Houston Rockets (43-27, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (28-42, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Houston plays Chicago for a non-conference matchup.
The Bulls are 17-20 in home games. Chicago is 12-8 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 14.5 turnovers per game.
The Rockets are 18-17 on the road. Houston scores 114.0 points while outscoring opponents by 4.1 points per game.
The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Rockets allow. The Bulls average 114.0 points per game, 6.2 fewer points than the 120.2 the Bulls allow to opponents.
The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 14 the Rockets won 119-113 led by 28 points from Kevin Durant, while Tre Jones scored 34 points for the Bulls.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Josh Giddey is averaging 2.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Amen Thompson is shooting 52.3% and averaging 18.0 points for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 4-6, averaging 116.2 points, 48.1 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.8 points per game.
Rockets: 5-5, averaging 110.0 points, 45.5 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.3 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Jalen Smith: out (calf), Isaac Okoro: day to day (knee), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Zach Collins: out for season (toe).
Rockets: 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.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand foundered against South Africa's spinners as the Proteas won the fourth Twenty20 by 19 runs Sunday to level the five-match series at 2-2.
Connor Esterhuizen made a maiden half-century from 33 balls as South Africa scored 164-5 after choosing to bat. Esterhuizen eventually was out for 57 and his innings made the difference between the teams.
New Zealand was ahead at 63-2 after the powerplay with Tim Robinson making 32 from 22 balls at the top of the order. But left-armer Prenelan Subrayen took 2-13 on debut and Keshav Maharaj took 2-22 to cut through the New Zealand middle order and turn the match in South Africa's favor.
Dane Cleaver made 26 from 16 balls, returning to the New Zealand lineup after almost three years. He was looking dangerous when he was beaten and bowled by a Subrayen delivery. Bevon Jacobs was also bowled by Subrayen when the ball dipped under his bat.
Jimmy Neesham (10) was dropped twice then caught in the same over from Ottneil Baartman, who took 2-30 from four overs.
Maharaj removed Nick Kelly (16) and Cole McConchie (10) as the spinners pinned down the New Zealand batters by varying their pace and flight.
“I thought a total of 164 was about par, maybe a bit below par,” New Zealand captain Jimmy Neesham said. "We certainly had a chance going into the second half of the game.
“A few average options and poor execution and we came out on the wrong side of it.”
New Zealand's already depleted lineup was further reduced by the loss of Tom Latham to injury and Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson for the last two matches of the series.
Esterhuizen rallied South Africa after it had lost Wiaan Mulder to the second ball of its innings, a maiden bowled by Kyle Jamieson.
The right-hander hit a six and a four from the third over, a six and four in the fourth over, a six and two fours among 17 runs in the fifth over, keeping the South Africa run-rate up. South Africa was 50-1 after the powerplay, its best start of the series so far.
Esterhuizen reached his half-century in the 10th over with a boundary from Ben Sears, the sixth four of his innings that also included three sixes.
“I just tried to keep it as simple as possible to be honest,” Esterhuizen said. "I didn't have much time to think about it because I was out there straight away.
“So I just tried to stick to a game plan and it came off tonight.”
Esterhuizen looked set to go big when he was brilliantly caught by Katene Clarke on debut, running in and diving forward from deep square leg.
Tony de Zorzi, who was the quiet partner in an 81-run stand with Esterhuizen for the second wicket, was out next over for 23 from 21 balls.
Rubin Hermann and Dian Forrester put on 38 for the fourth wicket, keeping the South Africa total ticking over. Forrester made 19 from 14 balls before being trapped lbw by a yorker from Zak Foulkes.
Hermann made an unbeaten 28 from 25 balls, Jason Smith scored 19 from 15 and George Linde added 14 from eight but New Zealand reined in South Africa's scoring a little at the death. Only 43 runs came from the last five overs and Sears allowed only one run from the bat in the final over.
The deciding match is at Christchurch on Wednesday.
BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix comes into the matchup against Toronto as losers of five in a row.
The Suns have gone 22-14 at home. Phoenix has a 20-14 record in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Raptors are 20-14 in road games. Toronto is eighth in the league giving up just 112.0 points while holding opponents to 46.6% shooting.
The Suns average 112.1 points per game, 0.1 more points than the 112.0 the Raptors allow. The Raptors are shooting 47.5% from the field, 0.5% higher than the 47.0% the Suns' opponents have shot this season.
The teams meet for the second time this season. In the last matchup on March 13 the Raptors won 122-115 led by 36 points from Brandon Ingram, while Jalen Green scored 34 points for the Suns.
TOP PERFORMERS: Devin Booker is averaging 25.5 points and 5.9 assists for the Suns. Green is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Scottie Barnes is averaging 18.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 blocks for the Raptors. RJ Barrett is averaging 22.8 points and 5.5 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 4-6, averaging 112.0 points, 40.2 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 8.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.9 points per game.
Raptors: 5-5, averaging 116.3 points, 39.3 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.1 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Grayson Allen: out (knee), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot), Haywood Highsmith: out (knee), Royce O'Neale: out (knee), Amir Coffey: out (ankle).
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).
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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.
Memphis Grizzlies (24-46, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (39-32, sixth in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta will try to keep its 10-game home win streak intact when the Hawks face Memphis.
The Hawks have gone 20-16 at home. Atlanta scores 117.9 points while outscoring opponents by 1.4 points per game.
The Grizzlies are 11-25 on the road. Memphis ranks seventh in the league with 28.3 assists per game led by Cam Spencer averaging 5.4.
The Hawks' 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.3 more made shots on average than the 14.0 per game the Grizzlies give up. The Grizzlies average 115.5 points per game, 1.0 fewer than the 116.5 the Hawks allow.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Hawks won the last meeting 124-122 on Jan. 22, with Jalen Johnson scoring 32 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nickeil Alexander-Walker is scoring 20.3 points per game with 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 18.4 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 47.2% over the past 10 games.
Cedric Coward is averaging 13.4 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Olivier-Maxence Prosper is averaging 13.6 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 50.0% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 9-1, averaging 122.5 points, 45.0 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.7 points per game.
Grizzlies: 1-9, averaging 114.5 points, 37.7 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 9.4 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.7 points.
INJURIES: Hawks: Jalen Johnson: out (shoulder).
Grizzlies: Ty Jerome: day to day (calf), Santi Aldama: out for season (knee), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: day to day (elbow), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out for season (toe), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Cedric Coward: day to day (personal), Jahmai Mashack: day to day (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Milwaukee Bucks (29-41, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (35-36, eighth in the Western Conference)
Inglewood, California; Monday, 10:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts the Milwaukee Bucks after Darius Garland scored 41 points in the Los Angeles Clippers' 138-131 overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers have gone 19-15 in home games. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, giving up just 113.0 points while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting.
The Bucks are 13-22 in road games. Milwaukee allows 116.2 points to opponents and has been outscored by 5.2 points per game.
The Clippers average 12.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.5 fewer makes per game than the Bucks allow (14.8). The Bucks average 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 13.4 per game the Clippers allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kawhi Leonard is scoring 28.3 points per game with 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Clippers. Garland is averaging 16.9 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 49.2% over the last 10 games.
Ryan Rollins is averaging 16.9 points, 5.6 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Kyle Kuzma is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Clippers: 5-5, averaging 120.3 points, 38.3 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 11.1 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.7 points per game.
Bucks: 3-7, averaging 108.9 points, 39.3 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 7.4 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points.
INJURIES: Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Bennedict Mathurin: out (toe).
Bucks: Bobby Portis: out (rib), Gary Harris: out (groin), Kevin Porter Jr.: out (knee), Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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.
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.
