WOLVERHAMPTON, England (AP) — Andy Robertson scored for only the second time this season and set up Mohamed Salah for another goal as Liverpool beat Wolverhampton 3-1 on Friday to move into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
Scotland captain Robertson rifled in a low shot from outside the penalty box 10 minutes into the second half to put Liverpool ahead and then Salah crashed home his enticing cross two minutes later.
Curtis Jones added a third for the visitor 16 minutes from time before Hwang Hee-Chan scored a stoppage-time consolation for Wolves.
Defender Robertson’s only other goal this season came in September when Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. His leading role in Friday’s win was a welcome one after Wolves had humbled Arne Slot's team 2-1 in the Premier League three days ago.
“(That was a) bit more like it,” Robertson told the BBC. “We know we let ourselves down on Tuesday … it was up to us to go and put it right. The FA Cup is do or die.”
The quarterfinals take place on the first weekend in April. The other seven contenders will be decided in matches to be held over the next few days.
“We are trying to fight on all fronts,” Robertson said. “We are still in two cup competitions. If we play like we did tonight, then nobody wants to play against us. We have to start showing that consistency. It is one step forward and two steps back.”
DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland scraped past Wales 27-17 and stayed in the Six Nations title race on Friday for at least 24 hours.
France can successfully retain the title by beating Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
While Ireland won its first-ever Friday home championship match with a four-try bonus point, Wales took most of the plaudits.
Wales started as a 20-point underdog but was trailing by only two points as late as the 68th minute.
Wales hadn't beaten Ireland in Dublin in the championship in 14 years but Irish flyhalf Jack Crowley was made to kick a 77th-minute penalty to avoid the chance of a humbling draw.
Wales was second best in terms of territory and possession but backed up its three-point home loss to Scotland in the last round with magnificent defense, and an even better all-round show of commitment and progress.
Wales' Six Nations losing streak was extended to 15 games and it may yet finish the tournament with a third consecutive wooden spoon, but it was more encouragingly competitive against Ireland than coach Steve Tandy hoped for.
“We're disappointed but massive pride in our character,” Tandy said. “There's confidence building in the team and that is going to take us to the win in the near future.”
There was none of the fist-pumping joy by Ireland coach Andy Farrell during the record away win against England two weeks ago as his team failed to back that up with the expected big win over Wales.
“Credit to Wales, they were outstanding, certainly getting better defensively," he told broadcaster ITV. "They made it a scrap so to come away with a bonus-point, happy with that."
Wales didn't give Ireland the space on the outside that it enjoyed against England. Wales' rush defense, spearheaded by center Eddie James, frequently shut down Ireland attempts to go wide.
The defense was outstanding, especially on the tryline. Alex Mann made 28 tackles and two turnovers in his 22, Dafydd Jenkins added 27 tackles, James Botham 24 and Dewi Lake 23.
Ireland started impressively. Winger Jacob Stockdale ran off the shoulder of midfielder Stuart McCloskey, his Ulster clubmate, to score his first test try since 2021.
Ireland had two more attacks of at least a dozen phases in the first 20 minutes. But an Irish knock-on rubbed out a try for Jack Conan, and the second chance was turned over by Mann.
Holding out Ireland galvanized Wales.
Ireland took a half-hour to score again, through Crowley, who couldn't convert his own try.
The Irish looked set to reach halftime up 12-3. But Wales prop Rhys Carre, who was prevented from adding another tap penalty try that he managed against France and Scotland, made like a winger from 35 meters out and blew past three Irish for a brilliant try. Wales' leading try-scorer in the championship was even smiling before he scored.
"I saw some space and went as hard as I could and no one caught me,” Carre told ITV.
The Irish gave themselves breathing room on the scoreboard again when Conan scored from a tap penalty after halftime.
But Wales refused to bow down. Josh Adams botched a try chance throwing a forward pass to Botham but Botham scored off a ruck and Dan Edwards converted for 19-17.
It took a Joe McCarthy steal to launch the fourth Irish try walked in by fullback Jamie Osborne with 12 minutes to go. Wales lost scrumhalf Tomos Williams to the sin-bin and Crowley, who missed two easy goalkicks, made the result safe for Ireland with his only penalty.
When it comes to the race for NBA Most Valuable Player, we’re coming to an inflection point.
Because of the 65-game eligibility rule stipulating that a player must appear in at least as many games to qualify for individual honors, several stars who have dealt with injuries are now approaching disqualification.
Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP, must play in 13 of his team’s final 18 games of the regular season. Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP, can miss no more than a single game over the team's final 20 to maintain eligibility.
It all sets up for a tight finish through the final month of the 2025-26 season.
Here's the latest iteration of the USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings:
His standing here will almost certainly be compromised, now that Jayson Tatum is making his return for the final 20 games of Boston’s season. Brown, though, was a stabilizing presence and may even continue to be the primary option as Tatum works his way back to game shape. The Celtics owe him immense gratitude for his efforts to carry the team on both ends. He’s averaging career-highs in points (28.9; tied for fourth-most in the NBA), rebounds (7.2) and assists (5.0), and is a steady defensive presence. The Celtics are one of the big surprises of the season because of him.
There’s a strong argument for Wembanyama to be higher up on this list. The Spurs are just behind the Thunder in the West, and Wembanyama continues to impact both ends of the floor with efficiency. He leads the NBA in blocks per game (2.7), but he also alters dozens of shot attempts per game. He ranks sixth in rebounds (11.2) and is shooting a career-high 50.1% from the floor. It seems that we write this in every edition of the MVP power rankings, but, once again, he’s only getting better each time he steps on the court.
As mentioned above, the big issue here is Jokić’s availability and eligibility. Yet, consider this: he has played 47 games this season, and 23 of those – or 48.9% – have resulted in triple-doubles. Statically, no player has better numbers than Jokić, who is actually averaging a triple-double (28.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists per game). And, frankly, if Jokić hadn’t missed all the games that he has, he’d probably top this list. But that time missed cannot be overlooked, at least at this point in the season.
Unfair or not, MVPs tend to go to the best player on the best teams. The Pistons have lost two consecutive games to a pair of contenders in the Cavaliers and Spurs. In one of those losses, against Cleveland, Cunningham scored just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, though he did generate 14 assists. Still, Cunningham is the catalyst through which Detroit’s offense runs. His 9.8 assist per game rank second in the NBA (behind Jokić), and his defense is an essential part of his game; his length and persistence helps establish Detroit’s defensive identity.
Always the model of consistency, Gilgeous-Alexander moves slightly ahead of Cunningham after an uneven week for the Detroit star. Gilgeous-Alexander is on the verge of breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 consecutive games with at least 20 points, now three games away from the mark (through March 5). Gilgeous-Alexander has worked on his efficiency this season – which was already remarkably high. He’s shooting fewer 3s, is at a career-high 55.1% field goal rate and is carrying his team as Oklahoma City is dealing with several injuries.
NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Napoli beat Torino 2-1 on Friday to close the gap on second-place AC Milan to one point and maintain its record as the only team still unbeaten at home in Serie A this season.
Torino hasn’t beaten Napoli in the top tier since the 2008-09 season and it fell behind after six minutes.
Alisson Santos created a meter of space on the edge of the Torino penalty area and fired a low shot past the outstretched arm of Alberto Paleari.
Third-place Napoli dominated throughout and Eljif Elmas spun to volley home Matteo Politano’s knock down and make it 2-0 midway through the second half.
Napoli coach Antonio Conte introduced playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for his first appearance since an October injury, but his team was forced to sweat in the final seconds after Cesare Casadei pulled back a late consolation goal for Torino.
Napoli, though, held on to open a five-point gap on fourth-place Roma. It now has 56 points, one behind Milan and 11 behind champions-elect Inter.
Inter and Milan face off in the Milan derby on Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 27: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the game at Smoothie King Center on December 27, 2025 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. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (35-27) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (20-44)
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center— Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Suns+
Listen: KMVP 98.7
There is no time to wallow. No time to lick your wounds.
The Phoenix Suns dropped a game last night to the Chicago Bulls, and less than twenty-four hours later, they are back on the floor again. This time the opponent is the New Orleans Pelicans.
On paper, it feels like a matchup Phoenix should handle. That thought probably sounds familiar, because the same thing was said before the Chicago game. The Suns walked into that one flat, unmotivated, and disconnected on the defensive end. That performance came against a team fully comfortable living in the tank. Yet the Suns could only muster 103 points. The taste of blood is still fresh in your mouth as you attempt to get back up off of the mat.
New Orleans presents a different kind of challenge on Friday night as they coem on on the second night of a back-to-back as well. They are coming in off of a victory against the Sacramento Kings.
Yes, the Pelicans bring a 20-44 record into the building. At first glance, that looks like another team drifting toward the lottery. The recent results tell a different story, however. They have won five of their last seven games, and they have zero incentive to lose. Why would they? Their first-round pick in this upcoming draft already belongs to the Atlanta Hawks, the price they paid to acquire Derik Queen. Losing games does not help them. Competing does. Evaluating talent does. Using the final stretch of the season as a launching pad toward next year does.
So when the Suns step on the floor tonight chasing win number 36, a total that would match last season, they will not find an easy path waiting for them. The team from the Big Easy is coming in with a purpose, and Phoenix already learned the hard way what happens when you assume the schedule will cooperate.
That question kept coming up over and over during their loss to the Chicago Bulls. Chicago attacked the paint all night long. It felt like every drive found daylight. Granted, the Bulls bring a pair of unbelievably twitchy guards in Collin Sexton and Tre Jones. Both of them repeatedly beat Suns defenders off the dribble and forced the defense to collapse.
The Pelicans approach the paint in a different way. They do not rely on guard burst in the same fashion, although they still place enormous pressure on the interior. New Orleans attempts the fourth most two-point shots in the NBA. They are also eighth in offensive rebounds, pulling down 12.3 per game. Their offensive identity revolves around pressure near the rim. No team in the league takes more shots in the restricted area than the Pelicans. They average 34.8 attempts per game in that space. That number sits 3.8 attempts more serious than the second-place team.
That second-place team? The Chicago Bulls.
On the other end of the spectrum sit the Suns. Phoenix averages 19.8 attempts per game in the restricted area, the second-lowest mark in the league.
So the script tonight might feel familiar. The method of attack could look slightly different, although the destination remains the same. Chicago leaned on its guards to slice through the defense. New Orleans applies that pressure through size and physicality on the wings and inside. Zion Williamson averages 9.1 field goal attempts per game in the restricted area. Derik Queen sits at 4.7. Trey Murphy adds another 4.4.
They attack the interior with length, power, and volume.
Meanwhile, the Suns will likely lean into their own identity. Phoenix spreads the floor and fires away from deep. That is their offense, as they are 6th in NBA in three-point rate, attempting 45.1% of their shots from deep. Last year’s team was at 44.0%.
The question is whether their defense can survive the constant pressure waiting for them near the rim. Which leads me to…
Key to a Suns Win
The Suns are going to have to hit their three-pointers. Plain and simple.
When this team shoots well from deep, the math works in their favor. When the shots do not fall, the margin disappears quickly. It really is that straightforward. In games where Phoenix shoots under 35% from three point range, they are 9-17. In games where they clear that 35% mark, they are 26-10.
The Phoenix Suns are 15th in the NBA in three-point shooting at 35.9%
In games in which they’ve made >35% of their threes: 26-10 (.722)
That number tells the story. The Suns live and die with the long ball, and nights like this one will likely follow that same script.
We will probably see a similar formula tonight, especially when you consider how much size the Pelicans bring to the interior. The Suns do not have many players who consistently penetrate and finish at the rim. That has been an issue throughout the season, and with more injuries piling up, it becomes even more noticeable.
Without reliable pressure at the rim, the offense continues to lean heavily on the three-point line. That is where the spacing comes from. That is where the scoring bursts arrive. So the math remains the same. If the Suns hit over 35% of their three-pointers, they put themselves in a position to win this game.
Prediction Time
I struggle with this one. The Suns have not looked good for a while now. We all know the reasons. Injuries, totations shifting, and players trying to rediscover rhythm. All of that exists. The reality remains the same: they have not looked good.
It does not seem to matter whether the offense runs through the number one option or the number two option. Some nights, they look unstoppable from beyond the arc. Other nights, the offense goes quiet and the game drifts into long scoring droughts. The inconsistency is real right now. This was a top ten three-point shooting team earlier in the season. They have slipped to fifteenth in the league. Maybe it is tired legs. Maybe it is rhythm. It certainly is not a lack of opportunity.
The Suns take the sixth-most wide-open three pointers in the NBA. Despite that, they rank fourteenth in converting those shots. The looks are there. The results have been uneven.
But I am going to lean toward a bounce back tonight. Grayson Allen does not go 5-of-16. Jalen Green does not go 1-of-8. Collin Gillespie does not go 1-of-5. The Suns hit around 37% of their threes, knock down 17 of them, and that ends up being enough to win the game.
MUNICH, Germany (AP) — Luis Díaz scored one goal and made another as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-1 on Friday to extend its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 14 points over second-place Borussia Dortmund.
With Harry Kane injured, Nicolas Jackson started in the centre-forward position for Bayern, one of seven changes to the side that beat Dortmund in Der Klassiker last weekend.
But it was Colombian Díaz who started the rampage.
He opened the scoring after 33 minutes with a crashing volley and then turned provider 12 minutes later when his clever pass set up Konrad Laimer to make it 2-0.
Bayern’s task was made easier when Rocco Reitz was sent off for rugby tackling Jackson 10 minutes into the second half.
Jamal Musiala dispatched the resulting penalty to score his first goal of the season and Jackson celebrated his return to the side by adding a fourth 11 minutes from time.
Wael Mohya, 17, grabbed a consolation goal for Gladbach in the dying moments, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The only disconcerting note for reigning champion Bayern was the withdrawal at halftime of Manuel Neuer. The Germany goalkeeper had returned after missing two games through injury. The extent of his complaint was not immediately apparent.
Gladbach remains in 12th place with 25 points, only three clear of the relegation zone.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Kaety L’Amoreaux scored 21 points, Meghan Andersen added 16 points and No. 25 Fairfield eased by Sacred Heart 69-53 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament for its ninth victory in a row.
Fairfield (26-4), the No. 2 seed, continues its quest for a third straight MAAC championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Stags already secured their third straight regular-season title, the seventh in program history.
L’Amoreaux, the conference player of the year, and Andersen combined for 22 points in the first half to help Fairfield build a 35-24 lead. Andersen scored five points during a 12-0 second-quarter run that gave the Stags a 14-point lead.
Fairfield led by double figures the entire second half. The Stags closed the third quarter on a 9-0 run and led by as many as 27 in the fourth before Sacred Heart scored the final 11 points of the game against reserves.
L’Amoreaux and Andersen each went 7 of 11 from the field to help Fairfield shoot 46% overall, while Sacred Heart was held to 19-of-54 shooting (35%). L’Amoreaux reached 20-plus points for the sixth time this season.
Cyanne Coe added 10 points for Fairfield. Carly Thibault-DuDonis reached 100 wins during her four-year career to become the fastest coach in MAAC history to reach the mark.
Emma Kirby led Sacred Heart (13-18), the No. 7 seed, with 15 points. Amelia Wood added 11 points, Missy Nuku had 10 points and Nalyce Dudley grabbed 10 rebounds.
Up next
Sacred Heart: Season likely comes to an end.
Fairfield: Awaits the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal game between Merrimack and Mount St. Mary's — with the semifinal set for Sunday.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 28, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All of a sudden, the Lakers’ upcoming contest against the Pacers looks like a much tougher game. Los Angeles is playing on the second night of a back-to-back and will be taking on Indiana without LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber.
The trio was ruled out on Friday afternoon. The Lakers will now have to find a way to win without two of their starting players.
LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber are all out for LA’s game tonight against Indiana. pic.twitter.com/hOK6gN6xVd
While Maxi Kleber has missed the past two games with this back injury, James and Ayton are new additions to the injury report.
Ayton exited LA’s game against the Nuggets with a knee injury after playing for just five minutes. Considering that the Lakers are playing the day after he got hurt, it’s no surprise he will be unavailable.
While Ayton has been struggling as of late, he’s been an important player for the Lakers. Ayton is averaging 12.6. points and 8.2 rebounds per game while starting in all 54 games he’s participated in.
LeBron also got injured playing against the Nuggets.
He fell in the fourth quarter, hurting his elbow in the process. James was able to complete the game, but said his elbow felt “pretty sore” during his postgame media availability. Now, he’s officially been ruled out with a left elbow contusion.
LeBron’s value cannot be overstated. He continues to be one of the team’s best offensive producers, averaging 21.4 points on 50% shooting.
LA losing both LeBron and Ayton to injury in their defeat to Denver makes the result that much more painful.
Now, they’ll have to figure out a way to get back on track with two starters out.
Luckily, even though the Lakers will be shorthanded, they should still be able to beat the Pacers. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are healthy and should be able to step up in this situation, generating enough offense to overwhelm their opponent.
Indiana has the second-worst record in the NBA and has lost seven straight games. Considering that the Lakers are fighting for a playoff spot and the Pacers are tanking, even with these key players missing, LA has to find a way to win.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Elsa Lemmila had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Jaloni Cambridge also scored 17, and No. 11 Ohio State beat No. 19 Minnesota 60-55 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament.
Fourth-seeded Ohio State (26-6) plays No. 1 seed and second-ranked UCLA — which beat the Buckeyes 82-75 on Dec. 28 — in the semifinals Saturday.
Cambridge added six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Chance Gray hit three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points.
Mara Braun hit a 3-pointer that cut Minnesota's deficit to 58-55 with 1:32 left in the game. Neither team scored again until Cambridge made a jumper with 16 seconds left.
Grace Grocholski led No. 5 seed Minnesota (22-9) with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Sophie Hart had 12 points and a career-high 19 rebounds and Amaya Battle added 10 points. Hart has 1,000 career points, 966 for the Gophers. Tori McKinney had two points on 1-for-4 shooting in just 16 foul-plagued minutes.
Kennedy Cambridge had six of Ohio State's 12 steals and added five points, four assists and three rebounds.
Ohio State, which lost 71-64 at Minnesota on Feb. 18, has won 10 of 11 against the Gophers and leads the series 66-17, 11-2 at neutral sites.
MILWAUKEE, WI - March 2: The sneakers worn by Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 2, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston stumbled badly against Charlotte on Wednesday, getting blown out 118–89 in one of their roughest games of the season. Turnovers piled up, the shots never fell, and the defense didn’t really settle in. It was the type of performance that could linger for a couple days. Friday night at TD Garden won’t allow it. The return of Jayson Tatum and the arrival of Cooper Flagg give this one serious juice.
Here are three questions that could shape it.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 2: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shows his jersey to fans before their game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on March 2, 2025 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
What does Tatum’s return actually look like?
The moment Celtics fans have been waiting for is finally here. Tatum will officially make his season debut tonight at TD Garden, fulfilling the promise he made months ago that his first game back would be at home. After a ruptured Achilles and nearly ten months of rehab, he’ll reportedly be on a 20-minute restriction. It’s a meaningful first step, and a chance to begin the reintegration process ahead of the playoffs.
The early minutes will say more about Tatum’s conditioning and comfort level than the box score. There should be zero expectation that he jumps immediately back into a high usage role and dominates, but how they use him is worth tracking. Will he spend more time off the ball, or do they let him create to find a rhythm? How involved is he as a screener or ball-handler in the pick-and-roll? Do they give him isolation or post-up opportunities? The play type distribution should give a glimpse at how much of a load he’s ready to take on.
The same goes on the defensive end. It’ll be worth noting if he’s switching onto Mavericks bigs and guards, regardless of how he holds up in those matchups right away.
He’s stated that he’s not coming back to be a role player, but in the short term, he’ll be perfectly comfortable filling the gaps until his conditioning is where it needs to be. There’s no reason to overwork him, but there is a balance to hit that ramps him back up while sticking to what’s made the team successfully already. The good news is that he’s one of the most versatile stars in the league.
Joe Mazzulla will manage his role and minutes with care. The goal tonight isn’t a vintage Tatum performance. Seeing him absorb contact, and find confidence in his movements is an important part in the mental aspect of the rehabilitation process. You can’t replicate the value that real game reps provides.
He could have a thrilling 20+ point comeback, or an inefficient emotional game. Either way, it’ll be good to have him back. Even in limited minutes, he tends to find ways to impact the game.
Can Boston slow down Cooper Flagg on his homecoming?
If Tatum’s return is the story on one side, Cooper Flagg is the draw on the other.
The Maine native plays his only game of the season at TD Garden tonight, and the moment won’t be lost on him. Before a foot injury sidelined him, Flagg had been on a tear, averaging 32 points, 7.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.2 blocks over a six-game stretch while shooting 52.6%. He returned Thursday against Orlando on a minutes restriction and looked like someone shaking off rust — 18 points on 7-for-22 shooting.
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 5: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 5, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Now comes the second night of a back-to-back, in front of a crowd that watched his rise up close. Despite the loss, he was masterful in the previous matchup with the Celtics. Boston threw different looks at him, and he handled the pressure with the poise of a veteran.
Dallas sits at 21–40 and firmly in lottery territory. But that record doesn’t really describe the challenge Flagg presents. His size, pace, and confidence give him a well-rounded impact that’s reminiscent of Tatum in flashes.
Dallas may be playing out the schedule, but Flagg isn’t. He’ll have a ton of family, friends and fans in the building. If Boston can’t slow him early, he might be the only thing capable of pushing Tatum lower in the postgame headlines.
Has Mazzulla been quietly building toward this moment all season?
All season, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and Hugo Gonzalez have cycled through Boston’s wing rotation. Some nights one starts. Other nights another closes. The roles have shifted constantly, and the team has kept functioning anyway.
The simplest explanation is merit. Each player has had stretches where they’ve earned more time, and Mazzulla has rewarded it. He’s building confidence in his young players, and making development a priority.
The fluidity of the rotation has also made the team more flexible. No single role has been rigid, as minutes can move without the offense or defense collapsing around them. That matters deeply now.
Boston, MA – January 28 – Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) lets the ball get loose as Boston Celtics guards Jordan Walsh (27), Hugo Gonzalez (28) and Baylor Scheierman (55) surround during the second half of a NBA game at the Garden. (Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images). | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Reintegrating a star forward who hasn’t played since last playoffs inevitably changes the rotation. But Boston has treated that fifth starting spot like a season-long revolving door. This group has been used to adapting night to night. Nobody was asked to be a Tatum placeholder, but to impact the game in the ways that they could. You can’t recreate what Tatum brings, and maybe this allows him focus more easily on being what he can.
Whether Mazzulla designed it this way or it was simply a product of his developmental approach, the result is the same. Boston enters one of the more anticipated nights of its season with a rotation already used to adjusting.
Tonight is the first look at what that adjustment actually looks like with a superstar back in the mix.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Grace Beal/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Dallas Mavericks (21-41) at Boston Celtics (41-21) Friday, March 6, 2026 7:00 PM EST Regular Season Game #63 Home Game #31 TV: ESPN, NBCSB, Mavs TV Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 91.7 FM, Sirius XM TD Garden
In a rematch of the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks visit the Boston Celtics. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams this season. Boston won the first game over the short-handed Mavericks in Dallas 110-100 on February 3.. The series was tied last season with each team winning on the road. The Celtics are 48-41 overall all time against Dallas and 27-17 in games played in Boston. The Mavs are playing on the 2nd night of back to back games and they are 5-5 so far in the 2nd games.
The Mavericks didn’t make many changes in the off season after making a big spash with the Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade a year ago. They signed D’Angelo Russell in the off season. They also won the draft lottery and chose Cooper Flagg with the first pick in the draft. They made a big trade at the deadline, sending Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Wizards for Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley II, and AJ Johnson. They also waived Tyus Jones in order to convert Ryan Nembhard from a 2-way contract to a standard contract.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 1.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York , 2.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 5.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 7 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 8 games ahead of 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 14-7 against Western Conference opponents. They are 20-10 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are coming off their worst loss of the season in their last game.
The Mavericks are 12th in the West, 26.5 games behind 1st place OKC, 16.5 games behind the 6th place Lakers, 10 games behind 8th place Portland, and 2 games behind 11th place Memphis. They are 3 games ahead of 13th place New Orleans and 3.5 games ahead of 14th place Utah. They are 10-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 7-20 on the road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They have lost their last 5 games.
After this game against Dallas at home, the Celtics head out on a tough 3 game road trip through Cleveland, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Then they host Washington, Phoenix and Golden State. Next, it is one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee.
This is the 3rd game of a 6 game road trip for Dallas that started with losses in Charlotte and Orlando and will go through Toronto, Atlanta and Memphis before going back home for one game against Cleveland. Then it’s back on the road for games at Cleveland and New Orleans before facing Atlanta, the Clippers, and Golden State at home.
For the first time this season, Jayson Tatum is listed as available and is expected to play just 10 months after surgery to repair his torn Achilles. I originally had Tatum coming off the bench but after reading many opinions on the subject, I’m guessing that he will start and play on a minutes restriction. Phantom255x on Celtics Strong boards mentioned that Tatum has started all 585 games he’s played in. That may be what tips the scale. I’m also guessing that he starts in place of Sam Hauser with the rest of the starting lineup staying the same. I usually guess wrong, so who knows. Jordan Walsh was a late add to the injury report with an illness. Both Tatum and Walsh will be a game time decision.
For Dallas, Kyrie Irving remains out as he rehabs from the ACL reconstruction surgery he underwent on March 26 of last year. Dereck Lively II is out after having season ending surgery on his right foot in December. Marvin Bagley III has missed the last 4 games due to a neck sprain and is questionable for this game. Brandon Williams missed Thursday’s game due to a left quadriceps contusion and is also listed as questionable.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Max Christie
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesMax Christie | Getty Images
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesKhris Middleton | Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs PJ Washington
Jayson Tatum | Getty ImagesPJ Washington | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Daniel Gafford
Neemias Queta | NBAE via Getty ImagesDaniel Gafford | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Nikola Vucevic Jordan Walsh Sam Hauser 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) available Jordan Walsh (illness) questionable Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Mavericks Reserves AJ Johnson Naji Marshall Calet Martin Ryan Nembhard Dwight Powell
2-Way Players Moussa Cisse John Poulakidas Tyler Smith
Injuries/Out Kyrie Irving (knee) out Dereck Lively II (foot) out Marvin Bagley II (neck) questionable Brandon Williams (quad) questionable Head Coach Jason Kidd
Key Matchups Baylor Scheierman vs Cooper Flagg Flagg returned to the Mavs on Thursday after missing 8 weeks due to a foot sprain. He is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 48.2% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics he finished with 36 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to do a better job of defending him in this game. We may see Jaylen Brown starting here if Tatum starts.
Jayson Tatum vs PJ Washington Washington is averaging 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists. 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He is shooting 44.7% from the field and 30.5% from beyond the arc. He missed the first game against the Celtics. He is coming off a game on Thursday where he finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block while playing 33 minutes. I originally thought that Tatum would come off the bench but after seeing many opinions on the fact, I’ve included him in the starting lineup.
Honorable Mention Jaylen Brown vs Khris Middleton Middleton was traded from Washington at the trade deadline. He is averaging 10.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He is shooting 43.4% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc. Middleton wasn’t with the Mavs for the first game against the Celtics. However, Middleton has always been a Celtics killer no matter what team he is on or how he plays against other teams.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the number one key to winning games. There is no truer statement than “Defense wins Championships.” The Mavs have an offensive rating of 109.9 (26th) while the Celtics have an offensive rating of 119.9 (2nd). The Mavs are 16th with a defensive rating of 113.9 while the Celtics are tied for 6th with a defensive rating of 111.9. When the Celtics struggle on offense, as they have in some recent games, they have to be able to stop the other team from scoring. The Celtics especially need to defend the paint as the Mavericks average 53.7 points in the paint per game (4th). The Celtics need to play much better than they did against the Hornets if they want to win this game.
Rebound – Second to defense, rebounding is the key to winning. One of the few times I have agreed with Pat Riley was when he said “No rebounds, no rings.” The Celtics are averaging 46.2 rebounds per game (6th) while the Mavs are averaging 44.6 rebounds per game (11th). The Celtics need to put out extra effort on the boards to keep the Mavs from getting extra possessions and second chance points and to give the same to themselves.
Don’t Underestimate – Once again, the Celtics are facing a team that is under .500 and missing key players. It would be easy for the Celtics to underestimate the Mavericks and expect an easy win against them. If the Celtics don’t play with effort and focus, any team can beat them. The Celtics have to come out strong from the start and play hard right up until the final buzzer. The Mavs are very capable of beating them if they don’t play their best.
Be Aggressive – The Celtics must be the more aggressive team. They have to be more aggressive in going to the basket, in diving for loose balls, and on defense. They have to aggressively crash the boards. They have to be the team that wants to win the game more. In most of their losses, including Wednesday’s loss to the Hornets, they have allowed their opponents to play harder and be more aggressive. They absolutely can’t let the Mavericks play harder than them if they want to win this game.
X-Factors At Home – The Mavericks will be on the road and playing on the second night of back to back games. They will have the distractions of travel and playing in front of a mostly hostile crowd,although I expect a lot of cheers for hometown Cooper Flagg. The Celtics need to get motivation from the home crowd and defend their home court with energy and effort.
The Tatum Factor – With Jayson Tatum expected to make his season debut in this game, the Celtics have to be excited and hopefully that will give them a boost. Whether he comes off the bench or starts, he is likely to be rusty and there will be some growing pains as he gets used to playing and the team gets used to having him back.
Officiating – The officiating can always be an x-factor. Every crew calls the game a little differently and teams need to adjust to how the game is being called. Will they call the game tight or will they let them play? The Celtics can’t let the officiating take away their focus and they have to adjust to the way the refs are calling it. The Celtics need to play hard and build a lead and not allow the refs to take the game away on some bad calls at the end.
MIAMI (AP) — Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery after police say she punched a man in the face at a Miami nightclub.
A four-time WNBA All-Star, Ogunbowale was celebrating early Thursday at the club E11EVEN after winning the Unrivaled championship with the Mist that night. According to Miami-Dade County police records, Ogunbowale punched the man in the face, knocking him to the ground, and security cameras captured the act.
The county corrections department said Ogunbowale has been released from custody.
“The league is aware of an incident involving Arike Ogunbowale and we are in the process of gathering additional information,” Unrivaled spokesperson Tish Carmona said. “We’re in contact with Arike and her representatives.”
The Wings said they were aware of her arrest and “are in the process of gathering more information. Further comments will be provided once we have more details.”
The Associated Press left message seeking comment with Excel Management, which represents Ogunbowale.
Ogunbowale scored 19 points in the title game Wednesday night against the Phantom.
Michael Finley is adamant he’s not a member of the fun police.
Nearly two years after the Mavericks executive was caught on video ripping a celebratory beer away from Luka Doncic following Dallas’ Western Conference Finals victory over the Timberwolves, Finley revealed he was absolutely not attempting to throw a wet blanket on his star’s party.
Luka Doncic and his father, Sasa, after the Dallas Mavericks clinched a spot in the NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/fbqhft2G6B
Finley insisted to 105.3 The Fan on Thursday that he was actually just temporarily holding the beverage for Doncic so the Mavericks’ social media team could snap some photos of the guard following the big May 2024 win.
“This is the God’s honest truth about the beer situation with our former player,” Finley said. “So after the game in Minnesota, we win the Western Conference championship, we’re on our way to the Finals. I leave the court. I see No. 77 standing over there having a beer, and I say, ‘Congratulations, young fella. You definitely deserve that beer.’
“And he’s like, ‘Thanks, Fin. Thanks.’
“I leave him, I go in the locker room, I celebrate with the rest of the team. We’re having a great time. Champagne’s being popped, pictures are being taken, and we’re having a jolly old time.”
During his visit with @OThankKevin and @inthemageors, #Mavs co-interim GM Michael Finley addressed the viral video of him taking a beer from Luka Doncic after Dallas won the Western Conference Finals:
Finley, though, said when he briefly left the locker room, he noticed some of Dallas’ photographers were “frozen” and staring at Doncic — who was traded to the Lakers only a few months after the incident.
“I’m like, ‘What’s going on, guys? What’s wrong?’” he said. “They said, ‘We want to take a picture of Luka and his dad.’ And I said, ‘Well take the picture. What are you — you guys are great at it. Take the picture.’
Luka Doncic and Michael Finley share a moment after the Mavericks win the Western Conference Finals in 2024. NBAE via Getty Images
“They said, ‘But Luka’s holding a beer. He’s drinking a beer.’”
So Finley said he went to grab the cold one so the Mavs could get some content.
“When you watch the video,” Finley explained, “I go, I take the beer, I hug Luka again, and that’s why Luka looked like, ‘Man, what are you doing? We just talked about this and you said it was cool.’
Luka Doncic and his father Sasa embrace, holding the Western Conference Finals trophy in 2024. Getty Images
“I take the beer, he looks at me in an odd way, they take the picture, two minutes later he comes back and I give him the beer and we continue to celebrate our win.”
Finley, a 15-year NBA veteran who’s now the Mavericks’ co-interim general manager, went on to say that as a former player, he wanted Doncic to enjoy every minute of that victory.
“I’ve been there, I’ve done that and I don’t take it for granted,” he said. “And when a guy like Luka, and what he had done for the team that season, that series, he deserved a chance to celebrate.”
“And,” Finley continued, “I gave the beer back. We celebrated in the locker room. We had a great night. Great trip and went on to the Finals. And yeah, that’s the story. That’s the whole truth and nothing but the truth, as they say.”
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DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Hannah Hidalgo scored 25 points, Iyana Moore added 20 points, nine rebounds and three steals, and No. 5 seed Notre Dame beat fourth-seeded N.C. State 81-63 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.
Notre Dame (22-9), which has won seven in a row and nine of 10, plays top-seeded Duke in the semifinals Saturday.
Hildalgo, who also had five rebounds and five assists, has scored at least 25 points in six consecutive games. She made 12 of 20 field goals.
Cassandre Prosper scored 13 points for the Irish.
N.C. State (20-10) had its three-game win streak snapped. Khamil Pierre had 17 points and 14 rebounds — her 21st double-double this season — for the Wolfpack. Murray State's Sharnecce Currie-Jelks leads the nation with 23 double-doubles.
Moore hit a 3-pointer to open the scoring 48 seconds into the game and Notre Dame led the rest of the way. Moore (17) and Hidalgo (16) combined for 33 first-half points on 13-of-24 (54%) shooting — while the rest of the team made just 2 of 10 from the field — as the Irish took a 40-32 lead into the intermission.
Hildalgo converted a three-point play 38 seconds into the third quarter that pushed the lead into double figures for good and sparked a 16-1 run. Prosper, who was scoreless in the first half, scored 11 points in the spurt that gave the Irish a 56-33 lead.
Zamareya Jones had 14 points, Qadence Samuels scored 12 and Zoe Brooks 10 for N.C. State.
Up next
N.C. State: Awaits a likely NCAA Tournament invitation.
