Category: Basketball

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bennedict Mathurin scored six of his 28 points in overtime and the Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-99 on Thursday night.

Mathurin added a career-high 16 rebounds for the Pacers. Myles Turner added 23 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.

Ziaire Williams and D’Angelo Russell each scored 22 points for Brooklyn.

Indiana trailed 52-42 at halftime and outscored the Nets by four points in the third quarter and six in the fourth to force overtime tied at 91.

In overtime, Mathurin shot 2 for 3 from the field and 2 for 3 from the line.

Takeaways

Nets: Brooklyn’s free-fall continued with the team’s 12th loss in 14 games. Brooklyn led 52-42 at halftime but scored just 39 points in the second half and was outscored 14-8 in overtime.

Pacers: Indiana came through in the clutch without its star point guard and now has won five of six. Tyrese Haliburton missed the game with lower back soreness. It was his third straight missed game, and the Pacers have won them all.

Key moment

Mathurin made three free throws with 14 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 91, leading to overtime.

Key stat

The Pacers outscored the Nets by 14 points at the free throw line, making 27. The Nets hits 13.

Up next

The teams meet again on Saturday, in Indianapolis.

A lot has been made of the Knicks' schedule, and their fatigue, and it showed Thursday as they dropped the second of their back-to-back, 115-98 to the Hornets in Charlotte.

New York could not feed off of the large contingent of Knicks fans in attendance, as they were outplayed and outworked by the Hornets (18-51). The Knicks' offense was once again flat without Jalen Brunson, and the team is now 3-4 without its captain.

Here are the takeaways...

-The Knicks got off to another slow start, missing their first three shots and allowing the Hornets to get out to a 9-2 lead in the opening minutes. But the Knicks would clamp down on defense and get their offense going through OG Anunoby, as they went on a 15-4 run to take the lead for the first time with six minutes to go in the first.

However, the Knicks' offense would go ice cold in the final minutes. The combination of misses and turnovers allowed the Hornets to go on a 12-0 run and end the first on top, 27-19. The Knicks would not score a point over the last five minutes. Anunoby led the Knicks with 10 points, but the offense as a whole was not good. They shot 7-for-20 in the opening frame.

Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic took advantage of the Knicks' lack of size, with Mitchell Robinson not playing due to injury management. Both centers scored six points each and grabbed seven combined rebounds, three offensive.

-The second quarter went a lot like the first, with cold shooting from the Knicks. In the middle of the quarter, the Knicks went without a field goal for four minutes, while the Hornets continued to beat New York on the glass.

Karl-Anthony Towns would hit back-to-back threes to break the Knicks' drought and give the team some life, but New York could not cut more into Charlotte's lead, as they went into halftime down, 54-44.

Only four Knicks scored in the first half, with Miles McBride being the only starter to go scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting. The guard was questionable heading into the game with a groin contusion, but he simply could not find his range. The Knicks bench went a combined 0-for-5 and didn't score a point.

New York was also outrebounded, 27-17, at halftime.

-McBride would find his game early in the third, making his first shots and finding his teammates for early scores. On the defensive end, the Knicks found their intensity just like in Wednesday's game. New York would cut Charlotte's lead to five, but whenever the Knicks made a run, the Hornets would make a timely three or get to the free-throw line.

The Knicks' frustration bubbled over in the waning minutes of the third, when Towns went hard to the basket and thought he had an and-one. The Knicks' center was demonstrative toward the official and was assessed a technical foul. Towns wouldn't shoot his first free throw of the game until 18 seconds left in the third quarter.

-The Knicks' bench was being outscored 32-0 until Cam Payne hit a three with 10:55 left in the game for the bench's first points. It didn't amount to much, as every Knicks run would be extinguished by a Hornets' three or run. With two minutes left in the game and down 18 points, Tom Thibodeau emptied his bench.

-The Hornets outrebounded the Knicks, 52-38, and were better offensively. Charlotte collectively shot 49 percent, including 15-of-32 from three, while the Knicks shot just 40 percent and 10-of-39 from downtown.

Charlotte's bench outscored New York's, 37-11.

Anunoby (25) and Towns (24) led the way for the Knicks, but it was not nearly enough. Josh Hart scored 13 points -- after scoring just two on Wednesday -- but came down with only four rebounds. MIkal Bridges (16 points on 5-of-11 shooting) and McBride (9) rounded out the scoring for the starters. LaMelo Ball had a team-high 25 points for the Hornetts, and went 5-of-10 from three. Williams also finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds (seven offensive).

Highlights

B2B triples for KAT!

(via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/SDBEfC1qSp

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 21, 2025

What's next

The Knicks get some much-needed days off before returning to The Garden on Saturday to take on the Washington Wizards. Tip is set for 8 p.m.

What Butler yelled at Draymond after clutch block in Warriors' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While Draymond Green typically authors the Warriors’ defensive heroics, Jimmy Butler couldn’t pass up an opportunity to remind his Golden State teammate he can do it too.

Butler delivered the play of the game with a clutch block in the final minute of the Warriors’ 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, racing over to Green where the two shared a brief exchange before joining in celebration.

So what exactly did Butler tell the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

“I can do that too,” Butler told reporters when asked what he told Green following the block. “Like I always say, I respect Draymond so much. I definitely respect him because he took 14 [3-pointers] tonight. I love that. He’ll do anything to make sure this squad gets a dub. Whatever you ask him to do, he’s willing to do that. So, I’m glad I can follow suit in that sometimes.”

DID WE JUST BECOME BEST FRIENDS!? pic.twitter.com/00qEcbxtwG

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 21, 2025

Butler’s heroics helped stave off a gritty effort from a scrappy Raptors team, propelling the Warriors to a 6-1 homestand as Golden State continues to rack up wins after the addition of its new star wing.

JIMMY BUTLER CLUTCH BLOCK 🚫pic.twitter.com/YFGOJKlSlz

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 21, 2025

Butler and Green form a dynamic defensive duo that inspires plenty of confidence moving forward as Golden State seeks to make a deep NBA playoff run.

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Steph's injury puts Warriors in tough spot even as schedule eases up originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – No matter how hard the Warriors practice, how carefully they study video or who they acquire in trade, their fate rests, until further notice, in the same hands that have carried them for 12 seasons.

So, when Stephen Curry landed hard on his backside with 3:24 left in the third quarter, the sellout crowd at Chase Center went library quiet. The Warriors were being pushed around by the lottery-bound Toronto Raptors, and now Curry was face-down on the floor in obvious pain, never to return.

Curry’s departure left the Warriors on their own, lurching through the final 15 minutes before finally massaging their way to a 117-114 victory that was in doubt until the final seconds.

“We decided to be physical, be the more physical team later on in the game,” Jimmy Butler III said. “It’s never too late for that. Then just putting bodies on bodies and going up and getting the loose balls, and getting every rebound, getting some steals, getting some blocks. Then it turns into good things for us offensively.”

The Warriors (41-29) escaped a close call, but Curry’s condition was on everyone’s mind. The initial diagnosis was a “pelvic contusion,” which ended his night and leaves his immediate future subject to closer examination and prognosis.

“He was trying to come back,” coach Steve Kerr said, adding that Curry would undergo an MRI test. “He thought he might be able to come back, and we just decided not to risk anything.”

Draymond Green and Butler covered for Curry. Neither shot well, but they dived into their team leader roles and did the two things that will be absolute requirements to maintain momentum without the team’s offensive engine.

They got crucial stops on defense and valued the ball on offense. Golden State committed two turnovers in the final 15 minutes while forcing seven Toronto giveaways.

“The mentality is just, when Steph’s out of the game, then it’s vitally important that we get stops,” Green said. “So, you just kind of emphasize that. Guys stepped up to the challenge. The offense is never going to be as smooth when he’s not out there.”

The positive single-game outcome notwithstanding, the Warriors are entering the final 12 games of the regular season uncertain about the availability of their most indispensable player.

Regardless how long Curry is out, any chance of the Warriors continuing their stellar play depends on how wide Green and Butler can spread their veteran wings – and how much crisper their younger teammates can perform.

“The message is going to be, whether he’s with us or whether he’s not – hopefully he is,” Butler said of Curry. “But if he isn’t, that’s just more perfect basketball that we’re going to have to play. We can’t afford to turn the ball over. We can’t afford to foul because we don’t have the one individual that can, like, automatically get us back into the game.”

If there is a silver lining, it is this: Golden State will spend another 11 days tucked into the most exploitable portion of their remaining schedule. Having disposed of the 24-46 Raptors to close a 6-1 homestand, the Warriors go on the road this weekend knowing their next four opponents are reeling.

They’re at Atlanta (33-36) on Saturday, at Miami (29-40, nine consecutive losses) in Butler’s return next Tuesday, at New Orleans (19-51) on March 28 and at San Antonio (29-39) on March 30. The Warriors won’t see another winning team until April 1 at Memphis.

Which isn’t to suggest this will be as easy it would seem – with or without Curry.

Six Warriors scored in double figures against Toronto, with Green leading with 21 points. Quinten Post 18, Curry 17, Jonathan Kuminga and Butler 16 apiece and Brandin Podziemski 15. With the Warriors shooting 42.2 percent from field for the game – and only 25 percent in the fourth quarter – every bucket seemed to be small victory.

“The margin for error goes way down when he’s not out there,” Green said of Curry. “We’ve got to understand that and act accordingly.”

The Warriors found a way on this night. It was ugly and the win came with an at least a modicum of negative emotional vibes. The road awaits, and it’s up to Butler and Green to set the tone for a team that can’t prosper without playing focused and productive basketball no matter who is on the court.

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Huerter's ‘revenge game' vs. Kings spoils DeRozan's historic night originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

A familiar face spoiled DeMar DeRozan’s historic accomplishment. 

On a night the star Kings forward became the 27th player in NBA history to score 25,000 points, Kevin Huerter got revenge on his former team, handing Sacramento a 128-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at Golden 1 Center. 

Huerter, who was traded to Chicago in the same deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February, made his mark in his return to Sacramento, erupting for 25 points while adding five rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

It was intentional. The former Kings guard was looking for retaliation.

“One-hundred percent revenge game,” Huerter told reporters (h/t ABC 10’s Matt George). “One-hundred percent. So, that felt good [to] come out of here with a dub.” 

Kevin Huerter didn't even try to pretend tonight wasn't about revenge against the Sacramento Kings. 👇 pic.twitter.com/uS7tSFjmB7

— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) March 21, 2025

Malik Monk, who scored an impressive five 3-pointers in the first quarter, led the way for the Kings with 34 points. Kings big man Trey Lyles contributed 22 points and six rebounds for Sacramento off the bench. 

No bucket, however, was as significant as DeRozan’s personalized mid-range bucket in the dying minutes of the third quarter. 

Sixteen NBA seasons in the making, DeRozan recognizes the privilege of accomplishing such historic feat – even if it’s going to take time to process its significance. 

“It hasn’t really hit me,” DeRozan told reporters. “You know, it sucks losing. I think maybe tomorrow, day off it [will] kind of sink in. 

“It’s always an honor. It’s an honor period to still be able to play this game at a high level. My 16th year being able to be recognized wherever it is of scorers in this league. I’ve been a fan of this league since I was a kid. 

“I have nothing but love and respect for all the people that came before the people who built this league. To be able to be niched in any type of history in this league is an honor.”

Deebo is in legendary company 👑 pic.twitter.com/Ghj9WBQymG

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 21, 2025

Shooting 9 of 22 from the floor, DeRozan finished with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. 

Like Huerter and Kings guard Zach LaVine, DeRozan also faced a former team in Chicago on Thursday night. 

No stranger to the scenario, the 35-year-old understands the motivation behind Huerter’s play. 

“ …  He came in here like he had a grudge, and he played like it,” DeRozan said. “He made big shots.

“He came up big and put up 25 for him. That’s how it goes sometimes when you’re playing against your former team.” 

Huerter might have gotten revenge – and spoiled DeRozan’s historic night along the way – but, as Monk recognizes, the star forward is already at the doorstep of league immortality. 

“Man, a lot of people don’t even get to the NBA,” Monk told reporters. “For him to do that, it’s crazy.

“I’m mad we didn’t get the win for him. Hats off to DeMar. That’s why he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame.”

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Kerr provides Steph injury update after Warriors star exits win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors pulled out a 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night at Chase Center, but the bigger story from the game was Steph Curry’s injury exit after a scary fall in the third quarter.

Coach Steve Kerr shared a promising postgame update on the star guard, who was ruled out with a pelvic contusion shortly after heading to the Golden State locker room.

“[Curry] is getting an MRI right now,” Kerr told reporters. “He just kind of fell on his pelvic, tailbone area.

“He was trying to come back. He thought he might be able to come back, and we just decided not to risk anything. Hopefully, it’s not bad, but he’s getting imaging right now.”

After the game, forward Draymond Green reflected on his perspective of Curry’s fall.

“He hit that ground hard,” Green said. “You could hear it. It was crazy. Obviously, a very scary moment for us and for him. Hopefully, he’s good.”

Kerr acknowledged this injury is similar to the one Curry sustained in March 2021. After a 3-point attempt to end the third quarter against the Houston Rockets, Curry landed on a metal step in the bench area.

The Warriors initially stated the diagnosis then was a tailbone contusion, though it later was revealed that Curry actually suffered a hairline fracture. He missed five games following that injury before finishing the season on a tear to earn a third-place finish in NBA MVP voting.

If Curry does miss any time, the Warriors have fared well in the 10 games their star has missed this season — including Tuesday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks. In total, Golden State entered Thursday with a 7-3 record when Curry sits.

Of course, the Warriors would greatly prefer to have their two-time MVP available than not, especially heading into the final stretch of the regular season in a tightly packed Western Conference playoff picture.

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With or without coach Tyronn Lue patrolling the sideline, the Clippers will play yet another meaningful game against another tough Western Conference foe in the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at the Intuit Dome.

They are now the seventh seed in the West, which would put them in the play-in tournament. But they are only 3½ games behind the fifth-seeded Grizzlies and entered Thursday one game behind the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors. The Clippers (39-30) own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Grizzlies (2-0) and Warriors (3-0).

The Clippers also play Oklahoma City at home on Sunday. The Thunder (57-12) have the best record in the NBA. The Clippers are looking to take a stand in these games, knowing how important each win is to their chances of inching up in the uber-tough West and securing a playoff spot.

“All three teams that we have this week are ahead of us as far as with better records, two of them in the Western Conference. They were statement games,” guard Norman Powell said. “You want to go out there and play and show that we can compete and beat these teams. This is playoff time. I think we have 12 games left. …

Read more:No coach, no problem as Clippers rise up to beat NBA-leading Cavaliers

"So it’s all about positioning and playing your best brand of basketball. Down the stretch of games and getting ready for the playoffs, it’s always good to have the top teams that have kind of solidified their one, two, three spots in the postseason, to go and see where we’re at and see where we can improve to go out there and be the team that we need to be going down this last stretch.”

Lue has missed four of the last six games because of back issues, the last against Cleveland on Tuesday night, and assistant Brian Shaw has been at the helm in his place. The Clippers say Lue’s status for the game against the Grizzlies is to be determined Friday.

Shaw, a former coach of the Denver Nuggets, has led the Clippers to a 3-1 record in Lue’s absence. And the wins and losses go on Lue’s ledger, Shaw reminded everyone, laughing.

Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, who is in charge of the defense, missed the Cavaliers game because of a family matter. Neither he nor was at practice Thursday.

“As far as JV, we’re just praying for him and his family situation that he can get back to us as soon as possible,” Shaw said. “T. Lue is still experiencing some back issues, and so the same thing with him. We just want him to get back as soon as possible. We also want him to take care of himself for whatever it takes for him to be able to get back.”

The win over the Cavaliers with Shaw in charge was another significant game against the team that had the best record in the NBA, and it was the Clippers' fourth win in a row and seventh in eight games.
They are sticking to the message that it is about what they do and not so much about trying to make a statement against the top teams.

“Yeah, it’s about our group,” Shaw said. “When we’re in a position to be able to control what comes next for us, we have to take control of those situations. That’s how I’ve been approaching it, we’ve been approaching it. Not trying to make it more than what it is.

"The one thing I really saw in the Cleveland game is like the joy that everybody was playing with. So, we want to continue that. We want them to have fun, we want them to compete and I think if we compete and we have fun, we share the ball and everybody feels like they are involved. … We got a lot of contributions in a lot of different ways. So, we just want everybody to star in their role.”

The Clippers have just enough time left to put themselves in the best possible position in the competitive and crowded West. And the talented Grizzlies are next in line for the Clippers.

“Memphis is going to do what they are going to do. They are going to try to impose their will on us. We have to try to do the same thing with them,” Shaw said. “But like I said, it’s just mainly execute what we want to execute and worry about playing the right way and doing the right things.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.