Victor Wembanyama was the first overall pick of the 2023 draft and is a two-time All Star [Getty Images]
Victor Wembanyama enjoyed "one of the best wins" of his career as he helped the San Antonio Spurs make a 25-point comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The French star claimed 27 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs fought back from 75-50 down in the third quarter to win 116-112 on Friday.
The 22-year-old grabbed the go-ahead score with 16 seconds remaining to secure San Antonio's largest comeback of the season and their 14th win from 15 games.
Wembanyama said in a post-game on-court interview that he was "about to pass out. I've got zero left right now".
"That was one of the best wins," he added. "That was one of the best games, best parts of my career, my basketball life."
The Spurs improved to 46-17 and are now 2.5 games behind Western Conference leaders the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Slovenian star Luka Doncic scored 44 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won 128-117 at home to the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers were without LeBron James (elbow, foot) as Doncic scored his 10th 40-point haul of the season, breaking a tie with Minnesota's Anthony Edwards for the most this season.
London-born forward OG Anunoby scored a season-high 34 points as the New York Knicks won 142-103 at the Denver Nuggets.
Denver's star guard Jamal Murray missed the second half after rolling his left ankle when he stepped on team-mate Nikola Jokic's foot.
The Knicks remain third in the Eastern Conference behind the second-placed Boston Celtics, who won 120-100 at home to the Dallas Mavericks as Jayson Tatum played his first game of the season.
The six-time All Star scored 15 points from 27 minutes of action on his return after suffering a ruptured Achilles during last season's play-offs.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 06, 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Jayson Tatum missed his first six shots to begin his long-awaited season debut against the Mavericks on Friday night. Coming back from a nearly 300-day absence triggered a slew of emotions for him, and those began hours before his long-awaited reception at TD Garden.
“I just felt really anxious,” Tatum admitted after Boston’s 120-110 win over the Mavericks. “It’s been a long time coming just to get to this point. Many nights and days, I dreamed about this moment and the anticipation, the crowd. It’s been forty-two and a half weeks since I last played in an NBA game, so I’m just trying to get caught up in the speed and everything. I just kind of felt like I was a step off or moving too fast. But the game started to slow down as I relaxed a little bit.”
Tatum’s mini slump wasn’t long-lasting. It intensified the eagerness that was already brewing amongst fans in attendance. Every shot attempt forced Celtics fans to withhold their cheers and applause, whether it was a mid-range jumper from 19 feet or a one-handed dunk attempt that nearly erupted TD Garden’s crowd. It was only a matter of time before Tatum found his footing, and without a concrete minutes restriction, time was on his side throughout the night.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 6: Jayson Tatum #0 and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics hug during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026 at 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In the second quarter, a missed 3-point attempt from Payton Pritchard unintentionally set Tatum up for a putback dunk to get him on the board for the first time in over nine months. That was all he needed.
From there, Tatum converted his next five shot attempts, two of which were corner 3-pointers over defensive contests from P.J. Washington. Tatum redeemed himself for his cold 0-for-6 start by finishing 6-for-16. He scored 15 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists, notching his first double-double of the season while playing 27 minutes in a successful first appearance back.
Most importantly, Tatum’s performance proved that coexisting with the readjusted Celtics offense isn’t a cause for concern.
“It was a surreal feeling, but then it felt normal,” Tatum said. “So that was really promising for me, not even when the game started. Just driving to the game, starting my routine, doing my pregame shooting. I knew it was a big moment, but everything just started to feel really normal again.”
Before the game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla revealed there would be little to no restrictions applied to Tatum. He wasn’t coming off the bench, and his minutes weren’t being counted. For months, word on the street had been that unless Tatum was 100 percent ready, he wouldn’t be taking the court — and that proved true. Tatum returned with the intention of giving Boston everything and then some. Getting the starting nod was one thing, but logging 27 minutes was another.
Tatum went from surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon last May, to months of recovery, to weeks of ramping up enough to return to NBA action. Throughout that process, he watched the Celtics part ways with a handful of key contributors from the organization’s 2024 championship, only to fill their spots with less-experienced replacements who’ve risen to the occasion. Yet despite it all, Boston hasn’t missed a beat. The team responded to its adversity from the very start, going 41–21 without Tatum and securing a not-too-shabby No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference entering his return.
Getting to rejoin his teammates and contribute was something Tatum didn’t take for granted.
“I had a real sense of gratitude for just being back on the floor and playing basketball again,” Tatum said.
Tatum opened up about the reality of undergoing rehab and its long, grueling journey. While his teammates were practicing, playing, and improving together as the season progressed, Tatum was in the shadows fulfilling his obligations as a one-man crew. That wasn’t easy.
“Going through rehab and being injured is lonely — and it’s not intentional,” Tatum shared. “I couldn’t practice for a while. I couldn’t be in the game. When they were on the court, I was in the weight room, having to do my own thing. So you feel isolated in a sense. I just expressed that being around as much as possible — going to games, being on the plane — really made me feel like I was still very much a part of the team.”
Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 24 points in the win, while Derrick White pitched in with 20, followed by Pritchard’s 18 off the bench. Had Tatum converted on just half of his missed attempts, he would’ve finished with 20 points as well — further proving there’s no legitimate concern about his fit in the offense.
Even when he wasn’t scoring, Tatum found ways to impact the offense, and Mazzulla noticed that.
“What I liked was his approach,” Mazzulla said. “… I think he had two assists, three rebounds before he even took his first shot. So I think the playmaking, but also a steady balance of the things of the process of what we need to do to win, and I thought he attacked that well tonight.”
Tatum helped empower the offense — 48 hours after being held to 89 points in a loss to the Hornets — to the point where Mazzulla was able to pull him and the rest of the starters with five minutes remaining. With a 23-point lead in hand, Mazzulla unloaded the bench, embraced Tatum on the sidelines, and waited for the final seconds to wind down before the traditional “Gino Time” celebration played on the video board.
It wasn’t the first time Tatum had heard “Gino Time” play during a Celtics victory lap this season, but it was the first time he’d been part of it since last year. He credited everyone involved for helping the team reach such heights by the time of his return.
“Obviously, the team looks totally different than it did last year,” Tatum said. “But I can’t commend the group enough and the coaching staff for how they’ve attacked this season, how they’ve competed and played together every single night. I don’t know if there’s a team that’s been more fun to watch this season play as a unit.”
DENVER — Pacôme Dadiet, the 2024 first-round pick who has spent much of this season in the G-League, finally took advantage of his NBA opportunity in Friday’s 142-103 Knicks win over the Nuggets.
The 20-year-old Frenchman went off for 11 points in just nine minutes of garbage time, helping send the Nuggets to their worst home loss since 1998 against Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
It was a career high in points for Dadiet, who shot 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Pacôme Dadiet, who scored 11 points in garbage time, hits a 3-pointer during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 142-103 blowout win over the Nuggets in Denver on March 6, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“He’s been playing well in the G-League and shooting the mess out of it,” coach Mike Brown said. “And he’s got great size. He’s young. And we want him to keep growing and developing. Anytime young guys like that see the ball go in and do those things on the floor in an NBA game, it helps with the belief. It helps not only in them believing and their confidence level going up, but also their teammates, too.”
Dadiet hadn’t played since Feb. 8 and never scored more than five points this season before Friday.
“It definitely feels good. Every time I go out there, I try to go out with confidence,” Dadiet said. “Because I know I’m not going to get that much time. So I’ve been working with the G-League team to get some reps and it definitely feels good.”
Josh Hart, an enthusiastic Yankees fan despite growing up in the D.C. area, will get his own bobblehead in The Bronx.
The Yankees announced Friday that Sept. 25 against the Orioles is Josh Hart Bobblehead Night, with the first 18,000 fans receiving his mini figure that is holding a bat in his left hand, a basketball in his right.
“I can’t wait for it. Obviously I love my Yanks,” Hart said Friday. “So being able to do that is super cool. I’m super excited when that opportunity came to us. And we really jumped on it.”
Josh Hart gestures to the bench after hitting a 3-pointer in the Knicks’ road win over the Nuggets. AP
Hart is the grand-nephew of Yankees legendary catcher Elston Howard. He wore Howard’s No. 32 jersey while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Yankees game in September 2024.
This year, Hart’s bobblehead giveaway is the day before CC Sabathia’s jersey is retired at Yankee Stadium.
“It’s my first bobblehead doll ever,” Hart said. “So good vibes.”
If not for the controversial no-call in Wednesday’s loss to the Thunder, Jalen Brunson would’ve collected a career-best four charges drawn in one game.
But the refs swallowed their whistles in the first quarter — when Shai-Gilgeous Alexander appeared to charge into Brunson on a drive for what would’ve been his third foul — and the Knicks point guard finished the night with three charges drawn.
“Hopefully, there’s another opportunity to break the record,” Brunson said.
The official NBA referee X account defended the non-call, saying, “Brunson does not give Gilgeous-Alexander an opportunity to avoid contact.”
Brunson said Friday he didn’t see that post.
Either way, the point guard entered Friday leading the NBA in charges drawn with 25.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Jarred Vanderbilt #2, Jaxson Hayes #11, Luka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers laugh during the game against the Indiana Pacerson March 6, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — In the first leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back, they came out and were totally dominated by Denver. The Nuggets jumped out to an 11-0 run and never relinquished the lead.
Luka usually starts games strong. He leads the league in first-quarter points with 11.7 per game. Against the Pacers, he took his aggression to another level.
He started his offensive onslaught with a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer from the wing. Later in the period, he converted again from the same spot.
Dončić was feeling it from deep, and the hot streak never ended in the first quarter. He went a perfect 5-5 from deep.
His final 3-point attempt during the opening period was, arguably, his most impressive. Luka waited until the shot clock wound down and then took a highly contested three from the very top of the key.
While this is a bad shot for most, Luka made it look routine. The ball swished through the net, the crowd roared, and Dončić grinned, pointing to some fans courtside who were marveling at his greatness.
“I mean, some ridiculous shot making,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. “And a lot of ridiculous shot making against really, really good defenders. I think he just really imposed his will and took control of the game early and gave us a cushion.”
Luka ended the frame with a whopping 22 points. This was the fifth time this season that he had at least 20 after 12 minutes of play. Considering that they were missing two starters, Austin Reaves was struggling and the Lakers were coming off a tough loss, every point on Friday night was necessary.
With Luka Doncic’s 22 points in the 1st quarter tonight, he’s scored 20+ points in the 1st Q five times this season, the most by any player in a season since play-by-play was first tracked in 1996-97 (via @StatsWilliams)
“I think when you see a guy like him, kind of getting into his spots, hitting his shots, it definitely just brings a different level to our group,” Luke Kennard said.
While Luka’s offense constantly receives adulation, his defensive moments often go unnoticed. Against the Pacers, those defensive plays were loud.
In the first quarter, Luka was running all over the court, helping on the weak side, grabbing defensive rebounds, and matching the Pacers’ physicality.
He blocked Pascal Siakam when he tried to attack him one-on-one, and then at the 6:47 mark, he intercepted a pass from Siakam as he tried to get the Pacers out in transition.
Luka turned that defense into offense by going coast-to-coast with the ball and scoring on the other end.
“Yeah, I know people are not going to talk about it ever,” Luka said regarding his defensive highlights. “So, I just try to do my job, try to be more aggressive, be more engaged. So, just trying to do better on the defensive end.”
Thanks to Dončić’s efforts, the Lakers were in front 35-27 at the end of the first. From that point forward, the Lakers never looked back. They never trailed again, and the lead grew to as much as 24 points.
Due to Luka’s first-quarter play, he got to rest the entire fourth. An important and beneficial thing, considering the Lakers have a slew of tough games ahead during this homestand.
Luka won’t always reach this level of excellence to start a game, but the Lakers needed it in this contest and he delivered. It’s the fact that he can do it at all that makes him such a special player.
And it’s why, pregame, his former head coach, current coach of the Pacers, Rick Carlisle, gave him the highest of praise.
“He’s the greatest player I’ve ever coached,” Carlisle said.
That’s high praise from a coach who won a title with Dirk Nowitzki. But as Luka showed on Friday night, he is that good, and once he starts hanging banners at Crypto.com Arena, that quote will be the consensus among basketball aficionados.
PERTH, Australia (AP) — Taiwan defeated Vietnam 1-0 on Saturday to move into second place in Group C at the Women’s Asian Cup with one match remaining.
Su Yu-hsuan scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute after Saki Matsunaga’s shot hit the crossbar, leaving Su to nod the rebound into an empty net for the team which won the last of its three Asian Cup titles in 1981.
It was a deserved victory for Taiwan, 2-0 losers to Japan on Wednesday, which created several chances to extend its lead.
Vietnam, the 2022 quarterfinalist, beat India in its opener but struggled to threaten the Taiwan defense and failed to record a shot on target. Thi Duyen Tran came closest with a first-half chance that went wide from inside the area.
Both teams now have three points from two games. Taiwan sits ahead of Vietnam and behind Japan, which faced India later Saturday. India is still seeking its first point in the tournament.
Record attendance continues
Australian organizers said Saturday that the tournament had sold 250,000 tickets. The milestone follows the tournament already breaking the all-time total attendance record, with 92,795 fans at the first 10 matches.
That surpassed the previous record of 59,910 for the 2010 edition in China.
State of play
The top two teams in each of the three groups advance to the quarterfinals along with the two best third-place teams.
In Group A, Australia, which beat Iran 4-0 on Thursday, and South Korea have already qualified. Australia and South Korea will meet in Sydney on Sunday to determine top spot in the group, where another record crowd is expected.
After back-to-back losses, Iran needs a big win over the Philippines (0-2) on Sunday to have any chance of advancing to the quarterfinals and qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
In Group B, defending champions China and three-time winners North Korea are through to the quarterfinals after their second consecutive wins in group matches Friday. In opening matches on Tuesday, Myong Yu Jong had a first-half hat trick in North Korea’s 3-0 win over Uzbekistan and China beat Bangladesh 2-0.
Group B play concludes Monday in Sydney when North Korea plays China in a match that will decide first place in the group, and Bangladesh takes on Uzbekistan.
Indiana Pacers (15-48, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (30-34, 10th in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Indiana is looking to stop its eight-game slide with a win against Portland.
The Trail Blazers have gone 16-15 at home. Portland ranks eighth in the league with 45.7 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.5.
The Pacers are 5-26 on the road. Indiana is 6-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.0% from the field this season, 4.0 percentage points lower than the 49.0% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers average 111.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 118.1 the Trail Blazers give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is shooting 46.3% and averaging 24.4 points for the Trail Blazers. Jrue Holiday is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Jarace Walker is scoring 11.1 points per game and averaging 5.0 rebounds for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 109.6 points, 44.7 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 8.9 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points per game.
Pacers: 2-8, averaging 115.8 points, 40.1 rebounds, 29.3 assists, 7.6 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.2 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Kris Murray: day to day (illness), Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Pacers: Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New York Knicks (41-23, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (38-25, sixth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts the New York Knicks after Luka Doncic scored 44 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 128-117 win against the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers have gone 19-12 at home. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.6 points per game in the paint led by LeBron James averaging 11.2.
The Knicks are 18-14 on the road. New York scores 117.2 points and has outscored opponents by 6.6 points per game.
The Lakers make 49.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 4.2 percentage points higher than the Knicks have allowed to their opponents (45.7%). The Knicks are shooting 47.3% from the field, 1.1% lower than the 48.4% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Knicks won the last meeting 112-100 on Feb. 2, with OG Anunoby scoring 25 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 17.4 points over the last 10 games.
Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 19.7 points per game and averaging 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. Anunoby is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 116.5 points, 40.0 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game.
Knicks: 7-3, averaging 115.0 points, 45.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 9.5 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 101.7 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: LeBron James: out (elbow), Maxi Kleber: out (back), Deandre Ayton: out (knee).
Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 5: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game on March 5, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors just beat the Houston Rockets in overtime, and the most interesting thing about it isn’t the win. It’s who won it.
And last night there was no *takes a deep breath* StephJimmyKristapsMoses. This was Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos and De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford and Draymond Green walking into Toyota Center shorthanded, undermanned, and completely unbothered. Against the team they had humiliated in a first round upset last year, after humiliating them throughout the entire James Harden era.
And when you really sit with that, a question starts forming that is bigger than one game: who exactly are the Golden State Warriors winning with? And the answer is directly connected to who they’ve decided they can win without.
I feel fairly confident to say nobody understands that better than Kevin Durant, who has spent the better part of a decade serving as one of the most transformative figures in Warriors history.
Think about everything he gave this franchise in that jersey! He arrived in 2016 as the most audacious free agent signing in NBA history and immediately made Golden State into something the league had never seen before: the league’s version of a flying death machine. He willed the Warriors two championships and won back-to-back Finals MVP’s by burying the LeBron James “Cleveland This is For You!” era Cavaliers deep under Oracle Arena where their souls will forever rest. KD had nights with the Warriors where he was so good it felt unfair to even watch. I owe much of my satisfaction in journalism to covering the Warriors at their absolute apex when KD and those monsters were going from city to city either converting stunned enemy fans to join Dub Nation or embarrassing them into submission. The day they unveil his statue in deep East Oakland (he never played in San Francisco as a Warrior) I will be there in the front row, clapping and selling mixtapes.
But most importantly, let’s never forget that off the court Durant poured himself into the Bay Area community with the kind of generosity that doesn’t make headlines because it isn’t performed for cameras. I truly believe Kevin Durant loved this place, and this place loved him back, and that will never change. Never forget he literally helped build Chase Center with his bare hands.
But here is the thing about KD and the Warriors. His relationship to helping the Warriors win spans cities, jerseys, and even a full decade of time. Was it not 10 years ago that KD helped the Dubs win what the NBA called The Greatest Regular Season Game ever, also known as the Double Bang Game? KD stepped up for the Dubs in the clutch: with 14 seconds left and Oklahoma City clinging to a tiny lead, he threw a prayer to half court that Golden State intercepted. Then he fouled Iguodala, who swished the ensuing free throws with ease to send the game into overtime. Then Durant fouled out in OT, which as Draymond alluded to in the documentary, basically guaranteed the Thunder were going to lose. TO THE VIEWING GLOBE:
But on Thursday did you see the Durantula try to dagger De’Anthony Melton with one of those cold blooded three-point shot attempts that only he has mastered? With the game on the line? Man, it was one of those insane deep launches he does where it doesn’t matter who is in his face. He’s the 7-foot superhuman who catapults the ball from an unblockable height, and you just gotta hold your breath as it hurtles toward the inevitable bottom of the basket. It’s basically unguardable; ask Cleveland.
This time though thankfully Melton fouled him and knocked off the trajectory of the potentially tying shot, sending KD aka Slim Reaper to the charity stripe, down three points at home. He sank the first, splashed the second. The score, 113-112 Warriors. Next FT ties. Kevin rimmed out the tying free throw attempt and the Warriors recovered.
The gasp from the crowd signified in their heart of hearts it wasn’t just a missed free throw to tie the game. Nooo no this was the latest bit of proof that apparently the Houston Rockets just don’t deserve to beat the Dubs as long as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr are breathing air.
The Warriors had their signature win of the season, wounded and in enemy territory against a franchise that truly has severe GSW related trauma. And that hometeam was led by the superstar who left Golden State in the middle of a dynasty.
This game wasn’t supposed to go Golden State’s way on paper. Those Bay Bandits have a crazy confidence despite their multitude of problematic injuries. Was it a bit of that confidence behind what led Draymond years ago to tell Durant: “We don’t need you. We won without you”?
Let me jump into my Lay-Z-Boy and activate armchair psychology. If I may presume: Draymond was really articulating the deepest truth about what Golden State has always been. Strength In Numbers isn’t just a cute, catchy slogan!
It’s a philosophy fueled by magic, sparked by Stephen Curry’s greatness, grounded in a gritty brotherhood of competitive ballers, and elevated by Steve Kerr’s experience in building systems that strive to make every player their best for the team. If you believe in this brand of basketball, in a perfect world the Warriors don’t need any single player to be the answer. They need everyone to be part of it.
But ain’t it nice when somebody just takes over though? Paging the young guard Podz. Brandin Podziemski played 40 minutes, scored 26 points, hauled in 9 rebounds, and made the go-ahead three in overtime when the Rockets were breathing down their necks. That’s “Put Some Respect On My Name” activity from a hooper who is maximizing every second of Stephen Curry’s rehab process. The effort on the boards is what really stands out; a guard consistently rebounding like this has a chip on his shoulder. You can’t teach effort.
And who gave more effort than Gui Santos who logged 42 minutes at a +20, finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. During this overtime battle in Houston he gave another indicator that he can become everything this organization hoped a wing in their system would be, the Iguodalian swiss army knife who makes the right play so quietly and consistently that you only notice him when you check the box score after and wonder how that happened.
De’Anthony Melton, fresh off an ACL recovery, goes 10-for-22 from the field, adds 3 steals and 2 blocks, and tips in the winning bucket late because he’s perpetually standing on business. The front office made a solid move in picking up Melton, who is serving up absolute filth on anyone unlucky enough to catch him on an island. Melton’s post-injury confidence level is apparent in every cobra-like step he takes towards his defender, getting around them or through them repeatedly with a nonchalance that lets them know it’s not gonna quit.
Also give a shout out to Al Horford, roughly as old as me, killing them for 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting including three from deep, and hits the cold-blooded basket late that took the air out of Toyota Center. When I look at Al I think of everyone I balled in high school with; Horford carries the legacy on for us who came of age when Facebook came out and MySpace was cooking.
And Draymond Green finishes with 10 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and a +12 in 35 minutes, orchestrating all of it, scratching and clawing and refusing to let this group believe for a single second that losing is an option. This team, even without their most potent players, are learning how to grow from survival to revival. We know Steph Curry is still the load-bearing wall of this entire structure. He has missed over a month of games with a knee injury. Next to him in the training room is Porzingis who is a 7-foot-3 monster waiting to return, and need I remind you that sharpshooter Moses Moody is really becoming a thing? The pieces are gathering.
“We’re a championship organization and there’s a standard. You have to play hard.”
Draymond Green on why the Warriors, undermanned as they are, refuse to roll over against stronger opponents. pic.twitter.com/WiH7hq1Bau
So yes, Kevin Durant helped the Warriors win again last night, which at this point is less surprising than it should be. But the real story is the answer to the question that opened this whole thing.
Who are the Warriors winning with? These guys. Right here. Right now.
They believe. Imagine what they are capable of if the stars align. Just ask the Rockets.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 6: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after putting his team ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For much of the night, it felt like the San Antonio Spurs were simply trying to survive. Shots weren’t falling. The defense was a step slow. And the Los Angeles Clippers looked firmly in control, building a lead that swelled to 25 points and silencing the home crowd.
But basketball games, especially ones involving this young Spurs team, have a way of turning quickly.
What started as a frustrating night slowly transformed into one of the wildest comebacks of the season. By the final buzzer, the Spurs had erased that massive deficit and stunned the Clippers with a 116-112 victory Friday night, sending the crowd at the Frost Bank Center into a frenzy.
Early on, the Clippers dictated everything. Los Angeles carved up San Antonio’s defense with ease, knocking down open shots and controlling the pace. The Spurs struggled to find any offensive rhythm, missing open looks and committing turnovers that only fueled the Clippers’ transition attack. By the second quarter, the scoreboard told the story: a growing Clippers lead that eventually turned into a 20-point lead at halftime.
The Spurs looked flat. The Clippers looked comfortable as the third quarter began and Los Angeles’ lead swelled to 25 points.
And yet, the game was far from over.
“We weren’t at our best,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “You probably would have not ever booked that or stamped out for your perfect execution in that moment. And sometimes you just need the wherewithal and the fight and that thing in there to finish the job.”
The shift began quietly. San Antonio came out of the locker room with renewed energy, pushing the tempo and attacking the rim. The biggest jolt came from Julian Champagnie, who suddenly caught fire. Champagnie buried jumpers, attacked the basket, and delivered a flurry of points that quickly chipped away at the deficit. Possession by possession, the Spurs clawed back.
“I always say this, and we always say it, and I don’t want the fans or anybody to think that we say this because we have to, because we don’t, but I genuinely think that we have the best fans in the NBA,” said Champagnie, who credited the fans with fueling their comeback.
The crowd, once restless, began to believe. By the end of the third quarter, the once massive Clippers lead had shrunk dramatically down to 11 points, and the building was alive again. With momentum fully on their side, the Spurs turned to their star. Victor Wembanyama controlled the game in the fourth quarter, impacting nearly every possession. He altered shots at the rim, grabbed key rebounds, and delivered timely scoring when San Antonio needed it most.
Then came the moment that sealed it.
With the game hanging in the balance, Wembanyama slipped away on the break, took a pass from De’Aaron Fox, and hammered home a dunk that pushed the Spurs ahead in the closing seconds. The arena erupted as San Antonio completed the improbable comeback.
“The best thing that I see is that nobody gives up on anything or anybody,” Wembanyama said. “Everybody gets everybody’s back. That’s why I have blind trust in these guys. I love them so much.”
The Clippers had one last chance, but the Spurs’ defense slammed the door shut. What began as a nightmare turned into a statement win. The Spurs didn’t just survive a rough start; they erased a 25-point deficit and outplayed a veteran Clippers team down the stretch. It was a performance fueled by resilience, grit, and the growing confidence of a young roster learning how to close games.
“That was one of the best games of my basketball life,” Wembanyama said. “That was the best 30 hours of basketball in my life.”
For the fans inside the arena, it was a night that felt impossible just a few hours earlier.
For the Spurs, it was proof that no deficit is too big — and no game is truly out of reach.
Game Notes
Carter Bryant may have just secured himself a spot in the rotation in the NBA Playoffs. The box score may show just five points, but his impact on both ends showed how valuable he is. He had a huge block in the third quarter and an alley oop slam that fueled the fans and pumped up his team. “I give him a lot of credit tonight. I don’t think we win this game without him,” Champagnie said of the rookie.
This might make me very unpopular, but can we stop booing Kawhi Leonard? It’s been eight years. Yes, I understand what he did hurt, and it’s the reason for the rebuild. But he’s also a reason why the Spurs are in the position they are in now. If he did not leave, the Spurs don’t get Wemby, and who knows what today would look like. Just food for thought.
Mitch Johnson’s decision to go small in the third quarter was scary, but it worked. It shows when the Spurs are on fire, nothing is impossible. In that moment, speed, pace, and defense mattered. He forced Brook Lopez to beat them, and the plan worked.
Fans may give De’Aaron Fox crap for what they feel isn’t “living up to his contract” but his fourth quarter proves why the Spurs brought him over in a trade last season. He scored 10 of his 19 points in the final frame, six assists and no turnovers. “He took over the game in terms of how he was managing and dictating,” Johnson said.
Boston Celtics (42-21, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (39-24, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland hosts Boston looking to prolong its seven-game home winning streak.
The Cavaliers have gone 25-15 against Eastern Conference teams. Cleveland ranks eighth in the NBA with 28.4 assists per game. James Harden leads the Cavaliers averaging 8.1.
The Celtics are 27-14 in conference matchups. Boston is at the bottom of the NBA scoring 11.7 fast break points per game.
The 119.1 points per game the Cavaliers average are 12.1 more points than the Celtics allow (107.0). The Celtics average 114.5 points per game, 0.4 fewer than the 114.9 the Cavaliers allow.
The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Nov. 30 the Celtics won 117-115 led by 42 points from Payton Pritchard, while Evan Mobley scored 27 points for the Cavaliers.
TOP PERFORMERS: Donovan Mitchell is shooting 48.3% and averaging 28.5 points for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Jaylen Brown is scoring 28.8 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 17.3 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 41.3% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 116.3 points, 43.4 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points per game.
Celtics: 8-2, averaging 111.6 points, 51.6 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 5.7 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.6 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell: day to day (groin), Max Strus: out (foot), Dean Wade: day to day (ankle), Jarrett Allen: day to day (knee).
Celtics: Nikola Vucevic: day to day (finger), Jordan Walsh: day to day (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (26-37, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (14-50, 15th in the Western Conference)
Sacramento, California; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento aims to end its three-game skid when the Kings play Chicago.
The Kings are 9-22 in home games. Sacramento ranks last in the Western Conference shooting 33.4% from 3-point range.
The Bulls are 10-19 on the road. Chicago is ninth in the NBA with 44.7 rebounds per game led by Jalen Smith averaging 7.0.
The Kings average 10.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.9 fewer makes per game than the Bulls allow (13.9). The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the Kings allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. In the last meeting on Oct. 30 the Bulls won 126-113 led by 27 points from Matas Buzelis, while Zach LaVine scored 30 points for the Kings.
TOP PERFORMERS: DeMar DeRozan is averaging 18.2 points and 3.9 assists for the Kings. Malik Monk is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Josh Giddey is scoring 17.7 points per game and averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Bulls. Buzelis is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 2-8, averaging 108.3 points, 44.3 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.9 points per game.
Bulls: 2-8, averaging 107.4 points, 43.6 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.6 points.
INJURIES: Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Dylan Cardwell: out (ankle), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Keegan Murray: out (ankle).
Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Josh Giddey: day to day (ankle), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Matas Buzelis: day to day (ankle), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Patrick Williams: day to day (quadriceps), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Houston Rockets (39-23, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (46-17, second in the Western Conference)
San Antonio; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio heads into a matchup against Houston as winners of three consecutive games.
The Spurs have gone 10-3 against division opponents. San Antonio ranks seventh in the league allowing only 111.4 points per game while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.
The Rockets are 6-5 against division opponents. Houston ranks third in the Western Conference shooting 36.9% from 3-point range.
The Spurs average 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 more made shot on average than the 12.3 per game the Rockets allow. The Rockets average 114.5 points per game, 3.1 more than the 111.4 the Spurs allow.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 111-99 on Jan. 29, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 28 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wembanyama is scoring 23.8 points per game with 11.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Spurs. De'Aaron Fox is averaging 17.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 50.7% over the past 10 games.
Kevin Durant is scoring 26.1 points per game and averaging 5.5 rebounds for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 4.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 119.3 points, 46.6 rebounds, 30.7 assists, 7.7 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.2 points per game.
Rockets: 6-4, averaging 112.6 points, 46.5 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.2 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.1 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Harrison Barnes: out (ankle), Mason Plumlee: out (reconditioning).
Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: out (knee), Jabari Smith Jr.: day to day (ankle), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Memphis hosts Los Angeles looking to break its three-game home losing streak.
The Grizzlies are 18-25 in Western Conference games. Memphis averages 14.7 turnovers per game and is 12-16 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents.
The Clippers are 19-19 against conference opponents. Los Angeles ranks fourth in the Western Conference shooting 36.1% from 3-point range.
The Grizzlies average 115.6 points per game, 3.5 more points than the 112.1 the Clippers give up. The Clippers are shooting 48.1% from the field, 0.9% higher than the 47.2% the Grizzlies' opponents have shot this season.
The two teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers 121-103 in their last meeting on Dec. 16. Cam Spencer led the Grizzlies with 27 points, and Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 21 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cedric Coward is averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 17.0 points over the last 10 games.
Leonard is averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and two steals for the Clippers. Brook Lopez is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 117.1 points, 37.1 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 12.4 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.2 points per game.
Clippers: 5-5, averaging 112.7 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.9 points.
INJURIES: Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: out (injury management), Taj Gibson: out (reconditioning), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), John Collins: out (arm), Darius Garland: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Charlotte Hornets (32-32, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (36-27, seventh in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Sunday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte hits the road against Phoenix aiming to prolong its 10-game road winning streak.
The Suns are 21-13 in home games. Phoenix is 7-7 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Hornets are 18-15 in road games. Charlotte is fifth in the Eastern Conference allowing only 112.5 points while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting.
The Suns average 14.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Hornets give up. The Hornets average 5.0 more points per game (116.2) than the Suns give up to opponents (111.2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Devin Booker is averaging 24.8 points and six assists for the Suns. Collin Gillespie is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Hornets. LaMelo Ball is averaging 4.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 5-5, averaging 104.2 points, 46.1 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 41.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points per game.
Hornets: 7-3, averaging 118.1 points, 48.1 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.0 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot).
Hornets: Tidjane Salaun: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (16-46, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (20-45, 13th in the Western Conference)
New Orleans; Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Washington comes into the matchup against New Orleans after losing seven straight games.
The Pelicans are 11-21 in home games. New Orleans leads the NBA with 57.5 points in the paint. Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans averaging 15.8.
The Wizards are 5-24 on the road. Washington averages 15.1 turnovers per game and is 9-9 when committing fewer turnovers than opponents.
The Pelicans are shooting 46.3% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 47.9% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 112.2 points per game, 8.0 fewer points than the 120.2 the Pelicans allow.
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Pelicans defeated the Wizards 128-107 in their last meeting on Jan. 10. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 35 points, and Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 15 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derik Queen is shooting 48.3% and averaging 11.9 points for the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey is averaging 21.1 points over the last 10 games.
George is scoring 14.8 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Wizards. Bilal Coulibaly is averaging 13.3 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50.0% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 117.9 points, 45.9 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.3 points per game.
Wizards: 2-8, averaging 112.6 points, 40.3 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 9.3 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.0 points.
INJURIES: Pelicans: None listed.
Wizards: Jamir Watkins: day to day (foot), Anthony Davis: out (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (thigh), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Kyshawn George: day to day (elbow), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (not injury related), Alex Sarr: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
