Memphis Grizzlies (22-36) disassembled what was left of the Dallas Mavericks (21-38) on the second night of a back-to-back set on Friday, taking a 124-105 win at American Airlines Center. Cam Spencer led eight Grizzlies in double figures with 25 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range in the win. Brandon Williams led the Mavericks with 16 points and eight rebounds in the loss. It was, in a word, unwatchable.
The first quarter was exactly as ugly as it felt. Dallas managed just 6-of-24 (25%) shooting and went 2-of-10 from distance, finishing with only 20 points in the frame. The offense had no rhythm whatsoever. Naji Marshall went 0-for-4, Max Christie went 0-for-4, and the Mavericks could not generate clean half-court looks. Even the makes felt scattered rather than sustainable. Williams and Khris Middleton did what little damage the Mavs could manage. Middleton went 2-of-6 for five points, while Williams added five of his own on 2-of-4 shooting. It was slow, disjointed, and offensively painful to watch, and the 20-point output reflected exactly how stagnant the opening twelve minutes were.
The second quarter did not fix anything. Dallas had just 30 total points through 18 minutes and made only two field goals in the first half of the period, while Memphis feasted on open 3-pointers and layups. By halftime, the numbers showed the gap. Memphis shot 50.0 percent from the field and 7-of-19 from 3-point land, while Dallas managed just 33.3 percent overall and 3-of-15 from deep. The Grizzlies moved the ball for 15 assists and consistently generated clean looks. At the same time, the Mavericks’ halfended the same way it began, with turnovers and empty possessions piling up, sending Dallas into the break trailing 64–44.
Dallas couldn’t make a game of it in the second half, either. The Mavericks came out of halftime stuck in the mud again. Memphis continued to generate clean looks while the Mavericks’ offense stayed shaky. The third quarter was more of the same script as the second: Memphis kept getting downhill, turning broken Dallas possessions into easy chances, and the lead kept creeping wider, swelling as large as 34 points.
Memphis managed their blowout in-hand throughout the fourth, while Dallas tried to find anything functional with its bench unit. The Grizzlies stayed comfortable, kept scoring at the rim, and kept winning the possession game with rebounds and extra chances, while the Mavericks traded isolated buckets for empty trips. Dallas did get some late interior scoring and effort plays, but by then the margin was already massive, and Memphis never let it get interesting. In the end, the second half felt like a continuation of the first, just with the deficit growing from bad to out of reach.
Two important losses
The Mavericks are in the part of the calendar where “watchability” stops being the point and lottery balls take over. If Dallas is serious about landing the best pick it can get in June’s NBA Draft, you do not get there by stealing feel-good wins in late February. You get there by banking losses, stacking ping pong ball combinations, and minimizing the nights where you accidentally look competent because one role player got hot.
The urgency is amplified by what Dallas does and does not control going forward. The franchise already owes Charlotte a 2027 first-round pick that is only top-two protected, which means the moment Dallas is merely bad instead of atrocious, that pick is gone. Beyond that, the pick sheet is littered with swaps and obligations in the late 2020s, which is why every season where Dallas actually has a clean shot at a premium pick feels like a rare window. In plain terms, you cannot afford to waste the years where you still own your own outcome, because the bill comes due later.
That is why nights like this, back to back, where half the roster sits, and the remaining starters play 20 to 25 minutes, are not just “embarrassing losses.” They are a front office choosing the only path that realistically matters. Dallas is not one hot streak away from a title, and pretending otherwise drags you toward the worst possible place in the NBA, the middle, where you pick 10th, pay veterans, and pray for miracles. The Mavericks do not need moral victories. They need lottery leverage because the next cornerstone after Cooper is far more likely to arrive via a top pick than via internal development from a patchwork roster. In a season like this, the tank is not a vibe. It is the plan.
The Mavericks need shooting
The Grizzlies did not just beat Dallas; they shot them out of the AAC. Memphis spaced the floor, forced weak closeouts, and punished every late rotation with confident catch-and-shoot threes. When a team is already playing downhill and getting paint touches, the difference between a competitive game and a runaway is whether those kickouts fall. They did. The Mavericks were constantly in scramble mode, and every time they collapsed to stop a drive, the ball found an open shooter who was ready and willing. That is what real spacing does. It turns decent offense into efficient offense and efficient offense into a blowout.
That is the lesson Dallas needs to internalize heading into the offseason, especially if Cooper Flagg is the centerpiece of the rebuild. Flagg’s value will be maximized by driving lanes, short-roll playmaking, and the ability to attack tilted defenses. None of that works if defenders can sit in the gaps and ignore weak-side shooters. The Mavericks cannot half-commit to spacing around him. They need legitimate movement shooters, reliable corner threats, and frontcourt players who can stretch the floor just enough to keep help honest. If this season is about lottery positioning, this summer has to be about shooting infrastructure. Build it correctly, and Flagg elevates everyone. Ignore it, and you are asking a young star to score through traffic every night.
