COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Pakistan and New Zealand's opening Super Eights match at the T20 World Cup was abandoned on Saturday because of rain without a ball being bowled.
The rain started at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium as soon as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first.
The persistent rain eventually led to the umpires calling off the Group 2 game with the teams awarded a point each.
Tournament co-host India plays South Africa in Ahmedabad in the first Group 1 match on Sunday, when co-host Sri Lanka and England meet in Group 2 in Pallekele.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 6: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 6, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Fresh of the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks continued their resurgence, running away with it against the New Orleans Pelicans. It was the Bucks’ triumvirate at guard that led the way, with Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., and Cam Thomas each going for 25-plus points in a game that offered strong performances across the board. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Rollins was phenomenal all night but set the tone early, calming the Bucks with his first of seven threes after the team had two poor possessions to open the game. He was aggressive but played within the flow of the offence, and his work as a student over the past two years has clearly paid off—his Lillard-esque step-back game was on full display. Want more? Without Myles Turner, Rollins turned rim protector too, coming up with two huge swats at the rim, and hounded New Orleans’ ball handlers all night, finishing with four takeaways. He’s become so reliable his glow-up is probably under appreciated.
Green wasn’t able to trouble the scorers, but it wasn’t as if he had a bad game—his game-high +22 is a testament to that. As has been documented, his passing game has really improved this season and he dropped an absolute dime to a cutting Nance after curling around a screen and rising up into his shooting motion. As we know, Green will find the bottom of the net more often than not, but if he can continue to add to his peripheral skill set, he’ll be that much more valuable a player.
Kuzma got the start at power forward and had quite a nice game overall. He finished explosively at the rim early and looked good on the short roll too, catching and making decisions in traffic. On one instance, he had a nice dump-off to Sims for a dunk. Like most of the Bucks, though, he offered little deterrence to New Orleans’ rim assault.
With Rollins and then Thomas cooking, Porter looked content to let the game come to him for much of the night. More often than not, he made the right pass and took the right shot. In the fourth, however, he took over, scoring 13 points and dishing two assists to put the game out of reach. In all, this was close to an ideal game from Porter—plenty of highs and very few lows—and he finished with just one turnover.
Sims continued his yeoman’s work on the boards in the first half and even had a beautiful touch pass to Rollins for three. Early in the third, however, he picked up his fourth foul while setting a hard screen at half court, which forced him to the bench with 8:56 left in the quarter. Still, he made his minutes count, posting a plus/minus of +21, which tells you the sort of impact he was having—even if he wasn’t quite the Zion stopper he was last time.
Thomas is just such a weapon to have off the bench and is perfectly suited to the role of microwave scorer. He absolutely dominated the second quarter—four paint buckets, two from midrange, and his lone three (to go along with three free throws). His ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line is such a positive, especially on this team. He won’t ever fill it up with boards or assists, but that’s not what he’s on the court for. Really, you can’t ask for more than over a point per minute on 65% shooting.
His opening dunk aside, it took a little while for the Ous to truly get loose in this one, but he got there. Dieng’s game is just silky and his versatility continued to shine. His quick feet defensively forced a travelling violation. He had a great grab-and-go then find of Nance, which should have resulted in a bucket. He hit a nasty step-back from midrange in the fourth and followed that up by getting into the paint and kicking it to Nance in the corner for three. He got to the line too. Overall, it wasn’t the explosion he had against the Thunder, but it was another quality outing. He’s a baller.
If a game encapsulated the Bobby Portis experience, this was it: offence giveth, defence taketh away. He was efficient, hit the glass, and even showed some explosiveness with a dunk and a block at the rim. But his limitations as a defensive presence also stood out against a Pelicans teams that lives in the paint. Still, in a win as convincing as this one, it’s hard to knock him too much.
I’m not sure anyone on this team plays the game the right way more than Nance. He does the little things well, moves off ball, and keeps balls alive. But it’s his processing speed that’s most impressive—he doesn’t hesitate, making decisions so quickly (and they’re usually they’re the right ones) that it creates opportunities for himself and others. He might’ve had the game’s most important sequence too: up just six after a Zion basket, Nance helped force a turnover and then cashed a corner three on the other end. At this point, it’s clear as day—the Bucks need to find a way to make him a permanent part of the squad next year.
Grade: A-
Doc Rivers
Rivers’ toughest decision likely came pre-game when he determined who’d start. Given his recent performances, Dieng might’ve been unlucky, but the move was the right one—match-up wise and as a reminder that if Dieng wants it he has to take it. His decision to bring Thomas off the bench also deserved (and deserves) some praise, as does the way he’s managed the rotations at the guard spots (including cementing Gary Trent Jr. to the bench and giving Gary Harris a DNP, which can’t have been easy considering how valuable he’s been as a steadying force). He’s had his struggles this year, but tonight Doc got it right.
Grade: A
Garbage Time: Gary Trent Jr., Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Andre Jackson Jr.
DNP-CD: Gary Harris.
Inactive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Taurean Prince, Alex Antetokounmpo.
Bonus Bucks Bits
The break must have treated the Bucks’ bigs well because not only did Kuzma have two early flushes, but Bobby Portis jammed a put-back—just his sixth dunk of the season.
With three minutes to go in the first quarter, the Pelicans had doubled the Bucks’ points in the paint (20-10). It should come as no surprise—New Orleans leads the league in that category on the season.
After a strong start by the Bucks, a 22-11 run gave the Pelicans the lead to end the first quarter.
Jordan Poole stepped onto the court for first-quarter action after receiving DNPs over the previous nine games. He finished with just three points (1/6) in 25 minutes.
Zion’s 14 points in the first quarter were a personal season high. Thomas took notice and dropped 18 in the second (a second-quarter career high). Yeah, he’s a bucket.
Rollins looked smooth from long-range, hitting 4/7 triples in the first half on his way to a career-high 7/10. On the other end, the Pelicans struggled, shooting just 1/10 as a team in the first half and finishing a paltry 4/25.
After a KPJ fast-break dunk late in the second, Wes Matthews said, “I remember when I was that athletic.” We love you, Wes, but come on now.
The Bucks went 29/49 (59%) from the field in the first half, while the Pelicans went 29/47 (62%). Good shooting or bad defence? Considering they finished 55/92 (60%) and 47/87 (54%), it’s safe to say it was the latter.
Portis started a perfect 7/7 from the field until finally missing one—a driving layup attempt—with about seven minutes to go in the third.
The Bucks took the lead with 6:45 left in the second quarter and never gave it back.
A seven-point game with eight minutes remaining in the fourth, Milwaukee went on an 20-8 run to put the game away.
Despite playing in New Orleans, there was a distinguishable “Bucks in six” chant to end the game. I guess it is a city of culture.
Thomas now has 77 points in 79 minutes of action with the Bucks. Let that sink in.
Rollins, Porter, and Thomas combined for 79 points on 33/47 shooting (70%), while dishing out 15 assists and committing just five turnovers. They are 23, 25, and 24 years old. The Bucks picked up two of them after being waived and gave up just MarJon Beauchamp for the other. I won’t comment on CBS’s front office rankings. I just won’t.
Up Next
The Bucks are back in action Sunday, taking on the Toronto Raptors at home. You can find all the action on FanDual Sports Wisconsin—tip off is at 2:30 p.m. Central.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Amon-Ra St. Brown attends Netflix's Receiver Premiere at Netflix Tudum Theater on July 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix) | Getty Images for Netflix
Before we get into the present day discussion, I want to start things off by paying homage. Going back generations at this point, Detroit has always been a top-tier sports town. From Hall of Famers like Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, to Stanley Cup Champion and current general manager of the Detroit Red Wings Steve Yzerman, there is no shortage of legends to choose from.
That’s part of what made that stretch several years ago so difficult for so many fans, myself included. When all four of the city’s teams—the Lions, Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings—were seriously going through it at once (think back to the year 2020), it understandably became a tough pill to swallow.
However, six years now probably feels like a lifetime ago for those players who are still on the present-day rosters, and during that time, more than a few superstars have been born in Motown. With that in mind, it felt like a good time to revisit this topic—who is currently the biggest household name in Detroit sports?
My answer: I am going with Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham. Obviously, there are several bonafide options for the Lions, including players with national brand deals like running back Jahmyr Gibbs and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. For the Tigers, Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal for the Tigers certainly has a case to be made, but baseball lacks the global appeal of basketball.
With some of the old guard of the NBA beginning to wind down their careers, it feels like Cunningham is aware of what is a bit of a unique opportunity, and is the biggest reason as to why the Pistons sit atop the NBA standings. On top of that, Cunningham’s new signature shoe with Nike should help cement his status as a global star. And yes, maybe there is a bit of recency bias in-play here after Cunningham’s dismantling of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
What about you? Who do you think is the biggest star in Detroit sports today? Let us know in the comments below.
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 3: Josh Hart #3 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 3, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In Thursday’s loss to Detroit, every Knicks (35*-21) drive into the paint looked like a LaMelo Ball driver’s ed video. Tonight, they hope for better results when they host the Houston Rockets (34-20) at the Mecca.
This nationally televised tilt is a match-up of two third-place teams. The Knicks have gone 7-3 in their last ten games, while the Rockets have gone 6-4. When they last squared off, wayyy back on February 3, 2025, the Knicks beat Ho-Town 124-118. In that one, Jalen Brunson led New York with 42 points, while Amen Thompson paced Houston with 25 points.
The Rockets hold a defensive rating of 112.8, fifth in the league. Their offensive rating is 118, seventh overall. They average 114.6 points per game, which is just on the cusp of the league’s third tier. Ime Udoka’s club leads the league in rebounds at 48.6 per game and offensive rebounds at 15.8, but ranks 28th in pace and assists, and 29th in three-point attempts. (FWIW, Detroit attempted just 30 from downtown on Thursday, but made 40% of them—because defense.)
All-Star internet troll Kevin Durant averages 25.8 points per game and shoots 40% from three in his umpteenth season. Alperen Şengün averages 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds. Thompson, whose twin Ausar helped to bruise up the Knicks on Thursday, averages 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. Jabari Smith, Jr. averages 15.2 points and shoots 36% from three, and sophomore Reed Sheppard averages 12.7 points and makes 39% from three.
Their starting five is expected to feature Thompson, Tari Eason (12.2 PPG), Smith, Şengün, and Durant. Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet are sidelined for the season with surgeries. Aside from Miles McBride, the Knicks have a clean injury report.
Prediction
ESPN gives New York a 60% chance to win. Okie dokie. Unfortunately, the Knicks have as many personalities as KD has burner accounts—you never know which version of the team to expect, given their fluctuations of energy, effort, and discipline from night to night. Sure, a win against a top team might mitigate some of the malaise we feel after watching the Pistons (playing without key players) completely outmatch New York again. But another loss feels inevitable, no? We just saw one tall, physically imposing team manhandle the Knicks. Now here comes another. From what and where can we draw optimism?
Best case scenario, New York wins with authority, regains our confidence, and has a smooth flight to Chicago for tomorrow’s tilt with the Bulls. Worst case scenario? Imagine that and pull it back a few notches—that’s our prediction. Knicks lose by less than ten.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 Time: 8:30 PM ET Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC TV: ABC Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks and their star point guard Kyrie Irving recently made it official – Irving would be out for the remainder of the season, looking for a fresh start in 2026-2027. While talking with fellow Mavs Moneyball contributor David Trink about what we could expect from Irving upon his return, I stated “I’m irrationally confident Kyrie is going to come back very much the same [as his pre-injury form].” Although David didn’t quite share my inflated enthusiasm, we both thought the point/counterpoint was worthy of exploration.
To be clear, I freely acknowledge my belief is at least in part every bit as truly “irrational” as I said – I am not a doctor, nor do I have true insight on the severity of the injury or how the surgery went. That said, there are a few truths which inform my stance: There have been zero reports of any type of setback whatsoever; Irving is notoriously committed to his craft and has shared rehab videos via social media for months now; he is regularly seen on the practice floor (though not in five-on-five situations) putting in work; his return will come seven months after the high-end recovery period for an ACL injury, greatly maximizing his overall rehab. Irving’s intent to return when he is 150% better will only be aided by the extended time off.
While one may argue these rationales are anecdotal, there is proof-positive evidence that a given player has every reasonable expectation of a return to form. Here is a look at other NBA players that experienced an ACL injury, only to immediately return to their pre-injury level of play.
Zach Lavine
Pre-injury per game stats 2016-2017: 18.9 PTS / 3.4 REB / 3.0 AST
Post-injury per game stats 2018-2019: 23.7 PTS / 4.3 REB / 4.5 AST
Lavine was only 22-years old when he tore his left ACL, prematurely ending his 2016-2017 season. He returned the following year, but only played in 24 games, with significant absences book-ending that season. Using 2018-2019 as his true return shows he improved across the board. Lavine had youth on his side and his game was still developing, so some of the improvements are expected, but his ACL has not impacted him again to this point and his best years were post-injury.
Kawhi Leonard
Pre-injury per game stats 2020-2021: 24.8 PTS / 6.5 REB / 5.2 AST
Post-injury per game stats 2022-2023: 23.8 PTS / 6.5 REB / 3.9 AST
Leonard suffered his ACL injury at the age of 30 (technically just days shy), which cost him the remainder of that year’s Playoffs and entirety of the 2021-2022 season. His first season back saw him average a single point per game fewer than the season in which he was injured, the exact same rebounds per game, and a bit of a drop off in assists per game (though 2020-2021 was an outlier in its own right, as his career high in assists and the only season he averaged five or more).
Jamal Murray
Pre-injury per game stats 2020-2021: 21.2 PTS / 4.0 REB / 4.8 AST
Post-injury per game stats 2022-2023: 20.0 PTS / 4.0 REB / 6.2 AST
Murray suffered an ACL injury when he was 24 years old during the 2020-2021 NBA season. The injury caused him to miss the entirety of 2021-2022. Upon his return, Murray performed as though he did not miss a beat. He played in 65 total games that season and saw no appreciable change to his output, except for his assists, which actually increased by about 30%. The year he returned was also the year his Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship.
Klay Thompson
Pre-injury per game stats 2018-2019: 21.5 PTS / 3.8 REB / 2.4 AST
Post-injury per game stats 2022-2023: 21.9 PTS / 4.1 REB / 2.4 AST
At 29 years old, Thompson suffered an ACL tear that cost him the following season in its entirety. Before he could spool back up, he then suffered an Achilles injury that kept him out yet another year-plus. Despite missing two-and-a-half seasons following two significant injuries, Thompson’s first full season back saw him play in 69 games with nearly identical stats as he put up before the injuries.
Closing thoughts
In fairness to the above examples, Irving is the oldest of the players discussed. However, I wanted to provide some range of examples in the assessment, including a player who experienced a near-unprecedented sequence of injuries to afford us a solid range. In all cases, the players were as good or better than they were pre-injury. For what it’s worth, a 30-year-old Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles injury (widely considered much more severe than an ACL injury) that cost him a season, and he too returned to almost identical form upon his return.
Modern treatments and rehab regimens are truly next level for high caliber athletes like those in the NBA. There you have the basis for my hopeful sense that when Irving takes the court again, it takes him no time to return to the player we knew prior to his ACL injury.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of the basketball game at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Blue Devil Kon Knueppel passed Donovan Mitchell for the second-most threes made by a rookie in an NBA season with 185. Coincidentally, the three that pushed him past Donovan was made…over Donovan.
Keegan Murray holds the record with 206, set in 2023.
Charlotte has 25 regular season games left and Knueppel is averaging 3.4 threes per game. If he keeps that pace, he’ll shatter that record with 272-273 made threes.
He’s also averaging 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 43.2% on three-point attempts. The only players in NBA history to average at least 15 points and five rebounds per game while shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range were Larry Bird and Paul Pierce, which puts Knueppel in some pretty elite company – and he’s just a rookie!
We’re all coming around on the Brooklyn Nets’ 2025 NBA Draft, so widely mocked that the Phoenix Suns didn’t mind gasping at it on social media. The Nets themselves are probably feeling better about their draft too, if you believe last summer’s rumors that Brooklyn tried to trade one or two of their five first-round picks, but couldn’t find a suitor. Since then, Egor Demin hasn’t missed a three, and there have been flashes from the others too.
I know I feel a bit better about it, though it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. On January 23rd, I posted this: “32 rookies have taken 50+ two-pointers. Bottom three in 2P%: Danny Wolf, Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore.”
For good measure, Wolf had the lowest 2P% among any NBA player 6’11” or taller, and Traore was tied for the lowest 2P% in the league. The case against the Flatbush Five was still very easy to make, and it wasn’t that they had redundantskillsets. That analysis was always lame.
Rather, Brooklyn drafted guys that struggled with either physicality, explosiveness, or both, and the one plus-athlete they did draft almost never handled the ball. That was a tough pill to swallow, particularly after watching the incredible physicality of last year’s playoffs. It’s a motor league.
It's a motor league.
-Speed and Distance -Depth for maintain 48min physical energy. -Sum of all ball-pressure by hand for detering pass/drive. -Bumping capability of both ends.
But two-thirds of the way through this season, none of Brooklyn’s selections look particularly egregious. I’m still concerned about their high-end outcomes — how much ball-handling will Egor Dëmin provide in a playoff setting? how much can Danny Wolf compensate for a lack of vertical pop around the rim? — but we’re not talking about high-end outcomes just yet.
Not every member of Brooklyn’s 2025 NBA Draft class will become a valuable rotation player. Some may never crack a playoff rotation. But all of them still have a chance. All of them have shown something to put faith in.
Egor Dëmin
This is most true for Egor Dëmin and his 3-point shooting. At BYU, he shot 27.3% from deep on 10 3PA per 100 possessions. Through 48 games in Brooklyn, he’s shooting 38.8% from deep on nearly 13 3PA per 100 possessions. This just doesn’t happen. It doesn’t make sense.
Yes, his stroke always looked better than those numbers did, and yes, he played through a knee injury at BYU, and yes, his pre-NCAA shooting numbers were better. It’s still unfathomable. Given his pre-draft profile, Dëmin may be in the midst of the most miraculous 3-point shooting season a rookie has ever put forth.
Get to know Dëmin, though, and it makes sense. The baby-faced Russian teenager will talk your ear off about his cat, or about English words he’s struggling to pronounce, or why roasting marshmallows around the campfire at BYU beats tapping the keg anywhere else, everything except his unprecedented shooting turnaround. Only then will Dëmin revert to a cliché, shrug his shoulders, and cite the work he’s put in. He really isn’t surprised by this.
It’s enough to warm a cynic’s cold heart, to believe that this cherubic sniper will take over the NBA with overwhelming levels of being dope, having fun, smiling, etc…
No rookie has changed their perception more than Dëmin through 50-something games. Sure, he makes a cool extra pass here and there and an intriguing kick-out with the snap of a wrist, but my man was getting Josh Giddey comparisons last summer. He is not a jumbo-handler, nor a primary ball-handler with excellent vision. Dëmin is a catch-and-shoot threat with everything else to work on, and while his worst games — when the shots don’t fall — are indeed worrisome, Nets fans don’t have to panic too much about that yet.
Look at this, man…
tough night vs OKC but Egor's shooting season is crazy
thinks about going to get the handoff, split-second decision to C&S instead, cashes it pic.twitter.com/xAE46P9XnM
Every live-game rep is valuable. And you can trust Dëmin, universally praised for his work ethic and attention to detail, to make the most of them. But in terms of analysis, we don’t need to see much more from him this season. Are there really going to be ball-handling/driving improvements before he spends much more time in the weight room over the next couple years?
At 6’9”, his block/steal/deflection rates are all average, giving him something of a defensive floor. He often guards opponents’ low-usage wings — against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, he started on Dean Wade.
I find his processing/playmaking to be most intriguing. The common refrain, for now, is that we don’t get to see his high-level passing much because he can’t get downhill, and while that’s partly true, it’s also an oversimplification. Dëmin has tossed some dimes as a spot-up guy, taking advantages of defenses rotating over to him — he loves looking off help defenders — but I think he’s also missed high-level opportunities. Ziaire Williams should probably have a layup here…
Dëmin has tossed just 54 rim assists in 1205 minutes, per PBP Stats, or one every 22.3 minutes. That matches, almost exactly … Cam Thomas. There’s no doubt Dëmin is a willing passer, particularly hungry to make kick-outs, but I’m most curious to see how his playmaking progress over the next season or two.
The Brooklyn Nets drafted a weird player at #8 overall, but that’s not an inherent negative. Egor Dëmin is a certified sniper and a powerfully optimistic young man. He scares the hell out of me sometimes, given how reliant he is on spot-up threes, but I’m rocking with him.
Nolan Traore
Nolan!! He was so bad early on. Teenage point guards are rarely productive, but it seemed like Traore was two years away from being two years away. On January 23rd, he was shooting 33.3% inside the arc. As I mentioned up top, that was tied with the minuscule Rob Dillingham for the worst mark in the league. Turns out my reverse jinx worked.
That night, he had the finest game of his career to date, putting up 21 points in that double OT loss to the Boston Celtics. With the necessary caveat that the stretch run before All-Star Weekend marks the true dog days of the NBA, Traore hasn’t looked back since.
The French teenager is 40-of-75 from two since January 23rd; he’s now shooting 44.4% on the season. At this rate, he could clear 50% by daylight savings time. What the hell happened?
First, Jordi Fernández gave him some tough love after a big loss to the Washington Wizards: “I need him to use his superpowers and touch the paint. It felt like he got caught shooting the unders. And a lot of times they’re going to go under because that’s what they want you to do. And if you keep shooting it, missing them, you know, sometimes if you keep doing the same thing and seeing the same results, I think that’s the definition of insanity … I’m okay with a pull-up three, [but] I don’t love it because he hasn’t shown that he can make it consistently.”
And here’s what that adjustment looks like for Traore…
Fernández is right: Per Synergy Sports, Traore is scoring just 0.79 points per off-the-dribble jumper, a 26th percentile mark league-wide. (Compare that to his 1.03 points per catch-and-shoot jumper, 38th percentile league-wide.)
But when Traore is using a screen, then a re-screen, then finding an angle to attack, you see his prodigious speed in action. Of course, he looks so much more comfortable than he did at season’s beginning, putting defenders in jail and getting to two feet to pivot around. His assist-to-turnover ratio is nearing 2:1, and those jump-stops in the lane are a big reason why.
Other than patience and poise, the big key for Traore is how far he can probe into the lane with a live-dribble. That was the most worrisome part of his prospect profile to me — here was a speedy, penetrating guard whose handle was suspect in tight spaces. Traore has done a much better job lately extending his dribble, though old habits still rear their ugly head from time to time. You can see the difference in these two plays:
Is Traore bendy/crafty enough to excel with his skinny frame? We’ll see. But this past month of play has been thrilling. Perhaps he’s not two years away from being two years away.
Drake Powell
I don’t really have a ton to say about Drake Powell because he doesn’t really do a ton on the court. He’s fallen below 15% usage, though that shouldn’t be a shock for a first-round pick with one of the lowest usage-rates of all time in his pre-draft year.
That by itself isn’t particularly worrying, though after some early season performances like his 15/3/3 game against the New York Knicks, where he moonlighted as lead ball-handler for the second unit, I thought we’d avoid Kris Dunn-level offensive responsibility. I mean, the flashes are there, including his 47% conversion rate on mid-range shots, per Cleaning the Glass…
Alas, the handle/processing is pretty far away from being able to shoulder any real offensive burden. Oh well.
I’m more concerned about Powell’s catch-and-shoot deficiencies: After scoring 1.18 points per shot on catch-and-shoot jumpers at UNC, he’s down to 0.87 points per possession (16th percentile) in the pros. Small sample, rookie year, I get it. But if defenses don’t feel the need to close out to Powell, it gets a little spooky.
Not to pile on, but the defensive creation hasn’t been there either. Low block/steal rates, and he’s tied with Danny Wolf and Michael Porter Jr. in deflections per minute, toward the bottom of the team. The rebounding numbers are low, too. So right now, the question is simply: What does Drake Powell do?
I don’t know yet. He probably needs to put on some real muscle this summer and next, but before then, Powell can keep taking advantage of Brooklyn’s increased pace. The Nets are no longer one of the slowest, fastbreak-avoidant teams in the league, and that should grant Powell more opportunity to explore.
Thanks to his archetype, raw athleticism, and flashes of on-ball defense, coaches and front offices will keep giving him the benefit of the doubt. That includes Jordi Fernández. But over the final third of this season, I’d like to see one consistent skill from Powell, whatever that may be.
Danny Wolf
Danny Wolf is no longer shooting the lowest 2-point% of any player 6’11” or taller, minimum 50 attempts. Hooray! (That’s because, since January 23rd, Christian Koloko and Hansen Yang have qualified. Wolf hasn’t passed anybody.)
Wolf had a couple strong games against a couple really bad teams before All-Star Weekend, where Fernández put the ball in his hands a bit more. He opened up about the experience: “The last month, two months, it’s a lot of learning. I was playing off the ball, and for me, it’s just like, I felt a little bit too sped up. But there’s gonna be games where that’s my role. And then when coach does give me the ball and trusts me with it, it’s on me to make the right play. I think for me, it was just — I know I’m a work in progress, especially off the ball.”
Wolf will have to make 3-point shots; only time will tell if he’s capable. But now that he’s not shooting 50% from three anymore, like he was when he burst onto the scene, it’s been pretty rough going on offense. Some of it certainly is being too sped up — you can see it when he tries to dribble through a crowd — but so much of it is a lack of vertical pop.
He gets fouled here, but at 6’11” with a full head of steam and taking off from the restricted area, you gotta try and dunk this or something…
So yeah, I’m pretty worried about his scoring profile. Not much else to say there.
That being said, Wolf’s defense in isolation has been a pleasant surprise of his rookie year. Anytime a (non-Jimmy Butler) player tries to size him up, it typically does more to stunt the offense rather than truly expose Wolf. Considering his above-average block/rebound numbers in a beefy front-court next to Day’Ron Sharpe, I’d say that end of the floor has been a positive in his rookie year.
Elsewhere, his assist:turnover ratio is also nearing 2:1, and as we saw at Michigan, many of his best passes go to Day’Ron Sharpe or Nic Claxton as pick-and-roll lobs or dump-offs around the rim. Given his 3-point heavy shot diet and particular passing strengths, I think it’s safe to say the Nets have a position in mind for him going forward.
Over the final third of the season, I’d love to see Wolf either sweep his arms through the lane and draw some more fouls á la Noah Clowney, use more deceleration driving to the rim, or get to two feet and create more kick-out opportunities.
Alas, Danny Wolf has to score to reach his high-end outcome. That’s his sell. Bully little guys and embarrass the oafs. The defensive flashes and occasional spot-up three (though he needs to improve his %s there) are cool, but let’s hope to see some more reliable finishing over this final third of the season.
Ben Saraf
Ben Saraf may be the true dud of the bunch, but it’s too early to be sure. He was picked #26 overall, and has struggled with both Long Island in the G League and with the Brooklyn Nets. However, he did just go for 18/6/8 in Long Island’s most recent game.
Saraf is shooting just 25% from deep with the big league club, and the stroke doesn’t look great either, though he’s in the mid-30s with Long Island. Either way, it’s an incredibly small sample that’s tough to draw conclusions from, but of all Brooklyn’s rookies, Saraf is the one who desperately needs to show some shooting improvement next season, if not right now.
He’s simply lacking confidence, especially when he’s up with Brooklyn. Perhaps this G League stint will do him well, as it did Traore before him, but right now, he’s not showcasing his strengths. Saraf’s drives are wayward; he was never the most explosive athlete, but he had more counters than this…
Where’s the behind-the-back, the spin, the jump-stop and pivot? Watch a couple highlights of Saraf as a prospect, and you’ll know it’s in there somewhere. He might not be an NBA-level scorer — Saraf is shooting just 38.7% from the floor in the G League, despite nailing some threes — but he’s gotta die trying.
Hey, eight assists per 100 possessions ain’t so bad.
Alright, maybe I’m not as high on this rookie class as I thought I was.
It’s still early, though. And Egor Dëmin has stones no spreadsheet can quantify; just look at the end of that Orlando Magic game. And Nolan Traore is improving, while Drake Powell just threw down a huge dunk…
Since I harped on his 2-point scoring here, Danny Wolf will probably just 10-of-10 next game out, same for Saraf.
The Flatbush Five are entering the home stretch of their rookie season. They may not save the Brooklyn Nets in one fell swoop, but such a drastic rebuild was never going to be easy. Plus, you can’t discount how they might improve playing next to the blue-chip talent the Nets hope to add in the 2026 NBA Draft…but it’s too early to talk about that.
For now, Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf are all just trying to make it work. Their next opportunity to show out comes on Sunday afternoon as the Brooklyn Nets face the Atlanta Hawks with tip-off scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Nov 16, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The post-trade deadline time can be a strange one in the NBA. The teams that didn’t make many moves are trying to get ready for the playoffs, hoping to peak at the right time. The ones that shook things up are looking to rediscover an identity or form one for the first time. And then some franchises want the season to mercifully end, like the Kings.
Sacramento came into the season with play-in hopes, loaded up with veterans and a few young pieces. To say that they fell short of expectations would be an understatement. The Kings are last in the West, and unlike other bottom-dwellers, they find themselves there despite trying to win.
At least they were earlier in the season. After the deadline, they shut down Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and deadline acquisition De’Andre Hunter, as they all underwent season-ending surgeries. One of their feel-good stories of the season was the emergence of rookie Dylan Cardwell, but he will be out for a month. Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan are still there, but those two couldn’t do much in Sacramento’s 37-point loss to the Magic on Thursday. They have some interesting young players that they need to develop the rest of the way, but no one who stands out as a cornerstone. The lottery can’t come soon enough for De’Aaron Fox’s previous team.
The Spurs are in a completely different situation. They have exceeded expectations and have the second-best record in the West, with a realistic chance to catch up to the injury-riddled Thunder. They did nothing at the deadline, so the chemistry they built remains intact, as shown in their convincing victory over the Suns after the All-Star break. All their rotation players are healthy and should be well-rested after not needing to be on the floor for heavy minutes to dispatch Phoenix in their first Austin game. And they looked locked in from the start and dominant the entire night, proving they are hungry as they prepare for the franchise’s return to the playoffs.
Late February and March basketball offers matchups between teams that have opposite goals and realities. The Spurs should prevail easily against a Kings team that wouldn’t mind another loss to keep the other tankers at bay. But there’s a reason they play the games, so San Antonio should come out focused and take care of business.
Spurs Injuries: Mason Plumlee – Out (Conditioning), Lindy Waters III – Questionable (Knee).
Kings Injuries: Domantas Sabonis – Out (Knee surgery), Zach LaVine – Out (Hand surgery), Dylan Cartwell – Out (Ankle), De’Andre Hunter – Out (Eye).
What to watch for:
The battle of the French centers. With Sabonis out, rookie Maxime Raynaud has been starting for the Kings and putting up some solid numbers. The big man has averaged 117 points and 8.4 boards when he’s been on the floor at tip-off, and in his last five games, he’s averaged 14.2 points and 9.8 boards. Wembanyama should dominate the matchup, but it should be fun to see him go against a talented 7’1 center who happens to be his friend.
The Spurs, finding their killer instinct. One of the few disappointing things about this iteration of the Silver and Black has been the team’s propensity to play down to its competition, resulting in too many close games. Against the Suns, that wasn’t an issue, as they started well and never relented on their way to an easy win. The same should happen against the lowly Kings, as the talent disparity is massive. Blowing out inferior or shorthanded teams not only allows for less wear-and-tear but is also typically a sign of a mature group. Let’s see if the young Spurs are making progress there.
Former Spurs vs. Former Kings. De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes combined for 48 points in the first matchup with his former team this season. Fox also had 11 assists. DeMar DeRozan had 27 in just 15 shots in the losing effort, and Drew Eubanks played 11 minutes off the bench. The former Spurs and the former Kings could once again play a part in determining the winner. DeRozan would need to fuel the offense for Sacramento to have a chance, and Eubanks would need to provide solid minutes against Wembanyama. For San Antonio, Fox’s scoring and Barnes’ shooting are not as necessary, but always welcomed. And if things get out of hand, we might even get to see Doug McDermott in garbage time.
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The No. 3 Blue Devils (24-2) and No. 1 Wolverines (25-1) are set to play for the first time in 13 years when they take the court at 6:30 p.m. ET, not from Michigan's Crisler Center or Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium, but from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., in The Duel in the District.
This will mark the 31st meeting between the programs and the seventh in a neutral site, which includes three meetings in the NCAA Tournament.
The last meeting between Duke and Michigan occurred in 2013 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, when the Blue Devils took down the Wolverines 79-69 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.
Here's what you need to know about the "Duel in the District" between Duke and Michigan on Saturday:
Why are Duke-Michigan playing nonconference game in February?
The "Duel in the District" game between Michigan and Duke was announced on June 24, 2025. Capital One Arena is the home of the NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals and the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team.
The matchup is set to take place at the arena, which hosts several high-profile NCAA events in the coming years, including the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball East Regional, the 2027 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship and the 2028 Division I Women’s Basketball Regional.
Michigan makes its way back to the nation's capital for the first time since participating in the Coaches vs. Racism matchup against Prairie View A&M on Nov. 13, 2021. The Wolverines play in Capital One Arena (then the Verizon Center) for the first time since winning the Big Ten Tournament there in 2017.
Duke played in the 2024 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena, falling to eventual tournament winner North Carolina State in the quarterfinals.
Duke-Michigan basketball history
Series record: Duke leads 22-8
Duke and Michigan have faced off 30 times prior to Saturday's game. That includes three meetings in the NCAA Tournament (1992 national championship, 1964 Final Four and the 2011 second round) between the programs.
Here's a look at entire history between the programs:
Feb. 21, 2026 (Washington, D.C): No. 3 Duke vs. No. 1 Michigan
Dec. 3, 2013 (Durham, N.C): Duke 79, Michigan 69
Nov. 22, 2011 (Lahaina, Hawaii): Duke 82, Michigan 75
March 20, 2011 (Charlotte): Duke 73, Michigan 71 (Round of 32)
Dec. 6, 2008 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Michigan 81, Duke 73
Nov. 21, 2008 (New York): Duke 71, Michigan 56
Dec. 8, 2007 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 95, Michigan 67
Dec. 7, 2002 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 81, Michigan 59
Dec. 8, 2001 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Duke 104, Michigan 83
Dec. 9, 2000 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 104, Michigan 61
Dec. 11, 1999 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Duke 104, Michigan 97
Dec. 12, 1998 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 108, Michigan 64
Dec. 13, 1997 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Michigan 81, Duke 73
Dec. 8, 1996 (Durham, N.C.): Michigan 62, Duke 61
Dec. 9, 1965 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Michigan 88, Duke 84
Dec. 10, 1994 (Durham, N.C): Duke 69, Michigan 59
Dec. 11, 1993 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Duke 73, Michigan 63
Dec. 5, 1992 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 79, Michigan 68
April 6, 1992 (Minneapolis): Duke 71, Michigan 51 (national championship)
Dec. 14, 1991 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Duke 88, Michigan 85
Dec. 8, 1990 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 75, Michigan 68
Dec. 9, 1989 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Michigan 113, Duke 108
Dec. 7, 1970 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 95, Michigan 74
Dec. 10, 1969 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Duke 73, Michigan 68
Dec. 9, 1968 (Durham, N.C.): Michigan 90, Duke 80
Dec. 6, 1967 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Duke 93, Michigan 90
Dec. 3, 1966 (Durham, N.C.): Duke 96, Michigan 75
Dec. 21, 1965 (Detroit): Duke 100, Michigan 93
Dec. 5, 1964 (Durham, N.C.): Michigan 86, Duke 79
March 20, 1964 (Kansas City): Duke 91, Michigan 80 (Final Four)
Dec. 21, 1963 (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Michigan 83, Duke 67
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: Alondes Williams #31 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on February 20, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Wizards returned from the All-Star break with disastrous back-to-back wins in a tête-à-tête against the Indiana Pacers. In the one last night, the Wizards rallied from a 15-point second quarter deficit to win by 13.
In the NBA’s 2026 race for the bottom, Washington has fallen to fifth behind the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana, and the Brooklyn Nets. The Utah Jazz — an annual leader in tanking shenanigans — is lurking.
Alondes Williams poured in points during the team’s win over the Indiana Pacers. | NBAE via Getty Images
I sympathize with Wizards head coach Brian Keefe and general manager Will Dawkins. Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George sat. They traded away productive to semi-productive veterans for Anthony Davis and Trae Young — neither of whom has played even a second for the Wizards.
Justin Champagnie, who produces when he plays, departed last night’s game after just 11 minutes with a sore knee.
Keefe is left with no choice but to play kids, and what’s making The Tank a bit of a challenge is that some of those kids are playing pretty well — at least when going up against a Pacers team missing virtually every useful NBA player in the organization.
Kids playing pretty well, even against what amounts to a G League squad, isn’t bad. The Wizards need to lose enough to keep that first round pick, so things could get downright debaculous in the near future. Just to be clear, I want Dawkins to know that I can help. I have enough vacation time to become the NBA’s oldest ever rookie on a 10-day contract. Maybe two.
I mean, yeah my body might not hold up for more than a game or two (if that), but I will brick lots of threes, be easy pickings on defense, and consistently fail to get back on defense.
Also, if Anthony Gill serves as the team dad, I can (briefly) be the team’s granddad.
Thoughts & Observations
Full disclosure: I was on work travel and did not watch either of these games, so these observations are strictly from the numbers.
Amazing to think that the Wizards had a 61.1% effective field goal percentage, and the Pacers clocked in at 57.8% and the teams combined for a slightly subpar offensive night. Both teams committed loads of turnovers. Neither got to the free throw line or gathered offensive rebounds.
If the teams had combined for an average night offensively, they would have totaled 252 points. They tallied 249. Not a huge difference, but again — amazing considering the high shooting percentages from the floor.
Even more amazing: the Wizards shot 61.1% from the floor (eFG%) while also hitting just 6-29 — 20.7% — from three-point range. That’s because they hit 74.2% on twos. Yowza.
Washington’s ability to get inside was determinant — they outscored the Pacers 78-46 in the paint.
Kudos to Alondes Williams for having a great game halfway through a 10-day contract — 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists in 30 minutes.
More kudos to Kadary Richmond, also on a 10-day contract, for producing 6 steals in 31 minutes.
Even more kudos to Sharife Cooper — on a two-way contract — for notching 18 points and 5 assists in 27 minutes.
Yet more kudos to Keefe for giving 55% of the game’s minutes to guys on two-way contracts and 10-day contracts.
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
PACERS
WIZARDS
LGAVG
eFG%
57.8%
61.1%
54.3%
OREB%
19.1%
24.4%
26.1%
TOV%
19.3%
15.6%
12.8%
FTM/FGA
0.156
0.158
0.208
PACE
109
99.4
ORTG
108
120
115.4
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%.
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.
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 7: A close up shot of the hair belonging to Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 7, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cavs need Jarrett Allen to play at this level. He’s shown these past few weeks that this team is at its very best when he’s actively involved in the offense. That came through once again as he put up 26 points on 11-15 shooting to go along with 14 big rebounds.
Additionally, it’s common for stats like this to be misleading. For example, football teams typically have a worse record when they attempt more than a certain number of passes. This isn’t because passing is ineffective or bad. It’s just that teams that are behind in a game have to pass more often than those that are winning. This leads to stats like this being skewed.
That’s how I’ve typically viewed Allen’s production numbers. And I was wrong for doing so.
Allen’s rim pressure just opens up the offense for everyone. This was clear in the string of games before they got James Harden. Now, it’s even harder to ignore after they traded for one of the best pick-and-roll distributors of all-time.
The Cavs’ biggest problem was not getting Allen involved enough. That hasn’t been an issue with Harden. Passes like this force Allen to be aggressive. He simply has no other choice.
When Allen is beating you like this, defenses can’t send two to the screen and hope the rotation stops the roller. However, not doing so opens up looks for the ball handler, like this clean pull-up three for Harden.
Allen is the big the offense should prioritize first.
Evan Mobley being in the lineup has the potential to make things more difficult, even though that didn’t happen on Thursday against a bad Brooklyn Nets team. He’s another center who needs to be fed in a similar way to be effective offensively.
That said, Allen should be the main target over Mobley. His screening and the rim pressure he provides — as we’ve seen these past several weeks — are much more valuable offensively. There’s simply no excuse for ignoring Allen after this many strong showings.
Outside shooting teams like the Hornets can give the Cavs problems defensively. Charlotte head coach Charles Lee came from the Boston Celtics, and a lot of his team’s offensive philosophies trace back to his time in Boston. How Charlotte and Boston generate threes is different, but the amount they take and how they do a good job of rebounding misses is similar.
The Cavs didn’t do a great job of defending the three-point line. The Hornets got back into this game by going 8-15 from distance in the third quarter. They were able to generate open outside shots with simple guard screening actions or by forcing the defense to collapse and then found the open shooter as a result.
Cleveland’s defensive philosophy is predicated on defending the basket. This is a sound strategy and ultimately the right one. Scoring in the restricted area is still the most effective way of doing so. And in this game, the Cavs did a great job of keeping the Hornets from getting there as Charlotte converted just 43.5% of their shots at the rim (1st percentile).
That said, teams like Charlotte and Boston don’t necessarily attack the basket because they want to score. They do so because they want to create in rhythm threes.
This is an area where the starting backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Harden are suseptable. Neither is good at keeping their defensive assignment in front of them. Their teammates know this and are ready and prepared to rotate over to help, which can lead to open shooters on the perimeter.
Charlotte lost this game because they went cold in the fourth quarter and ended up converting just 35.7% of their 56 three-point shots. However, many of those misses were more due to shot variance than anything the Cavs were doing defensively.
The Cavs have struggled on the glass against teams that know how to rebound their missed threes.
Charlotte racked up 23 offensive boards. Nine of those were due to Ryan Kalkbrenner being an immovable object inside. There’s not much you can do about someone that big. However, they also retrieved a fair amount of their missed threes that didn’t have as much to do with him. That’s more of a concern.
Missed threes can bounce further off the rim. If you want to grab those, a good place to run is to the free-throw line. Kenny Atkinson, when he has been asked about this in the past, has said that you need good rebound spacing against teams that shoot this many threes. The Cavs didn’t have that.
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The Hornets were rewarded for their efforts on the glass with 37-second chance points.
These two concerns are why the Celtics are the worst playoff matchup for the Cavs. Boston also hunts threes and prioritizes offensive rebounding, but they’re overall more talented on both sides of the ball. On top of that, they have one of the best coaches in the league. I don’t want to get too derailed by this tangent, but it’s worth pointing out after a game like this.
Harden and Sam Merrill have developed great chemistry. Merrill hit four shots against Charlotte, and three of them were assisted by Harden.
Like Allen, Merrill was seemingly created in a lab to play with Harden. He’s a smart off-ball mover who knows where to be to create the best angle for a pass. He’s also great at attacking off screens. Throw in Harden’s ability to make every pass and process the game at a high level, and you have a formidable duo.
The Hornets tried to force the ball out of Harden’s hands late. He accepted the double, found the outlet in Mitchell, and then this led to an open three for Dean Wade. This was a great and well-executed sequence from Cleveland’s perspective.
The Cavs have consistently handled Harden being trapped well. They’ve properly spaced the floor, and Harden has made the right play seemingly every time.
Keon Ellis is incredibly entertaining to watch defensively. Few players have his energy, lateral quickness, and nose for the ball. This combination creates someone who’s both a sound man defender and is also a chaos agent who can seemingly come out of nowhere to completely blow up a play.
So far, Ellis has registered at least two stocks (blocks and steals) in the six games he’s played with the Cavs. On Friday, he collected two steals by baiting his opponent into a pass that he knew he could take away.
Players who gamble for steals and blocks like this don’t always lead to their team playing better defense. Typically, you need to gamble too much to do so. But it isn’t a gamble for someone who has Ellis’s length and quickness.
Not counting Friday’s game, Cleveland has registered an impressive 108.9 defensive rating with Ellis on the floor, which is only going to get better after the Cavs had an 87.5 defensive rating in the 24 minutes Ellis played in Charlotte.
“He’s maybe the most unique player,” Atkinson said after the game. “[He’s] totally not what I thought. [He’s a] unique, unique player. Sometimes he gets a deflection, and you don’t even see how it happens. His hands are so fast. … He’s a quick jumper off the floor to get contests. … Man, what a unique player. Really a game changer.”
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 8: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics passes past Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the second half at TD Garden on February 8, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics are no stranger to having elite facilitating guards. You can go all the way back to Bob Cousy in the 50s and 60s, Dennis Johnson in the 80s, Rajon Rondo in the late 2000s and early 2010s, and now we might have to start talking about Derrick White in 2026.
White is averaging a career high 5.6 assists on the season, so he might not look like Rondo on the surface, but he is starting to turn it on lately. In his last 6 games, White has an absurd 42:8 assist to turnover ratio and is averaging 7.0 assists per game in this time period. This uptick in assists could be because of a switch in the starting lineup.
In his last 6 games, Derrick White is averaging 7.0 assists a game and has a total of 42 assists in this time:
8 assists vs Dallas 8 assists vs Houston 5 assists vs Miami 4 assists vs New York 9 assists vs Chicago 8 assists vs Golden State pic.twitter.com/8vnfOcd8O9
In the Celtics first game since the trade deadline against the Dallas Mavericks on February 3rd, Joe Mazzulla decided to move Payton Pritchard to the bench after Boston traded Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls. Pritchard being a former 6th Man of the Year winner, naturally has flourished in his return to the role, averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, on 52% shooting from the field and 43% from three. This move to the bench has allowed Pritchard to not have to focus on being the primary point guard of the team and be able to hunt for his shot. This primary point guard spot has been bestowed upon Derrick White and it is safe to say that he is taking the reigns and running with it.
Derrick White is having a rough offensive season with one of his worst shooting seasons of his career at 39% shooting from the field and 33% shooting from three. In a bigger role, his shots are just not falling the way they were over the last few seasons. But now that he is the primary facilitator, White doesn’t have to focus on scoring more because his playmaking can do the work and he can focus his energy on continuing to be an elite defender.
A good example of White’s passing replacing his scoring is looking at the points created coming off his assists. In these last 6 games, White is averaging 16.3 points over this time but is shooting 36% from the field and 30% from three. However, in 4 of those 6 games, White has created 20+ points just off of his assists alone, with the most being 23 points against the Chicago Bulls on February 11th.
Let’s look at his most recent 8 assist performance against the Golden State Warriors on February 19th. He created 20 points off his assists, spreading the wealth to 7 different teammates. Most of his assists came during the Celtics runs in the first half where Boston scored 74 points. His biggest came in the fourth quarter however, threading the needle to Jaylen Brown for a tough fadeaway jumper to essentially ice the game after the Warriors rallied back in the game.
My favorite assists that White has been able to create involves the two-man game with the Celtics bigs. Whether its Luka Garza, Neemias Queta, or Nikola Vucevic, White has been able to find them easy buckets. He has been able to run the pick-and-roll to perfection, drawing multiple defenders him and finding his big center underneath the basket for an easy layup or dunk.
White’s ability to find three point shooters for catch and shoot threes and even on the fast break has been another highlight of his. All of his passes are landing right in the shooting pocket for guys like Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and Baylor Scheierman to take advantage.
One thing that I do wonder is what happens to White’s ability to play-make when Jayson Tatum comes back. If he does come back this season, I expect White’s role not to change very much. He might have less ball handling responsibility with Tatum on the floor, but that could open him up to becoming the elite catch-and-shoot guy he was in the past. If not, there is no harm in having another ball handler and he could just continue what he is doing this season if Tatum comes back rusty in that area of play at all.
Derrick White is sneakily having the best season of his career when it comes to his defense and scoring, but his playmaking leap might be the most impressive part of his year that no one is talking about.
As part of their Spurs Week Austin , the San Antonio Spurs unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Foundation Communities M Station Apartments, an affordable housing community outside downtown Austin.
Jackie Cuellar, Director of Corporate and Volunteer Engagement at Foundation Communities shared,
“At Foundation Communities, we believe a home is more than just a roof—it’s a place where families thrive. By transforming this court into a vibrant hub for M Station residents, we are ensuring families have a safe space to connect and be active.”
This court refurbishment was presented through the Spurs partnership with Ledger.
Spurs 2025 draftees Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper made an appearance, led some basketball activities on the new court, and a presided over a special shoe giveaway allowing students to customize their own sneakers.
Patricia Mejia, Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer at Spurs Sports and Entertainment stated,
“Creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can play, connect and thrive is core to who we are. What makes this court special is that it’s located right where families live. Access to safe play spaces isn’t guaranteed, and having this court just outside their doors makes it easier for kids to stay active, build confidence and learn teamwork every day.”
Spurs Week continues tonight with as the Spurs host the Sacramento Kings.
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Los Angeles, CA - February 20: Guard Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammate guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a basket against the LA Clippers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, February 20, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — With just 28 games left to play coming out of the All-Star break, the Lakers are entering the final phase of the season.
That means every game becomes increasingly important as teams jockey for playoff positioning and attempt to set themselves up for postseason success.
In the Lakers’ first game back from the All-Star break, they faced a tough opponent, taking on the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. They passed the test, beating their rival 125-122.
While the game was far from easy, the Lakers had everyone available to take on the challenge. LA had a clean injury report, allowing them to play their entire rotation, a rarity for the purple and gold this season.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick took this opportunity to begin the game with a new starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.
The result? The Lakers’ offense came out blazing, scoring 41 points, knocking down eight 3-pointers and missing just two shots in the opening quarter.
“I think in the first quarter, we were playing good defense, and we were playing with a lot of pace,” Luka said postgame. “We were able to create some different looks, and I think that is how we should play.”
Despite the good start, challenges came LA’s way. Kawhi Leonard was incredible, scoring 31 points. And the Clippers had a 17-1 run in the third quarter that turned the Lakers’ 14-point advantage into a one-point deficit.
With the talent in the Western Conference, games like these are commonplace. How teams respond to this type of adversity is what separates the good teams from the bad ones.
On Friday night, the Lakers demonstrated they are the former.
Luka and LeBron were generating looks for their teammates. Both players had 11 assists. In the fourth, Smart stepped up, and the defensive specialist added some scoring to his performance.
Midway through the fourth Smart scored five straight points to even the game up. Not only were these crucial baskets down the stretch of a close gcontest, but it was the first time Smart had shot the ball all night long.
With under two minutes to go, LA led by just three points and the game could’ve gone either way.
While LA’s offense was humming and their stars were played well, it was a charge that secured the result.
With under two minutes to play and the Clippers down by three, Bennedict Mathurin was pushing the ball up the court and appeared destined to make it a one-point game.
Reaves did what he always does which is whatever it takes to win. He stood in Mathurin’s way and absorbed the contact as he got steamrolled in the paint. The foul was called, which not only gave the Lakers possession, but took Mathurin out of the game.
“That play right there changed the whole momentum,” Ayton said. “That just got everybody fired up and even more locked in down the stretch.”
The win wasn’t easy and it defintely wasn’t pretty. In fact, the Lakers almost gave up the game with a late turnover that gave Nic Batum a chance of tying it with a last-second three. But it rimmed out and the Lakers won.
In the end the win-loss column cares not about context and with the Lakers needing to increase their win total as high as possible with what’s left in the season, earning the victory is all that matters.
“Obviously, want to go game by game, but it was important to start like this,” Luka said.
With the win in hand, a new starting lineup revealed and some impressive performances by the Lakers’ most important players, the time it’s now or never for LA to show the NBA just how good they can be.
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers’ first game of the season with a fully healthy roster on Friday night against the Clippers provided all of the glimpses of optimism a stakeholder could hope for.
It also highlighted some of their biggest concerns.
The good for the Lakers in their 125-122 win over the Clippers: Luka Dončić’s hot start, and the offense looking dominant for significant stretches.
LeBron James, who scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, rises up for a layup during the Lakers’ 125-122 home win over the rival Clippers on Feb. 20, 2026. Getty Images
Also, the starting lineup of Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton looked like a natural fit.
But the concerns remained the same, with the Lakers defense struggling to get stops for significant stretches.
But they got the most important one of the night at Crypto.com Arena when Nic Batum missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer, with the Lakers’ maintaining a 3-point lead, their winning margin.
Dončić led with the Lakers with 38 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. Reaves added an efficient 29 points and six rebounds in his first game back in the starting lineup since December, while LeBron James had a 13-point, 11-assist double-double.
What it means
The Lakers improved to 34-21, including 16-10 at home.
The Clippers (27-29) missed out on a chance to improve to .500 for the first time since early November.
Turning point: Kawhi Leonard’s exit
Leonard was ruled out because of left ankle soreness late in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers took a 112-109 lead after Dončić made a relocation 3, leading to Clippers coach Ty Lue calling a timeout with 5:11 left.
Kawhi Leonard, making a move on Luke Kennard, scored 31 points before exiting with left ankle soreness in the Clippers’ loss to the Lakers. Getty Images
But when the game resumed, Lue didn’t have his best player back on the floor, evaporating a significant chunk of the Clippers’ offensive juice.
The Lakers led for the rest of the way.
Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Benn Mathurin, coming off scoring a career-high-tying 38 points in Thursday’s home win over the Nuggets, scored 26 off the bench but fouled out with 1:49 remaining.
MVP: Luka Dončić
An unconventional pick of Marcus Smart, who made a pair of clutch 3s and a midrange jumper, was almost made.
But the way Dončić started the game — 17 points and four assists in the first quarter — and closed with 12 points in the fourth sealed his case.
Luka Dončić, who scored 38 points, goes up for a layup during the Lakers’ win over the Clippers. Getty Images
Dončić’s 22 points in the first half marked his league-leading 28th half this season with 20 or more points.
Stat of the game: 54.8%
That was the Lakers’ 3-point percentage against the Clippers, their second-highest percentage from deep in a game this season.
Dončić led the Lakers with 8-of-14 shooting on 3s, with Reaves shooting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Their season-high 3-point percentage remains 55.9%, when they made 19 of 34 3s in the Jan. 13 win over the Hawks.
Up next
The Lakers will host the Celtics on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the nationally-broadcast matchup on NBC/Peacock.
The team will unveil the Pat Riley statue ahead of the game against the Lakers’ longtime rivals.
The Clippers also will remain in Southern California, hosting the Magic on Sunday evening at Intuit Dome.
