Category: NBA

INDIANAPOLIS — We thought it would be the game of the year.

No. 1 seed Michigan vs. No. 1 seed Arizona. Two of the most dominant teams of the season meeting in the Final Four. Unstoppable force vs. immovable object. A box office attraction that billed heavyweights duking it out in what could be one of the all-time games in tournament history.

Instead, it was atomic bomb vs. ant.

An expected thriller ended up being a 40 minute snoozer, with Michigan soundly beating Arizona in dominant fashion to deliver an absolute statement in the semifinal.

“No one's been able to do that to us all year,” said Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd. “It was an impressive performance.”

It wasn’t one of the largest blowouts in Final Four history, but the 18-point differential doesn’t fully grasp how much of a beatdown this was. The Wolverines blitzed Arizona out of the game with a 10-1 run to open the game and never looked back in the wire-to-wire win.

“We came out, and we really knew how high the stakes were,” said Michigan guard Trey McKenney.

It took just less than 10 minutes for Michigan to hand Arizona its largest deficit of the season at 14 points, stunning the Wildcats. When Yaxel Lendeborg suffered an injury, Arizona cut the deficit and it felt like we had a game. Then the depth of Michigan flexed its muscle to show it’s far more than the Big Ten player of the year.

For as ugly as the first half was for Arizona, it had a knack for being a second half team. Before Saturday, the Wildcats were 6-0 when they trailed at halftime. Sure, the 16-point deficit was quite large, but Arizona had shown all season it was never out of games. Plus, Michigan didn't shoot the ball that great. There was a chance to come back.

Instead, it only got worse.

Michigan gave a dose of deja vu out of the break, once again unleashing a full assault while Arizona was already clinging onto the ropes. The only drama left was how much more Lendeborg would play.

The lead only ballooned from there, with the Wolverines up by as much as 29 points. The Maize and Blue inside Lucas Oil Stadium were already celebrating by singing “Mr. Brightside” midway through the second half. It made the final 10 minutes just a formality, the game already well decided and Arizona just trying to not make it as ugly as it was.

In the end, it was a disastrous showing for Arizona. 

“Michigan just did a great job, and we weren't able to kind of catch up,” said Arizona guard Jaden Bradley.

So how did it happen? Despite the physicality and size Arizona brought to Indianapolis, Michigan coach Dusty May felt his team matched up extremely well to the Wildcats. The interior battle was going to be a key point, and the size of Michigan’s bigs made it tough for Arizona to drive downhill in the paint.

If Michigan could establish a hold inside early and make some perimeter shots, it was going to quickly force Arizona into an uncomfortable position, and the plan unfolded to near perfection.

“Once they get on a good start, (May) kind of really knows how to control the game,” Lloyd said. “When you're controlling the game and you're running your actions and you're getting some open shots or semi-open shots, you knock them down, it makes it really tough to come back, and that's what they were able to do.”

The Wildcats were ninth in the country in shooting percentage, and it shot a season-worst 36.6% from the field. One of the best fast break teams just had two points on breakaways. Michigan’s 91 points was the most Arizona allowed this season, and the 47.8% shooting percentage was the third-best an opponent had against the Wildcats this season.

All of it resulted in a sudden end to one of the best seasons Arizona has had in decades. When it finally broke the spell that cast a 25-year Final Four drought, it felt like these weren’t the same old Wildcats, and this one had a real good shot of winning it all.

Instead, their season ends in another March disappointment. It does sting to have another disappointing March Madness ending. It doesn’t take away it’s still a season worth celebrating in Tucson, and the game said a lot more about Michigan than it did Arizona, with the Wolverines becoming the first team to score at least 90 points in five straight NCAA Tournament games.

“Michigan gets all the credit today. I mean, it wasn't our night, but it probably had a lot to do with them,” Lloyd said.

If anything, it showed Connecticut another weapon of mass destruction is on the way, and it better be prepared – or Michigan will drop it again.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan-Arizona went from game of the year to blowout. What happened?

INDIANAPOLIS — For a moment there, Michigan looked in trouble.

All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg picked up his first foul 72 seconds into the Final Four matchup against Arizona and then was whistled for another just five seconds later, sending the senior to the bench.

Worse yet, Lendeborg began favoring his left leg after landing awkwardly with nine minutes left in the half, which forced him to enter the locker room for treatment. After returning to the Michigan bench with five minutes left in the first half, Lendeborg was again escorted through the tunnel. He ended up playing a season-low 14 minutes, though he poured in 11 points in this limited duty.

“I had to calm down a little, speak to myself, get out of my thoughts,” Lendeborg said of the injury. “I didn’t feel like I was going to be OK. I was definitely really worried.”

MORE MULLINS: Connecticut freshman again delivers in crunch time

Losing your star and your leader early in the national semifinals would be a doomsday scenario for nearly anyone in college basketball — just not these Wolverines.

Even without Lendeborg making his usual impact, the Wolverines rolled to an impressive 91-73 win against the Wildcats and will meet Connecticut in Monday night’s championship game.

The win is proof of a key point about this team: Michigan is more than the sum of its parts, with a powerful supporting cast that more than overcame Lendeborg’s absence and could clearly do the same if he’s limited against the Huskies.

“We’re an unselfish team,” forward Joe Tschetter said. “It can be anybody’s night on any night. That’s what we’ve showed all year.”

Five players scored in double figures. Six of the seven players who logged the most-significant minutes outside of garbage time scored at least nine points. The Wolverines assisted on 22 of their 33 made field goals. They forced 14 turnovers. A lengthy and aggressive defense held Arizona in check from start to finish, stymieing what was one of the nation’s top-scoring offenses.

“With our depth, it allows us to be able to pick up where he left off, especially being able to plug in other guys in different areas,” guard Roddy Gayle Jr. said. “And everyone feels comfortable in that.”

Taking on a beefier role, center Aday Mara scored a career-best 26 points while making 11 of his 16 attempts. Forward Morez Johnson Jr. had 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Point guard Elliot Cadeau had 13 points, 10 assists and 4 steals. Despite dealing with foul trouble of his own, guard Trey McKenney had 16 points and was a team-best plus-22 across his 27 minutes of playing time off the bench.

“That shows how much versatility we have in this group,” said Lendeborg. “Aday's been dominating all year. So I'm super happy that he did his thing today, tonight. Trey had a big game, man. We talked about this a lot. We spent a lot of time together, so I'm really happy for the (freshman). As long as we continue to keep playing team basketball, we should be in good shape.”

On the defensive end, Mara keyed a suffocating effort that held Arizona to a season-worst 36.6% shooting and forced 14 turnovers, leading to 19 second-chance points.

“Aday was sensational,” coach Dusty May said. “He was at the rim, catching lobs. He was a force down low. He was a pressure release up top. I mean, he's such a smart basketball player.”

Teammates didn’t realize the extent of Lendeborg’s injury until halftime; for one, Gayle thought he’d just been taken out because of his foul trouble and remained out of the rotation as Michigan built a double-digit lead.

Clued into the situation in the locker room, the Wolverines rallied around their senior leader: Let’s do this for Yaxel, Gayle said to the team.

But when Michigan exited for the second half with a 16-point lead, there was Lendeborg back on the court, in the lineup despite the double-digit advantage and the possibility that he could further aggravate his injury — causing him to not only miss the championship game but also potentially damage his NBA draft stock.

He drilled a 3-pointer to push Michigan’s edge to 53-32 with 17:47 to play, and then added another a minute later. That put the Wolverines in front 56-34 and sent a pro-Michigan crowd at Lucas Oil Arena into a frenzy.

“I think it just shows the guy who Yaxel is,” McKenney said. “I mean, he just wants to put it all on the floor for Michigan, and he wants to give the fans what they came here for. I'm just really grateful to have him as a teammate. He's one of the best players in the country and he showed that tonight. But he's selfless as well.”

Lendeborg would be removed from the game with 13:30 to play but asked to be reinserted about six minutes later after Arizona had gone on a 15-4 run. When he was taken out with 5:19 left, Michigan had an 86-64 lead and was on cruise control into Monday’s final.

“I felt like they were making sort of a run and I wanted to kind of neutralize it,” he said. “I wanted to be the guy who helps out. I didn’t want to sit out when my teammates needed me.”

Whether Lendeborg plays against Connecticut will be the dominant storyline heading into the championship game. “I want to play on Monday,” he said.

Even if Lendeborg is available, there will be questions about his ability to produce on one healthy leg against an opponent that’s allowing just 65 points per game in this tournament and held Illinois to just 19 of 56 shooting from the field in a 71-62 win.

But few teams — maybe the Huskies in 2024, but not many others — will enter the championship with this much confidence. Facing a fellow No. 1 seed with an equal amount of NBA talent and an equally explosive offense, the Lendeborg-less Wolverines advanced out of the national semifinals with ease.

“This game was very indicative of how this group has played throughout the season, unselfish basketball,” May said. “A connected group who defends, gets out in transition and then shares the basketball.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yaxel Lendeborg injury doesn't stop Michigan domination of Final Four

The Lakers (50-27) are back in action on Easter Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks (24-53) on the road.

L.A. looks to sweep the four-game season series against Dallas this season.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

When: 4:30 p.m. PT, Apr 5

Where: American Airlines Center

Watch: NBC, Peacock

---

Just when the Lakers were playing their best basketball of the season, they experienced the worst possible scenario as soon as the Calendar turned April. Not only is Luka Dončić out for the foreseeable future now but so is Austin Reaves who will miss the remainder of the regular season.

When it rains, it indeed pours.

And just like that, the state of the Lakers feels more bleak than ever. With the playoffs beginning in less than two weeks, a championship now feels more out of reach for Los Angeles than ever before. Now, they’re left having to figure out what to do in the midst of all of this instead of gearing up for the most crucial time of the year.

The Lakers will have to do that starting Sunday when they face a lottery-bound Mavericks team that’s currently on a three-game losing streak. While it’s tempting to say that it’s just the Mavs and that this game is pretty much meaningless for them, it’s hard to do so knowing that the purple and gold’s faith now relies on 41-year-old LeBron James.

For as incredible as James still is, the superstar can’t carry this team by himself and without Dončić and Reaves, it’s hard to picture how this Lakers team can be competitive.

That said, they’re going to have to try and that means practicing the next man up mentality. Can Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and the rest step up? They obviously won’t be able to fill the void that Dončić and Reaves left but at the very least, it would be nice to see if they can help keep this team competitive.

Note that the Mavericks may be in the middle of a three-game losing streak but their rookie Cooper Flagg is still playing at a high level. Flagg is coming off a 51-point performance and is surrounded with quality role players like Max Christie, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Brandon Williams and Daniel Gafford. So this one isn’t by any means going to be a walk in the park.

For the first time ever this season, it feels as if the Lakers are very much the underdogs without two of their best players. On Sunday, we’ll get a first look at how they’ll be until the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.

Sigh.

Let’s see if there’s anything still worth being hopeful about for the purple and gold on Easter Sunday.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) are out.
• Jared Vanderbilt (right calf soreness) is also listed on the report as questionable.
• As for the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia) are out.
• Marvin Bagley III (left shoulder impingement) is probable while Tyler Smith (low back spasms) is questionable.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

INDIANAPOLIS — Michigan nearly made some history in the 2026 Final Four.

It was a total beatdown delivered by the Wolverines, who dominated Arizona 91-73 in the national semifinals to advance to the national championship game against Connecticut.

REQUIRED READING: Michigan vs Arizona basketball live updates, Final Four game score, highlights

A game that was expected to be a thriller between two of the best teams in the country was far from it, as Michigan blitzed the Wildcats right out of the gate. Arizona couldn't ever really recover as Michigan relentlessly built a lead that ballooned to 30 points at one point.

It's not often you see lopsided games on the biggest stage in college basketball, but it has happened before. But does Michigan's victory rank among the biggest Final Four blowouts in history?

Here's what to know:

Biggest Final Four blowouts

Here are the biggest blowouts in men's Final Four history:

Note: List begins when tournament expanded to 16 teams in 1951.

• 1. 44 points: Villanova (95) vs. Oklahoma (51), 2016 Final Four
• 2. 36 points: Princeton (118) vs. Wichita St. (82), 1965 third place game
• T-3. 34 points: Cincinnati (80) vs. Oregon St. (46), NSF, 1963 Final Four
• T-3. 34 points: Michigan St. (101) vs. Penn (67), 1979  Final Four
• 5. 33 points: Kansas (94) vs. Marquette (61), 2003 Final Four 
• 6. 32 points: UCLA (101) vs. Houston (69), 1968 Final Four
• 7. 30 points: UNLV (103) vs. Duke (73), 1990 Final Four
• 8. 27 points: Purdue (92) vs. North Carolina (65), 1969 Final Four
• T-9. 26 points: Kansas (79) vs. Washington (53), 1953 Final Four
• T-9. 26 points: Ohio State (95) vs. St. Joseph’s (69), 1961 Final Four

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biggest blowouts in Final Four history: Does Michigan win vs Arizona make list?

INDIANAPOLIS — A Final Four matchup of high-scoring offenses was instead decided by Michigan’s defense, which held Arizona in check and delivered a 91-73 win to send the Wolverines to Monday night’s national championship game.

The No. 1 Wolverines will meet No. 3 Connecticut, which beat No. 2 Illinois 71-62 in the first national semifinal.

Michigan won despite the extended absence of All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who battled foul trouble and an apparent lower-body injury and played a season-low 14 minutes. He still managed to score 11 points on 3 of 4 shooting.

More: Why was Dusty May scouting UConn-Illinois ahead of Michigan Final Four game

Without Lendeborg serving as the focal point, the Wolverines leaned on center Aday Mara, who had a career-best 26 points to go with nine rebounds and three blocks. Point guard Elliot Cadeau had 13 points and 10 assists while guard Trey McKenney added 16 points while hitting 6 of 9 attempts.

Arizona was led by forward Koa Peat's 16 points, though the freshman made just 6 of 18 shots from the field. Overall, Arizona shot 36.6% and committed 14 turnovers. The Wildcats came into the semifinal ranked 11th with an average of 86.5 points per game.

Thanks to a suffocating style that unsettled Arizona’s tempo, Michigan took a 26-10 midway lead through the opening half despite losing Lendeborg, who picked up two quick fouls and then limped off the court later in the half to have his ankle re-taped.

After returning to the Wolverines’ bench with about five minutes to go, Lendeborg was escorted back to the locker room and didn’t return until entering the lineup to open the second half.

The Wildcats finally gained their footing with a 13-2 spurt to make it 28-23 with 6:43 to play until halftime. Michigan answered with a quick 7-2 run of its own and pushed the lead to as many as 18 points before heading into the break ahead 48-32.

The 48 points were the most in the first half of a national semifinal since North Carolina had 49 against Villanova in 2009.

Both teams went into halftime with foul issues. Morez Johnson jr., Mara and McKenney also had two fouls for the Wolverines. Arizona guard Jaden Bradley picked up three fouls, limiting him to just 11 minutes in the first half, while star freshman Brayden Burries had two fouls and was 0 of 5 from the field.

The Wolverines kept their foot down coming out of the break, pushing the lead to 53-32 on a Lendeborg 3-pointer with 17:47 to play. That edge grew to 23 points at 64-41 on a Mara dunk with 14 minutes left and then ballooned to 27 points under two minutes later.

Michigan would continue to control the flow of the game on both ends, answering every brief Arizona run with a key bucket while forcing the Wildcats into increasingly difficult looks thanks to its lengthy frontcourt.

After the Wolverines went in front 77-47 with 10:31 to play, the only question left in this matchup asked they'd become the first team to score 100 points in the Final Four since Michigan State in 1979.

While they came up short of the century mark, the Wolverines’ 91 points were the program’s most in a semifinal since beating Princeton 94-76 in 1965.

Michigan is chasing the program’s second national title. The Wolverines previously reached the title game in 1965, 1976, 1989, 1992-93, 2013 and 2018, winning it all in 1989.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan blows out Arizona in Final Four even with Yaxel Lendeborg injury

All Times EDT

Sunday, April 5

MLB

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland, 2, 1:10 p.m.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 1:35 p.m.

San Diego at Boston, 1:35 p.m.

Miami at N.Y. Yankees, 1:35 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Washington, 1:35 p.m.

Toronto at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Minnesota, 2:10 p.m.

Milwaukee at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at Texas, 2:35 p.m.

Philadelphia at Colorado, 3:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

Houston at Athletics, 4:05 p.m.

Seattle at L.A. Angels, 4:07 p.m.

Atlanta at Arizona, 4:10 p.m.

St. Louis at Detroit, 7:20 p.m.

NBA

Memphis at Milwaukee, 3:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Chicago, 3:30 p.m.

Toronto at Boston, 3:30 p.m.

Washington at Brooklyn, 3:30 p.m.

Indiana at Cleveland, 6 p.m.

Charlotte at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Orlando at New Orleans, 7 p.m.

Utah at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Houston at Golden State, 10 p.m.

NHL

Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Florida at Pittsburgh, 3 p.m.

Boston at Philadelphia, 3:30 p.m.

Carolina at Ottawa, 5 p.m.

New Jersey at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Washington at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NCAA Tournament - National Championship at Phoenix

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 1 UCLA, 3:30 p.m.

NWSL

Washington at Bay FC, 5 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS

GOLF

PGA Tour - Valero Texas Open, San Antonio

LPGA Tour - Aramco Championship, Las Vegas

TENNIS

ATP - Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship, Houston

ATP - Grand Prix Hassan II - Marrakech, Morocco

ATP - Tiriac Open presented by UniCredit Bank, Bucharest, Romani

WTA - Copa Colsanitas Colsubsidio, Bogota, Colombia

WTA - Credit One Charleston Open, Charleston, S.C.

_____

2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:

Tyrese Maxey – 22.5
VJ Edgecombe – 12
Joel Embiid – 10.5
Paul George – 8
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 5
Justin Edwards – 4
Quentin Grimes – 3
Jared McCain :’( – 3
Dominick Barlow – 2
Andre Drummond – 2
MarJon Beauchamp – 2
Adem Bona – 1
Cam Payne – 1
Jabari Walker – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1

---

Well, that wasn’t great.

The Philadelphia 76ers fell 116-93 to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday evening. The game was the close of the 15th of 16 back-to-backs for the Sixers this season after they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves just last night. Unfortunately, the Sixers looked like a team on the end of a back-to-back.

Joel Embiid was out on Saturday for oblique injury management and illness (he hadn’t played both legs of any back-to-back this season, though). The Pistons were without Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart.

It’s a testament to the Pistons’ depth how good they still are even without a player like Cunningham. Every time the Sixers would pull close to them, Detroit would suddenly have a burst of scoring to stretch their lead again. For the first half, Philadelphia were doing an alright job hanging in and battling back and forth.

The third quarter, as it has been so many times this season, was a different story. The Sixers started falling victim more often to the Pistons defense, committing a number of turnovers (some relatively unforced, even) while the Detroit offense continued to cook. In what truly felt like one fell swoop, the Sixers were suddenly down nearly 20 points. The Sixers were never able to recover in any meaningful way from then on.

With tonight’s loss, Philadelphia falls to the No. 7 seed in the East at least temporarily, now half a game behind the Toronto Raptors who did not play on Saturday. The Pistons, meanwhile, clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference with their victory over the Sixers.

The Sixers get a day to rest on Sunday before getting back to work on Monday visiting the San Antonio Spurs. Just four games remain.

Until then, let’s get to the Bell Ringer.

Paul George: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Paul George was available to play tonight after initially being listed as probable. Good thing, too, because he went right back to work doing exactly what he’s been able to do since returning from suspension: pretty much whatever he wants. He scored nine points in the first four minutes of the game by way of a catch-and-shoot three and a few mid-range jumpers. The only thing that slowed PG down was picking up two early fouls in the first. It didn’t stop him for long, however, with George reentering the game to start the second quarter and sinking yet another catch-and-shoot three in the first two minutes. By halftime, he was leading the field with 18 points on 6-for-7 field goal and 3-for-4 long range shooting in just under 14 and a half minutes on the floor.

PG’s night slowed down drastically from there as did the night for all of the Sixers, but it was still a good sign to see how well George is playing coming out of 25 games sidelined due to suspension.

George finished the game with 20 points on 7-for-14 field goal and 3-for-5 three-point shooting. He also had five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Paul George still looking DAMN good since returning, starts this one off with nine points in the first four minutes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OoEX6VAV0p

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) April 4, 2026

Tyrese Maxey: 23 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal

Tyrese Maxey hit a number of really tough twos in the first and led the Sixers with 14 points after one on 5-for-8 field goal shooting (1-for-2 from long range). That being said, Maxey was another Sixer hamstrung by early fouls, picking up two in the first frame (and he was NOT happy about it). He went scoreless in the second, but fortunately PG and Edgecombe picked up in the slack in that frame.

As the game went on, Maxey seemed to start to fall out of sorts. Not sure if it was the fatigue of playing last night, a testament to the Detroit defense, or maybe a bit of both, but Maxey struggled in the third frame with some sloppiness and missed shots. His body language and facial expressions seemed to match the issue, with Maxey looking tired and/or frustrated quite a bit as things went on. He struggled, and the Sixers struggled without his offensive production setting the tone and pace the way it typically does.

Nevertheless, Maxey still found ways to chip in offensively here and there, and it added up. Despite what could probably be considered a lackluster game by Maxey’s standards, he still led the Sixers with 23 points. He also finished the game with one rebound, one assist and one steal.

Tyrese Maxey just showing no mercy for Ausar Thompson 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/5lOf3IpwoK

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) April 5, 2026

VJ Edgecombe: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block

It took a little bit for the rookie to get going tonight, posting just two points on 1-for-4 field goal shooting in the first frame, but he seemed to lock in quick once the second came around. Edgecombe began relying more on his speed and footwork and suddenly the shots started falling, totaling 11 points on 4-for-5 field goal shooting in the second quarter.

It just continues to be impressive to see the shots that the rookie is able to create for himself even against the better teams in the NBA. It doesn’t seem to matter how many defenders are right in his face, Edgecombe is able to use his athleticism and quick footwork to create just enough space that he’s able to sink buckets. Sometimes, I think we even take for granted just how good Edgecombe looks at just 20 years old, still in his first year as a professional. Sure, his efficiency shooting still leaves some to be desired on nights like tonight (he shot just 7-for-18 from the floor), but there’s so many positives to this rookie’s game night in and night out that it’s easier to have some grace for that… especially since no one else on the team can seem to shoot either at times.

The rookie finished with 19 points, six rebounds (three offensive), one assist, two steals and a block.

VJ Edgecombe makes the most of a little space and the rookie is up to 13 points so far tonight pic.twitter.com/ljzny7qb5C

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) April 5, 2026

Adem Bona: 10 points (5-for-5 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Nick Nurse opted to start Andre Drummond instead of Adem Bona in place of the absent Embiid tonight, but Bona made the most of his minutes on the floor. He started his first stint with a tap-in put-back, something we have seen him do plenty of times. Then, however, he found success in a much different way: putting some genuinely nice footwork moves on Jalen Duren to find buckets. It was nothing incredibly wild, but it was really unexpected from someone we typically don’t see that from like Bona. Nevertheless, it paid off with six points on 3-for-3 field goal shooting in the first half (in addition to an offensive board and two assists).

Bona continued his efforts in the second half, seemingly having a lot more success against the Pistons (both offensively and defensively) than Drummond was able to at any point.

Bona finished the game with 10 points on perfect 5-for-5 field goal shooting with four rebounds (three offensive) and two assists in 23 minutes off the bench.

Just a really nice sequence from the Sixers here to pull within two of the Pistons. Another PG three, a steal, and Adem Bona with a great move for a bucket. pic.twitter.com/uKxnnmeXia

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) April 4, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS – Connecticut men's basketball coach Dan Hurley said Geno Auriemma "should get the benefit of the doubt" after his altercation with Dawn Staley at the women's Final Four.

Hurley was asked about Auriemma following his team's win in the men's Final Four against Illinois on Saturday, April 4. Known for his bold, emotional antics on the sidelines, Hurley joked "obviously I've had a negative influence on Geno." He added it was crazy because "Geno has helped me so much," and he credited how Auriemma handled the fallout from it.

"Geno, the way handled the whole thing, such a stand up guy with the way he handled it with the statement, and he's one of the classiest people," Hurley said. "If any one should get the benefit of the doubt in the world of sports, it's Geno Auriemma, because he's one of the most authentic, genuine, great people you'll ever meet in your life."

Dan Hurley booed at Final Four: 'I don't know what they're booing'

Armour: Geno Auriemma embarrasses self, UConn with Dawn Staley tiff

Just as the previously undefeated UConn women were about to officially lose to South Carolina in the national semifinal on Friday, April 3, Auriemma had a heated end-of-game exchange with Staley as they went to shake hands, resulting in him heading to the locker room without shaking Staley or her team's hands.

That happened after Auriemma took a shot at Staley when complaining about the officiating during the game to ESPN's Holly Rowe. He said "their coach rants and raves on the sideline and calls the referees some names you don't want to hear" and "I got a kid with a ripped jersey and (the refs) go, ‘I didn’t see it.’" The player with the ripped jersey was Sarah Strong, who said she actually ripped the jersey herself.

After much scrutiny, Auriemma apologized for his actions on Saturday, April 4.

In his statement, Auriemma said "there’s no excuse" for how he handled the situation and said it was uncalled for how he acted.

Staley and South Carolina did not have much to say about the situation when speaking to media one day before the Gameocks play UCLA in the national championship game, with Staley saying it wasn't a distraction to the team.

"Just continue to focus on our team and their ability to advance in this tournament. And hopefully win another national championship," Staley said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dan Hurley says Geno Auriemma 'should get the benefit of the doubt'

Michigan men's basketball is off to a strong start against No. 1 Arizona in the Final Four, but the Wolverines have lost a big part of their scoring.

Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg limped off the court at Lucas Oil Stadium and headed immediately into the tunnel in the first half to get tended to by Michigan's medical staff. He appeared to have twisted his ankle on the previous play after stepping on the foot of Wildcats forward Motiejus Krivas while going to the basket for a layup. The broadcast later added that his knee was hurt on the play as well.

REQUIRED READING: Michigan vs Arizona basketball live updates, Final Four game score, highlights

He is dealing with a sprained MCL of his left knee and an injured ankle, per CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson, who spoke with Michigan basketball head athletic trainer Chris Williams during halftime. Lendeborg also received ice to numb the pain and a massage in the Wolverines' locker room.

Here's the play that Lendeborg appears to have been injured on at the 8:51 mark of the first half:

Yaxel Lendeborg is in some discomfort after this drive pic.twitter.com/1wBSI4B33X

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 5, 2026

The absence of Lendeborg, who picked up two fouls fewer than 90 seconds into the game, was immediately felt by the Wolverines, as the Wildcats went on a quick 9-0 run to get themselves back in the game. Michigan would then take over the game to build a 16-point halftime lead over Arizona.

He exited the game with five points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field to go along with a rebound and a steal. He was back on the court with the Wolverines' starting lineup to start the second half, and immediately hit back-to-back 3-pointers on his first two shot attempts.

Here's the latest on Lendeborg's injury:

Yaxel Lendeborg on injury

On the court for post-game interviews, Lendeborg talked about the extent of injury and committed to playing unless he "can't walk at all."

"it's a weird feeling to have the pain that I'm having right now, I've never experienced it before," he said. "So um, coach said at worst it's an MCL sprain and obviously I rolled my ankle so I mean just that. But I'm gonna push through there's no way I'm missing (the) game on Monday night no matter what goes on. So I'm gonna play unless I can't walk at all."

Lendeborg returns to Michigan bench

With 5:15 left, Lendeborg heads back to the Michigan bench with a big smile. It's unknown if that's a wrap on him for this game, but his teammates should be able to close the game from here.

Lendeborg checks back in with seven minutes left

Lendeborg returns to the court with about seven minutes left. Wolfson reports he turned to family and friends and said "I have to" before entering.

Lendeborg riding bicycle near Michigan bench

Lendeborg is subbed out of the game at the 13:02 mark of the second half and immediately heads to the stationary bicycle near the Wolverines' bench. In an additional report, Wolfson mentioned that Michigan athletic trainer Chris Williams and team doctor said it was up to Lendeborg to play in the second half.

Lendeborg dealing with MCL sprain, ankle injury

According to Wolfson, Lendeborg is dealing with a sprained MCL and an injured ankle. As he continues to try to contribute in any way he can, he is clearly hobbled on the floor.

.@tracywolfson reports that Yaxel Lendeborg is dealing with a MCL sprain and an ankle injury

He is giving it a go in the 2nd half pic.twitter.com/IwxO1wlDGL

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 5, 2026

Lendeborg starting second half

Lendeborg will take the floor for Michigan with a brace and two fouls, as he tries to play through his injury. How effective he is remains to be seen.

Lendeborg warming up, lightly jogging

Ahead of the second half against Arizona, Lendeborg took the floor and tried to walk the floor a bit, not putting much pressure on his leg. He then tried some light jogging, and joined the Michigan huddle as the team convened before taking the floor.

Yaxel Lendeborg injury update

Lendeborg appeared to twist his left ankle after going up for a layup at the 8:51 mark of the first half against Arizona in the Final Four.

As noted by Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, Lendeborg screamed and slapped his hands onto the floor of the court after landing awkwardly on his ankle before taking his two free throw attempts.

Yaxel screamed and slapped his hands on the ground after coming down awkwardly on that layup attempt. He hits both FT.

Michigan 28, Arizona 14, 8:51 left 1H pic.twitter.com/CUXUVBd6Kj

— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) April 5, 2026

After Lendeborg hit both free throws, Michigan coach Dusty May took his veteran forward off the court. Lendeborg then immediately went into the tunnel to go back to the locker room to be looked at by members of the Wolverines' medical staff.

Later, it was reported that he also injured his knee on the play. The extent of the injury is unclear.

Here's a look Lendeborg initially heading back to the locker room:

Yaxel Lendeborg heading back to the locker room

"Yaxel Lendeborg is getting ice, and he's getting his ankle re-taped and should be back out here as soon as they can complete that." -- @tracywolfsonpic.twitter.com/sRbEhOyCAQ

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 5, 2026

Lendeborg was shown on the TBS broadcast at the 6:06 mark of the first half coming out of the locker room tunnel, walking gingerly back to the Michigan bench with a towel over his head. However, his presence on the Wolverines bench was short-lived, as he was brought back into the locker room. He was seen with a brace on his knee.

"It is the same ankle that he injured in the Big Ten tournament," Wolfson said in an additional report. She also reported that Michigan will continue to give Lendeborg more treatment in the locker room and then re-evaluate whether he is able to return to the game.

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This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yaxel Lendeborg injury: What to know of Michigan star's knee, ankle

INDIANAPOLIS – This time, Braylon Mullins didn’t wait for the buzzer.

Less than a week after his memorable heave to beat Duke in the Elite Eight, the Connecticut freshman made a pair from 3-point range in the first three minutes to set the tone for the Huskies’ 71-62 win against Illinois in the Final Four.

“I think it was the flow of the game, but coming into the game I knew I needed to shoot it with confidence coming off last Sunday just to have that flow, that momentum,” Mullins said. “Seeing the first two go in, it just boosts all the confidence for you to keep shooting. I think it just happened within the game.”

Ranking mens basketball's top programs: Is UConn a blue blood? Huskies may be the bluest

His teammates also had a good feeling: “When he hit that first one I kind of knew it was a going to be a good day. Once he hits that first shot and he’s aggressive, he’s kind of unstoppable, to be honest with you,” said junior forward Jaylin Stewart.

“His game’s always on point,” added freshman center Eric Reibe.

With the game still in the balance and the Illini cutting a 14-point deficit to a four-point UConn lead with under a minute to play, Mullins made another 3-pointer from the wing to secure the win and a matchup against the winner of the second national semifinal between No. 1 seeds Michigan and Arizona.

“Really, just since he stepped on campus he’s had such a great maturity to where I just want him to be himself and not let the moment get to you, don’t let any external pressure get to you,” said senior forward Alex Karaban. “Because at the end of the day, everything is amplified here. But you’re just playing basketball.”

Mullins finished with 15 points on 5 of 14 shooting, including 4 of 7 makes from deep. He had been mired in a long shooting slump, making a combined 11 of 59 3-pointers in his past nine games and just 5 of 25 in the Huskies’ first four tournament games.

Again and again this NCAA Tournament, Mullins has proved this stage isn’t too big for him to handle.

“I think he’s one of the best freshmen in the country,” Stewart said. “One of the best players in the country, honestly.”

Even against an opponent from the vaunted Big Ten and with his family in attendance for the national semifinals, the Greenfield, Indiana native remained poised and helped the Huskies stand a win away from the seventh national championship in program history.

“The way he’s playing is phenomenal as a freshman,” said senior guard Malachi Smith. “Braylon doesn’t really talk that much, but he talks to us on the court. And that’s what we need. Even when he’s not hitting shots, that’s what we need. He has the mamba mentality of going to the next play.”

After he was held in check until the final seconds against the Blue Devils, Mullins’ ability to get into a flow in the Final Four helped the Huskies take a 37-29 halftime lead after briefly falling behind 22-21 with seven minutes until the break.

But he went cold coming out of the locker room, missing his first five attempts from the field as the Illini began to cut away at the UConn advantage to make it a 63-59 game with a minute left.

All throughout this season, UConn veterans such as Karaban have preached to Mullins the importance of remaining confident even if his shots aren’t falling. Those lessons have continued to pay off: On the next possession, the soft-spoken freshman drilled his game-clinching jumper.

“You've always got to shoot with confidence,” Mullins said. "The set was going to be run for anybody on the team, you've just got to shoot with confidence. Just trying to find the best look on the floor and I know our point guards are going to get us the ball, so I think that was the biggest shot I hit tonight.”

Overshadowed by this late-game magic are the little things that Mullins continues to do even when his shot isn’t falling, teammates said. In the second half against Illinois, that included a pair of steals that helped the Huskies turn a 44-36 game with 17:08 to play into a 13-point lead just two minutes later.

“He gets it done every night. Even if he’s not hitting shots, he impacts the game in so many ways. He’s just a special player,” Stewart said.

But it’s a cold-blooded scorer that Mullins has played a starring role. Shot by shot, he’s building a postseason résumé full of shining-moment memories that will long outlast what could be a one-and-done run with the Huskies.

“We all know what kind of a shooter he is and what kind of scoring ability he has,” said Reibe. “And we really need his confidence. If we bring that together, we’re going to have a good night on Monday.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Braylon Mullins delivers again for UConn in Final Four win over Illinois

Two years ago, the Detroit Pistons were the laughing stock of the NBA and seemingly without hope. Tonight, they clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons used suffocating second-half defense to easily handle a tired Philadelphia 76ers team en route to an easy 116-93 win. All five Pistons starters scored in double figures, and two bench players joined in on the fun. They were led by Tobias Harris, who was booed lustily by a still-angry Sixers crowd that is apparently mad at Harris for saying yes to a huge contract that Sixers ownership offered him. Apparently, they are still angry Harris was signed to be the third man in Philly and played like a third man in Philly. He scored 19 points and had four steals on the night. He seemed to relish every opportunity to channel those boos into a patented backdown mid-range jumper.

The best player for the Pistons was Daniss Jenkins, who has been on a tear since entering the starting lineup for an injured Cade Cunningham. Jenkins had 16 points, 14 assists, and just one turnover on the night. He hit a bit of the not-quite-rookie wall in February, but he’s clearly on the other side of that. Now, he looks like he will be more than capable of playing critical minutes for a Pistons playoff run.

The game was a bit back and forth, mainly powered by quick scoring bursts on either side. The Pistons were able to get a 10-point lead after the first quarter, but it was quickly erased, with Detroit nursing a 47-45 lead with 8:09 in the second. It was all tied up at 56 with four minutes to play in the second, thanks to a great 18-point first-half permance by Paul George, but Detroit went on yet another run, taking a 71-60 lead into halftime.

The game completely flipped in the third quarter. The Sixers went into a zone at the midway point of the third quarter, and Detroit couldn’t figure it out. Meanwhile, Philly started to show some tired legs, playing its second game in two days, and could do nothing against Detroit’s ferocious defense. Things just got worse in the fourth.

Adam Bona had a tip dunk for the first basket of the final quarter to make the game 95-83 with 11:16 to play. Philly’s next point came with 5:11 remaining in the game. Not basket. Point. Unfortunately, in that stretch, Detroit only managed to score nine points.

Like so many opponents before them, Philadelphia couldn’t handle Detroit’s pressure, couldn’t resist settling for middling shots, and couldn’t find easy paths to the rim or open windows for passes. Detroit just squeezed the life out of them until there was nothing left.

The Pistons, for the most part, had no such issues. Despite a lethargic second half, Detroit shot just under 50% from the floor and 40% from deep. They had 33 assists on 43 made baskets, outscored the Sixers in the paint, on the break, off the bench, and won the rebounding battle.

Despite not having Cade Cunningham, their creator and engine of the offense, the Pistons just don’t have many weaknesses. They are 8-2 since Cunningham went down with a collapsed lung, and their two losses were in overtime to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks.

They have 57 wins with four more to play. A team that lost 60-plus games for two consecutive seasons just recently has a chance to win 60 games this season. That would make them just the third Pistons team in franchise history to accomplish the feat. They won 64 under Flip Saunders in 2005-06 and 63 in their NBA title season of 1988-89. This team is special.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 40 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, Christian Braun added 21 points and the Denver Nuggets beat San Antonio 136-134 in overtime Saturday to snap the Spurs’ 11-game winning streak.

Cameron Johnson scored 17, Jamal Murray finished with 15 points and 10 assists and Aaron Gordon scored 15 for the Nuggets.

Gordon scored with 6.2 seconds left in regulation to tie the game, then forced Victor Wembanyama into a miss on the final shot of regulation.

Wembanyama finished with 34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and five blocked shots for the Spurs, who lost for only the third time in their last 30 games.

Stephon Castle scored 20 points for San Antonio, while Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie each scored 18 for the Spurs.

HEAT 152, WIZARDS 136

MIAMI (AP) — Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 32 points before dashing out to fly to the NCAA women’s basketball title game, Kel’el Ware finished with 24 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocks, and Miami rolled past Washington.

Bam Adebayo — who scored 83 points in Miami’s last game with Washington — faced a triple-team on his first possession and scored 14 for Miami. Andrew Wiggins had 21 and Pelle Larsson scored 16 for the Heat. Adebayo also had nine rebounds and seven assists.

Miami reached 150 points for the third time in franchise history. It scored 153 against New Orleans last April 11 — and finished with 150 against the Wizards in Adebayo’s 83-point night on March 10.

Will Riley scored 31 for Washington, which has reached the 60-loss mark for the third straight season. Sharife Cooper scored 20 for the Wizards, who trailed by as many as 35 at one point.

PISTONS 116, 76ERS 93

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tobias Harris scored 19 points, and Daniss Jenkins added 16 points and 14 assists as Detroit beat Philadelphia to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The last time the Pistons (56-21) were the top seed in the East was in 2006-07. They have already clinched the Central Division title for the first time since 2007-08.

Jalen Duren added 16 points and seven rebounds, and Ausar Thompson had 14 points for the Pistons, who have won 12 of their last 15 games.

Both Duren (illness) and Harris (left knee contusion) had been listed as questionable. The Pistons are 8-2 in the 10 games that Cade Cunningham has missed with a collapsed left lung.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 23 points. Paul George scored 20 points, and VJ Edgecombe added 19. George has averaged 25.8 points in six games since returning from a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy.

Miles McBride is against the clock to get back to his best before the postseason starts. 

He’s played three games now after missing the previous 28 following surgery to repair a sports hernia. It’s imperative across these last four regular-season games that he gets back as close to how he was playing before the surgery. 

McBride was enjoying a career-year before being sidelined, averaging 12.9 points per game and shooting a stellar 42.0 percent from 3-point range.

He was the Knicks’ most — or joint-most, along with Mitchell Robinson — important contributor off the bench, and also represented one of the Knicks’ best point-of-attack defenders. He had the team’s best net rating at 10.3 points. 

His first two games back, though (losses against the Thunder and Rockets), he struggled with his shot — going a combined 1-for-12 from the field and 1-for-8 from deep.

Then he rested during a win over the Grizzlies, and in Friday’s rout of the Bulls, he took all 3-pointers and went 2-for-4, representing a step in the right direction. 

Having been out so long, what’s the toughest part of getting back up to speed? 

“Everything, honestly,” McBride said. “It’s a tough thing to be out so long, having a surgery in the middle of the season.”

There was also a brief concern of a setback — during that Thunder game, McBride played just 11 minutes before aggravating the injury while diving for a loose ball. He grabbed at his groin area, limped into the locker room and did not return. 

But the worst fears were avoided when he was able to return one game later against the Rockets. 

“It’s really just a part of the recovery process,” McBride said. “It’s just kind of like a tweak, and it’s a painful tweak. It’s not necessarily as bad, it’s just sometimes you can’t really do anything about it. 

“It’s like someone stabbing your groin, hip and ab at the same time. It’s not fun. But I’ll get back right.” 

---

During Wednesday’s win over the Grizzlies, OG Anunoby briefly was in some discomfort with his wrist. On the bench, Jordan Clarkson pretended to sprinkle healing dust on Anunoby’s wrist.

Anunoby returned and finished with 25 points. 

“Jordan healed my wrist,” Anunoby said. “It was crazy. I’m very thankful.”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tobias Harris scored 19 points, and Daniss Jenkins added 16 points and 14 assists as the Detroit Pistons beat the Philadelphia 76ers 116-93 Saturday night to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The last time the Pistons (56-21) were the top seed in the East was in 2006-07. They have already clinched the Central Division title for the first time since 2007-08.

Jalen Duren added 16 points and seven rebounds, and Ausar Thompson had 14 points for the Pistons, who have won 12 of their last 15 games.

Both Duren (illness) and Harris (left knee contusion) had been listed as questionable. The Pistons are 8-2 in the 10 games that Cade Cunningham has missed with a collapsed left lung.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 23 points. Paul George scored 20 points, and VJ Edgecombe added 19. George has averaged 25.8 points in six games since returning from a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy.

The 76ers played without Joel Embiid, who was ruled out with right oblique injury maintenance/illness in the second half of a back-to-back. The Sixers had won eight of their last 11.

The teams went back and forth in the first half, the Pistons leading by 10 points after one quarter before the 76ers tied the game in the second. A 15-4 run to end the first half gave Detroit control, and the Pistons stretched their lead to 26 points in the second half.

Up next

Pistons: Visit Orlando on Monday.

76ers: Start a three-game trip in San Antonio on Monday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

The Washington Wizards had a strong defensive effort, holding Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo to 69 points fewer than he scored the last time these teams faced each other.

Editor’s Note:The Wizards allowed more than 150 points for a second straight game and the 15th time in franchise history.

Kevin’s Note: Hey, their defensive rating was six points per 100 possessions better than their last game — they’re IMPROVING!

Yeah, so it wasn’t a strong defensive effort. In fact, it was a downright lousy one, both in terms of mental and physical, and in terms of execution even when their was good effort. In fairness, I don’t know how anyone could be expected to give all-out effort when everyone knows the team really-really-really wants to lose.

In this one, the game was close through the first quarter before the Heat took control in the second period. The avalanche grew throughout the third quarter with Miami’s lead reaching as a high as 35. Bench clearing and classic slacking off contributed to a phony “comeback” in the fourth, which trimmed the final margin to a semi-respectable (looking) 16 points.

Some positives:

• Another impressive game from Will Riley, who scored 31 points on 12-17 shooting and had 5 steals. He even got a couple buckets using his elongated hesi-dribble. Seriously though, Riley scored in an array of ways, including crafty moves off the bounce to create space, finishing over size, attacking the paint, and hitting catch-and-shoot jumpers.
• Justin Champagnie had 12 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes. He shot 4-9 from the field, which is kinda impressive considering three of those misses were blocks by Heat big Kel’el Ware.
• JuJu Reese grabbed nine rebounds in 11 minutes of action.
• Sharife Cooper had 20 points and 7 assists.

Thoughts & Observations

• On the first possession of the game, the Heat went to Bam Adebayo in the post and Washington triple-teamed him — something they didn’t do until the fourth quarter of that 83-point night Adebayo had a few weeks ago.
• A question I jotted several times throughout the watch was why the Wizards kept trying to attack Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell in iso situations. These are two of the NBA’s best defenders in those situations, and the Wizards players are not exactly accomplished one-on-one experts. I mean, Mitchell’s nickname is “Off-Night” for a reason. Pick your spots, guys.
• Check out the possession at 6:45 of the first quarter for a demonstration of Riley’s skill and craft. This was the play where he caught the ball in the corner against an aggressive ball-denial effort and went instantly into a spin into a dribble drive that got him a layup. I liked the decisiveness — just an instantaneous attack that left no time for a help defender to get there.
• I remain not a fan of Washington’s penchant for whoever brings the ball up the floor going straight into a jumper after zero passes and running no actions. In transition or a trailing situation, a catch-and-shoot three is a great shot. Maybe this gives me “Old Man Yells At Cloud” status, but in a halfcourt setting against a defense that’s back and matched up, I’d prefer they run something instead of launching immediately.
• Plays like the one at 4:43 of the second quarter are why I still have hope that Bilal Coulibaly can become something special in the relatively near future. On that play, he drove left on Adebayo and got to a soaring lefty finish. It was an impressive play.
• I very much liked the set piece Washington ran to start the second half. Anthony Gill set a pindown for Riley. Bub Carrington then made an “entry” pass to Gill, who followed Riley to the top — kind of a very high horns set — for a “get” action (Carrington followed his pass) dribble hand-off. Because Gill received the “entry” so high, Miami’s Mitchell had to go under the screen, and Carrington was left with a wide open three.

Four Factors

Below are the four factors that decide wins and losses in basketball — shooting (efg), rebounding (offensive rebounds), ball handling (turnovers), fouling (free throws made).

The four factors are measured by:

• eFG% (effective field goal percentage, which accounts for the three-point shot)
• OREB% (offensive rebound percentage)
• TOV% (turnover percentage — turnovers divided by possessions)
• FTM/FGA (free throws made divided by field goal attempts)

FOUR FACTORS	WIZARDS	HEAT	LGAVG
eFG%	55.2%	67.2%	54.5%
OREB%	30.4%	27.0%	26.0%
TOV%	8.3%	12.9%	12.7%
FTM/FGA	0.179	0.290	0.207
PACE	108		99.3
ORTG	125	140	115.7

Stats & Metrics

PPA is my overall production metric, which credits players for things they do that help a team win (scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defending) and dings them for things that hurt (missed shots, turnovers, bad defense, fouls).

PPA is a per possession metric designed for larger data sets. In small sample sizes, the numbers can get weird. In PPA, 100 is average, higher is better and replacement level is 45. For a single game, replacement level isn’t much use, and I reiterate the caution about small samples sometimes producing weird results.

POSS is the number of possessions each player was on the floor in this game.

ORTG = offensive rating, which is points produced per individual possessions x 100. League average so far this season is listed in the Four Factors table above. Points produced is not the same as points scored. It includes the value of assists and offensive rebounds, as well as sharing credit when receiving an assist.

USG = offensive usage rate. Average is 20%. Median so far this season is 17.7%.

ORTG and USG are versions of stats created by former Wizards assistant coach Dean Oliver and modified by me. ORTG is an efficiency measure that accounts for the value of shooting, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers. USG includes shooting from the floor and free throw line, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers.

+PTS = “Plus Points” is a measure of the points gained or lost by each player based on their efficiency in this game compared to league average efficiency on the same number of possessions. A player with an offensive rating (points produced per possession x 100) of 100 who uses 20 possessions would produce 20 points. If the league average efficiency is 115, the league — on average — would produced 23.0 points in the same 20 possessions. So, the player in this hypothetical would have a +PTS score of -3.0.

Players are sorted by total production in the game.

WIZARDS	MIN	POSS	ORTG	USG	+PTS	PPA	+/-
Will Riley	37	83	166	18.3%	7.7	203	-3
Sharife Cooper	25	57	145	26.3%	4.3	152	6
Justin Champagnie	21	46	151	21.3%	3.5	182	-12
Jamir Watkins	19	43	172	16.9%	4.0	143	13
Jaden Hardy	25	56	116	24.0%	0.1	101	3
Bilal Coulibaly	25	57	95	21.1%	-2.4	77	-20
Julian Reese	10	24	127	12.4%	0.3	135	5
Anthony Gill	22	50	147	12.1%	1.9	60	-23
Bub Carrington	27	61	87	21.6%	-3.8	31	-25
Tre Johnson	25	57	86	21.9%	-3.7	-20	-17
Leaky Black	4	10	0	7.4%	-0.8	-127	-7

HEAT	MIN	POSS	ORTG	USG	+PTS	PPA	+/-
Kel’el Ware	36	81	156	17.7%	5.7	211	7
Jaime Jaquez Jr.	32	72	148	26.1%	6.2	195	1
Andrew Wiggins	26	59	165	20.0%	5.8	189	24
Bam Adebayo	24	55	149	20.1%	3.6	166	25
Davion Mitchell	26	58	144	15.9%	2.6	138	19
Pelle Larsson	24	54	115	26.0%	-0.1	112	27
Kasparas Jakucionis	28	63	120	22.6%	0.6	91	-2
Simone Fontecchio	19	43	174	11.3%	2.8	132	12
Dru Smith	12	27	119	17.2%	0.2	135	-15
Keshad Johnson	1	1	251	18.0%	0.3	555	1
Nikola Jovic	13	29	103	16.5%	-0.6	19	-19