HOUSTON (AP) — Reed Sheppard scored 27 points on a career-high nine 3-pointers, Alperen Sengun added 25 points and the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 119-113 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory.
Kevin Durant finished with 19 points and nine assists, Amen Thompson had 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists and Jabari Smith Jr. scored 12 points for the Rockets. They shot 47% from the field, going 18 of 42 on 3-pointers.
Houston had 30 assists on 41 field goals and forced the Bucks into 15 turnovers that they converted into 18 points.
Ousmane Dieng had a career-high 36 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists for Milwaukee. Cormac Ryan had a season-high 25 points, Pete Nance added a career-high 23. AJ Green had 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Bucks shot 47% and were 17 of 40 on 3-pointers. They made 10 3-pointers in the third as they cut Houston’s 20-point lead to seven by the end of the quarter.
Gary Trent Jr. exited with a hip contusion with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first after hitting the ground hard while diving for a loose ball at midcourt. He walked to the locker room holding his right side. Trent’s exit left the Bucks with seven available players after Ryan Rollins was ruled out with a right hip strain.
Down 112-100 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the fourth, the Bucks reeled off eight straight to close within four on two free throws by Dieng. Sengun made two free throws to push the lead to six with 1:06 remaining.
After the teams traded baskets, Jericho Sims made 1 of 2 free throws, but after the Bucks stole the ball, Ryan missed a 3-pointer. Houston got the rebound, and Sengun made 1 of 2 free throws with 16 seconds left to push the lead back to six.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Sarah Fillier scored two goals 14 seconds apart in the third period and she completed her first PWHL hat trick in overtime as the New York Sirens ended a four-game skid with a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Frost on Wednesday night.
New York (8-1-3-12) won at the Prudential Center for the first time since March 8 when Fillier had two goals and three points.
Minnesota (11-3-4-6) has lost three straight games for the first time this season.
Minnesota forward Grace Zumwinkle scored the only goal of the second period and she added another 44 seconds into the third for a 3-1 lead. Five of her 11 goals this season have come against New York.
Fillier started the comeback by jumping out of the penalty box, intercepting the puck and scoring on a breakaway to get within 3-2 with 7:40 to go. Then she sent in a rebound to tie it seconds later.
In overtime, Fillier received a centering pass from Maja Nylén Persson and flicked it over the glove of Maddie Rooney for her seventh goal in the last six games.
Minnesota had won the three previous meetings with New York this season. Zumwinkle scored twice when the teams met in the Denver Takeover Tour game in March. She has seven points in four games against the Sirens this season.
Up next
Minnesota returns home to play the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Saturday.
New York will host the first PWHL game at Madison Square Garden on Saturday against the Seattle Torrent. The Sirens announced the game is sold out, with an arena capacity of more than 18,000.
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 1: Ousmane Dieng #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In what might just be the Milwaukee Bucks’ best game of the season, they go down to the Houston Rockets 119-113 with just seven players for most of the night (and all of the senior players sitting). Ousmane Dieng announced himself on the NBA stage, leading the Bucks with 36 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. The Rockets were led by Reed Sheppard, who had 27 points.
The Bucks suited up EIGHT for this one. Jericho Sims understood the assignment and picked up two fouls in under a minute. Kevin Durant was the main figure early as the Rockets staked out a 10-5 lead. Houston continued to grow their lead, with Reed Sheppard knocking down a couple treys. Perhaps sensing his relative stature, Ousmane Dieng upped his usage, to ill effect. But despite sporting a bench of Andre Jackson Jr., Cormac Ryan, and Alex Antetokounmpo—and losing Gary Trent Jr. to injury to boot—the Bucks parlayed some truly grotesque push shots into a run of inspired YMCA pickup basketball. They ended the frame on an eight-point run to stem the bleeding at 27-20 Rockets.
Houston continued to have a problem in the second, and that problem was offense. That was at least partly to the Bucks’ credit, including some 2-3 zone that the Rockets couldn’t capitalize on from deep. Against all odds, Ime Udoka called a timeout as Milwaukee whittled Houston’s lead to 3. Sadly, Houston (specifically Sheppard) started to make shots again, staking out a healthier lead. Ous continued to call his own number, though this time to better effect (including a sick slam). Josh Okogie injected some well-needed verve into the Rockets as they reclaimed a double-digit advantage. But a couple buckets from Cormac Ryan kept the Bucks in orbit. After an early 15-point deficit, Milwaukee ended the half down a more respectable 54-44.
The Rockets quickly extended their lead to around 15 out of the locker room, with their starters sharing the load equally, leading 72-55 at the 6:42 mark; their size was obviously their biggest advantage against the miniature Bucks lineup. But from there, Milwaukee really took it to the Rockets with an inspired rest of the quarter, headlined by Cormac Ryan and AJ Green. Ryan and Green nailed nine of their 11 tries from deep. Some were just off great ball movement, but others were tough jumpers coming off DHO actions. The Rockets’ clogged-toilet offence even reared its ugly head against the Bucks’ third-strong unit, leaving them trailing by only seven, 85-78, after three.
The Bucks forced several tough shots to open the fourth, but the Rockets just made them (Alperen Sengun, in particular). Still, Milwaukee wasn’t going anywhere, with Ousmane Dieng notching a new career-high of 23 points following consecutive buckets—Houston up 93-87 at the 8:33 mark. The Rockets were able to run out on the fast break a few times after that, getting their lead back up to double digits. Cormac Ryan wasn’t going out without a fight, though, getting fouled by KD on a three and then driving the lane for a nice filayyyy; Rockets up 102-94 at the halfway mark. Houston would increase their lead to 12, but it was halved in short order after threes from Nance and Green with just 2:40 to go! Fast forward a few minutes, Dieng nailed a step-back jumper for his 36th point, and the Bucks were just down four with 54 seconds left. Unfortunately, the Rockets made just enough plays to win, but what an inspired performance from the Bucks. Wow.
Stat That Stood Out
Somehow, the Bucks (with their tiny lineup) got more O-boards (15) than the Rockets (12).
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 1: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket as Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards plays defense during the game on April 1, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 22.5 VJ Edgecombe – 12 Joel Embiid – 10.5 Paul George – 7 Justin Edwards – 4 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 4 Quentin Grimes – 3 Jared McCain :’( – 3 Dominick Barlow – 2 Andre Drummond – 2 MarJon Beauchamp – 2 Adem Bona – 1 Cam Payne – 1 Jabari Walker – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The 76ers are back in the win column as they push to avoid the play-in following a 153-131 victory over the Washington Wizards.
The Sixers came out hot offensively, but left a ton to be desired in terms of defensive effort for most of the first half. Against a tanking Wizards team, giving up 71 points in the first half is inexcusable, even with Joel Embiid missing the game due to illness.
They would eventually pull themselves out of the mud in the third quarter, but allowed the Wizards to creep back into it in the fourth, requiring Nick Nurse to put the starters back in.
We saw strong offensive showings from Tyrese Maxey (28 points, nine assists) and VJ Edgecombe (23 points, 10 assists), as well as some two-way flashes for Adem Bona, but our Bell Ringer tonight was pivotal in ensuring a Sixers win on both ends of the floor.
Paul George came out of the gates scorching, putting up 14 points through the first 10 minutes of action. He opened scoring with a midrange jumper and immediately found his touch from that distance, nailing another one off a Bona offensive rebound. He would also nab a couple steals to give the Sixers an early double-digit lead. His hot start would travel behind the arc as well with a beautiful step-back three over Tristan Vukcevic.
In the midst of the Wizards’ second-quarter run, George helped bring the Sixers back into it late in the frame with a flurry of shots from midrange and deep. He concluded the period with another step-back three to give the Sixers the lead and to bring him to 24 points at halftime.
In the third, George opened up scoring with a corner three, assisted a Bona cutting dunk, and nailed another three to bring his total up to 30. The Sixers gained some ground through the offense of Maxey, but this sequence from George helped put the nail in the Wizards’ coffin, despite it still being the third quarter.
What a sequence here from Paul George:
He nails an "F you" three to tie his season high, drives past the defender for two, then intercepts a pass on the other end which leads to an easy fastbreak conversion for the Sixers. pic.twitter.com/hVHacDgo95
His consistent energy was contagious for his teammates, and his leadership continues to be a key force for Edgecombe’s development.
George finished with a season-high 39 points, his highest total since April 7, 2024, when he put up 39 points against the Cavaliers as a member of the Clippers. Even with the stint in the fourth, the Sixers were unable to get him 40.
CHICAGO (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 25 points and the Indiana Pacers beat the Chicago Bulls 145-126 on Wednesday night to move out of the NBA basement.
Coming off a home victory over Miami on Sunday, the injury-ravaged Pacers had their highest-scoring game of the season. They improved to 18-58 to move a game ahead of last-place Washington.
Ethan Thompson added 24 points, and Kobe Brown and Jay Huff each had 17.
Guerschon Yabusele led Chicago with 20 points, and Collin Sexton had 18. The Bulls have lost five straight — the first four on the road — to fall to 29-47.
Memphis forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on Wednesday on charges that included possession of a controlled substance and fleeing in excess of the speed limit.
"I'm aware of the report, but don't have any comments," Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said prior to his team's game in New York, via the Associated Press.
The Cross County Sheriff’s Department booked Clarke on charges of improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, trafficking a controlled substance, and fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit. In Arkansas, the difference between possession and trafficking of a controlled substance is about the amount of the drug the suspect is found with. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reached out to the Cross County Sheriff's Department but they refused to comment on the arrest.
Clarke played in just two games this season, missing the start of the season following right knee surgery, then straining his right calf just two games into his return. Last week, the Grizzlies ruled him out for the season.
Injuries have slowed Clarke's career in recent years. He was fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 and was a quality big man off the bench for the Grizzlies for a few years earlier this decade (earning a little Sixth Man of the Year recognition in 2022). However, in 2024 he played in just six games, he bounced back with 64 last season until he injured his knee, then came the two games this season.
Clarke, in his seventh NBA season out of Gonzaga, is under contract for $12.5 million this season and next.
LAVAL, Quebec (AP) — Ann-Renée Desbiens made 18 saves, Hayley Scamurra scored twice and the Montreal Victoire beat the Vancouver Goldeneyes 3-0 on Wednesday night to wrap up a playoff berth in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Desbiens had her sixth shutout of the season to help Montreal (13-4-2-5) win its third consecutive game.
Scamurra opened the scoring on a one-timer at 8:28 of the third period. She and and Maggie Flaherty added empty-netters.
Emerance Maschmeyer stopped 25 shots for Vancouver (7-1-4-12).
Jan 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) hugs Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
It was an up-and-down month of March for the Phoenix Suns. The team had a four-game win streak and a five-game losing streak, their longest of the season. With everything said and done, the team finished 8-8 during the month and ended up in the same spot it started: seventh place in the Western Conference.
It’s looking likely Phoenix will end the regular season in that spot, although there is still a possibility that the Clippers or Trail Blazers could catch them. If everything stays as is, however, the Suns would host a Play-In game for the first time in franchise history. All that is left between them and that possibility is the remainder of their regular-season schedule.
Here’s how the calendar shapes up for April:
Finishing up the Road Trip
Thursday, April 2nd @ Charlotte Hornets
Sunday, February 5th @ Chicago Bulls
The Suns played both teams in the month of March, splitting results as they went 1-1 against the Charlotte/Chicago combo.
Phoenix handled Charlotte 111-99 but suffered one of its worst losses of the season against the Bulls, losing 105-103. The Suns couldn’t get into a rhythm and shot worse than 40% from the field. Charlotte projects to be a tough matchup because of their youth and ability to shoot. Chicago is officially eliminated, so the matchup should be a bit easier than Charlotte’s, but that wasn’t the case for the Suns in March.
Last Home Stand
Tuesday, April 7th vs Houston Rockets(NBC/Peacock)
Wednesday, April 8th vs Dallas Mavericks
Phoenix’s games against the two Texas teams are their last two home games of the regular season, but their game against the Rockets will be the first time Kevin Durant returns to the Mortgage Matchup Center since he was traded.
Durant’s relationship with the Suns? Complicated, to say the least. One of the greatest players to don a Phoenix jersey, his tenure with the team didn’t end as anyone wanted it to, with the squad winning just one playoff series during his tenure, despite the future Hall of Famer continuing to put up elite numbers and playing alongside Devin Booker.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 05: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets drives against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Toyota Center on January 05, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It will be interesting to see the type of reception he gets in the nationally televised showdown.
Two Playoff Foes
Friday, April 10th @ Los Angeles Lakers
Sunday, April 12th @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Funnily enough, the team’s last two games are against the only squads that the Suns face five times this season, thanks to the results of the In-Season Tournament. Both the Suns and their opponents in this stretch may have their seeds clinched, so the potential for many players to rest in these games is on the table. Both the Thunder and Lakers are possible first-round matchups, though the Thunder are the more likely.
The Playoff/Play-In Schedule Outlook
While the dates are not set, if the Suns are in the Western Conference 7/8 game as either seed and win, they’ll be the seventh seed. If they lose, they’ll host the winner of the West’s 9/10 game. If they win that game, they’ll be the eighth seed; if they lose it, their season ends.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua is in rehab and was there before he was sued for assault and battery by a woman who says he made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder on New Year's Eve, according to his attorney.
“He was in (rehab) a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke ... and he’s scheduled to be there for a while longer,” Levi McCathern told The California Post.
McCathern told the newspaper Nacua's decision to enter rehab was not a direct response to the lawsuit his accuser filed against him late last month, but an attempt “to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.”
Nacua issued an apology last December after performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream.
Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over his first three seasons with the Rams, who drafted him in the fifth round out of BYU in 2023. He led the league with 129 catches last season and had 1,715 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.
Nacua is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Rams this offseason.
Apr 1, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard Will Riley (27) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Washington Wizards got demolished by the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday in a 153-131 contest at Capital One Arena.
The Wizards had some scoring fun in a defense-optional first half. Tristan Vukcevic got hot with 10 early points to pace Washington, but Paul George turned back the clock with 14 of his own as the Sixers took a 35-29 after one.
The Wiz bench mob came out swinging in the second quarter. Jamir Watkins and Jaden Hardy helped key a 16-7 run to open the period, while Anthony Gill caught fire with 11 points with 3 triples. Washington even held a 58-48 lead before Philly answered back to retake the lead, 73-71, at the break.
Will Riley started the second half with a poster jam on Adem Bona.
Riley’s dunk marked the beginning of the end, as the Sixers ran away with this thing the rest of the way. Philadelphia took a 120-103 lead into the fourth quarter, where nothing even remotely resembling a comeback attempt materialized for Washington in the 22-point defeat.
Gill, fresh off hitting the 1,000-point career mark, had his best scoring game ever. He finished with a career-high 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting with six rebounds and six assists. Riley tallied 18 of his own on an 8-of-12 clip, while Vukcevic and Justin Champagnie each added 17.
Tre Johnson struggled in this one, scoring eight points on 3-of-11 shooting. He also got targeted several times on defense as George and Tyrese Maxey dribbled circles around him.
Johnson and the rest of the crew get a chance to rebound on Saturday in a road game against the Miami Heat.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 11: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 11, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.
Well, the Spurs have been on a tear lately, and they seem to be locked into second place in the west, unless somehow the Lakers can take their two remaining games with OKC. While I’d like that to happen, cheering for LA makes me feel dirty, so maybe it’ll happen while I’m looking the other way. The Spurs would like to win the remainder of their games, but more important now is getting the team to play with precision and consistent effort. The Silver and Black has been winning a lot of games lately, but it’s scary for the rest of the league that they can play a lot better than they are now, and Mitch is committed to making that happen in time for the playoffs.
The Warriors are without a ton of players tonight, with 9 players on the injury list. The Spurs are relatively healthy, with only Luke Kornet out for tonight as he hopefully rests up for the second half of the back-to-back tomorrow night against the clippers. This could be a big night for Victor Wembanyama’s campaign for the MVP award, but I would prefer he puts in his 24 minutes or so and rests the whole fourth as the Spurs cruise to an easy blowout win. Golden State always plays tough against the Spurs, so it would be good if San Antonio could dominate early and put the home crowd to sleep in this late night west coast game. Castle must dominate Podziemski and GO SPURS GO!!!
Game Prediction:
Draymond Green will deposit a dollar in the curse jar by the Warriors bench every time he utters a profanity. After the game, the towel kid will retire on the proceeds.
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors April 1, 2026 | 9:00 PM CT Streaming: ESPN App TV: ESPN Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 31: Drake Powell #4 of the Brooklyn Nets grabs a rebound during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on March 31, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Drake Powell scored 10 points Tuesday night vs. the Hornets, going 3-of-9 overall and 2-of-6 from deep. Not a particularly good shooting night but he did add six boards, and it was notable for one thing: it was the first time all season that the 6’6” guard had put together back-to-back double-digit scoring nights after his season-high 16 points on Sunday vs. the Kings. If you look at the two games, 56 minutes, the numbers aren’t bad: 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting overall, 6-of-12 from deep. And it was his third double-digit scoring game in four games!
But still… as Brian Lewis wrote in between those games, his development can best be described as “tricky.’
“Up-and-down rookie season” is an apt description of Drake Powell’s first year with the Nets.
Of the Nets’ record haul of five first-round picks last June, Powell was the most athletic, but also the most raw on offense. His growing pains on that end of the floor have been protracted and pronounced.
Powell was the biggest reach of the 2025 NBA Draft for the Nets. The final ESPN mock draft had him at No. 32, at the top of the second round. Using a Hawks pick acquired the night before, the Nets took him at No. 22. Of their four other picks, Ben Saraf was taken six spots earlier than the ESPN projection; Egor Demin, five spots and Nolan Traore three. Danny Wolf was taken 12 spots after where the worldwide leader than projected him.
The rationale for mocking him so low was simple: After a spectacular high school career in North Carolina, he was limited by Tar Heels head coach (and his cousin) Hubie Davis who saw him as a defense-first player which as Lewis noted, led to “a glaringly low usage rate” which in turn has led to reps on the ball “a work in progress” in Brooklyn.
Jordi Fernandez has been encouraging both in giving him minutes — he averaged 25.6 in March, by far his most this season — and in talking about his improvement.
“I think he’s done a good job,” Fernández said his effort following the Kings game. “He always tries to do everything we ask him to do. Obviously, there’s struggles, there’s positives. [Sunday], it was a little bit of up and down, the game, but ended up being very positive.
“The shot went in, which is fine. And then at one point he was more physical and aggressive defensively. And I want that physicality to be sustained for whatever minutes he plays. [Sunday], he played 28. So that’s how I want him to play, because he missed some long rebounds, some communication, and then he cleaned it up. So, normal. But overall his willingness to do it, I’m very happy with him.”
On the other end of the court, Powell, a naturally gifted athlete, has shown possibilities. Indeed, Lewis has unearthed an interesting fact about his defense:
The Nets don’t have a single good point-of-attack defender on the roster, somebody who can harass and harangue opposing ballhandlers.
The Nets drafted Powell in hopes he could grow into that role. And it’s no coincidence that when he posted a league-best 91.9 defensive rating in December, the Nets surged to go 7-4 that month.
There is general optimism about the 20-year-old as his teammate Noah Clowney noted
.“[T]But to see him shooting the ball was always good. Ochai [Agbaji], we know what he’s capable of from 3. I think Drake sometimes gets in — not gets in his head about the 3, but he hesitates a bit. So I’m glad when [the Kings] gave him space, he didn’t hesitate to shoot his s–t at all.”
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 1: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on April 1, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Fresh legs PG, everyone.
The Sixers took care of business in the second half, blowing out the Washington Wizards 153-131 Wednesday night.
They are now 42-34, an important win with the Hawks, Magic, Heat and Raptors all in action tonight as well.
Paul George with a new personal Sixers high, led all scorers with 39 points, shooting 15-of-22 from the field along with six assists and three steals. Tyrese Maxey had 28 of his own on 12-of-20 shooting with nine assists.
VJ Edgecombe filled in the gaps quite well, finishing with 23 points, going 10-of-15 from the floor along with 10 assists. Anthony Gil led Washington with 21.
Despite his objections on Twitter, Joel Embiid was out with an illness, along with Johni Broome (meniscus tear). The Wizards were without six players, most importantly Alex Sarr (toe) and Kyshawn George (elbow).
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
PG was in control as soon as the game tipped off, immediately knocking down a pair of midrange jumpers. He drove to the basket a couple times, one got him a layup and the other a trip to the line. He dished to Maxey, who drew a foul making a long two, giving the Sixers an early chance to gain separation.
It was a good start team-wide as they opened up the game 9-of-13 from the field, but the Wizards started well too at 7-of-12. George got his hands on the ball a couple of times but sloppy passes were the only thing stopping offensive production early.
Unlike the Bulls game last week, the Sixers didn’t stagger as much. George and Maxey both played most of the quarter and checked out at the same time. The second unit did a pretty good job finding Quentin Grimes. Justin Edwards kicked it out to him in the corner for a three and Andre Drummond threw a nice bounce pass for a cutting dunk, giving the Sixers a six-point lead after a high scoring first.
Second Quarter
The defensive effort didn’t exactly improve as Washington took their first lead early in the quarter. Whether it was a give-and-go, a pick-and-roll, a backdoor cut, or just slashing right down the lane, the Sixers let it happen with hardly any resistance.
Maxey came out gunning when he checked back in, moving quickly for a reverse layup then storming his way down the lane for a dunk, but stops continued to be a rarity. Not only had the Wizards made 1o of their first 12 goal attempts in the second, one of those misses turned into an offensive rebound and second chance points.
With just a few minutes left in the half, the Sixers finally turned some focus to that end and lo and behold, the Wizards finally started missing shots. The Sixers also did a good job running off those Wizard misses — the fast break layups by Maxey and Edgecombe to tie and momentarily go back in front, especially. Anthony Gil was the latest Wizard who shot himself to a hot start as he made two threes in response. PG buried one off the dribble before the buzzer to put the Sixers back up by two at the break.
Third Quarter
George picked up right where he left off, knocking down a couple more threes at the start of the half. In between those, he found Adem Bona for two dunks. He opened the half on such a heater the Sixers were able to expand their lead a bit despite the Wizards making their first four shots of the third.
It was understandably being overshadowed but Maxey was having a strong shooting night himself. Edgecombe’s night was more understated, with almost all of his baskets coming in transition. The Sixers finally turned this game on its head as they got more stops, with three Wizards turnovers in four possessions helping quite a bit.
Tre Johnson finally getting on the board gave Washington just a small shot in the arm. Cam Payne checked in for the first time and immediately got on the board with a floater. Everything was falling for the Sixers — Drummond had sunk both of his corner three attempts. After shooting 76% from the field in the third, the Sixers led by 17.
Fourth Quarter
The Sixers were able to do a lot of their damage by just breaking guys down off the dribble. It didn’t take a ton of precision, so it was a nice to see Edgecombe throw a slick pass off a cut to Oubre for a corner three. He rattled off five quick points of his own then found Oubre for another three to cap off a fine night for himself as well.
Not only did George return for a shot at breaking 40 points, but Maxey checked back into the game as well. Both missed their first three-point attempts upon returning to the game. After a couple Wizards baskets cut the lead to 14, the Sixers called a timeout and put their full starting five back on the floor.
George missed his last shot, a midrange attempt. It was his first miss from inside the arc all night. He got stuck on 39 but four unanswered baskets from the Sixers caused a Wizards timeout and the benches to be emptied.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke faces multiple charges after being arrested in Arkansas on Wednesday, April 1.
The Cross County Sheriff's Department booked Clarke at 1:03 p.m. local time on charges that include fleeing/exceeding the speed limit, trafficking a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance, according to Sheriff's Office records.
He was also charged with improper passing.
Clarke has spent all seven seasons of his career with Memphis, but hasn't been a factor for the team this season. The forward has played just two games, averaging 4 points and 3 rebounds.
He's already been ruled out for the season due to a right calf strain. Clarke's current contract with the Grizzlies goes to 2026-27.
The former first-round pick was named to the All-Rookie team in 2020. He started his college career at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 06: Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket around Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on December 06, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 99-94. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will have a chance to end their brief three-game Western Conference road trip with a win as they take on a hobbled Golden State Warriors team that will be on the second leg of a back-to-back.
As we know from their first meeting, just because the Warriors are down several key players — including Steph Curry — that doesn’t mean that this is a guaranteed win. The Cavs found that out the hard way in December when they lost to a Pat Spencer-led team. We’ll see if they learned their lesson from that loss.
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TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Not yet set
Cavs injury report: Jaylon Tyson – OUT (toe), Dean Wade – OUT (ankle), Riley Minix – OUT (G League), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League)
Warriors injury report for Wednesday’s game vs. Spurs: Steph Curry – OUT (knee), Jimmy Butler III – OUT (ACL), Al Horford – OUT (calf), De’Anthony Melton – OUT (thumb), Moses Moody – OUT (knee), Gary Payton II – OUT (knee), Kristaps Porzingis – OUT (illness management), Quinten Post – OUT (foot), Gui Santos – OUT (pelvic contusion)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
