BOTTOM LINE: New York is looking to prolong its five-game win streak with a victory against Washington.
The Knicks are 30-15 in Eastern Conference games. New York is 20-19 against opponents over .500.
The Wizards are 11-33 in Eastern Conference play. Washington is 4-36 against opponents over .500.
The Knicks are shooting 47.3% from the field this season, 0.7 percentage points lower than the 48.0% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Wizards are shooting 46.0% from the field, 0.3% higher than the 45.7% the Knicks' opponents have shot this season.
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Knicks won 132-101 in the last meeting on Feb. 4. Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 23 points, and Will Riley led the Wizards with 17 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Brunson is averaging 26.2 points and 6.6 assists for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 20.3 points over the last 10 games.
Alex Sarr is averaging 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and two blocks for the Wizards. Tre Johnson is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 7-3, averaging 114.2 points, 48.2 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.5 points per game.
Wizards: 0-10, averaging 113.9 points, 38.8 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 128.7 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: Landry Shamet: out (knee), Miles McBride: out (ankle), Josh Hart: day to day (knee).
Wizards: Anthony Davis: out (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Leaky Black: day to day (ankle), Tre Johnson: day to day (foot), Kyshawn George: out (elbow), D'Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Trae Young: out (quad).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Oklahoma City Thunder (56-15, first in the Western Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (39-32, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Philadelphia; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City visits the Philadelphia 76ers after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the Thunder's 132-111 victory over the Washington Wizards.
The 76ers have gone 20-16 in home games. Philadelphia ranks ninth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding averaging 43.4 rebounds. Andre Drummond leads the 76ers with 8.7 boards.
The Thunder have gone 27-8 away from home. Oklahoma City ranks fourth in the league with 34.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Chet Holmgren averaging 7.1.
The 76ers make 46.0% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.6 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.4%). The Thunder average 13.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than the 76ers allow.
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Thunder defeated the 76ers 129-104 in their last meeting on Dec. 28. Holmgren led the Thunder with 29 points, and Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Quentin Grimes is shooting 45.1% and averaging 13.9 points for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 13.4 points over the last 10 games.
Gilgeous-Alexander is scoring 31.6 points per game with 4.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists for the Thunder. Holmgren is averaging 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 55.8% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 6-4, averaging 114.5 points, 44.1 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 8.9 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.0 points per game.
Thunder: 10-0, averaging 113.8 points, 45.0 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.4 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: Tyrese Maxey: out (finger), Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique), Kelly Oubre Jr.: out (elbow).
Thunder: Branden Carlson: day to day (back), Jalen Williams: day to day (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Luguentz Dort: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Golden State Warriors (33-38, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (23-48, 13th in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Monday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas looks to end its three-game losing streak when the Mavericks take on Golden State.
The Mavericks have gone 12-31 against Western Conference opponents. Dallas is fourth in the league with 53.4 points in the paint led by Cooper Flagg averaging 11.2.
The Warriors are 22-22 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State ranks second in the Western Conference with 28.9 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 5.3.
The Mavericks average 10.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 fewer makes per game than the Warriors give up (12.6). The Warriors are shooting 45.9% from the field, 1.6% lower than the 47.5% the Mavericks' opponents have shot this season.
The teams meet for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 23 the Mavericks won 123-115 led by 30 points from Naji Marshall, while Stephen Curry scored 38 points for the Warriors.
TOP PERFORMERS: Flagg is averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Mavericks. Marshall is averaging 15.2 points over the last 10 games.
Green is scoring 8.5 points per game and averaging 5.6 rebounds for the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 113.5 points, 46.4 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.7 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.3 points per game.
Warriors: 2-8, averaging 111.1 points, 40.9 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 9.5 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.1 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Caleb Martin: out (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Brandon Williams: out (concussion protocol).
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis: out (back), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Seth Curry: out (adductor), Al Horford: out (calf), Gary Payton II: out (knee), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Moses Moody: out (wrist).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Indiana Pacers (15-56, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (38-32, eighth in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Orlando will try to end its four-game losing streak when the Magic take on Indiana.
The Magic have gone 24-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Orlando ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference in team defense, giving up only 114.3 points while holding opponents to 47.3% shooting.
The Pacers are 11-33 in Eastern Conference play. Indiana has a 6-5 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Magic are shooting 46.2% from the field this season, 2.9 percentage points lower than the 49.1% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers average 111.4 points per game, 2.9 fewer than the 114.3 the Magic give up to opponents.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Magic won the last meeting 135-127 on Jan. 4, with Desmond Bane scoring 31 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wendell Carter Jr. is scoring 11.8 points per game and averaging 7.6 rebounds for the Magic. Paolo Banchero is averaging 23.0 points and 8.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Andrew Nembhard is averaging 17.2 points and 7.2 assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker is averaging 14.0 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 6-4, averaging 118.4 points, 45.1 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 9.0 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.9 points per game.
Pacers: 0-10, averaging 111.5 points, 38.7 rebounds, 29.5 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.8 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Anthony Black: out (abdomen), Jonathan Isaac: out (knee).
Pacers: Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out for season (rib), 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.
PORTLAND, OR — Do you know that feeling when trying on clothes and physically, it fits, but really it doesn’t?
There’s just something off. Maybe it doesn’t look good. Maybe it’s not the right style. Maybe there really isn’t a reason, other than it just isn’t right.
A spectacle that is built on chaos hasn’t had much of it, with the 2026 edition producing just four double-digit first round winners. Only one of them is moving onto the Sweet 16, meaning we’ll get a single Cinderella.
And who will be the lucky one riding the carriage? Texas?
Oh, that’s no Cinderella.
In March Madness, one size does not in fact fit all.
“I don't think we ever really want to sign up to be the Cinderella story,” said Texas coach Sean Miller. “Because we are the University of Texas.”
It’s a puzzling juxtaposition: the tournament always calls for an underdog to root for, but you can’t be much of one when you – checks notes – recorded $331.9 million in operating revenues and $325 million in operating expenses in the 2024 fiscal year.
Even though this was its 11th NCAA Tournament win as a double-digit seed, Texas is so far from a Cinderella, one could argue it’s the evil stepsister.
To their credit, the Longhorns tried to not be one. They just weren’t really successful at it. Sure it had some notable wins but it also: lost to Duke in the season opener, finished sixth in a not-so-loaded Maui Invitational, had a 8-9 Quad 1 record to go along with 1-4 Quad 2 mark and a Quad 3 loss.
“In some ways, the first couple of months of our season were very much a work in progress,” Miller said.
Texas limped into the tournament with a three-game losing streak that pushed them into having to play in the First Four. Not ideal, but it did something that you never want to give teams with potential: an opportunity.
“We had a players-only meeting, and we just talked about that we just needed a chance,” said Texas guard Dailyn Swain.
A chance Texas has taken full advantage of. The Longhorns edged NC State in the First Four, completely outperformed AJ Dybantsa and BYU in the first round and on Saturday night in Portland, were one step ahead of a veteran Gonzaga squad playing in its own backyard.
It’s not so much a Cinderella, but a team playing up to the capabilities and expectations set on them. It just so happens there’s a little No. 11 right next to their name.
“We're all adults here in this room,” said Gonzaga coach Mark Few. “Some of these monikers we put on everybody from Cinderella to blue bloods and all that, I have a hell of a time understanding it. I mean, they make literally no sense.
“That is not a Cinderella team. That's a really talented basketball team with a really, really, really good coach, that has incredible resources and has a great history of doing great things in the tournament. That's just a 11-seed that had some tough losses during the year,” he added.
The result might say something larger about the state of Cinderellas. This will now be back-to-back years without them.
Yes, Texas ensures that there will be a double-digit seed in the Sweet 16, which has happened in every tournament except 2007 since expanding in 1985. But last year’s representative was Arkansas, a program that threw $7 million at John Calipari to get him to leave Kentucky. The one before that barely counts because at the end of the day, NC State is an ACC team with a rich history.
While we frantically wonder if the mid-majors are truly toast from making deep runs in the Big Dance, you do have to give Texas credit. The expectation isn’t for Texas to lose 14 games in a season, but it is expected to do exactly what it’s doing right now. This is not the same team that lost five of its last six games heading into Selection Sunday.
Jordan Pope is playing like the elite guard expected when he transferred from Oregon State in 2024. Matas Vokietaitis is completely commanding the interior, dominating any big man that dares get in his way. Sean Miller is showing why this will be ninth Sweet 16 trip, deciding to put in Camden Heide to hit the 3-point dagger against the Bulldogs. This looks like a real SEC contender.
The road to it wasn’t pretty, and that’s what makes Texas a great story. It figured it out at the right time when a lot of people counted them out. It makes them easy to root for. The Longhorns should celebrate this and have the mindset of a giant slayer when it arrives at the Sweet 16.
They have all the makings of it, but still, don’t try to fit the glass slipper on Bevo.
“Sometimes the lessons you've learned along the way strengthen you. We're a much better team right now than we would have been a month ago. I think we're playing our best, everybody wants to play their best in March, and we just so happen to do it,” Miller said. “Hopefully we can keep going.”
Doncic led the way for the Lakers, producing 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals against the Magic.
There’s a chance that he might not be available for the Lakers’ upcoming game on Monday.
Doncic earned his 16th technical foul after getting into an argument with Magic center Goga Bitadze. The Lakers were down 85-82 with 1:19 left in the third quarter when the guard was called for the technical foul. Referee Marat Kogut also charged Bitadze with a technical foul.
Crew chief Marc Davis stated in a pool report after the game that a warning had been issued before the technical fouls were initially called.
The Lakers have already appealed to the NBA about rescinding Doncic’s foul, according to ESPN.
"I'm definitely hoping (it is rescinded)," Doncic told reporters after the game. "I let my team down getting that last tech. But honestly, I wasn't trying to. (Bitadze) said at the free throw, he would (expletive) my whole family. And at some point, this is a basketball court. At some point, I just can't stand it. I got to stand up for myself. But I know I've got to do better.”
If upheld, Doncic would have to serve a one-game suspension without pay.
Bitadze offered a different account in a statement to ESPN about the exchanged words. The center claimed that the Laker first started cursing at him in Serbian.
"I have all the respect for Luka and what he has done," Bitadze told ESPN. "And I really respect everybody's family. Where I come from, it's really sacred and we really respect each other's families, and I would never directly say that. He just said some inappropriate things in the Serbian language, which, I played in Serbia, I understand.”
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Paxten Aaronson scored a goal in each half, Wayne Frederick's first career goal was the go-ahead score and the Colorado Rapids rolled to a 4-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.
Aaronson gave Colorado (3-2-0) the lead in the 12th minute, but Shapi Suleymanov scored for the first time this season — in the 44th — to pull Sporting KC (1-3-1) even.
The tie lasted until the second minute of stoppage time when Frederick scored unassisted for a 2-1 lead at halftime. It was the 15th career appearance for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Rafael Navarro added an insurance goal in the 71st minute before picking up an assist when Aaronson capped the scoring four minutes later.
Aaronson, 22, has seven goals in 49 matches with 18 career starts. Navarro has three goals and three assists this season and 31 and 13, respectively, in 80 career matches.
Zack Steffen finished with two saves for the Rapids.
John Pulskamp saved four shots for Sporting KC.
Colorado is won of seven clubs in the Western Conference to post three victories through the first five matches.
Up next
Colorado: Visits Toronto FC on April 4.
Kansas City: Visits Real Salt Lake on April 4.
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This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Paxten Aaronson’s name.
Passing Michael Jordan in the record books is the stuff of legends.
Kevin Durant is unquestionably that. With a late-game corner 3 on Saturday night, Durant passed Jordan to move into fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 32,294 points.
KD PASSES MJ
With this three, Kevin Durant passes Michael Jordan for 5th on the all-time SCORING list! pic.twitter.com/byqx3AFLer
" It's cool, butit'ss hard to take in when you're still on the journey, when you just care about getting better," Durant said post game, via the Associated Press. "I don't ever want to downplay stuff like that, but I've got to get up and come to work tomorrow."
Next up on the all-time list is Kobe Bryant, who's fourth with 33,643 points. Durant already passed Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki this season.
Durant was asked post game about his favorite Jordan memory.
"No. That's like asking me do I got a favorite Drake song," he said, via the Associated Press. ."No, they're just all great. MJ has so many great moments. He just personifies iconic god level – just everything that I believe in, he personifies."
Houston beat the Heat 123-122 because, when Durant missed the game-winning shot, Amen Thompson had the tip-in for the win.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Beau Leroux scored in first-half stoppage time and Daniel De Sousa Britto made it stand as the San Jose Earthquakes cooled off Vancouver with a 1-0 victory on Saturday night, ruining the start of a five-match homestand for the Whitecaps.
Leroux scored unassisted in the second minute of stoppage time to give the Earthquakes (4-1-0) the lead for good. Leroux's first goal this season comes after scoring five times in 33 matches as a rookie last year.
Daniel finished with six saves in posting his fourth clean sheet in five starts this season and his 15th in 68 career starts — all with the Earthquakes. He's never had more than five in one season.
Yohei Takaoka saved one shot on goal for the Whitecaps (4-1-0), who outscored their opponents 14-1 in winning their first four matches.
Vancouver falls into a second-place tie with San Jose, one point behind Los Angeles FC in a hotly-contested Western Conference that boasts seven teams with at least three victories through the first five weeks.
The Earthquakes also evened the series at 13-13-12.
Vancouver entered the match with a 20-4-7 all-time record at BC Place under head coach Jesper Sørensen.
St. Louis City was the last team to open with five straight victories — doing so in its 2023 expansion. season.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Ousmane Dieng #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Suns cannot get out of this funk as of late, and it keeps continuing. These injuries continue to keep this team depleted, and with some late-game offensive struggles again, they fall to the Milwaukee Bucks 108-105. This is very sad for the team as they are now continuing this losing streak at home, but not only that, they lost to a Giannis-less Bucks team.
This team was led by Jalen Green, who had 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was able to find his rhythm early and late for this team, like he usually has, but struggled throughout the middle once again. One thing the team needs to figure out is how to work all three of their scorers together effectively, as it hasn’t been clicking lately.
For the Bucks, they were led by Ryan Rollins, a great underdog story, who kept finding his spots against a defense that got lost in the second quarter. He had 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading their team. Kyle Kuzma also had a great game, but left early due to some tightness. preventing an injury. If he had finished the game, who knows, this one could have been out of reach earlier.
One thing is clear, though: they are missing Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and the veteran wings tremendously.
Game Flow
First Half
The Suns started this one off on the right note, getting to an early 9-0 lead. The Suns were actively hunting the paint to find baskets going to Oso Ighodaro and Jalen Green early. This hot start is something we are used to, but seeing it strike once again gives the fans hope of breaking this losing streak. The Bucks did answer back, but the Suns were able to maintain the defensive intensity to keep the lead.
Quick 9-0 start for the Suns, as Devin Booker creates this extra possession by crashing from the corner pic.twitter.com/81pfjLGxAZ
With the team back home, they want to make sure they show out for their fans, and they did, to start. The Bucks have been able to find ways to the free-throw line, creating opportunities. But it went over 5 minutes without a field goal.
The one scary moment was when Jamaree Bouyea went up for a rebound and fell hard. Luckily, he was able to get up and walk off on his own. But the team could use his energy with them, so, depleted without Giannis, the Bucks are just struggling on both ends, and the Suns lead 26-15 after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, it sadly was a bit of a different story to start. The Suns’ lead started to shrink after the Bucks had some big shots from Pete Nance and AJ Green. Jalen Green tried his best to keep the team afloat offensively, but it was just not enough as the Suns were forced to take a timeout and stop the bleeding.
Sadly, after that timeout, Phoenix did not change much as the Bucks slowly crawled back into this one, with the Suns struggling at the free-throw line; they are currently 1-5 to start. Once again, Kyle Kuzma is getting hot, too, which allowed the Bucks to tie it up at 37 halfway through this quarter.
If you read the preview for this game, you would know I mentioned that stopping Kyle Kuzma would be key. Unfortunately, he heats up in the second half once again, making some big shots. For the Suns, though, they did find some rhythm here offensively from Green and Goodwin.
The Bucks saw this hot streak continue with Ryan Rollins, who started making some tough baskets and bringing that lead bigger for Milwaukee. At the end of the quarter, though, the Suns woke up a bit and made some tough shots, especially the last one from Bouyea, to only be down five at half. The Suns’ defense has to be stronger on rotations and stopping the Bucks from getting to their spots on offense.
Second Half
In the third, the Suns saw a resurgence, with Collin Gillespie and Oso Ighodaro finding some baskets early. Ighodaro’s growth this season has been incredible, and recently, he has found his way to get some big slams that have brought some nice rewards. Gillespie also made another big three as he looks to be on one so far, with 4 triples. This gave Phoenix the lead back, but not for long.
The Nucks would then continue their onslaught, as they had just been dominating on the glass. Jerachio Sims was controlling every offensive rebound for them, allowing the Bucks more opportunities for second-chance points. This, with Kuzma and Rollins continuing to make threes, left the Suns trailing once again.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, Kyle Kuzma left with right Achilles tightness, and with one of their snipers now out, the Suns found a way back into this one. After back-to-back threes from Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn, the Suns saw the lead and held it into the fourth, up by one, 82-81.
To start the fourth, the Suns went with the man who started it all for them in Jalen Green. He started finding his rhythm again after missing two free throws he had seven straight. Cam Thomas, though, wanted to keep the Bucks alive and made sure they stayed in striking distance.
Ryan Dunn also had some nice plays in this game and really shone when the Suns needed him most. His activity on the glass has been present as the Suns are still without veteran wings and their starting center. He currently leads the team with eight boards and has been an x-factor to give the Suns some much-needed second-chance points.
Even though they tried to fight late, it was just not enough for the Suns. They missed some key shots late, even with Green going crazy for the fourth for a bit. Some big shots late from Myles Turner and Ryan Rollins put this one away, even though Phoenix was in it to the end.
Up Next
The Suns have yet another back-to-back game, this time against the Toronto Raptors again.
Nebraska, already having won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game in the first round this season, advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history after its 74-72 win over the No. 5 seed Commodores in Oklahoma City. Tanner's shot was so shocking in the moment that Nebraska's players on the floor took a few moments to even process the shot missed.
"My heart sank as that ball went in the hoop and went out," Sam Hoiberg said after the game. "I think it took me half-a-second to register that it didn't go in, and then I just screamed in elation. I thought it was in."
Braden Frager added: "I had a perfect shot on it from the bench, and I just froze for two seconds. I thought it went in and I didn't know how to react. Everybody started celebrating and I was like, 'yeah, he actually missed it.'"
Tanner, a first-team All-SEC selection this season, ended the game with 27 points, four assists and four steals in front of a heavy pro-Nebraska crowd that traveled over six hours for the Cornhuskers' first-weekend games. When the shot bounced out of the hoop, his Vanderbilt teammates and coaches fell to the court in shock.
Frager's go-ahead driving layup with 2.2 seconds remaining ultimately led to Nebraska's historic win amid its best season in program history. The true freshman scored a team-high 15 points off the bench, tied with leading scorer Pryce Sandfort.
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said immediately after the game on the TNT broadcast that he couldn't believe the final shot. Drenched in liquid after the Cornhuskers' postgame celebration in the locker room, he reflected on the shot again.
"That kid is an unbelievable player," he said of Tanner. "When that thing was up in the air I was like, 'Oh, that's going in.' Hit every part of the rim, thankfully bounced out and looking forward to next week."
Tanner, of course, was broken up by the miss after the game.
"It hurts pretty bad," he said.
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington added: "We were in an inch away from being in the Sweet 16. It's going to take a while for us to get over."
For Tanner, the shot results in the end of his breakout sophomore season that saw him turn into one of the most dynamic guards in the country. He had a minor role of the bench for Vanderbilt last season, averaging 5.7 points per game before increasing his average to 19.7 per contest in 2025-26.
It could be the end of his college career, as he's projected to go No. 28 overall in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft. It'd be an end similar to that of Gordon Hayward, whose near-halfcourt make against Duke in the 2010 national championship still lives in college basketball lore.
Nebraska is just happy its unprecedented run is continuing into the second weekend.
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 21: Jericho Sims #00 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 21, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks respond to their worst game of the year with a gritty win tonight, beating the Phoenix Suns 108-105 in a nail-biting affair. Ryan Rollins dazzled for the Bucks with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while Jalen Green led the Suns with 24 points.
Like their previous game against the Jazz, the Bucks started poorly, allowing a 9-0 run to open. Also, like their game against Utah, Milwaukee turned the ball over at an unacceptably high rate to open, giving it away three times in as many minutes. Ultimately, it was not a pretty first quarter for both teams; from 7:27 to 3:50, there were just three points scored. The Suns got going to close the period, though, up 26-15 after one.
It was the AJ Green resurgence to open the second quarter. The Bucks ran their customary ATO (after timeout) set for Green, and he finally nailed a shot after a rough few games. AJ used that stroke on the next possession to get his defender in the air, driving and dumping off to Pete Nance for the layup. Then, he caught it on the wing with minimal space and let that thing fly, bringing the deficit back to just four, 25-29, after three minutes. It wasn’t as if the Bucks lit the world on fire over the next few minutes, but they collectively bought in on the defensive end and were able to get easier looks running off misses; over a 3:30 stretch, the Bucks went on a 20-7 run to take a six-point lead with four minutes left. Kyle Kuzma was key during the second, scoring 13 points on 5/7 shooting. Bucks up 57-52 at half.
A Ryan Rollins three on Milwaukee’s first possession put the Bucks up eight, but the Suns responded with an 11-2 run, spearheaded by Oso Ighodaro and Collin Gillespie. The visitors hung tough, though, with Prince and Rollins firing right back with a quick seven points between them. The game remained within six (or so) points for the rest of the quarter. I do want to note that Ousmane Dieng was given the job on Devin Booker and, although Booker made shots here and there, Ous did a great job moving his feet and being physical; it really opened my eyes as to what his future role could be on this team. Some late scrappy play by Phoenix had them up one, 82-81, at the end of three.
A nifty Cam Thomas cameo to open the fourth had the game tied at 84 after the opening few minutes. With Devin Booker on the bench, the Suns responded with a 7-0 run primarily through Jalen Green. However, a crucial step-back jack from Gary Trent Jr., followed by a Rollins swing-through and-one, had the Bucks down just one, 93-92, going into the final five minutes. Doc called a timeout after Jalen Green knifed into the lane to put Phoenix up three, drawing up a down-screen set for the aforementioned Trent, who nailed the triple—all tied up at 95 with 4:30 on the clock. Back to my prior point, Dieng would later rip Jalen Green and score on the break, followed by a floater in the lane, and voila, the Bucks were up five with 2:20 left. But of course, this game had more turns to come, with Booker nailing an and-one three to bring the lead back to just one. However, the Bucks would close with one of their best sequences of the year: kick out three to Myles Turner (cash), Dieng stonewalling Booker another time, and Rollins nailing the and-one; Bucks up 108-104 with 23.8 seconds on the clock, grabbing the win.
Stat That Stood Out
The Bucks had 20 assists on 39 made field goals; they moved the ball extremely well.
He passed Michael Jordan (32,293 points) for fifth place on the list.
Durant is now one of two active players on the list, joining LeBron James. He trails LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant. James is No. 1 on the list with 43,241.
He needs 1,351 points to pass Bryant for fourth on the list.
🚨 KD PASSES MJ 🚨
With this three, Kevin Durant passes Michael Jordan for 5th on the all-time SCORING list! pic.twitter.com/byqx3AFLer
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket as Isaiah Jackson #23 of the Los Angeles Clippers defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 21, 2026 in Dallas, 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. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Darius Garland had a savant performance, pouring in 41 points and 11 assists. Kawhi Leonard also had a great performance, scoring 34 points on just 22 shots.
The Mavericks almost pulled off the upset, but were eventually overwhelmed by the more talented team.
Let’s get to the numbers.
50: Three-point percentage for the Clippers
The Clippers were absolutely red hot from three all game, and consistently relied on outside shooting to outpace the Mavericks.
Garland and Leonard combined to be 13-of-21 from three, and the duo made the same amount of threes as the entire Mavericks team combined.
This game is yet another showcase of why the Mavericks desperately need more three-point shooting next year.
+17: Ryan Nembhard’s plus, minus
Ryan Nembhard has quietly found a resurgence in the last couple of weeks. Nembhard had the best plus/minus on the team, and the offense flowed better with him on the court.
While he didn’t start in the game, he showed his value as a bench guard, as he had nine assists with no turnovers.
The Mavericks guard room will look much different next year, but Nembhard is showing that he cannot be forgotten when discussing next year’s team.
3.5: Cooper Flagg’s assist to turnover ratio
While Cooper Flagg did not have an efficient shooting night, his playmaking was great once again.
His jump shot has been woefully off since returning from injury, but the rest of his game has improved, and his impact hasn’t changed. Flagg’s passing and court vision have always been solid, but he has been at a different level since returning.
If the Mavericks are going to continue the Flagg at point guard plan, than his playmaking chops become even more important.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 21: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz rushes the ball up the court as he is pressured by Justin Edwards #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of a game at the Delta Center on March 21, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Philly has been stuck between a rock and a hard place during March. Maxey will miss at least three weeks due to a finger tendon injury. Embiid has statistically missed more games than he has played. Paul George was suspended for 25 games after violating the league’s anti-drug policy — I don’t know how he didn’t see that coming. Perhaps a voodoo curse after the disgraceful victory they took against the Jazz from five seasons ago, where Embiid told the refs to eject Donovan Mitchell, and then they actually did it. No, I don’t need to let things go. What are you talking about?
Things did go in the Sixers’ favor, perhaps in the hand of fate, as they were swift to hand Utah their 50th loss of the season in a 126-116 finish in the Delta Center. The Jazz battled, but it was obvious what was really happening, considering Ace Bailey was pulled from the floor in the final quarter despite it still being a close game.
But despite it all, they’ve still won three of their last four games. And tonight was an opportunity for them to inch closer to the 5th-seeded Raptors. Utah would have paid them to take this game from themselves.
The Jazz, on the other hand, had all the regulars on their side of the injury report with the addition of Isaiah Collier. That’s probably why the Jazz inked a deal with G League assist leader Kennedy Chandler this morning after the end of Andersson Garcia’s deal.
Utah threw the first punch with a 10-2 run in just 90 seconds, turning a three-point early hole into a five-point lead. It wasn’t too long for Philly to exploit the holes in the Jazz defense; their 15-3 run left the Jazz down by 4 in the opening quarter. Cam Payne knocked down back-to-back triples in under a minute. The Sixers held a 10-2 point lead in fastbreak points. Utah missed eight consecutive shots. There wasn’t a lick of hustle to be desired. Except for the awesome Ace Bailey buzzer beater and the awesome crowd celly to go with it:
Kennedy Chandler, meet your basketball savior Will Hardy. No exaggeration. The 2022 second-rounder led the Jazz in scoring in the first half despite the ink not even dried on his new contract. He finished the first half with 13 points, 3 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal on 3-7 shooting. It’s his first NBA game since April 8th, 2023. Two days ago, he was on the Delaware Blue Coats roster; now, he’s torching the Sixers in his brand-spankin’ new purple uniform. Ace Bailey wasn’t too far behind 13 points, 3 assists on 3-11 shooting, which included a career-high 3 blocks in the first half. Jazz shot 42% from the field and only committed 2 turnovers, which pales in comparison to Philly’s 10.
Sixers kept the intensity in the second half, opening the third quarter on an 11-2 run to erase Utah’s 8-point lead to jump ahead 75-74. Quentin Grimes, or how I’d like to call him “Destined Jazzman”, scored or assisted on 7 of those points. Then that period turned into the Ace Bailey show. Bailey poured in 12 points, 5 boards to total 25 on the night. He set a new career-high of 4 blocks.
His rookie marquee matchup, VJ Edgecombe, kept things up on his end as well, recording a double-double through three quarters, and finished with 13 points and 11 boards. It’s a neat little stat line and all, but I know who I’m going to choose.
No matter the opponent, the Jazz will ensure their opponent is fighting tooth and nail to scrape out a win against the 14th-seeded Utah Jazz. Equally as hilarious, the closing Jazz lineup included a mix of Kennedy Chandler, Elijah Harkless, Bez Mbeng, John Konchar and Cody Williams. Just your average 6’8” 190 lbs big man, nothing to see here.
Now we should keep it a buck, the Jazz had no intentions of walking out this building with a two-game winning streak, reflected by a late 20-8 surge by the Sixers in the last 5:05 minutes. Philly finished with 64 rebounds, including 16 offensive that led to 26 second-chance points. Utah had 7 blocks and just 8 turnovers in this one. Both teams sealed the deal with a firm handshake and a nod of approval.
Your Honor, I would like to introduce Ace Bailey to the courtroom for your consideration for the All-Rookie team. Never mind all the nonsense you saw at the beginning of the year, half of it being sabotaged by the Will Hardy Rookie Training Course™. He’s made a rebirth as a reliable shot-maker and elite shotblocker. After seven rotational injuries, Ace is paving his way as a primary scorer late in the season. We can jump straight into the “turning into a star” thing if you want, or whatever. No biggie.
I feel I am the only person to notice Bez Mbeng’s existence on the basketball court tonight, despite a solid career-high 13-6-7 outing on an efficient 5-7 shooting whilst committing zero turnovers. He had his first ever NBA-start in just his fifth NBA game, and in Will Hardy fashion he was tasked with a 45-minute shift in the junkyard.
Up Next
The games roll on; The Jazz welcome the 39-30 Toronto Raptors at the Delta Center, March 23rd, at 5:00 PM MST.
