SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 25: Blake Hinson #2 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2026 at Delta Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz likely had this game circled on the calendar for some time. It’s the matchup of two ultra tankers facing off, and the prize for losing was all-important playoff positioning. The Utah Jazz came out on top … I mean, as the losers 133-110.
At halftime, the Jazz were down a massive amount, way more than anyone expected.
It’s a good thing because the Jazz got an incredible boost from Blake Hinson. In 11 minutes tonight, Hinson was 4/5 from three, 6/8 from the field, and a +15 in a blowout loss. His shooting with this Jazz team has been incredible, and he’s looking like one of the big steals of the current rebuild. It’s really nice to see because it’s showing that Utah is finding players from multiple avenues that can contribute. Utah has Hinson for two seasons minimum with his two-way contract, but they may want to find a way to give him a standard contract next season. His shooting and overall feel for the game make him a valuable role player. Not bad at all for the Jazz to find a player like that from the G-League, and they didn’t have to use a single asset to make it happen.
We also need to give Ace Bailey some major credit for some of his highlight plays. Bailey had a bad shooting night tonight, but it felt like every one of his scores was a highlight dunk. This reverse dunk was unbelievable.
He’ll still have some up and down nights shooting the ball, but the ceiling for Ace Bailey continues to rise.
Finally, there needs to be huge credit given to Cody Williams, who has been asked to do things outside of his comfort zone. Overall, he’s doing a solid job. Williams had a great night with 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. He’s playing under control and, most importantly, with real confidence. That confidence is great to see, as it shows Williams can be a contributor to winning basketball for the Jazz. If he continues on this trajectory, there’s no reason not to believe he can’t be a core part of a future playoff rotation.
It’s a massively important loss for the Jazz, who stay in the hunt for the #4 spot with the Kings.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after a basket against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS — The Lakers’ season was not going to be defined by a late March road trip. But when the games truly start to matter, the six games LA battled through could very well serve as a reference point.
Across those six games, the Lakers faced a myriad of challenges, both on and off the court. They found solutions for nearly all of them and, as a result, head back home with a real chance to finish the regular season on a high.
“This is the thing that we’ve talked about a bunch is just play the game in front of you and win the game in front of you,” head coach JJ Redick said. “It’s not about looking ahead. It’s more, ‘What does this game present?’ And each game on this trip presented a different problem that we had to solve and a different matchup nightmare that we had to solve and our guys did a great job of executing throughout the trip.”
The problems presented themselves in a myriad of ways. In Houston, it was athleticism. In Miami, it was sleep deprivation. In Detroit, it was physicality. In Indiana, it was the speed and pace of play.
And on Monday, it was Bronny James who provided a spark.
Mar 25, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) shoots the ball over Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
The seldom-used sophomore guard parlayed his recent success in the G League into a rare appearance with the depleted parent Lakers. And they weren’t ceremonial minutes, but important ones that included a momentum-stopping jumper late in the fourth quarter to stem the tide of a Pacers run.
“He did a great job today,” Luka said of Bronny. “A big game from him. That pull-up two [in the fourth quarter], it was a big bucket. It was probably one of the most important shots of the game. They’re coming back, he hits that one. I think he did really great in those minutes.”
While Bronny is not the solution himself, he is emblematic of the Lakers’ ability to find answers. When the playoffs came around last season, they ran out of ideas quickly, bowing out in swift fashion as a result.
This season, the Lakers are a more resilient group with an ability and willingness to problem-solve, something they proved time and time again over the last week-and-a-half.
“I think we did a great job – even the game we lost that we could have won – I think just not giving up,” Luka said. “Numerous times, teams went on a run and we didn’t give up. We just kept at it.”
By keeping at it, the Lakers have positioned themselves for a strong finish. Of their final nine games, six are at home, seven are in California and only once will they have to leave the Pacific time zone. Games against Brooklyn, Washington, Dallas and Utah will match them up against tanking teams.
Following Wednesday’s results, they sit 1.5 games up on Denver, two games up on Minnesota and 3.5 games up on Houston with tiebreakers over all three teams.
Even with a game against OKC left on the schedule, the Lakers, should they simply take care of business in the final two weeks of the regular season, are primed to lock up the No. 3 seed for a second year in a row.
But if they’re to avoid the fate that followed last year’s team after the regular season ended, it’ll likely be performances like these six road games they can turn to in order to see their ride through the postseason last a little bit longer.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 25: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena on March 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t put their best foot forward to start this game. Let’s go over today’s winners and losers.
LOSER- Coming Out Flat
Second night of a back-to-back. Numerous key players are down due to injury. Random, meaningless game in March. I understand all of the context.
That still doesn’t mean it’s okay for the Cavs to come out as flat as they did tonight.
Miami built an early 20-point lead after pouncing all over Cleveland’s poor effort. Some of the Cavaliers’ offensive concerns can be excused due to simply missing shots (they shot 3-15 from three in the first half). But their defensive integrity was nowhere to be found. That’s especially concerning, considering Kenny Atkinson previously called them out for their poor defense against the Magic just 24 hours ago.
It’s a combination of scheme and execution. The Cavs have always rotated early and dug deep into the paint to provide help on drives. But their timing and process on this strategy have been worse as of late. They are frequently over-committing and opening themselves up to three-point onslaughts. It’s worrying that even middling offenses like the Heat can impose their will on the Cavaliers so quickly to start a game.
The Cavs proved they can ‘flip a switch’ once the second half began. The comeback was as electric as anything. With that said, I can’t blame any of the hometown fans who booed their team during the first half. That was a bad effort — and they dug themselves a hole that was ultimately too much to get out of.
WINNER – Donovan Mitchell’s Second Half Effort
Mitchell has a knack for getting the Cleveland crowd on its feet. This Cavalier team was being booed off the floor entering halftime. By the end of the third quarter, Mitchell had them in a full frenzy as his 13 points fueled a comeback and tied the game.
It was everything we’ve come to expect from Mitchell. Elite three-point shooting. Dazzling dribble moves. And a one-man heat check that brought his team (and the crowd) back to life. Mitchell hit three three-pointers in the third quarter, including back-to-back shots to swing the momentum all the way back into Cleveland’s favor.
As previously mentioned, Atkinson called out his team’s ‘compete level’ after their narrow win over Orlando. Specifically, he urged his two leaders (presumably Mitchell and James Harden) to respond. It took a full half for Mitchell to get the message, but by the end of the game, it was clear he took it to heart.
Mitchell opened the fourth quarter by diving for the ball and forcing a jumpball. That kind of scrappiness from a player who is currently on fire shooting the rock is the definition of leading by example. Mitchell’s energy sparked the run.
LOSER – Evan Mobley
Think of the things you don’t want to see from Evan Mobley. Indecisiveness. A lack of confidence. Probing aimlessly and taking shots that feel hopeless.
That’s what we saw tonight.
At one point in the first half, Mobley was working one-on-one against Bam Adebayo with the shot clock winding down. Mobley took a step-back dribble, and as he was gathering for the jumper, Bam visibly waved him off and turned around for the rebound. Mobley nearly airballed the shot.
It’s worth saying the Heat deployed a great defensive scheme. Their mixture of zone and double-coverage kept Mobley from finding an open space to operate. They sped him up and made him passive. That’s a credit to Miami.
“They mixed in a lot of zone,” said Kenny Aktinson after the game. “Those guys are tough; they’re a darn good defensive team. I think Evan’s next evolution is when they start swarming him, making those decisions.”
Later in the fourth quarter, Mobley had a deep-seal on Kel’el Ware. The Cavs dumped him the ball, and Mobley proceeded to get blocked at the rim. That sums up the night.
Every player has bad games. It’s worth noting that Mobley had been playing his best stretch of the season, and arguably one of the best of his career. But this type of performance is something we all wish we could forget.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 25: Jericho Sims #00 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball past Donovan Clingan #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on March 25, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Down Giannis, Gary Harris, Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and Kevin Porter Jr., the Milwaukee Bucks got walloped by the Portland Trail Blazers 130-99. Ryan Rollins was the lone bright spot for the Bucks, notching a career-high 36 points, while Donovan Clingan led the Blazers with 14 points and 15 rebounds (six offensive).
The Bucks got off to a rough start, giving up a 10-0 run almost immediately before Ryan Rollins halted it with a Dame-esque side-step three. The Bucks would climb back into it, luckily, with Ousmane Dieng nailing a bomb to make the deficit just two, 14-12, at the seven-minute mark. Unfortunately, Milwaukee lost the rope from there, with Portland’s lead expanding to double digits behind a Jerami Grant run. You could tell the Bucks were light on bodies when Andre Jackson Jr. and Thanasis (yes, Thanasis) got run towards the end of the period, which… went about as you’d expect. Blazers up 42-27 after one.
Old friend Jrue Holiday was licking his chops at his former side, nailing his fourth triple of the game to open the second, but was answered in kind by AJax from the top of the key. The Bucks answered a fair few Blazers’ buckets as the quarter progressed, but the home team began to run over them and push their lead to above 20 by the seven-minute mark. Donovan Clingan was murdering the Bucks’ small front line, gobbling up rebound after rebound on both ends, giving his team a boatload of second-chance opportunities. By halftime, up 71-49, the Blazers had 10 O-boards to the Bucks’ three and 12 second-chance points to the Bucks’ two.
Milwaukee’s defence did not improve in the third quarter, but its offence sure did, losing the period by just one, 33-32. Ryan Rollins was the story, scoring 17 points in the period, including going 3/5 from deep. There were also some nice moments where player development shone through, with Jericho Sims knocking down a floater after moving Donovan Clingan. But yeah, the defence was as non-existent as it had been all game; a lot of that was just because the Bucks were so small, but there were certainly tactical mistakes. Portland led 104-81 after three.
After keeping the Blazers’ lead from ballooning out much further than 20, the Bucks relented to start the fourth, allowing it to expand to 30 following Scoot Henderson’s third bomb of the night. On the plus side, Rollins recorded a new career high of 34 points after hitting his sixth three-pointer of the game, besting his previous high of 32 (which came earlier this season against the Warriors, obviously). Rollins would check out with four minutes to go after notching 36 in total, making way for Cormac Ryan to get his second chance at NBA minutes this season. All in all, another disappointing night for the Bucks.
Stat That Stood Out
The Bucks actually did OK in quarters 2-4, but gave up 42 points in the opening frame, which ultimately did them in.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets chat during the game at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight, the Knicks (48*-25) visit the Hornets (38-34) at Spectrum Center. New York has won seven straight, including Tuesday’s 121-116 victory over the Pelicans. Meanwhile, Charlotte went 7-3 over their last 10 and is riding a strong home stretch with a four-game win streak on the line. Expect a spicy one tonight!
New York leads the season series 2-0. The teams last met December 3, 2025, with the Knicks winning 119-104 at Madison Square Garden. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with a 35-point, 18-rebound double-double, while the Hornets were paced by LaMelo Ball with 32 points. They’ll next meet in the final game of the season, on April 12.
Charles Lee’s Hornets boast one of the better offenses in the league, ranking 4th in offensive rating while posting a solid 12th in defensive rating. They score 116.4 points per game and allow 111.8, giving them the league’s sixth-best net rating.
Ball (19.7 PPG, 7.1 APG) orchestrates the attack and Brandon Miller (20.3 PPG, 39% 3PT) provides scoring punch and floor spacing. Miles Bridges (17.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG) is still a bully, while rookie Kon Knueppel (probable with back soreness) adds sizzling shooting. Expected starters tonight are likely Ball, Miller, Knueppel, Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté (8.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG).
On the injury report, New York lists Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (knee) as OUT. The Hornets have Tidjane Salaun (calf) OUT, with Pat Connaughton (illness) questionable.
Prediction
ESPN win probability sits around 51% for the Knicks. Basically a toss up. These Hornets are a tough out at home with their offensive firepower and recent momentum. They take the second-most shots from downtown and are the league’s third-best shooting team from there. Will New York’s Wingstop meet the challenge? We shall see. Expect our heroes to face early trouble from Charlotte’s spacing and longballs. It’s hard to envision the Knicks winning all four games of the regular season series, and this one certainly does look like a toss up. The fact that New York has only played two overtime games this season caught my eye, too. Something tells me this could be the third. Knicks by one in a thriller.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (48*-25) vs Charlotte Hornets (38-34) Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: 7 PM ET Place: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC TV: MSG Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but NBA Cups scoff at record keeping.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers helps up James Harden #1 during the first half against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena on March 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers four-game winning streak was snapped by the Miami Heat.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
28 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 turnovers
The first half was on par with some of the defensive effort we’ve seen this week from Mitchell. The second half, though? That’s more like it.
Mitchell ramped up his ‘compete’ level and helped turn this game around. His scoring is one thing. We’ve seen him get hot in a hurry before. But when he’s diving to the floor, fighting for loose balls, and getting into the jersey of his opponent? That’s the type of stuff that gets Cleveland roaring.
Grade: B
James Harden
18 points, 7 assists, 9 rebounds, 5 turnovers
This was an uncharacteristically quiet game from Harden, who had previously been in a flow state. He wasn’t overly aggressive hunting for his shot tonight, and the defense was, well, you know how the defense was.
Harden shot 3-9 from three and 1-1 from inside of two-point range. The Heat did a fine job packing the paint, and Harden wasn’t able to punish them enough with his pull-up jumper.
Grade: C-
Evan Mobley
8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Miami made a conscious effort to keep Mobley in a box. He saw multiple jerseys on every post entry and had trouble getting around Bam Adebayo. This is a tougher matchup for Mobley when Jarrett Allen isn’t on the court to put pressure on the Heat’s frontcourt. We saw the results of that tonight.
That said, Mobley has no one to blame but himself for this one. He looked uncertain of himself from the start. And as the game wore on, Miami took more and more space from him. His failed isolation attempt on Kel’el Ware was the lowlight of the night.
Grade: F
Keon Ellis
17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Ellis hasn’t been spacing the floor as we’d hope recently (1-7 from downtown tonight). He did, however, make himself available in the dunker’s spot for a handful of easy opportunities.
He also knocked the ball out of Tyler Herro’s hands three times in the same possession. That was sick.
Grade: B+
Sam Merrill
18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists
Merrill is having his best season as a slasher. He got to the rim relentlessly against the Magic last night and replicated some of that success versus Miami. He’s been quick to catch and attack this year rather than pump fake or relocate for a three-pointer. That’s given him the advantage he needs to get into the lane and showcase his floater and layup.
“I was joking, he’s like a drive-first guy now,” Kenny Aktinson said. “Teams are running him off. He’s a hot shooter, we know what that coverage is, so he’s just running through catches… that’s called player development.”
Grade: B+
Dennis Schroder
4 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds
We might be finding out why Schroder was available at the deadline. Or rather, why the Sacramento Kings were willing to give up Keon Ellis for De’Andre Hunter simply to get Schroder off their books.
That’s not to say Schroder is a bad player, or that he can’t help the Cavs down the stretch, but his last few games haven’t been great. He shot 1-5 and wasn’t great defensively. He gets some credit for his effort on the glass and for dealing 6 assists with 0 turnovers.
Grade: D+
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
6 points, 4 rebounds
The Cavs played Tomlin out of necessity tonight. His lack of a viable jumper has made it difficult to keep him on the floor. He isn’t being guarded in the corner, and he’s mostly taking up space in the paint when he sits in the dunker’s spot. He also picked up four fouls in his first nine minutes tonight.
It’s been rough on Tomlin Island.
Grade: D–
Tyrese Proctor
0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 2 steals
Proctor was thrown into this game during the second quarter as the wheels were falling off. These were his first meaningful minutes since February, and that matched the eye test. He wasn’t overly involved in anything — and smoked an open layup in the fourth quarter.
I’ll be lenient with his grade, considering his place in the rotations and the expectations I have for him as a young pup.
Grade: D+
Thomas Bryant
4 points, 5 rebounds
Bryant’s first half was abysmal. He went 0-4 from the floor and was a minus-17 as Miami’s athleticism left him in the dust. He turned it around gradually in the second half, even rounding out to a positive in the plus-minus before the Heat slammed the door shut in the fourth quarter.
Again, this was just one of those nights where you missed Jarrett Allen.
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 25: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 25, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The night never really gave the Memphis Grizzlies a chance to breathe.
From the opening tip, the San Antonio Spurs played like a team with something to prove—sharp, connected, and relentless. The ball moved with purpose, the defense swarmed, and by the time the first quarter buzzer sounded, San Antonio had already built a cushion that felt heavier than the scoreboard suggested.
It started with rhythm. Possession after possession, the Spurs carved up Memphis’ defense, turning good looks into great ones. Devin Vassell found his stroke early, knocking down shots that kept the pressure mounting. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle quietly controlled the tempo, slipping passes through tight windows and keeping everyone involved.
And then there was Victor Wembanyama—everywhere at once.
He altered shots without always touching the ball, pulled down rebounds in traffic, and made his presence felt in ways that don’t always show up in the box score. When Memphis tried to attack the paint, Wembanyama was waiting. When they settled for jumpers, the Spurs were already pushing the other way.
By halftime, the game had shifted from a contest to a showcase.
San Antonio didn’t let up. Instead, they leaned further into their identity—unselfish offense, disciplined defense, and a pace that Memphis simply couldn’t match, especially shorthanded. Every run the Grizzlies attempted was met with a quick answer: a corner three, a fast-break finish, or a defensive stop that sucked the momentum right back out of the building.
The lead stretched. Then ballooned. Then settled into something inevitable.
Late in the fourth quarter, the urgency was gone. The Spurs bench rose with every play, the starters watched with quiet satisfaction, and the scoreboard told the full story: 123–98.
It wasn’t just a win—it was control from beginning to end.
For a young Spurs team on its way to the NBA Playoffs, this was a glimpse of what it can look like when everything clicks.
Game notes
With the win, San Antonio moved within two games of Oklahoma City for the top seed in the Western Conference and the league’s best record.
The Spurs have an easier end to the season than the Thunder, apart from two games against the Nuggets and possibly the Clippers. If the Spurs can win the games they need to, it will be a tight finish to the top.
De’Aaron Fox missed the game with back soreness, and Luke Kornet was also out with injury management. Good for Mitch Johnson holding out two key players to work out the kinks in their bodies before a grueling playoff run.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 25: Julian Reese #15 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 25, 2026 at Delta Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards ended their 16-game losing streak with a bang in the form of a 133-110 drubbing of the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.
The Wizards had their most dominant first half of the season against a Jazz squad determined to out-tank them. Washington took a 13-point lead to end the first quarter and continued to pile on before the halftime buzzer, leading by as many as 31 points before settling on a 72-45 advantage at the break.
Juju Reese was holding the detonator during the first-half demolition job. Reese shot 8/9 from the field while collecting every rebound in his orbit, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds with another half to play. He feasted on a Jazz frontline that started 190-pound Cody Williams at center, which amusingly made Juju look like a prime Joel Embiid.
The Wizards rode the huge first-half lead and coasted to a 133-110 victory. The 23-point win was Washington’s largest margin of victory of the season.
Reese finished with a monster double-double of 26 points and 17 rebounds on a 12-of-16 clip. The Maryland alum clearly loves playing the Jazz as he’s averaging 22.0 points and 18.5 rebounds in two games this season.
Will Riley had a double-double of his own with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists across just 22 minutes. The reserve guard duo of Jaden Hardy and Sharife Cooper combined for 38 points off the bench.
The Wizards continue their road trip on Friday with a late-night clash against the Golden State Warriors.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Juju Reese had 26 points and 17 rebounds, Will Riley added 19 points and 10 boards, and the Washington Wizards snapped a 16-game skid with a 133-110 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
It was Washington's first win since Feb. 20 against Indiana.
Cody Williams scored 24 points for the Jazz, who have lost 15 of 18. Blake Hinson added a career-high 21 points and John Konchar had 14 rebounds.
Reese and Riley are the first Wizards rookie pair to have double-doubles in the same game since John Wall and Jordan Crawford on March 23, 2011 at the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Sportradar.
In a matchup of teams widely believed to be tanking in order to improve their draft prospects, the Wizards never trailed and pulled ahead by 37 late in the third quarter. But Utah went on a 23-2 run in the fourth and pulled within 13 midway through the period.
Reese — the brother of Angel Reese of the WNBA's Chicago Sky — and Sharife Cooper hit key buckets down the stretch to keep Washington in control.
The Wizards outrebounded the Jazz 56-40.
The Wizards said before the game that Kyshawn George has a partial tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. George will be reevaluated in a week, the team said.
Utah won the previous meeting between the teams, beating the Wizards 122-112 on March 6.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) gestures after a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 25,...
INDIANAPOLIS — The Lakers beating the Pacers 137-130 on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse wasn’t a surprise.
And considering the Pacers have the NBA’s worst record, the final margin shouldn’t have been a surprise, either.
But the Lakers’ fatigue from the six-game, 11-day trip that ended Wednesday was evident before tipoff.
The Lakers’ LeBron James scored 23 points in the team’s road victory against the Pacers on Wednesday. NBAE via Getty Images
And even though the Pacers have been struggling, the backbone of a team that played in the NBA Finals just nine months ago is still present with its grit and hustle.
But LeBron James’ message entering Wednesday was clear: Even though everybody was tired and wanted to get home, they still had business to take care of.
And that’s exactly what the Lakers did — even though the Pacers cut it close at the end, trimming their deficit to six points after the Lakers led by as many as 29 in the third quarter.
James had a near triple-double with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Jaxson Hayes, who started in place of Deandre Ayton, had his first double-double of the season with season highs of 21 points and 10 rebounds to go with a pair of blocked shots and steals.
Austin Reaves added 25 points and eight assists.
What it means
The Lakers improved to 47-26 with Wednesday’s victory, which was their 13th win in their last 15 games.
They also maintained the league’s fifth-best winning percentage in away games, having a 24-14 record on the road after going 5-1 on the trip.
The Lakers haven’t lost consecutive games since their three-game losing streak Feb. 22-26.
The Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes finished with a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds) against the host Pacers. Getty Images
Turning point
When it became clear in the first quarter that the Lakers showed up with a business-like approach.
The Pacers, who have the league’s worst record at 16-57, lost 16 straight games before beating the Magic on Monday.
But their motivations — having the best chance to secure a high draft pick in this summer’s draft — were clear before Wednesday despite their late push.
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With his performance Wednesday, Doncic recorded his league-leading 42nd game scoring at least 30 points, which is tied for eighth most in a season in franchise history.
It also marked his 11th straight game with at least 30 points, which is tied for the longest streak of his career. He also did it from Nov. 22-Dec. 18, 2023, while playing for the Mavericks.
Stat of the game: Six
Wednesday was the sixth time this season Doncic has scored at least 20 points in the first quarter.
No other player has done it more than twice this season.
Doncic scored 21 points of his eventual scoring total in the opening period to help the Lakers take a 45-28 lead going into the second quarter.
He shot 8 of 12 from the field (3 of 5 on 3s) in the opening 12 minutes.
Doncic also has the most 20-point quarters in the league (eight).
Up next
The Lakers will return to Southern California for three home games before their next trip.
They host the Nets on Friday before matchups against the Wizards and Cavaliers on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 27: Keyonte George #3, Kyle Filipowski #22, Lauri Markkanen #23 and Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 27, 2025 at Delta Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz are clearly doing everything they can to keep their pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Something tells me that next season, we won’t see as many players on the injury report as this season. That means that the core of this Jazz team will play, and it’s clear they’re going to play well. The question is, of the current Jazz roster, who is going to be the most important player next season? Now, Utah may win the lottery and that could change this entire question. If Utah drafts someone like Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa, that changes everything. That said, let’s just ignore the lottery and draft for the sake of this question. If we’re looking at the odds, it’s statistically a little more likely Utah doesn’t draft in the top four of the draft anyway.
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ATLANTA (AP) — Florida freshman Ahmed Jaouadi broke a NCAA record in the 1,650-yard freestyle and the Gators shared the Day 1 lead with Indiana at the Division I swimming and diving championships on Wednesday.
Jaouadi denied Indiana senior Zalán Sárkány a three-peat with a time of 14:10.03 to break former Gator Bobby Finke’s long-standing NCAA record. Sárkány recorded the fastest 1,000 freestyle in collegiate swimming history, splitting an 8:33.10 during a runner-up performance.
Florida and Indiana are tied atop the team standing with 86 points, followed by Texas with 72.
Jonny Kulow brought home the title for Arizona State in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:20.07. Florida, after setting a new NCAA record at the SEC championships, secured the runner-up and the Longhorns took third.
Texas won the 800 freestyle relay after Rafael Fente-Damers, Camden Taylor, Rex Maurer and Baylor Nelson touched first with a time of 6:05.82.
The four-day event at the McAuley Aquatic Center continues on Thursday with the 100 butterfly, 400 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 1-meter diving and the 200 freestyle relay.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 25, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 22 VJ Edgecombe – 12 Joel Embiid – 9 Paul George – 6 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
As Daryl Morey suspected when he allocated over $400 million in new money combined to them in 2024, the Philadelphia 76ers are a much better basketball team when Joel Embiid and Paul George are on the court.
The veterans both returned against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night following long absences, Embiid due to an oblique injury and George due to a 25-game league suspension, and the pair certainly looked to have benefitted from the time off. The pair combined for 63 points in shorter stints than usual, as Philadelphia scored their most points in a game since this writer has been alive (and most since 1970), absolutely walloping the Bulls, 157-137. The goal to climb back out of the Play-In Tournament remains very much alive, still just a half game back of Atlanta for sixth place with nine games remaining.
Let’s pause and appreciate this win though and talk Bell Ringer.
Joel had missed 13 straight games, but this time avoided the usual “getting back into a rhythm” rust that accompanies a layoff. He came out scorching hot shooting the ball, draining his first five shots of the game and overall dropping 15 points in the opening six minutes. He would finish a highly efficient 12-of-17 from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 from behind the arc. As expected, Embiid’s presence opened things up for his teammates, with him pinging the ball around the court. His most impressive assist was recognizing a double team in the post, and then pivoting to find VJ Edgecombe for a three on the opposite wing. Importantly in the long term, you could see Joel’s body felt good as he recovered quickly to block a shot in the lane from Guerschon Yabusele or threw down a tomahawk dunk over a rotating Matas Buzelis. Having this version of Joel going forward would throw the Sixers firmly back in the “who knows what might happen” postseason conversation.
Prior to the game, George talked about the silver lining of the suspension being that it allowed him to heal and feel 100 percent physically. He certainly looked 100 percent against Chicago, returning as a two-way force for the Sixers, getting a ton of deflections and making hustle plays like racing back in transition to block a Buzelis lay-in attempt. In the second half, PG found the range on the offensive end, recording 23 points after intermission, on 9-of-12 shooting (5-of-8 from behind the arc). It was a hot stretch reminiscent of his big shooting night against the Bucks back in January. It was exactly the version of George the Sixers have always needed, a connective piece to tie the roster together, while also capable of carrying the offense on occasion.
Paul George picks Matas Buzelis' pocket and converts the straight ahead triple on the other end pic.twitter.com/xGx4o6yCFM
VJ has been the primary guy in the spotlight in many instances while the Sixers were dealing with a boatload of absences, and while he wasn’t the main focus on Wednesday, he still stepped up with another strong performance. Edgecombe made use of a couple of open looks from Embiid, but also converted on some high degree-of-difficulty stepbacks and fadeaways. His 7-of-9 shooting night will get it done any time, but I was also thrilled to see his work as a distributor. Edgecombe’s increased on-ball reps lately were paying dividends. He made a couple excellent reads out of the pick-and-roll with Embiid, once finding Joel with a bounce pass through tight quarters in the lane for a bucket, and another time making the skip pass to the corner for a George three-pointer. He also slipped a beautiful pass through to a cutting Dominick Barlow for two points. It’s been really fun to watch the rookie’s game continue to evolve.
CHICAGO (AP) — Theresa Schafzahl, Danielle Serdachny and Cayla Barnes each scored in the first period and the Seattle Torrent beat the New York Sirens 4-1 on Wednesday night in the Takeover Tour for their second win away from home this season.
Seattle (6-1-2-13) scored the game's first goal for just the sixth time this season — after entering tied with Vancouver for fewest in the PHWL.
Schafzahl scored her first goal since being traded to Seattle on a nice wraparound for a 1-0 lead and she assisted on two other goals. Serdachny made it 2-0 to reach four points (two goals, two assists) in her last six games.
Seattle went ahead 3-0 when Julia Gosling found a wide-open Cayla Barnes at the back door for an easy finish.
Alex Carpenter, who scored Seattle’s only goal over the previous two games, scored her ninth of the season midway through the third to regain a three-goal lead.
New York (8-0-3-11) has just four wins away from home this season, with two coming as the home team in the Takeover Tour.
Sarah Fillier scored her fifth goal of the season for New York and 17th of her career.
Up next
New York plays its fifth and final Takeover Tour game on Saturday against Montreal in Detroit.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid scored 35 points in his return to the lineup from injury, Paul George had 28 points in his first game since serving a 25-game suspension, and the Philadelphia 76ers rolled to a 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Josh Giddey scored 23 points to lead the Bulls.
Embiid missed 13 games with a strained right oblique but showed no signs of rust. The 2023 MVP made 6 of 9 shots in the first period, including all three of his 3-point tries. He had 23 points in the first half to help Philadelphia take a 71-52 halftime lead.
George was not as sharp early but settled in after halftime.
Playing for the first time since Jan. 29 due to a violation of the NBA’s drug policy, he missed 8 of 10 field goals in the opening half and had five points, but scored 23 points in the second half.
HAWKS 130, PISTONS 129, OT
DETROIT (AP) — CJ McCollum scored 27 points, making the tiebreaking three-point play in overtime, and Atlanta beat Detroit.
Jalen Johnson also had 27 points and came close to another triple-double, finishing with 12 assists and eight rebounds.
The surging Hawks improved to 15-2 since the All-Star break, best in the Eastern Conference, and snapped Detroit’s four-game winning streak.
Jalen Duren had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Pistons, who lost for the first time since All-Star Cade Cunningham sustained a collapsed left lung. Tobias Harris scored 22 points and Daniss Jenkins had 19 points and 10 assists for the East leaders.
LAKERS 137, PACERS 130
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 43 points to lead Los Angeles to a victory over Indiana.
With Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark snapping pictures on the sideline as a credentialed photographer, Doncic sank 15 of 30 shots and hit 9 of 10 free throws. Austin Reaves scored 25 points, LeBron James scored 23 and Jaxson Hayes had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles.
The Lakers have won 10 of 11, with Doncic scoring at least 30 points in each. Los Angeles, which sits third in the Western Conference, lost Monday night at Detroit, ending a nine-game winning streak.
Pascal Siakam scored 20 points and Jay Huff had 18 for the Pacers. T.J. McConnell came off the bench to score 17 and Andrew Nembhard had a career-high 19 assists along with 14 points.
CELTICS 119, THUNDER 109
BOSTON, (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 14 of his 31 points a pivotal third quarter and Boston rallied to beat Oklahoma City, snapping the defending champions’ 12-game win streak.
Jayson Tatum recovered from back-to-back rocky performances to add 19 points and 12 rebounds while also contributing seven assists as Boston earned a split in the two regular-season matchups between the past two NBA champs.
Brown added eight rebounds and eight assists, and his big quarter helped the Celtics take an 88-83 lead into the fourth. Boston’s edge grew as high as 14 in the final period.
OKC got within 115-109 with 1:30 remaining, but a layup by Brown, and two free throws by Derrick White helped Boston close it out.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points and eight assists. But Oklahoma City was outscored by the Celtics 19-2 in second-chance points and shot just 12 of 37 from the 3-point line.
HEAT 120, CAVALIERS 103
CLEVELAND (AP) — Norman Powell scored 19 points, Tyler Herro added 18 and Miami got contributions from everyone while stopping a five-game losing skid with a win over Cleveland.
As healthy as they’ve been all season, the Heat squandered a 17-point lead in the third quarter before recovering in the fourth. Miami led by nine with five minutes left before Bam Adebayo converted a three-point play and Kel’el Ware scored on a layup in an 11-second span.
Adebayo finished with 17 points, Ware had 13 points and 11 rebounds and the Heat had eight players score in double figures. The Heat will stay in Cleveland and play the Cavaliers again on Friday.
Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points before fouling out in the final minutes for the Cavs, whose winning streak ended at four. James Harden and Sam Merrill scored 18 apiece.
SPURS 123, GRIZZLIES 98
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks as San Antonio built an early lead and coasted to a victory over Memphis.
Devin Vassell matched Wembanyama’s 19 points, while Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson finished with 15 points each, as seven Spurs finished in double figures.
With its seventh straight victory, San Antonio moved within two games of Oklahoma City for the top spot in the Western Conference as the Boston Celtics stopped the Thunder’s 12-game winning streak with a 119-109 victory on Wednesday night.
GG Jackson led Memphis with 20 points. Olivier-Maxence Prosper finished with 17 and DeJon Jarreau added 15 as the Grizzlies lost their fourth in a row.
