INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ehis Etute and Katie Fiso combined for 32 second-half points to lead Oregon 73-68 past No. 14 Maryland in the second round of the Big 10 Tournament on Thursday.
After two points from Etute in the first half and none from Fiso, Etute tallied 18 points, five rebounds and three blocks in the second half. Fiso had 14 on 7-of-13 shooting and four assists after halftime.
After a back-and-forth in the final three minutes that had Maryland within two points, Avary Cain hit a 3-pointer with five seconds to go to seal the result for the No. 11 seed Ducks (22-11). She had 13 points and two blocks.
Oluchi Okananwa scored 27 points — including 17 in the second half — going 10 of 18 from the field and 7 of 8 at the line to go with three steals for the Terrapins (23-8).
Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu added 10 points as the only other Terrapins player in double figures.
Neither team lead by double digits, with Maryland's eight-point lead in the first quarter the largest of the game. It's the second meeting and second time this season that the Ducks have upset the Terrapins.
Up next
Oregon will face No. 8 (and No. 3 seed) Michigan on Friday.
Lakers star LeBron James dunks to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 15,837 career field goals in the regular season during the first quarter Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
James broke Abdul-Jabbar's record for the most career field goals in the regular season Thursday against the Denver Nuggets, but an elbow injury limited his contributions in crunch time of the Lakers' 120-113 loss.
After scoring over Denver center Nikola Jokic in the fourth quarter, James fell to the court and immediately grabbed his left elbow. He eventually got up and went to the bench with 3:58 remaining. He returned with 2:05 left and the Lakers down 112-111 before leaving again with 22 seconds left after Jokic scored consecutive baskets to give the Nuggets a 116-111 lead. Jokic finished with a triple-double of 28 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds.
Jamal Murray had 28 points and two game-sealing free throws for Denver (39-24).
James finished with 16 points, eight assists and five rebounds and Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
James entered the game needing to make three field goals to pass Abdul-Jabbar for the most made field goals in league history. James tied Abdul-Jabbar’s mark for most regular-season field goals when he dunked off a lob pass from Doncic with 8:33 left in the first quarter.
He set the new mark of 15,838 with a fadeaway jumper near the Lakers’ bench with 11.8 seconds left in the first quarter.
When James went to the bench with the Lakers (37-25) trailing 32-22 at the end of the quarter, the Denver Nuggets’ public address announcer told the crowd about his accomplishment. James was given a standing ovation from the fans at Ball Arena.
“LeBron's greatest hits, he just keeps adding to them,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick before the game. “He just plays and plays and plays. And the greatest hits are just ... he's got a hell of a catalog.”
James finished the game with 15,842 career field goals.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton didn’t return for the second half against the Nuggets after sustaining a knee injury.
Ayton left the court in the first quarter. The Lakers didn’t say which knee Ayton injured.
He played four minutes and 30 seconds and had two rebounds and no points.
Jaxson Hayes started the second half in Ayton's place.
Ayton entered the game averaging 12.8 points on 66.8% shooting with 8.3 rebounds.
Not having Ayton meant Hayes (19 points) and Rui Hachimura (16 points) had to take on the role of defending Jokic.
Etc.
Doncic picked up his 15th technical foul of the season against the Nuggets. If he draws one more technical before the end of the season, he will receive an automatic one-game suspension.
“Yeah, he's aware that he's close,” Redick said before the game. “And I think he's trying [not to get anymore].”
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 5: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 5, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Mavericks fought valiantly in Orlando before dropping a tough 115-114 loss to the Magic Thursday night.
Dallas opened the game with strong early energy, jumping ahead behind a Khris Middleton pull-up three and quick interior activity from Daniel Gafford and Cooper Flagg. Flagg added a putback and set up Max Christie for a three, while Gafford finished an alley-oop that helped Dallas build an early cushion. Orlando slowly worked back into the game behind Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr., who generated points inside and on second-chance opportunities to keep the Magic close. Klay Thompson provided a late first-quarter boost with a pair of threes, including a deep one in the closing seconds that gave Dallas a 33–26 lead after one. The second quarter stayed tight, with Gafford continuing to impact the paint and Flagg attacking the rim while PJ Washington added a transition layup, a three, and free throws during a mid-quarter run. Orlando countered through Banchero’s midrange scoring and a Tristan Da Silva three, trimming the margin multiple times. Despite those pushes, Dallas held on to a narrow 62–60 lead at halftime, thanks to timely threes and consistent interior scoring.
The second half turned into a momentum swing that ultimately slipped away from Dallas. The Mavericks briefly stayed in control early in the third quarter with interior scoring from Daniel Gafford and a Cooper Flagg dunk and three. Still, Orlando flipped the game with a decisive 17–5 run late in the period behind shot-making from Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero that erased the Dallas lead and gave the Magic control heading into the fourth. From there, the final quarter became a back-and-forth shootout. Orlando repeatedly pushed its lead with timely buckets from Goga Bitadze and Tristan Da Silva. At the same time, Dallas answered through Khris Middleton’s midrange scoring and a pair of Klay Thompson threes that kept the Mavericks within striking distance. Daniel Gafford’s rebounding and interior presence helped Dallas generate extra chances as they chipped the deficit down possession by possession. In the closing minutes, Middleton continued to hit tough jumpers to keep Dallas alive, but Orlando consistently had a response, allowing the Magic to hang on for a narrow 115–114 win.
7: Klay Thompson threes
Klay Thompson looked like vintage Klay for long stretches of this game, finishing with 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting from three and 8-of-14 from the field overall. Every time Dallas needed a scoring jolt, it seemed to come from Thompson sprinting into a catch-and-shoot triple or rising for one of his quick-release jumpers. His shooting was the primary reason the Mavericks stayed within striking distance for most of the night, especially during the second half when Dallas struggled to generate consistent offense elsewhere. When Klay gets hot like this, the entire offense opens up, and tonight felt like one of those classic “Klay heater” games where every clean look felt automatic.
Beyond the scoring impact, the night also carried historical significance. Thompson’s seven threes allowed him to tie and then pass Ray Allen for the most three-pointers made in NBA history when combining regular-season and playoff totals. This milestone speaks to just how elite and consistent a shooter he has been throughout his career. At the same time, there is a slightly bittersweet element to watching performances like this in Dallas right now. Thompson is still capable of explosive shooting nights that swing games, yet those performances come for a team far from contention. Seeing flashes of prime Klay while the Mavericks sit in a transitional season makes it feel like one of the league’s greatest shooters is spending these late-career heaters on games that ultimately do not matter in the standings.
6: Cooper Flagg assists
Cooper Flagg returned to the lineup after missing the previous nine games and looked surprisingly comfortable for someone coming off an injury layoff. His shot was not particularly efficient, finishing 7-of-22 from the field and 1-of-5 from three, but the overall production was still there as he ended the night with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in just under 26 minutes. Even on a night when the jumper did not fall consistently, Flagg was able to score by attacking the rim, finishing through contact, and getting to the line, which helped stabilize the Mavericks’ offense in several stretches.
What stood out most, though, was everything he did outside of scoring. Flagg was constantly making plays on both ends of the floor, finishing with six assists while repeatedly creating opportunities for teammates when Orlando collapsed on his drives. Defensively, he was even more impactful, recording five stocks with four blocks and one steal while flying around as a weakside rim protector and help defender. For a player returning from injury, that level of activity and playmaking was an extremely encouraging sign. The efficiency will come back with rhythm, but seeing him immediately influence the game as a passer, rebounder, and defensive playmaker was the most important takeaway from his return.
42%: Mavericks 3 point shooting
Dallas’ offense stayed competitive in this game largely because of its perimeter shooting. The Mavericks finished the night shooting 42 percent from three as a team, finishing 14-of-33, which repeatedly allowed them to answer Orlando runs and keep the game within a possession deep into the fourth quarter. Klay Thompson’s seven threes headlined the performance, but he was not alone. PJ Washington knocked down three triples of his own and Max Christie added two, helping Dallas stretch Orlando’s defense and open up driving lanes and paint touches for players like Cooper Flagg and Daniel Gafford. Without that outside shooting, this game likely gets away from Dallas much earlier.
Performances like this also highlight something that has become increasingly clear about the Mavericks’ roster construction moving forward. If Cooper Flagg is going to be the centerpiece of the offense, the team must prioritize shooting around him this offseason. Flagg thrives when the floor is spaced, and defenders cannot collapse into the paint on his drives. Nights when Dallas shoots well from three make the offense look functional and dynamic, while poor shooting nights tend to stall the attack completely. Adding more consistent perimeter shooting this summer would not only raise the offensive ceiling of the roster but also make life much easier for Flagg as a primary creator.
DENVER, CO – MARCH 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all time career field goal record of 15,837 on March...
The arena buzzed with anticipation on Thursday night as LeBron James once again surpassed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the history books.
James hit a turnaround fadeaway jumper on the baseline to achieve the feat.
The Lakers entered the game as the No. 6 seed in the NBA’s Western Conference standings, just a half-game behind the Nuggets. A victory on Thursday night and they would leapfrog them into 5th place. A loss, and they fall further behind.
With his fadeaway, LeBron James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most made FGs in NBA history: pic.twitter.com/LCUgXJcESm
James entered the night just three field goals away from passing Kareem for the most made shots in NBA history–15,387, a number that a few decades ago felt untouchable.
LeBron James hits a fadeaway to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all time career field goal record. NBAE via Getty Images
By now, LeBron has turned basketball longevity into something closer to performance art. In his 23rd season, the man still moves through games like a player half his age. His body might carry 41 years of life, but his mind still reads defenses like a book.
Every three-pointer, every pull-up jumper, every glide through the lane for a thundering dunk feels like another brushstroke on the largest statistical mural the sport has ever seen.
“I’m a big Bruce Springsteen fan,” said Lakers head coach J.J. Redick before the game, comparing ‘The Boss’ to LeBron. “You can see the evolution of him as a singer/songwriter…you get to the end of his career and you’re like holy s—, this guy’s greatest hits are like insane and LeBron’s greatest hits are too. He just keeps adding to them. He just plays and plays, and he’s got a hell of a catalog.”
James is already the greatest scorer in NBA history—holding the all-time points record with 43,111—he has built his legacy not on a single unstoppable move like Kareem’s skyhook or Michael Jordan’s fadeaway, but on sheer, relentless versatility and durability.
Critics spent years waiting for the decline. Waiting for the body to betray him. Waiting for Father Time to finally catch the man who has spent two decades outrunning him.
He’s still waiting.
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James now owns more than 30 NBA records, leads the league’s history in field-goal attempts (over 31,000), and is somehow still productive enough to earn his 22nd All-Star selection while averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds in his 23rd season.
James is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers and could retire at the end of the season or he could return for one last run with another team.
For now, though, the spotlight remained firmly fixed on history.
An NBA crowd that has seen Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem himself rise into basketball immortality watched another chapter unfold. The Nuggets were simply the latest witness, their presence little more than background scenery on a night all about legacy.
On the fifth day of March, men’s college basketball got its first true moment of madness during the sport’s trademark month.
In the quarterfinals of the Patriot League tournament, Lehigh guard Nasir Whitlock sank a half-court heave as time expired to lift the Mountain Hawks to a 69-66 victory against Holy Cross on Wednesday, March 5.
— Lehigh Men’s Basketball (@LehighMBB) March 6, 2026
The basket served as an exclamation mark on a night in which Whitlock had 29 points on 11-of-24 shooting, including a 4-of-6 effort from 3-point range.
Even before his buzzer-beater, Whitlock had been the star of the game’s final minutes. He made a driving layup to tie the score at 66 with 11 seconds remaining and forced a turnover on Holy Cross’ ensuing possession, giving Lehigh the ball back near the opposing basket with 2.1 seconds remaining.
After leading by five at halftime, the Mountain Hawks trailed 64-58 with 2:43 remaining before finishing the game on an 11-2 run, with all 11 points coming from Whitlock.
At a school that’s had its share of excellent guards — most notably, NBA standout CJ McCollum — Whitlock has been a revelation for Lehigh this season, averaging 20.8 points per game and shooting 43.1% from 3. The 6-foot-2 junior from Minnesota has nearly doubled the 10.8 points per game he averaged last season.
With the victory, Lehigh advances to the semifinals of the Patriot League tournament, where it will host Colgate on Sunday, March 8. The Mountain Hawks are the event’s No. 2 seed. Colgate, the No. 3 seed, has won the conference and earned its automatic berth to the NCAA tournament in five of the past seven seasons.
No. 1 seed Navy will host No. 4 seed Boston University in the other semifinal.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 22 points, including an impressive two-handed slam over RJ Barrett, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 115-107 on Thursday night for their 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.
Listed as questionable for the game with a sprained left thumb, the Raptors' Brandon Ingram scored 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
Minnesota led 55-54 at halftime and took control with an 11-0 run in the third quarter for an 86-70 lead.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 5: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw 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 denied the Detroit Pistons revenge in the first game at Frost Bank Center since Feb. 7. The difference was that they got everything they wanted at 0-3 feet, plus got a nice boost from second opportunities and playing in transition.
They kept it simple early, running one of the most successful plays coach Mitch Johnson has: give it to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. They were shooting stars at long, mid and short range, which took away the Pistons’ transition attack since they had to check the ball in often.
Wemby plus Fox still were unrestrained, keeping their feet on the gas like a boxer trying to close while their opponent was on the ropes. They combined for nearly two-thirds of the team’s first-half points, and the defense didn’t give the Pistons any breaks either, making Cade Cunningham look ordinary, and blowing up the actions they ran in the lane.
The Spurs then came out of intermission with a 16-point lead, pushing the pace and invading the lane. Wembanyama was like a shark that sniffed blood, and went back at Duren, forcing him to sit, which compromised Detroit’s backline defense. Yet, they allowed the Pistons to maintain a pulse as they were close to flatlining when there was 22 points of separation. The lead was eventually cut to eight going into the fourth, and Detroit was able to take advantage when Wemby sat.
He was back for the start of the fourth and his two-way impact was the ingredient the team needed, as their mojo returned. Fox had a late burst, but they made the same mistakes as the last quarter, inviting the Pistons back into the game when lowering the RPMs. Cunningham even cut the lead to 10 points with fewer than three minutes left on a 3-pointer with contact, yet the Spurs prevailed thanks to late heroics from Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie.
Observations
Jalen Duren is built like a stack of bricks. Seeing how Wembanyama can handle that type of strength is illuminating, and on some occasions, his length was the perfect counter. Wembanyama intelligently went at him when he was in foul trouble and kept getting defenders to bite on his fakes. Additionally, Isaiah Stewart is smaller, but powerfully built and he got shot over, too.
The Pistons have notably been the East’s top team without a second big-time shot creator next to Cunningham. Their defense is second-best in the league thanks to a surplus of quick guys with size and desire, making up for being a poor 3-point shooting team. But Ausar Thompson, one of the key players on the perimeter, was limited to two minutes because he twisted his ankle on the break. Still, this shouldn’t be looked at as a letdown performance from Detroit, but instead one of those top-notch showings by the Spurs that exposed them.
Cunningham got off to a slow start in part because of pressure from Castle, and the quick help defense bothering him. Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, two youngsters with size and quickness, also got time guarding him. The Spurs’ defense held them to 110.5 points, good enough for the 36th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.
In a lot of cases, the fourth quarter is not the most important one, but rather the first one is since it sets the tone with a double-figure lead. Keep in mind how exhausting it is to erase a deficit like that. On top of that, the Spurs made seven 3-pointers in the first quarter along with four offensive rebounds that turned into eight second-chance points. They even scored 71 points by intermission, and it was the 14th time this season they have logged at least 70 in that stretch, and their record is 12-2 on those nights.
Credit to the Los Angeles Clippers, who are Friday’s opponent, for turning their season around, but this game should have been put on national TV instead when scheduling was done because both sides were on the come-up. It would have also been a nice opportunity to get more eyeballs on their second encounter in 10 nights.
Wembanyama had 38 points, tying his third-highest scoring night of the season. He and Fox will get most of the glory, yet Castle played a fine game, taking care of the ball and setting up his teammates with 12 assists, with seven coming in the first half.
If these teams meet up in the Finals, it will be a tough series for Luke Kornet as he doesn’t play high enough against screen rolls. He was a weakness at the end of the third quarter, when Detroit sliced the lead from 15 to eight in his minutes.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Jessica Timmons and Ta'Mia Scott combined for 43 points to lead Alabama 76-64 past Tennessee in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament on Thursday.
Timmons and Scott were both 3 of 5 from behind the arc. Timmons had 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting and Scott had 20 on 7-of-11 shooting to go with five rebounds. Scott fouled out with 3:46 to go.
Essence Cody scored 10 points. Karly Weathers had seven assists and six steals.
The No. 11 seed Crimson Tide (23-9) built up a 39-29 halftime lead after a 9-0 first quarter run, and a 12-5 run to end the half. Alabama never trailed in the contest and held the lead from the 3:16 mark in the first quarter.
The No. 6 seed Volunteers (16-13) were led by a 20-point, five-rebound performance from Janiah Barker. She turned the ball over seven times. Zee Spearman added 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Tennessee leads the SEC with 17 conference titles.
Up next
Alabama will face No. 3 seed Texas in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Tennessee, after seven consecutive losses, will await to see if it will receive a bid to the NCAA tournament.
MIAMI — Tyler Herro scored 25 points, Bam Adebayo added 21 and the Miami Heat beat the Nets 126-110 on Thursday night, 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.
Tyler Herro, who scored 25 points, looks to make a move in Miami on March 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
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%.
The Nets are the sixth team to have a losing streak of 10 or more games this season, joining Sacramento (16), Washington (14), Indiana (13), Chicago (11) and Dallas (10).
It’s the longest slide for Brooklyn since the 2021-22 team dropped 11 straight.
Michael Porter Jr., who scored a game-high 27 points, drives past Andrew Higgins. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Miami was without Norman Powell (right groin strain), Nikola Jovic (lower back) and Simone Fontecchio (left groin strain).
For Brooklyn, rookie Egor Demin (left plantar fascia) missed his third consecutive contest.
MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 25 points, Bam Adebayo added 21 and the Miami Heat beat Brooklyn 126-110 on Thursday night, 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 percent.
The Nets are the sixth team to have a losing streak of 10 or more games this season, joining Sacramento (16), Washington (14), Indiana (13), Chicago (11) and Dallas (10). It’s the longest slide for Brooklyn since the 2021-22 team dropped 11 straight.
Miami was without Norman Powell (right groin strain), Nikola Jovic (lower back) and Simone Fontecchio (left groin strain). For Brooklyn, rookie Egor Demin (left plantar fascia) missed his third consecutive contest.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 5: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat smiles at an opposing coach after a dunk as Day'ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets walks by in the first half at Kaseya Center on March 5, 2026 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. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets played the Miami Heat for a second straight time tonight. It was honest remake. The same characters appeared. There were a few creative spins on the script and plot. However, we got the same, predicable ending.
Much like in the Tuesday game, the Nets struggled to protect the rock this evening, once more turning it over 19 times. Seven of them came on their first 11 possessions of the game.
The other night, when the wasted trips down the floor began to stack, Brooklyn’s rookie ball-handlers shouldered most of the blame. It was fair criticism, and Jordi Fernández agreed with it postgame, as Ben Saraf and Nolan Traoré combined for 12 of those turnovers.
But this time, the kids were innocent, at least in the first quarter. Both Traoré and Saraf played squeaky clean opening frames. It was yet another instance of Fernández challenging his young talent and getting the desired response.
“I think today we we got better,” Fernández said. “Obviously, not what we want, coming out with a loss, but a lot of good things. And starting with the first group, the way they competed, and that’s what I like to see.”
Traoré was especially better early, and in more ways than one. He opened the game with a 7/2/2 line while shooting 3-4 from the field and 1-1 from deep. He only scored two more points after that, struggling to handle Miami’s zone, but Fernández brushed it off postgame.
“It’s understanding the game,” he said. “They were in a zone, and he was trying to call the plays against the zone, and I thought we got good shots. He thought that he saw something different than what it was, and you know, a couple of turnovers here and there… I trust that he’s very smart. He has a good feel, he’s got a good voice, but it doesn’t happen overnight, that he can control everything. So I’ve got keep helping him with games like this…There was a little bit of struggle, but I’m not concerned, because he’s going to keep growing and getting better.”
“They just played zone, and we struggled a little bit at the end, but we’re going to get better,” Traoré added. “Next time, it’s going to be way better. Just got to do what we know, execute what we learn, and we’ll be alright.”
Saraf also had two strong takes in the first and showed what positional size can do for you even when you don’t have the quickest feet…
Nets second unit again looking better on defense vs Miami.
Timely paint help, active hands + nice job by Saraf to recover and closeout with control. pic.twitter.com/zgeMFC9Cty
That production also helped the Nets stay within reach after the first, even while throwing a possession giveaway sale.
But then, like they did in the first game, the Heat started doing what playoff-hungry teams are supposed to do to basement dwellers. Dru Smith, who appeared in 10 games for Brooklyn as a tw0-way player in 2023, gave Miami five points in less than four minutes to help his team establish a double digit lead. Kel’el Ware also started doing what seven footers are known to do, rejecting three shots in the period to help him earn a career-high seven for the game.
However, Fernández has said multiple times this year he doesn’t want his team to quietly concede games. He wants to see “the fight.”
It doesn’t seem like the message always sticks, but tonight, in the humid 305, it did.
The Nets closed the second on a 14-5 run, making this a two possession game at halftime. After being -7 in turnovers in in the first, they finished +3 in the second. Ochai Agbaji, Ziaire Williams, Terance Mann, Claxton and Clowney were all in on the action with a steal each.
“Man, we just tried to play with a little extra effort, one more charge, one more closeout, just a little more effort than we had last game,” Williams said. “Still came up short, but I thought our guys were fighting back.”
Michael Porter also flipped things after a rough game on Tuesday. Benefitting from the space created off those turnovers, he sprayed two threes in the period to give himself 11 points by halftime. He finished the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 9-24 from the field and 7-13 from three. He also snagged two steals and blocked a shot.
“You just look at the rebounding, 13 rebounds, and then winning plays,” Fernández said. “Like, he sprinted in transition defensively and got the deflection towards the end of the third quarter. Just things like this, when I see Mike so engaged, and then when he thinks about rebounding, about cutting, and playing as far as he can defensively, then shots go in. I thought he was aggressive. I was very happy with the game he played. That’s the Michael that the group needs, because he brings so much good energy and the level of play of a very, very, very good player, a top player in the NBA.”
Porter Jr. lifted the Nets to 7-13 shooting from three by that point. The Nets only made six threes all game on Tuesday.
Understandably, Brooklyn kept pressing those buttons when play resumed. They hit another two threes to begin the second half, cracking it open with an 8-0 run that gave them their first lead since the opening minutes. Porter Jr. also added another 13 points in the third. The basket began to look like the ocean in South Beach…
Sagging off MPJ to cover Ben Saraf beyond the arc certainly is choice here by Davion Mitchell pic.twitter.com/JPBjndG1kd
After Bam Adebayo picked up his fourth and fifth fouls just 30 seconds apart from each other halfway through the third, the thought of an upset victory started to creep in.
However, that intoxicating and foreign feeling quickly faded. Tyler Herro became exactly that for all fans in attendance and Brooklyn’s greediest tank commanders hoping for a 10th straight loss. Herro scored a dozen in the frame to weigh against Porter Jr.’s production and carry the load with Adebayo handcuffed to the bench. With Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson each pumping in five points during the period too, Miami reinflated its lead to 12 by the start of the fourth.
Then, in their eighth straight quarter with the Nets on their plate, the Heat refused to play with their food. Miami outscored Brooklyn 19-7 to open the period while shooting 7-8 from the field, rendering a 20+ point advantage in the process.
The Nets did respond one more time with a 9-0 punch back, but never brought the game back within single digits. They certainly tried their best, ravaging the offensive glass and keeping their starters in until 2:20 remained on the clock.
“I like the fight even when the game went to over 20, got it to 15, and they called a timeout,” Fernández remarked. “And to me, that means the world. That means that’s the right mindset — keep fighting no matter what. I’m proud of the guys, especially the first group tonight.”
But as the Nets fought on, the basket refused to cooperate. Their jump shots looked flat. They started missing short, and even on a few occasions, everything.
Eventually, there was nothing else standing in the way of Brooklyn and its 10th straight loss.
Final: Miami Heat 126, Brooklyn Nets 110
Milestone Watch
Michael Porter Jr. had 27 points and 13 rebounds tonight against the Heat for his 10th 20-point double-double of the season, which breaks a tie with 2020-21 for his most in any career season.
Jordi on Cam
Jordi Fernandez had his first chance to respond to Cam Thomas’ comments to the Post’s Stefan Bondy that the Nets as an organization didn’t believe in him and “they don’t believe in anybody.”
The Nets coach who was generally positive about his shooting guard both last season and until he was finally waived at the deadline was predictably diplomatic but made his point nonetheless.
“We wish Cam the best,” he said. “We loved him while he was here. We hope that he does very well where he is. I don’t know if he has the right to speak about others. We’re happy with the guys we have here. I believe that everybody here can help us with what we have planned.”
Meanwhile, Erik Taylor posted a this item about Thomas’ defense…
Stat I came across while writing my article on this:
Cam Thomas has posted a +16.9 defensive rating swing (points allowed per 100 possessions with a player on vs. off) since joining the Bucks.
That's the worst number by any player in the entire NBA this season. https://t.co/tiXAJYP70D
Fernández reiterated that Egor Dëmin doesn’t have a timetable for a return tonight. He missed his third straight game this evening with plantar fasciitis.
“He’s struggled with his plantar fasciitis,” Fernández said. “The soreness has increased lately. We’re being cautious and trying to figure out what’s the best way for him moving forward.”
For anyone wondering, there isn’t a 65-game requirement for all-rookie teams, so if Dëmin’s in a running for a spot at the end of the year, these or any future games out shouldn’t affect him.
Next Up
The Nets will play the conference-leading Detroit Pistons for a final time this year on Saturday afternoon. This one could get ugly quick, so get there soon. The game tips off at 6:00 p.m. ET.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 5: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 5, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Wizards out-tanked the Jazz tonight. Collier, and Ace had enough of losing and took this game over. While the Jazz did slip a spot in the lottery odds, remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and the Jazz still have plenty of time to jump back up. For now we can all enjoy the win, and Bailey’s career night.
Isaiah Collier –A
Collier did what he does best, drive really fast to the hoop. The Wizards simply could not keep up with him, especially towards the end of the game. He posted his career high in points with 27, and dished out 11 assists.
Ace Bailey–A
Ace was on fire in the first half dropping a career high 21 points. He would follow that up with his career high of 32 points in a game. Ace was aggressive tonight, shooting, and driving often. He hit 7 threes (another career high) and shot an efficient 12-19 from the field. He also had 2 steals and a block.
John Konchar –B-
Konchar didn’t shoot well tonight going 0-3, but he more than made up for it on the defensive side of the ball, where he had 5 steals, and a block. Konchar is just a really solid glue-guy, one whose shot will hopefully start to fall more as he gets more comfortable on his new team. Tonight he also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Cody Williams –B
Very solid game from Cody tonight. He shot 5-6 from the floor, notched 2 steals, and had a career high 7 assists. He looks miles better than he did last year, which admittedly wasn’t a high bar to clear, but if he can take another jump offensively next season he will be a legitimate contributor to a winning team.
Kyle Filipowski –A
Flip was a monster on both ends of the floor tonight. He just dominates lesser competition (remember his Summer League performance?). When he isn’t asked to do too much he’s just awesome. He would finish with 2 blocks, 2 steals, 14 rebounds and 20 points.
Blake Hinson–B
Hinson has been really solid so far. He made 2/5 of his three point attempts and grabbed 4 boards. He looks to be a real NBA depth piece that the Jazz would be wise to hold on to.
Mo Bamba –B
MO BAMBA! I’ll never complain about seeing Mo Bamba in a Jazz jersey. He was pretty solid tonight grabbing 12 boards in just 17 minutes. He also made a nice jumper, which is a skill I didn’t know he had. He would finish with 6 points.
Brice Sensabaugh –D+
Brice never really looked comfortable tonight, and shot poorly from deep. It may be time to have some uncomfortable discussions regarding Brice’s future on the team. Lately he’s been a sharp shooter that can’t shoot. Not that he was all bad tonight he had 4 assists and 14 points… on 15 shots.
Elijah Harkless –C-
Harkless was limited to just 12 minutes of action in this game because he got into foul trouble so early. He missed all 3 of his attempts from the field tonight.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Cearah Parchment scored 15 points, and Destiny Jackson added 14 for No. 10-seeded Illinois in a 71-69 win over No. 10-seeded Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday night.
Maddie Webber added 13 for the Illini (21-10), Jasmine Brown-Hagger scored 12 and Berry Wallace finished with 11. Illinois will move on to the quarterfinals to play No. 2 seed Iowa.
The Spartans (22-8), who are ranked No. 18 in the country, were led by Kennedy Blair, who scored a career-high 30 points. Grace VanSlooten scored 13, and Jalyn Brown added 12.
Illinois turned over the ball on its first four possessions of the game, forcing a timeout to reset. An 8-0 run gave the Fighting Illini their first lead of the game at the end of the first quarter, and they led 36-29 heading into the break.
Michigan State had a 9-0 run after the break to regain the lead, 42-41, but a layup and a 3-pointer from Brown-Hagger gave the advantage back to Illinois.
On the Spartans’ final possession of the game, VanSlooten collected two rebounds from under the basket before kicking it back out to Blair in the midrange. Without a clear shot, she passed it out wide to Brown, who couldn't save the ball from going out of bounds with a second to go in the game.
Up next
Illinois: Will face No. 2 seed Iowa on March 6. The Hawkeyes are ranked No. 9 in the country.
Michigan: Will wait for an invitation to a postseason tournament.
KANSAS CITY (AP) — Gabby Elliott had 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and No. 10 seed Arizona State beat No. 7 seed Iowa State 77-68 on Thursday in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.
Arizona State (24-9) advances to face No. 2 seed West Virginia in the quarterfinals on Friday and strengthened its case for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Sun Devils improved their win total dramatically under first-year coach Molly Miller after finishing with 11 victories last season.
Arizona State set the tone early, jumping to a 17-2 lead behind Heloisa Carrera, who scored 12 of her 17 points in the opening stretch. The Sun Devils led 33-25 at halftime before Elliott ignited a decisive third-quarter run.
She opened the second half with eight straight points, including back-to-back 3-pointers, as Arizona State stretched the lead to double digits. The Sun Devils outscored Iowa State 27-21 in the third quarter and carried a 60-46 advantage into the fourth.
Iowa State pushed back late and trimmed the deficit to 68-62 on an Addy Brown 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining. Arizona State, however, did not allow the Cyclones to get closer than six points the rest of the way despite going nearly eight minutes without a field goal in the fourth quarter.
McKinna Brackens finished with 16 for the Sun Devils.
Audi Crooks led Iowa State (22-9) with 21 points, while Brown added 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Up Next
Arizona State plays No. 2 seed West Virginia on Friday in the quarterfinals.
Iowa State awaits an invitation to play in a postseason tournament.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Christeen Iwuala scored 18 points for No. 7 seed Mississippi in a 73-57 win over No. 15 seed Auburn in the second round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday.
Ole Miss (22-10) led the entire game, jumping out with a 12-1 run to open the game and had a double-digit lead heading into halftime, 48-20.
Iwuala shot a perfect 5 of 5 from the field in the first half for 10 points, and finished the day 8 of 8. She added nine rebounds, including the 250th of her career. Latasha Lattimore and Cotie McMahon both scored 13 for the Lady Rebels.
Auburn (15-17) was led by Khady Leye, with 17 points. Kaitlyn Duhon scored 14 for the Tigers. Auburn had a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter that lasted over three minutes, but it wasn't enough to swing the momentum in its favor.
Ole Miss will move on to face No. 2-seeded Vanderbilt.
Up next
Ole Miss: plays No. 2 seed Vanderbilt on March 6.
Auburn: awaits an invitation to play in a postseason tournament.
