PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 24: The San Antonio Spurs poses for a team photo as part of the NBA Paris Games 2025 at the Eiffel Tower on January 24, 2025 in Paris, France. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While the San Antonio Spurs were amassing one of the greatest months in franchise history, the Spurs Organization was over the pond in Paris, France building on the relationship launched last season.
Per a Spurs press release:
The San Antonio Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) held two sports leadership events as part of the ongoing “Spurs Week Paris” initiative. The Spurs and PSG hosted an executive learning session for their leadership teams, followed by the second iteration of Spurs Community Leadership Institute (SCLI) Paris, serving a diverse group of French women leaders in sport. This transformative collaboration is the result of the deep relationship that has grown between the two clubs, both known as leaders in the globalization of sport, which tipped off in 2025 with the Spurs competing in the NBA Paris Games.
The Spurs x PSG Executive Learning Session brought both organizations together offering a leadership development program with expert panels and hands-on workshops.
The Spurs Community Leadership Institute hosted a one-day leadership summit involving 50 women leaders in sports, government officials and community. The event centered on advancing women in sports, leadership development and leveraging sports as a catalyst for social impact.
Patricia Mejia, chief impact & inclusion officer for the San Antonio Spurs shared,
“From day one, our relationship with Paris-Saint Germain has been driven by innovative thinking, collaborative conversations and a shared commitment to community impact. Through innovative initiatives like these, in collaboration with highly regarded organizations like PSG, the Spurs will continue to build lasting relationships in France and inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers in the global sports industry.”
Spurs Week Paris, a week-long in-person fan engagement activation across the city, continued to expand its presence in France on and off the court.
The Spurs commitment to growing the game of basketball globally involved a full week including aSpurs Skills Challenge Clinic, exclusive retail experiences, a newly renovated basketball court in Nanterre, and a public game watch party.
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Atlanta Hawks (31-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (26-34, 11th in the Eastern Conference)
Milwaukee; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta is looking to extend its four-game win streak with a victory against Milwaukee.
The Bucks are 19-22 in conference games. Milwaukee gives up 115.6 points and has been outscored by 4.3 points per game.
The Hawks have gone 17-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is second in the Eastern Conference with 18.4 fast break points per game led by Jalen Johnson averaging 4.1.
The Bucks score 111.3 points per game, 6.1 fewer points than the 117.4 the Hawks allow. The Hawks average 14.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than the Bucks give up.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Bucks won 112-110 in the last matchup on Jan. 19.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Rollins is averaging 16.8 points, 5.4 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, seven assists and 2.1 steals over the past 10 games.
Johnson is scoring 22.7 points per game with 10.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 18.6 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 42.2% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 5-5, averaging 108.0 points, 41.8 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points per game.
Hawks: 6-4, averaging 117.2 points, 48.8 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 9.3 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.7 points.
INJURIES: Bucks: Taurean Prince: out (neck).
Hawks: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Washington heads into the matchup with Orlando after losing five games in a row.
The Magic are 19-19 in Eastern Conference games. Orlando is eighth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding with 43.4 rebounds. Paolo Banchero leads the Magic with 8.5 boards.
The Wizards are 2-9 against opponents from the Southeast Division. Washington has a 4-29 record against opponents over .500.
The Magic average 11.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 fewer makes per game than the Wizards allow (14.0). The Wizards are shooting 45.9% from the field, 1.8% lower than the 47.7% the Magic's opponents have shot this season.
The two teams play for the third time this season. The Wizards defeated the Magic 120-112 in their last meeting on Jan. 7. Alex Sarr led the Wizards with 23 points, and Jase Richardson led the Magic with 20 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Desmond Bane is averaging 20.3 points and 4.1 assists for the Magic. Banchero is averaging 22.4 points over the last 10 games.
Kyshawn George is averaging 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 12.7 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 6-4, averaging 112.6 points, 41.9 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 10.7 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.4 points per game.
Wizards: 2-8, averaging 111.9 points, 39.0 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.1 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Anthony Black: day to day (quadriceps), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Wizards: Anthony Gill: day to day (illness), Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (thigh), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (not injury related), Leaky Black: day to day (ankle), Alex Sarr: out (hamstring), Trae Young: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Indiana Pacers (15-46, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (29-31, ninth in the Western Conference)
Inglewood, California; Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Indiana aims to stop its six-game losing streak with a victory against Los Angeles.
The Clippers have gone 15-13 at home. Los Angeles is last in the Western Conference recording 23.5 assists per game led by Kawhi Leonard averaging 3.7.
The Pacers are 5-24 on the road. Indiana is 7-31 against opponents with a winning record.
The Clippers are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, 0.9 percentage points lower than the 48.8% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers average 111.4 points per game, 0.7 fewer than the 112.1 the Clippers give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kris Dunn is averaging 8.1 points, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Clippers. Leonard is averaging 26.0 points over the last 10 games.
Pascal Siakam is scoring 23.9 points per game with 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker is averaging 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 42.5% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Clippers: 6-4, averaging 111.4 points, 41.4 rebounds, 23.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.3 points per game.
Pacers: 2-8, averaging 113.7 points, 40.0 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.1 points.
INJURIES: Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), John Collins: day to day (arm).
Pacers: Pascal Siakam: day to day (wrist), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (ankle), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 2: Nate Williams #19 of the Golden State Warriors boxes out during the game against the LA Clippers on March 2, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors fell apart in the second half on Monday night against the LA Clippers. After a very impressive first half, the extremely shorthanded Dubs saw their double-digit lead evaporate, and eventually turn into a double-digit deficit, finally culminating in a 114-101 home loss to a Clippers team they’re trying to stave off in the standings.
Let’s take a quick look at some grades for the players. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.
Note: True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Monday’s games, league-average TS was 57.9%.
Like most of the Warriors, Green played fairly well in the first half and not so well in the second half. He brought good energy, and his defense on Kawhi Leonard was solid. But he was a non-factor scoring the ball, and his nice passing when largely negated by his poor passing.
Grade: C Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists, worst plus/minus on the team.
Horford’s 17 points were his second-highest total in a Dubs jersey, and his third time in the last four games scoring in double figures. With Trayce Jackson-Davis traded and Kristaps Porziņģis having only suited up once for the Warriors, I really don’t know what they’d do without Horford.
It wasn’t a flawless game by any stretch of the imagination, but he played well on both ends of the court. He was at the center of a brilliant defensive first half.
Not much to say about this one. Melton has been awesome for the last two months, but he was not awesome in this game. Not even remotely close to awesome. He just couldn’t buy a bucket, and couldn’t penetrate LA’s defense enough to set him teammates up, either.
Moody had a very strong defensive game, and a pretty poor offensive game. I still want to see him rebounding more, and being more aggressive with the ball in his hands. But he has greatly improved at sliding into the passing lane on the perimeter to increase both the quantity and quality of his three-point shots. But in all, the Warriors just needed quite a bit more.
Podz was nothing short of brilliant in the first half, when he fueled the team’s offense. He had 20 points in the opening act, and was the primary facilitator as the Dubs scored 56 points, while also playing strong defense.
It came crashing down in the second half, though, when he got shut down. He was held to two points in the back half of the game, and really couldn’t get anything going on offense for his teammates. A tale of two halves.
Steve Kerr inserted Leons into the lineup late in the third quarter when everything was going horribly for Golden State. It was an attempt to throw something at the wall, and while it didn’t stick, you can hardly blame Leons for that. He mostly ended up playing in garbage time.
If anyone was wondering whether Santos was playing hard for a contract and would ease up once he got paid, well … we have our answer, and it’s “no.” You wouldn’t know that Santos had just inked a three-year, $15 million contract by his effort level.
The Clippers got the best of him on many possessions, and made it very hard for him to score. But he made a strong impact in defense, and an even stronger impact on the glass.
Grade: B Post-game bonus: Led the team in rebounds.
Headband Post! Now that’s a look I wasn’t expecting. It didn’t turn him into a deadeye shooter, but he did play well in his limited stint. Sure, he air-balled a three, but he also played pretty decent defense.
Grade: B+ Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team.
Well hello there, Nate Williams! After making his Warriors debut on Saturday, Williams played a critical role on Monday, and was one of the team’s best players, despite it being just the 49th game of his career. He was Golden State’s best shooter, and most aggressive offensive option. I certainly did not see that coming, but it was awesome.
A little bit of a hot-and-cold game for Spencer. He struggled to create separation and clean looks, so he wasn’t much of a factor scoring. But he quarterbacked the offense well, and dished out five assists while turning the ball over just once. His defense wasn’t good, but it was fine.
Grade: B
Monday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Gary Payton II, Kristaps Porziņģis, Will Richard
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Lian Bichsel scored twice and the Dallas Stars beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 on Monday night.
Colin Blackwell, Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene each had a goal and an assist for the Stars (37-14-9), who extended their winning streak to a franchise-record nine games.
Adam Erne added a goal for Dallas and Miro Heiskanen and Sam Steel had two assists apiece. Jake Oettinger made 13 saves.
The Canucks opened the scoring midway through the first period when Jake DeBrusk drove into the offensive zone, put a shot off Oettinger’s right pad and Evander Kane deflected the rebound in from the side of the net for his 11th goal of the season.
Nikita Tolopilo stopped 31 of the 37 shots he faced in Vancouver’s net as the Canucks lost a sixth straight game (0-4-2).
The Canucks took an early lead with Kane’s goal 7:57 into the first period, but their offense stuttered in the second when Vancouver managed just four shots on goal.
Dallas took the lead 8:31 into the second when Ilya Lyubushkin sliced a pass to Bichsel, who blasted a wrist shot up and over Tolopilo’s shoulder from the slot to make it 2-1.
Heiskanen extended his point streak to six games with nine assists during the stretch.
The Canucks have not scored a power-play goal since Jan. 27, going 0 for 13 in their last seven games.
Up next
Stars: At the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
Canucks: Host the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday.
SAN FRANCISCO — Plagued by slow starts, this time, the Warriors couldn’t finish.
After coach Steve Kerr called out the Warriors’ effort while falling behind early in their last game against the Lakers, they responded by jumping out to a 17-point first half lead against the Clippers.
It all fell apart after halftime in a 114-101 loss.
“The second half got away from us — all of us,” Kerr said. “It wasn’t one thing or one player. We struggled to score and they picked up their defensive intensity.”
Al Horford of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on March 2, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
Kris Dunn drained a corner 3 on the first possession of the fourth quarter to give the Clippers their first lead since early in the first period and scored nine of his 16 points after halftime.
Matched up almost exclusively against Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard’s 37-game streak of scoring 20 or more looked to be in serious jeopardy — until he exploded for 15 in the second half to finish with 23. Benedict Mathurin added 15 after halftime to finish with 17, and Darius Garland contributed 12 off the bench in his Clippers debut.
“They were great in the second half,” Kerr said.
Golden State was locked in from the get-go on defense, turning six turnovers into nine points and holding the Clippers to 7-of-24 from the field while jumping out to a 31-19 lead after one.
“Our defense was excellent,” Kerr said. “We were flying around, getting some good shots. And we didn’t foul. … They were really good defensively in that second half. We just couldn’t get anything to go.”
Brandin Podziemski poured in 20 points in the first half but added only two points to that total after halftime. Al Horford finished with 17 — a team-best 11 in the second half — but Golden State couldn’t pick up the slack.
The Warriors committed 10 turnovers that led to 17 points and shot 15-of-45 (33.3%) from the field as they watched a 56-42 halftime lead turn into a double-digit defeat.
Darius Garland of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 2, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
What it means
There are now just 1.5 games separating the Warriors and the Clippers in the Western Conference playoff picture. LA is currently in ninth place and if Ty Lue’s squad can overtake Golden State, it would send the Warriors to the No. 9-10 play-in matchup.
The teams meet once more, on the final day of the regular season.
Turning point
When Green checked out with 4:37 left in the third quarter.
The Warriors managed to sustain their halftime advantage for most of the third quarter, but the tables turned when their best defender went to the bench.
“Draymond’s effort and energy defensively set the tone for the whole first half,” Kerr said. “He was all over the place, flying around. We really were able to contain Kawhi in the first half because of Draymond.”
Leonard had only 12 points on eight shot attempts at the time. He proceeded to pour in another 11 on 4-of-6 shooting as the Clippers outscored the Warriors 53-30 from then on.
The Warriors still held a 71-61 lead at the time Green checked out. By the time the fourth quarter began, Golden State’s advantage had been cut to 79-77.
The Warriors never reclaimed a lead after Dunn sank the 3 to start the fourth.
“He can’t play the whole game,” Kerr said of Green, who logged 31 minutes. “But that was the key stretch.”
MVP: Nate Williams
Who? The newcomer to the Warriors — signed to a two-way contract on Feb. 17 — scored a career-high points in 22 minutes in only his second game with Golden State.
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard who attended nearby Prolific Prep (Napa) also occasionally switched onto Leonard, even forcing a steal and a loose-ball foul that sent him to the foul line.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard looks to pass the ball while being defended by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green on Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) AP
Stat of the game: -18
Kerr strategically staggered Green’s minutes to match up with the Clippers’ top option, and it mostly worked — for the first half. Green faceguarded Leonard all game, and Golden State was a plus-seven in his minutes before halftime — minus-2 for Leonard.
Just like the scoreboard, that flipped in the second half.
Green finished the game minus-18, while Leonard was plus-16.
Up next
The Warriors hit the road for three games, beginning Thursday at the Rockets. It will be difficult to win without Curry at Houston, or against the Thunder on Saturday, but they end the trip with a gettable game against the Jazz in Utah.
In addition to Curry, whose earliest return is March 13, it hasn’t been determined whether Kristaps Porzingis will make the trip after missing his fifth straight game with an illness Kerr described as “a little mysterious.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Yanic Konan Niederhauser #14 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Chase Center on March 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 114-101 on Monday night, dropping to 31-30 on the season. The shorthanded Dubs are now only 1.5 games ahead of the Clippers in the standings, putting them in serious jeopardy of falling from 8th to 9th in the Western Conference standings. While both the 8th and 9th seeds slot into the Play-In Tournament, the path to the postseason is much easier for the 8th than 9th seed, needing to win only one game instead of two.
The odds seemed stacked against the Warriors heading into the game, facing a Clippers team with Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland while missing Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzgingis, Will Richard, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry. However, Golden State seemed to be in position to overcome that in the first half.
Warriors jumped out to a comfortable double-digit lead in the first quarter and controlled the game for the entire first half, building a 17-point lead at one point. Brandin Podziemski exploded for 20 points and Golden State’s coaching staff deployed a defensive strategy that leaned on Draymond Green to shut down Kawhi Leonard. The Warriors successfully forced the ball out of Leonard’s hands and the Clippers offense seemed lost.
However, the game played out differently in the third quarter. The Clippers’ halftime adjustments helped activate Leonard. Meanwhile Podziemski cooled off and the Warriors offense faltered. Golden State did take advantage of a favorable whistle, to avoid a complete offensive collapse. Still, the Clippers had cut their deficit to 79-77.
With the Clippers no longer in the penalty at the start of the fourth quarter, the wheels came off for the Warriors. Kris Dunn put the Dubs behind on the first possession of the quarter with a corner three and Los Angeles was ahead 95-86 with 6:50 left in regulation. Golden State would never pull within five points again.
Podziemski led the Warriors with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, but did the vast majority of his damage in the first half. Al Horford added 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. The remaining starters (De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and Green) all struggled offensively, combining to score 21 points on 8-for-31 shooting from the field. Off the bench, two-way wing Nate Williams was the only Warrior who reached double figures, recording 18 points in 21 minutes of action.
The Warriors will now head on a difficult five-game road trip that will likely push them below .500. They will have one day off before they return to the court in Houston against the Rockets on Wednesday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo attempts a shot during the Bucks' March 2 game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the nearly six full weeks it took for him to return from a right calf strain Monday night after the Bucks lost to the Celtics, 108-81.
The Bucks star finished the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists in his first game since Jan. 23 against the Nuggets.
Antetokounmpo told reporters after the game that he’d been used to returning to the court sooner than anticipated in the past, but he understands now that age is catching up to him a bit.
“I’m 31 years old, just gotta be able to be more smarter moving forward because things that I was able to do in the past, maybe I’m not able to do now,” he said. “And I’ve just gotta be more methodical with my rehab, the way I take care of my body, the way that I play, but yeah, that’s pretty much it. Moving forward, I just gotta be smarter.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo attempts a shot during the Bucks’ March 2 game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The calf issue has been a recurring one this season and has forced him to miss 29 games.
He’s averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in the 30 contests he’s played in.
Antetokounmpo played 25 minutes Monday night in the loss and said he felt “a little bit rusty.”
“But obviously something new in my career being out for such a long time and not just one time, multiple times into a season,” he continued. “Definitely disrupt my rhythm, but at the end of the day, I just try to take it day-by-day, game-by-game, I’m happy that I’m back. I’m just happy that I’m on the court. It doesn’t matter if I play 18 minutes, 20 minutes, 22, whatever, I’m just happy that I’m out there.
“I’m just in a mindset where I try not to take anything for granted. Obviously, did not play well tonight, but at the end of the day, I’m just happy that I’m out there being able to help my teammates in any way that I can and just do what I love, which is play basketball.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to attempt a shot during the Bucks’ March 2 game. Imagn Images
The game was Antetokounmpo’s first contest since the NBA trade deadline, when all eyes had been on the Bucks and their superstar as the two sides explored their options going forward.
Rumors swirled about Antetokounmpo potentially wanting out of Milwaukee, though he has denied that was the case.
The Bucks have continued to push to make the playoffs and are 3 ½ games back of the Hornets for the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Prophet Johnson and Arman Madi posted double-doubles to propel Sacramento State to an 83-65 victory over Idaho State on Monday night to close out the Big Sky Conference regular season.
Johnson finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Madi scored 13, grabbed 11 rebounds and added seven assists for the Hornets (10-20, 6-12). Mark Lavrenov had 19 points and Jahni Summers scored 12.
Louis Bond totaled 15 points and five rebounds off the bench to lead the Bengals (12-19, 5-13). Connor Hollenbeck scored 12.
Sac State took a 46-29 advantage into halftime and was never threatened after the break.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Jaylin Henderson finished with 20 points and 10 assists and Portland State beat Weber State 84-60 on Monday night to clinch the Big Sky Conference regular-season title.
Henderson added seven rebounds and four assists to his double-double for the Vikings (19-10, 13-5), who finished a game in front of second-place Montana State. Portland State won the conference for the first time since 2008 to earn the top seed in the Big Sky tournament.
Terri Miller Jr. filled up the stat sheet for Portland State with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Keyon Kensie Jr. scored 13 and Tre-Vaughn Minott pitched in with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Tijan Saine Jr. had 16 points and four assists to lead the Wildcats (16-15, 10-8), who trailed 43-26 at halftime and never recovered. Nigel Burris and Viljami Vartiainen both scored 11.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 2: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 2, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s down to the nitty gritty here in Jazz Nation. The playoffs are out-of-sight, the injuries are stacking, and the league is zeroed-in and hoping to make a don’t-tank example out of us. Do we continue losing naturally (which I still believe we have been doing) or do we put all of our chips in and be awful-awful. In a draft that features historic freshmen depth across the board, this team would be stupid to not do everything in their power to be as high up on the lottery odds as possible.
And yes, we definitely are still losing. Against one of the top teams in the Western Conference and the entire league, the Jazz trotted out a hodge-podge team of youth and G-leaguers (plus Keyonte George) and lost in a surprisingly competitive game 128-125 to the Denver Nuggets.
This was essentially a duel of two hot shooting guards in Jamal Murray (45 points with 8 threes) and Keyonte (36 points, 14-22 and 4-9 from three). The Jazz quite nearly stole this one straight out from under Murray and an undermanned Denver Nuggets team, but Nikola Jokic called the fix in and flopped his way to the victory. Seriously, though, there were some egregious calls down the stretch and in the final seconds involving the Joker.
But, what an incredible game to showcase this young Jazz team and some of the lesser-known gems currently being crafted by the development staff. Elijah Harkless is a menace on the defensive end and truly had some game-breaking steals. He could prove to be a keeper on a contending team.
There were also some great Kyle Filipowski moments, some hot-shooting from Svi, and a beautiful late three pointer from Ace Bailey. It was good to see the team clicking and especially great to see how excited the bench was getting, specifically Jaren Jackson Jr. This team could really be something next year.
But the true star was our budding superstar Keyonte George, showcasing toughness, insane shot-making, and a lot of heart late in that 4th quarter. The refs took it away in the end, but this team has nothing to be ashamed of with that effort against one of the best teams in the entire NBA.
Jazz are back at it again on Wednesday against the 76ers in Philly. After this loss, they drop to 18-43 on the season and currently have the 5th best odds in the lottery against Washington, Brooklyn, Indiana, and Sacramento.
SYDNEY (AP) — Myong Yu Jong completed a first-half hat-trick to set North Korea on course for a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday in its return to the Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since 2010.
Head coach Ri Song Ho has a North Korea squad featuring players he guided to the Under-20 Women's World Cup title in 2024.
North Korea won continental titles in 2001, 2003 and 2008 but hasn't played at the Women's Asian Cup since losing the final to Australia 16 years ago.
A ban following doping infringements at the 2011 Women's World Cup resulted in North Korea missing the 2014 Asian Cup. It failed to qualify for 2018 and missed the 2022 tournament because of travel restrictions imposed in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent strong results at the youth level — including back-to-back Under-17 World Cup titles in 2024 and last year and the Under-20 title — have increased the confidence within North Korea's young squad.
Myong's opening strike in the sixth minute followed a well-worked combination on the right.
Kim Kyong Yong passed wide for Chae Un Yong and then angled back into the box to meet a cross with a diving goalbound header that deflected off an Uzbek defender and bounced perfectly for Myong to fire over the goalkeeper.
Within minutes, Uzbek goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova collided heavily with a teammate and needed treatment on her head and neck as she hunched down on the field. She was carried from the field on a stretcher with a protective neck brace on.
After a delay of about six minutes, the game restarted and Myong added penalties in the 24th and 41st minutes to make it 3-0 at halftime.
After a penalty was awarded for hand ball in the 40th, the 22-year-old Myong scored from the spot with a shot to the left that beat the diving goalkeeper in an almost repeat of her earlier attempt.
The Uzbek defense tightened up in the second half and held the North Koreans scoreless.
Defending champion China was playing Bangladesh in the later Group B match.
Jafari said the match against the 2022 runners-up was a tough opener. It won't get any easier, with Iran getting two days off before facing host Australia at the same venue.
“All in all, it was a good game. (South) Korea played very well and I ultimately congratulate them,” she said. "But I hope that going forward we can recover in the next match.”
Australia playmaker Amy Sayer said the Iranian squad deserves sympathy and respect for continuing to play the tournament.
“Our heart goes out to them and their families, it’s a difficult situation and it’s really brave of them to be able to be here and to perform,” Sayer said Tuesday. "They put on a really strong performance (against South Korea), even with the political climate that’s going on and the struggles that they might be going through.
“I think we’re excited and looking forward to the game on Thursday ... the best we can do to contribute is to just give them the best game of football that we’re able and to show them the respect on the field."
Trae Young was ejected from the Wizards' game Monday.
Trae Young gave Wizards fans a taste of his “energy” and “competitiveness” when he got ejected from a game he wasn’t even playing in Monday night.
Young was thrown out of the Wizards’ 123-118 home loss to the Rockets after the newly acquired guard stormed onto the court to complain to an official.
It all started when the Rockets’ Tari Eason gave a hard push to the Wizards’ Jamir Watkins in the third quarter, which sent him to the ground, but the refs didn’t blow the whistle.
It led to a brief scrum before order was restored, but Young came off the bench in street clothes to yell at the ref under the nearest basket and earned himself an automatic ejection.
He didn’t seem to be too bothered by the situation after the game when he took to social media to make light of it.
Trae Young argues with an official during the Wizards’ March 2 game. Screengrab via X/@NBARewinds
“Don’t expect me to get ejected too many more times D.C.,” Young wrote on X, along with a crying laughing emoji. “.. but I’m definitely bringing that energy & competitiveness when I’m back for my brothers!”
He has not made his debut for his new squad while dealing with knee and quadriceps injuries that have kept him sidelined since Dec. 27.
Young has played in just 10 games this season, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game.
Trae Young walks off the court after getting ejected during the Wizards’ March 2 game. Screengrab via X/@NBARewinds
Young will finally take the court for the Wizards on Thursday when they host the Jazz at Capital One Arena.
He posted a video of himself working out in Wizards gear on Instagram earlier on Monday and wrote in the caption, “March 5th.”
“He’s trending in that direction,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe told reporters before Monday’s loss. “Obviously, we have a couple of days here of practice, but he’s done some 5-on-5 stuff with our group. But, yeah, he’s trending for Thursday. The expectations for him to start with [are] he’ll be on a [minutes] restriction, 17 to 20 minutes. He’s only played 10 games this year. The bulk of those will come in the first half with the normal rotation.”
CHENEY, Wash. (AP) — Jackson Rasmussen had 14 points, Biko Johnson scored 13 and Idaho beat Eastern Washington 85-81 on Monday night, ending the Eagles' eight-game winning streak in a Big Sky Conference regular-season finale.
Rasmussen added eight rebounds and four assists for the Vandals (17-14, 9-9), who swept the season series. Johnson scored 11 of Idaho's final 18 points. Jack Payne scored 12 and fellow reserve Trevon Blassingame added 11 as the pair combined to make seven of Idaho's 14 3-pointers. Isaiah Brickner hit three 3s and also scored 11, while Aidan Sevilla scored 10 off the bench.
Isaiah Moses finished with 28 points for the Eagles (13-18, 11-7), who jumped out to an 8-0 lead before things fell apart. Alton Hamilton IV totaled 29 points, five rebounds and two blocks. JoJo Anderson pitched in with 15 points, five assists and three steals off the bench.
Idaho lead 34-30 at halftime and took the lead for good at 70-67 on Johnson's 3-pointer with 3:43 remaining.
