Charlotte Hornets' Moussa Diabate (centre, in light blue) called it an "overly competitive game" [Getty Images]
Four players were ejected after a mass brawl as the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 110-104 in a bad-tempered NBA fixture.
Detroit's Jalen Duren was fouled by Charlotte's Moussa Diabate during the third quarter, with the pair then confronting one another and appearing to butt heads.
Diabate had to be held back as he tried to hit Duren, before several other players got involved in the incident.
Detroit forward Isaiah Stewart confronted Charlotte's Miles Bridges and put him in a headlock before appearing to strike him multiple times.
The brawl lasted about 30 seconds, ending with a brief police presence on the floor.
Diabate, Duren, Stewart and Bridges were ejected - and Hornets coach Charles Lee was kicked out in the fourth quarter after he had to be restrained while angrily shouting at the officials having disagreed with a decision.
"Emotions were flaring. At the end of the day, we would love to keep it basketball, but things happen. Everybody was just playing hard," Duren said after the match.
"This isn't the first time that people have tried to be like extra aggressive with us and talk to us, whatever the case may be.
"At the end of the day, emotions got high with everybody being competitive. Things happen."
Bridges later apologised to fans, writing on Instagram: "Sorry Hornets nation! Sorry Hornets Organization! Always going to protect my team-mates forever."
Lead official John Goble said in a post-game report the players were ejected because they "engaged in fighting activity during the dead ball".
"After review, we assessed fighting fouls, and by rule, they were ejected from the game," he added.
Lee, asked about the clash between Diabate and Duren that triggered the wider brawl, said: "Two guys got in a heated conversation and then it kind of spiralled from there."
Of his own ejection in the fourth quarter, Lee added: "I've got to have a little bit better emotional control in that moment."
Elsewhere, Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry will miss Sunday's All-Star game with an injury to his right knee.
However, the Warriors are hopeful Curry will return after the All-Star break for the game against the Boston Celtics on 19 February.
Washington Wizards (14-38, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (33-21, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland seeks to keep its four-game win streak going when the Cavaliers take on Washington.
The Cavaliers are 19-13 in Eastern Conference games. Cleveland scores 119.6 points and has outscored opponents by 3.6 points per game.
The Wizards are 9-22 in Eastern Conference play. Washington is 2-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Cavaliers score 119.6 points per game, 3.2 fewer points than the 122.8 the Wizards give up. The Wizards average 112.1 points per game, 3.9 fewer than the 116.0 the Cavaliers give up to opponents.
The two teams play for the third time this season. The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 130-126 in their last meeting on Dec. 13. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 48 points, and Bub Carrington led the Wizards with 27 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mitchell is averaging 29 points, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals for the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen is averaging 17.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over the past 10 games.
Kyshawn George is averaging 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 13.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 9-1, averaging 119.7 points, 44.0 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 10.1 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points per game.
Wizards: 4-6, averaging 110.4 points, 41.7 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.8 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot), Tyrese Proctor: day to day (illness), Evan Mobley: out (calf), Dean Wade: out (ankle), Jaylon Tyson: day to day (ankle).
Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Jaden Hardy: day to day (not injury related), Kyshawn George: day to day (ankle), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Anthony Gill: day to day (hand), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (illness), Tre Johnson: day to day (ankle), Trae Young: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio visits the Los Angeles Lakers after Stephon Castle scored 40 points in the Spurs' 138-125 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers are 21-13 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is seventh in the Western Conference scoring 116.0 points while shooting 49.9% from the field.
The Spurs are 22-13 against conference opponents. San Antonio averages 117.6 points and has outscored opponents by 5.4 points per game.
The Lakers score 116.0 points per game, 3.8 more points than the 112.2 the Spurs allow. The Spurs are shooting 47.5% from the field, 1.0% lower than the 48.5% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 107-91 on Jan. 8. Keldon Johnson scored 27 points to help lead the Spurs to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: LeBron James is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura is averaging 12.3 points over the past 10 games.
De'Aaron Fox is averaging 19.5 points and 6.2 assists for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 22.5 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 48.1% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 114.9 points, 40.5 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points per game.
Spurs: 7-3, averaging 116.8 points, 46.5 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 6.9 steals and 7.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Luka Doncic: out (hamstring), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
Spurs: Lindy Waters III: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Lots of Baby Lakers have come and gone throughout the years with fans able to cheer them along from afar. But something about Alex Caruso is different.
It likely comes down to the fact that it was a self-inflicted mistake that led to him leaving the Lakers, but it just has a different feeling. It’s still painful to see him in a different jersey. I could be alone in that feeling, but watching him lead the Thunder in the second half and fourth quarter felt like a particularly fresh wound being reopened by a jagged, rusty knife.
Just a lot of pain.
Even despite his performance and the strong close from Jalen Williams, the Lakers were in this game. Moral victories don’t account for much, but considering how bad things went in the last meeting between these two teams, it’s encouraging to see the gap closed.
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.
The bully ball LeBron played in the second half, specifically the third quarter, was a big catalyst in the Lakers’ comeback. He was picking on defenders, getting them switched onto him and then putting them in the rim or kicking otu to open looks.
That the Lakers couldn’t get back to that in the fourth was a problem.
For the most part, I thought this was as good a game as Ayton has played in some time. And yet, he still didn’t close the game, which is pretty telling.
LaRavia played a huge role in the third quarter alongside LeBron. However, his night is probably going to be remembered for the multiple missed open threes in the fourth.
This was just a little bit too much Marcus Smart. You probably don’t want him finishing with the second-most shot attempts in a game, even if he was largely good on the night.
Reaves really struggled against the defensive pressure at times against OKC. He also seemed to be the chosen victim of a number of missed calls, leading to a totally valid crashout and technical foul early in the game.
It must be nice to be a Thunder fan as you get to watch your team play rugby while everyone else plays basketball. Yes, I’m a little salty.
You saw the good that Kennard brings in his debut, but you saw the bad he can bring in this one. When he was in the game, OKC was targeting him repeatedly, especially down the stretch. He competed hard, but the size discrepancy is just too large.
Hayes had a couple of nice finishes around the rim. I suppose we should just be used to four rebounds in 14 minutes for a seven-footer, even if it still feels low.
Grade: B
Maxi Kleber
A very short cameo for Kleber, who did not have the foot speed to hang with the Thunder in this one.
JJ Redick
This is one of those nights where it’s hard to determine who to blame for the Lakers not getting LeBron the ball down the stretch. I lean toward the players as they were running some of the actions, then trhowing some pretty brutal passes or not getting him the ball at all.
Redick won both challenges, but they were both very easy challenges to win. Thanks, officials.
BOTTOM LINE: Orlando hosts Milwaukee looking to extend its four-game home winning streak.
The Magic are 19-17 in conference play. Orlando is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16.3 fast break points per game led by Franz Wagner averaging 3.8.
The Bucks are 16-18 in conference matchups. Milwaukee has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Magic score 115.2 points per game, 0.6 fewer points than the 115.8 the Bucks give up. The Bucks are shooting 48.1% from the field, which equals what the Magic's opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Magic won the last matchup 118-99 on Feb. 10, with Anthony Black scoring 26 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Paolo Banchero is averaging 21.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 21.7 points over the last 10 games.
Ryan Rollins is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. AJ Green is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 5-5, averaging 111.4 points, 38.3 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.5 points per game.
Bucks: 4-6, averaging 109.0 points, 43.7 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 5.9 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.8 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (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.
Atlanta Hawks (26-29, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (25-29, 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Hawks visit Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets in Eastern Conference play Wednesday.
The Hornets are 15-20 in conference games. Charlotte is fifth in the NBA with 45.9 rebounds led by Moussa Diabate averaging 8.6.
The Hawks have gone 13-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is eighth in the league averaging 14.6 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.1% from downtown. Nickeil Alexander-Walker leads the team averaging 3.1 makes while shooting 37.6% from 3-point range.
The Hornets average 15.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 more made shots on average than the 13.3 per game the Hawks give up. The Hawks average 117.5 points per game, 3.6 more than the 113.9 the Hornets give up to opponents.
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 126-119 in their last matchup on Feb. 8. Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, and Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 31 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bridges is averaging 18.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists over the past 10 games.
Johnson is averaging 23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 19.7 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 9-1, averaging 116.0 points, 47.8 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.2 points per game.
Hawks: 6-4, averaging 117.6 points, 43.3 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.8 points.
INJURIES: Hornets: Coby White: out (calf), Liam McNeeley: day to day (ankle).
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee), Jalen Johnson: day to day (knee), Dyson Daniels: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Portland Trail Blazers (25-28, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (33-22, sixth in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Portland will try to end its three-game road skid when the Trail Blazers visit Minnesota.
The Timberwolves are 18-17 in Western Conference games. Minnesota is eighth in the NBA with 15.7 fast break points per game led by Ayo Dosunmu averaging 3.7.
The Trail Blazers have gone 20-15 against Western Conference opponents. Portland is 10-7 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 16.4 turnovers per game.
The Timberwolves score 119.4 points per game, 1.4 more points than the 118.0 the Trail Blazers allow. The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.1% from the field, 1.2% lower than the 46.3% the Timberwolves' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Timberwolves won 118-114 in the last meeting on Oct. 23. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 41 points, and Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 29 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Julius Randle is shooting 48.9% and averaging 22.0 points for the Timberwolves. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Donovan Clingan is averaging 11.4 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Grant is averaging 15.0 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 44.9% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 6-4, averaging 117.0 points, 45.4 rebounds, 25.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points per game.
Trail Blazers: 3-6, averaging 115.5 points, 48.6 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.2 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: out (foot).
Trail Blazers: Matisse Thybulle: out (knee), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Kris Murray: out (lumbar), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (24-30, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (34-19, third in the Eastern Conference)
Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago aims to end its five-game skid with a win over Boston.
The Celtics are 23-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 32.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 6.8.
The Bulls are 16-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 34.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 7.4.
The Celtics score 115.1 points per game, 5.5 fewer points than the 120.6 the Bulls allow. The Bulls score 8.6 more points per game (117.0) than the Celtics allow their opponents to score (108.4).
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Bulls won 114-111 in the last matchup on Jan. 25.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derrick White is averaging 17.4 points and 5.5 assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 21.9 points over the last 10 games.
Giddey is averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis is averaging 16.3 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 107.9 points, 46.5 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 102.3 points per game.
Bulls: 2-8, averaging 112.8 points, 43.0 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.4 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Sam Hauser: day to day (back).
Bulls: Jalen Smith: day to day (calf), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Raptors host the Detroit Pistons in Eastern Conference play Wednesday.
The Raptors are 24-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Toronto is the best team in the Eastern Conference with 19.5 fast break points led by RJ Barrett averaging 3.8.
The Pistons have gone 25-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is fourth in the Eastern Conference scoring 117.3 points per game and is shooting 48.0%.
The Raptors make 47.4% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.3 percentage points higher than the Pistons have allowed to their opponents (44.1%). The Pistons score 5.1 more points per game (117.3) than the Raptors allow their opponents to score (112.2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 blocks for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram is averaging 23 points and 3.6 assists over the last 10 games.
Ausar Thompson is shooting 51.0% and averaging 10.4 points for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 7-3, averaging 117.0 points, 43.4 rebounds, 29.8 assists, 9.1 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.3 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 117.8 points, 42.7 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 11.4 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.0 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: day to day (back), Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).
Pistons: Ronald Holland II: day to day (personal).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A wise man once said, “the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” Well for the Dallas Mavericks (19-33, 12th in the Western Conference), the road is certainly going on forever, as they will not play at home again until Feb. 26. As for the party, well that depends on what your definition of a good time is. These Mavericks have lost seven in a row, which has catapulted them up the Tankathon standings. The losses are great for those who are firmly looking forward to the NBA Draft this summer, but without a doubt are wearing on a lot of people, too.
In order to get off the proverbial schneid, the Mavericks will have to beat the shockingly decent Phoenix Suns (31-22, seventh in the Western Conference) in the valley of the sun. The Suns also lost on Saturday evening, as the Sixers were able to win by the final of 109-103. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 62 points in the win, while Devin Booker’s 21 points and nine assists were not enough to complete a comeback win.
What should you be looking for as the game progresses? Here’s a few things to know.
Immovable force vs stoppable object
<p>*Record Scratch* (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
You know the saying of “bug, meet windshield”? Well, that could be the case in this contest. The Suns are one of the best home teams in the entire NBA, having gone 17-9 against the spread at home. At 65.4%, that is the second-best cover percentage in the NBA, behind the New York Knicks at 70.4%. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are a dreadful road team. The Mavericks have won just five road games this entire season and are dead last in the NBA against the spread as the road team at just 33%. As I said prior to the Warriors at Mavs game a few weeks ago, games are not played on paper. But the sheet of paper here is pretty telling.
Cooper Flagg, problem solver
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was very cool to watch Cooper Flagg over the back-to-back set against the Spurs. Even though the Mavericks lost rather handily in both games, you could see Cooper Flagg evolving over the course of the games. In the first half on Thursday, Flagg was tentative going into the lane against Wembanyama, as most players are. But then you look up in the fourth quarter, and he’d scored 20 second half points on excellent efficiency. Sunday was a bit different, as the Mavericks were thoroughly beaten from the jump, but even then, you could still see the vision. It’s a joy to watch the young man work, and this game against a lesser Phoenix team should allow for some more fun.
Dillon Brooks, more than just a villain
(Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Let’s wrap this up by giving props to Dillon Brooks. For most of his career, Brooks has made his living by just being a pest. It was his whole identity in Memphis, which ended up being his demise. In Houston, they asked him to do more offensively, which helped him build to where he is now in Phoenix. Brooks is averaging over 21 points per game, by far the best number of his career. Phoenix wouldn’t be where they are now without him providing the offensive juice that he does.
How to watch
Tipoff is scheduled for just after 8 p.m. from the Mortgage Matchup Center (that can’t be a real company, can it?) in Phoenix. The game will be televised locally on Mavs TV.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Toumani Camara scored a career-high 30 points and shot 8 of 10 from 3-point range, Deni Avdija had 26 points and 10 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers used a huge third quarter to cruise to a 135-118 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid on Monday night.
Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan each added 15 points for the Trail Blazers, who trailed 65-64 at halftime before outscoring the 76ers 49-22 in the third to take control.
Embiid, who scored 33 points in a win at Phoenix on Saturday night, sat out against Portland to rest his right knee after an off day. Tyrese Maxey had 30 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. 19 for the 76ers, who wrapped up a 3-2 Western road trip and lost for just the second time in eight games overall.
Philadelphia took a 67-64 lead coming out of halftime on Andre Drummond's layup, but the 76ers never led again.
Grant made a 3-pointer to tie it and Avdija — who sat out last Saturday in a win against Memphis with a back ailment — followed with a 3 of his own to put Portland ahead. That set off an 18-4 run that was capped by another 3 by Avdija to make it 82-69.
The Trail Blazers took their biggest lead of the game at 28 points on Robert Williams III's 3-pointer with 29 seconds left in the third to put Portland up 113-85.
Scoot Henderson, who sat out last Saturday with a left hamstring ailment after making his season debut for the Trail Blazers the previous night, returned and had 12 points and seven assists.
Portland finished 22 of 54 from 3-point range.
Up next
76ers: Host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
Trail Blazers: Play at Minnesota on Wednesday night.
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Marjon Beauchamp #16 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 09, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers won 135-118. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings: Tyrese Maxey – 19 Joel Embiid – 9 VJ Edgecombe – 7 Paul George – 6 Dominick Barlow – 2 Andre Drummond – 2 Jared McCain :’( – 2 Adem Bona – 1 Justin Edwards – 1 Quentin Grimes – 1 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The Sixers finished their road trip 3-2 after dropping the final matchup to the Trail Blazers 135-118.
The Sixers entered the night without Quentin Grimes (illness) and Jabari Walker (two-way days), and saw late scratches for both Dominick Barlow (illness) and Joel Embiid (right knee management).
Despite being thin on reinforcements, the Sixers played a very strong offensive first half and led Portland 65-64 at the break.
Unfortunately for anyone who stayed awake to see it, the Sixers took the floor in the third quarter with a visibly lowered desire to play strong basketball.
Whether it was the physical Suns matchup on Saturday, the fact its the last stop of a seven-day West Coast swing, or the insane shooting put on display by the Blazers, the Sixers intensity faded on offense and they slowed down considerably on the defensive end.
They were outscored 49-22 in the third and went down by 31 points at one point in the fourth quarter.
Therefore, our Bell Ringer nominees will be highlighting play from the first half — with one exception.
Maxey finished the first half with 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field, doing most of his work in the paint. In the first quarter, Maxey showed off his pace-changing ability with a midrange pull-up. A couple possessions later, he displayed a rare Euro-step around Donovan Clingan for an easy two. Later in the frame, Drummond found a cutting Maxey for an easy two, and finished a chaotic possession with a swift layup.
At the end of the quarter, Maxey finished in transition off of a Oubre Jr. steal, and put down a ridiculous lefty scoop shot to tie things up at 29- 29. He played the entire first quarter.
Maxey leads all scorers with 13 and the Sixers withstood a red-hot start for the Blazers to take a 31-29 lead after one. pic.twitter.com/qUr3h16GtO
In the second, he got a floater to fall after receiving a nice pass from MarJon Beauchamp and was operating the offense by attracting extra defenders on drives.
Oubre also finished the first half with 16 points and played the entire first quarter. His shooting continues to keep the Sixers afloat amidst Maxey’s three-point struggles.
His defensive impact should have been larger as the Sixers failed to convert on multiple turnovers in the first half, but nabbed four steals and a block before the break.
He was very aggressive with his drives, leading to multiple trips to the free throw line.
Monday saw the first Sixers action for Beauchamp due to the suddenly thin depth, and made an instant impact with a beautiful wrap-around pass for a Drummond three.
Sharpshooter Drum off the nice feed from MarJon Beauchamp in his first game as a Sixer. pic.twitter.com/FsWDrGwDrv
Later in the frame he assisted on a Justin Edwards three and a cutting Maxey layup after grabbing an offensive rebound.
Our second half exception is for Beauchamp’s first points as a Sixer, which came in the third off a slick pass from Drummond as he was cutting from the top of the arc.
The game has gotten out of hand, but Beauchamp gets his first bucket as a Sixer pic.twitter.com/ujWz6v18w1
In the fourth quarter, he nailed his first three as a Sixer on the left wing despite a strong closeout from Vít Krejčí, and forced a trio of steals that led to easy points.
In just 20 minutes, Beauchamp made the most of his opportunity and did not let the scoreboard dictate his effort, unlike some of his teammates.
LeBron James questions the ref as to why a shot clock violation wasn't called in the fourth quarter. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
In the eyes of Lakers coach JJ Redick, every team his group faces is a test. Still, many wondered if the Lakers’ litmus test would come from facing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
Even with All-Star and league most valuable player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out with a strained abdominal, the Thunder are still a problem for most of the league. And the Lakers had to play OKC with their own MVP candidate, Luka Doncic, sitting out for the second straight game with a left hamstring strain.
In the end, it came down to the Lakers not being able to hold off the champion Thunder in the decisive fourth quarter of a 119-110 loss at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers (32-19) had six players score in double figures, but the Thunder had seven.
The Lakers shot 50% from the field, but the Thunder shot 48.3% from the field and 42.4% from three-point range.
“I think when you play the best teams, and Oklahoma City is clearly, you know they're the best team, you have to have a really high level of effort, and you have to have a really high level of execution,” Redick said.
LeBron James had 22 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, Marcus Smart had 19 points, Austin Reaves 16 off the bench, Jake LaRavia 14 and Rui Hachimura and Jaxon Hayes both had 12 points.
“You want me to compare us to them?” James responded to a question about the gap between Lakers and Thunder. “That’s a championship team right there, we’re not. We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That’s why they won a championship.”
Thunder guard Kenrich Williams is double teamed by Luke Kennard and Jarred Vanderbilt in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Reaves gave the Lakers a 99-98 lead on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter.
But the Thunder just kept coming back, taking a 109-101 lead by outscoring the Lakers 11-2.
The Lakers, too, kept fighting back, getting to within 113-110 on a Hachimura basket.
But Jalen Williams, who had 23 points in his return to the lineup, kept scoring for the Thunder, making a field goal, two free throws with 35.9 seconds left and two more with 20.9 seconds left that sealed the game.
“You're playing against the best team in the NBA, and they've got more depth there, as much depth as anybody,” Redick said. “They got just a bunch of guys that can hurt you.”
Reaves provided the fans with a big-time highlight, driving down the lane and throwing down a two-handed dunk on Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins to end the first quarter.
But Reaves grew frustrated in the third quarter when a foul wasn’t called on one of his drives. He argued too much and was given a technical foul by referee Eric Dalen with two minutes and 13 seconds left in the third.
After the game, after Reaves had gone six-for-14 from the field but just one-for-five from three-point line, he lamented getting the tech.
“I think I just got frustrated when I didn't get the foul call,” Reaves said. “Got the tech, let that kind of get to me a little bit. But yeah, it was just thought it was obvious. I told Eric. He was the closest ref. If it was anybody else, I'd have said the same thing to em. I just didn't know how all three of them could miss that. So, I was just a little frustrated after that and couldn't get back in the flow.”
The Lakers had 20 turnovers the last time they played at Oklahoma City in a game L.A. got down by as much as 37 points before losing by 29.
So, one point of emphasis for the Lakers was taking care of the basketball.
They had 10 turnovers in the first half but just five in the second half.
The Lakers did not turn the ball over in the fourth quarter, but they shot just 38.1% from the field in the final 12 minutes, finding it difficult to score against the Thunder’s tough defense.
“Yeah, they play the game the right way,” Reaves said. “I would say 95% of the time they then make the right play, make the right read, like you said, and put stress on your defense rotations. I thought we did a pretty good job. They made a couple tough shots. That's why they're probably the best team in the league.”
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook continues to climb the NBA all-time ranks and showcase why he's one of the greatest ever play the game.
Westbrook, 37, accomplished another scoring feat that very few have in NBA history.
The 18-year NBA veteran reached 27,000 career points during the Kings' 120-94 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday, Feb. 9.
He reached the plateau after knocking down consecutive free throw attempts with 6:46 left in the third quarter.
Westbrook has averaged 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game for the Kings in the 2025-26 season. He's appeared in 51 games. Not bad for someone who was a late signing prior to the beginning of the regular-season.
Westbrook became the second player to record at least 27,000 points, 10,000 assists, 8,000 rebounds, and record 2,000 steals in his career. The other player, LeBron James.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 9: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In a match-up missing two of the league’s best players, the Lakers fought valiantly against the Thunder before coming up short, falling 119-110.
After trailing by nine at the break, the Lakers, uncharacteristically, used a strong third quarter to get back into the game. However, Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams, returning from a 10-game absence due to injury, led OKC down the stretch to secure the win.
LA started the game well offensively, shooting 44% from the field. Everyone in the starting five scored. Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace were leading the Thunder with six points each.
The Lakers did play sloppily at times, committing three turnovers already leading to a tied game at the 4:14 mark.
Luke Kennard drained his first 3-pointer of the night. Austin Reaves scored five in a row, keeping LA steady with Oklahoma City. Isaiah Joe gave the Thunder a huge boost off the bench, knocking down three 3-pointers in the quarter.
OKC went on a 7-0 scoring run that was halted with a layup by Jaxson Hayes. Reaves ended the quarter with a dunk that made it a one-point deficit going into the second.
Newest Thunder Jared McCain started the second with a quick five points. Neither team had been able to build a big lead until OKC went on a 9-2 scoring run to go up by seven. Joe was now at 13 points off the bench for Oklahoma City.
At the 7:54 mark, the Lakers still had no player in double figures.
LA had called a timeout to restore order, but out of that break, they turned the ball over, leading to a dunk by Chet Holmgren on the other end. The Lakers now had eight turnovers in the half.
OKC unleashed an onslaught the purple and gold with a 14-0 run.
Marcus Smart gave the team some life by converting on a three-point play to halt the run. Reaves also knocked down his first triple of the game.
LeBron James went down the lane and hammed it on Holmgren, giving fans something to roar over. Los Angeles kept the deficit in single digits at nine going into halftime.
Jalen Williams started the third period with a reverse layup. Hachimura countered with a 3-pointer. The Lakers started another scoring run and cut the deficit to three. Smart and LaRavia knocked down triples that helped keep LA’s momentum going. The Lakers took the lead at the 7:24 mark.
Twenty-one of the first 29 points in the quarter came from LeBron and LaRavia.
With 4:11 left in the third, OKC had only put up 15 points. LeBron was now up to 18 points after ending the first half with eight points. Jaylin Williams was a spark and momentum shifter for the Thunder off the bench with eight points, six of which came from triples.
OKC regained the lead by one with 1:57 left.
It was a tight battle between the teams as time was winding down. Los Angeles had retaken the lead by one, but a 3-pointer by former Laker Alex Caruso put the Thunder up by two going into the fourth period.
Third quarter: Thunder 93, Lakers 91
LA outscored OKC 33-26 in the third. The Lakers led for most of the final 7 minutes of the frame until Alex Caruso's late 3. Austin Reaves has 14 points and 7 assists. LeBron has 18/4/6. Jake LaRavia has 14. LA shooting 54% vs. best defense.
Smart drained a 3-pointer to start the final frame for LA. Caruso scored five in a row to put OKC back in the lead. Smart responded with another triple of his own. The Lakers were battling hard and answering each Oklahoma attempt to regain momentum.
With 8:07 left, the Thunder were up by one.
Each team took turns with the lead back and forth. They were also doing quite a bit of cardio as they missed shots. LaRavia missed a few attempts from behind the arc, stopping any sort of momentum LA had.
Williams scored on a layup to stop the bleeding of both teams. OKC then put some cushion on their lead, going up by five. Trailing by eight with under three minutes left, the Lakers went on a 7-2 run with baskets from Hachimura, Smart and LeBron to cut the deficit to three.
The two sides traded baskets, though, with Chet Holmgren and Williams scoring on either side of a Rui layup to keep OKC up five.
An empty possession from the Lakers was the nail in the coffin as the Thunder iced the game away at the free throw line.
Key Player Stats
Reaves finished with 16 points and seven assists. LeBron ended with 22 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Smart pitched in with 19 points on 4-7 shooting from three.
Deandre Ayton notched six points and 10 rebounds. Kennard had seven points, shooting 60% from the field. Jaxson Hayes had 12 points with four rebounds.
Hachimura scored 12 points with five rebounds. LaRavia ended with 14 points and four rebounds.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday at 7:30 PM PT.
