Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Bucks vs. Bulls Player Grades: Kevin Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas dribble into blowout

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 1: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

March came in like a lamb for the Bucks at the United Center today: a 16-point first-half lead turned into a 120-97 laugher, thanks to a catastrophic 27-0 Bulls run and a 33-8 fourth quarter in the home team’s favor. Still, the Bucks finished the season series 3-1 over the Bulls. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast Bucks In Six Minutes below.

View Link

Player Grades

Myles Turner

21 minutes, 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 3/10 FG, 2/5 3P, 3/4 FT, -20

Scoreless after the first quarter, and only five further shot attempts. In his defense, Doc wasn’t playing him much for whatever reason. Probably could have used his rim protection for more than nine second-half minutes, given that Chicago outscored Milwaukee 34-10 in the paint after half.

Grade: D+

Kevin Porter Jr.

32 minutes, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4/16 FG, 0/1 3P, 2/2 FT, -23

A lot of really tough shots and few fell, especially inside. What I liked the least, though, was the open threes he passed up over and over again in the second half. Couldn’t stop Josh Giddey, who had a triple-double (and a surprising 14 rebounds).

Grade: D

AJ Green

30 minutes, 13 points, 2 assists, 4 fouls, 4/11 FG, 4/11 3P, -20

Again, all his points in the first half. 0/3 in the second. Made some important ones early, but then disappeared. Offered next to nothing on the other end.

Grade: D+

Ryan Rollins

34 minutes, 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 turnovers, 2 steals, 5/11 FG, 1/6 3P, -19

The counting stats are decent until you get to the turnovers, which are a real problem of late with Rylo. His passing in the second quarter was outstanding, but his second half was a brickfest. Starting 4/4 and then going 1/7… hardly alone among the starters today.

Grade: C-

Kyle Kuzma

23 minutes, 10 points, 4 assists, 4 turnovers, 4/5 FG, – 24

I’ll give him credit for being the only Buck to make any hay inside, but otherwise, nothing positive from Kuz today. Seemed too cavalier when he entered in the fourth quarter, and the Bucks continued getting wrecked.

Grade: D

Bobby Portis

24 minutes, 18 points, 5 rebounds, 7/14 FG, 3/8 3P, +1

Too many middies (more on that later) and settling for jumpers, but at least they were falling. A key part of the Bucks’ second-quarter success, but also part of the unit that started to let the game slip away early in the fourth before checking out.

Grade: B–

Cam Thomas

18 minutes, 15 points, 3 assists, 3/11 FG, 8/10 FT, +2

The type of scoring line that looks really efficient if you only look at the free throws. Dribbled the air out of the ball, gets to the line, took ill-advised jumpers… the Cam Thomas experience.

Grade: C–

Jericho Sims

24 minutes, 2 points, 11 rebounds, 1/1 FG, +1

Excellent on the glass in the first half and five offensive boards for the game, but—stop me if you’ve heard this before—didn’t do anything after half. Also part of the unit I mentioned with Portis above, and was hardly near the rim when the Bulls started yamming on them.

Grade: C-

Ousmane Dieng

21 minutes, 7 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals, 3/12 FG, 1/6 3P, -1

Dieng’s three-point shooting has cratered the last three games (2/14), but a chunk of his misses came in garbage time after the Bucks went down 19. Wasn’t on the floor for too much of the early fourth quarter cataclysm.

Grade: C

Doc Rivers

Oh boy, where do I start? I’ll just give one of his postgame comments, but I have a lot more to say about today, which I’ll do in a separate place. Anyway, the Bucks missed 18 consecutive field goals from the third into the fourth quarter, and a lot were clean looks. Here’s what Doc had to say:

“I don’t care if it’s not in the paint. We’re getting wide-open threes. We’re one of the best shooting threes in the NBA. So if we take 30 of those, I can live with it. What I didn’t like is (that) we didn’t get the right shots. Half of them were twos, contested. That’s what bothered me in the game. Honestly, if we’d have got all those plays and they were wide-open threes and we had two points in the paint, but they were wide-open threes, I could go to sleep tonight. Because I know our guys got the right shots. I thought by the time we got the right shots, it was too late.”

Doc had earlier mentioned that “the good looks came after crappy basketball for the first 11 minutes of the third quarter.” Not addressing crappy basketball is bad enough. Moreover, shooters shoot, but to completely abandon anything inside?

Not that it was even a priority: the Bucks were 6/6 in the restricted area in the first half and 2/7 in the second half. Chicago had three injured in their frontcourt (Zach Collins, Jalen Smith, and Patrick Williams), so Nick Richards and Leonard Miller were their only guys above 6’8”. Matas Buzelis and Guerschon Yabusele rounded out an already-thin Bulls frontcourt post-deadline. Even without Giannis, Doc has five players 6’9” and up at his disposal, enough size and talent to deal with Chicago’s four. Not caring if their shots aren’t in the paint? To quote my colleague Jack Trehearne: diabolical.

Grade: F

Garbage Time: Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr., Pete Nance, Gary Trent Jr.

Inactive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince, Cormac Ryan

Bonus Bucks Bits

  • Eight points is the lowest any NBA team has scored in a regulation quarter this season. Milwaukee was 2/21 from the floor in the period.
  • The Bulls’ 27-0 run was a franchise record. And that was the second-largest run the Bucks have ever given up: the worst was a 29-0 Cavs run at the Bradley Center in December 2009, as we found out postgame. For what it’s worth, the NBA record is 30-0.
  • Portis asked us assembled reporters in the locker room post-game if we’d ever seen anything like that run. He hadn’t, and none of us had either—at least not in person.
  • A few more stats on the Bucks’ epic drought: the 18 straight misses came between Cam Thomas’ lay-in at 1:23 in the third and Dieng’s dunk with 3:12 left in the game. That’s 10 minutes, 11 seconds.
  • They also missed 15 consecutive threes across a slightly longer span. At half, they were 10/23 from deep, a nice 43.5%. In the second half: 3/23, 13%. 13/46 overall is 28.3%. Barf.
  • There were seven minutes and 32 seconds between Bucks points, and it took them just over six minutes to register a point in the fourth.
  • But the most damning thing: of those 18 straight misses I mentioned? They took only one shot within 10 feet: a Portis driving hook.
  • For the game, they took 30 attempts in the paint, and the Bulls outscored them there 50-26. The disparity was particularly bad in the second half: Chicago was 17/20 in the paint, and Milwaukee shot just 5/17.
  • It was a sloppy game overall with 37 combined turnovers (19 for Milwaukee, 18 for Chicago), and Chicago scored six more points off them than Milwaukee’s 14.
  • Strangely enough, the Bucks had a sizeable shot advantage with 11 more field goal attempts than the Bulls. Part of that can be chalked up to the Bucks’ 11-7 edge on the offensive glass. Free throws were 23-17 in favor of the home team.
  • Milwaukee racked up 19 first-half assists—their highest total in a half since opening night—on 25 made baskets. Then seven on 10 makes in the second half. I’m no Red Auerbach, but I’d say that means you should probably pass the ball more.
  • In checking the shot chart, I was struck by this: the Bulls took only two shots between nine feet and the three-point line. The Bucks took… a whole lot more.
  • Matas Buzelis put Portis on a poster early in the fourth, but it’s all love: the two exchanged jerseys after the game. Bobby says he may need another room at home in Arkansas for the collection he’s amassed from opponents.
  • There was a baby race at halftime in the United Center. Only two of seven even made it off the starting line (the charity stripe), and one only made it a few feet. Everyone else just sat there. 11-month-old Will—the only one who truly crawled—annihilated the competition and was scooped up at midcourt by Benny the Bull after his victory. He was interviewed by the Bulls’ in-game emcee, and after showing brief tactile interest in the foamy microphone screen, he pushed it away.

Up Next

This was the front end of a back-to-back, with a quick trip back to Milwaukee tonight to face the Boston Celtics tomorrow evening. Tip is 6:30 p.m. Central on Peacock and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

Posted on

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 points to lead the Thunder past the Mavericks, 100-87

DALLAS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, Chet Holmgren had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 100-87 on Sunday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 59 consecutive road games, the longest streak in NBA history. The reigning NBA MVP played his second game after missing nine because of an abdominal strain.

The defending champion Thunder are 47-15, a half-game behind Detroit for the NBA lead. They have a three-game lead in West over second-place San Antonio.

The Mavericks, with star rookie Cooper Flagg among three regular starters sidelined, were held to a season low in points and saw the NBA’s longest active streak of triple-digit games end at 41. They are 21-39.

Caleb Martin scored a season-high 18 points to lead the Mavericks, who lost their eighth consecutive home game and 13th overall in the last 15. It’s their longest such home drought since dropping 12 straight in 1993-94.

It was the first time that Martin, acquired from Philadelphia on Feb. 5, 2025, led Dallas in scoring in 65 games. It was the Thunder's fewest points in a win this season, the previous low being their 101-94 win on Oct. 27.

Flagg missed his seventh consecutive game with a sprained left foot. Dallas was also missing Naji Marshall (right-finger contusion) and P.J. Washington Jr. (left ankle sprain). Reserve Klay Thompson didn't play in the second half because of right adductor soreness.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has said Flagg probably won’t play when last season’s collegiate player of the year for Duke makes his first NBA trip back to North Carolina for a game against Charlotte on Tuesday night.

Thunder: At Chicago on Tuesday night.

Mavericks: Begin a six-game trip at Charlotte on Tuesday night.

___

AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

Posted on

A’s Net Their Second Spring Win, beat Reds 12-4

The Athletics ensured a good start to March, putting together their best team-wide spring training performance to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 12-4.

J.T Ginn started on the mound, picking up where he left off in his last outing. The A’s right-hander pitched three scoreless innings, continuing his impressive start to spring training. In the third inning, Ginn found himself in a bit of trouble as the Reds got runners on third and first with only one out. Ginn wiggled out of the jam by striking out Will Benson and then he got some help from his catcher Austin Wynns, who threw out a Reds player trying to steal second base to end the inning.

Meanwhile, the A’s catching tandem gave the team an early lead that they never relinquished. Starting catcher Shea Langeliers, who served as the designated hitter today, bashed a two-run home run to right field off of the Reds left-handed starting pitcher Andrew Abbot in the first inning. He added an RBI double in the third inning before coming around to score on Wynns’s three-run home run later that inning.

Up 6-0 after three frames, the A’s got their second glimpse at top pitching prospect Gage Jump. The highly-regarded left-hander sailed through the fourth and fifth innings, only allowing one hit while recording three strikeouts. If Jump continues pitching as well as he did today for the rest of spring training and first month or two of the minor league season, the pitching-needy A’s may not wait long to promote him to the Major Leagues.

Following Jump’s encouraging outing, four non-roster pitchers combined to pitch the rest of the game for the A’s. Cincinnati scored four unanswered runs via two home runs off relievers unlikely to make the A’s bullpen, making what was shaping up to be a blowout A’s win less certain.

With their seven-run lead cut to three, the A’s held on and then got important insurance runs in the eighth inning. Non-roster invite first baseman Joey Meneses came through with the bases loaded, blasting a grand slam over the right field wall. The A’s were not done that inning. A couple batters later, third base prospect Tommy White, aka Tommy Tanks, joined in on the fun as he hit a home run to cap the A’s scoring this afternoon.

This type of game is what A’s fans were expecting to see from the team this year. Four home runs, 11 hits and 12 runs scored signifies that the team’s offense is finally waking up from their offseason slumber, while Ginn and Jump’s performances serve as reason for optimism that the A’s pitching will be improved this season.

The A’s will look to make it two in a row tomorrow against the San Diego Padres. Right-hander Mason Barnett is scheduled to make his second spring training appearance. He is looking to improve after allowing two runs in two innings in his last outing. The Padres will counter with veteran right-hander Michael King, who will also be making his second preseason start.

Notes

  • Following the game, the A’s made several roster cuts. They optioned right-handed pitcher Eduarniel Nuñez to Triple-A Las Vegas and right-handed pitcher Henry Baez to Double-A Midland. Additionally, they sent left-handed pitchers Wei-En Lin and Domingo Robles, right-handed pitchers A.J Causey, JJ Goss, Kenya Huggins and Yunior Tur, catcher Shane McGuire and infielder Joey Meneses to their minor league camp. None of these moves are surprising, although it sucks for Meneses coming after he hit the grand slam. It would not be a shock to see him in Sacramento this year if he is doing well in Triple-A and the A’s need someone to fill in for Nick Kurtz and/or Brent Rooker if they get injured. Likewise, relievers Nuñez, Causey and Tur could be options to help the A’s bullpen this season.
  • In addition to the prospects mentioned above, Henry Bolte had a good day. He singled twice in three at-bats.
  • Kurtz is off to a slow start this spring with one hit in 15 at-bats. It is still early, so he has a long time remaining to get in a groove before the regular season starts.
  • Colby Thomas got two at-bats today off the bench. He has been dealing with inflammation in his right elbow, which is why he has not started a game during the first week of the Cactus League.

Posted on

Kristaps Porziņģis out for fifth straight game

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 19: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Boston Celtics in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 19, 2026 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kristaps Porziņģis will remain out for a fifth straight game due to general illness. He will miss the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers tomorrow night.

Regardless of the question of whether Porziņģis still suffers from the effects of post-orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) or not — a recent controversy sparked by head coach Steve Kerr’s comments during a radio hosting — it is quite clear that Porziņģis isn’t quite 100 percent ready to see the floor for a prolonged period of time.

Additionally, Will Richard, who suffered an ankle sprain against the Los Angeles Lakers last night, will miss the game against the Clippers. Gary Payton II is listed as questionable due to what is being called as “left ankle impingement,” per the official injury report released by the NBA.

Posted on

Islanders 5, Panthers 4: Another comeback with Lee’s late winner

There he goes again. | Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Islanders pulled off a third consecutive two-goal comeback win and this time they didn’t even need overtime, though Anders Lee’s winner was practically that, coming with 32 seconds left in regulation on a stunning individual play by the captain.

Oh, also: Matthew Schaefer had another two-goal game, ho-hum, to bring his rookie season goal total to 20 goals at age 18.

It was a wild, back-and-forth affair that saw the teams enter the third period tied 3-3 after the Isles erased a 0-2 deficit and then Bo Horvat erased a 3-2 lead with a terrible-angle shot on Sergei Bobrovsky late in the second period.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

Schaefer scored to give the Isles a 4-3 lead midway through the first period, shooting through legs again but this time benefiting from a couple helpful deflections. To leave him this wide open with time to pick a spot at the top of the slot is both criminal and very welcome:

The Islanders weren’t too bad trying to see out the game with a one-goal lead, but they allowed far too much traffic to develop through the slot once the Panthers pulled Bobrovsky for a sixth attacker. Sam Reinhart tied it with 1:58 to go, and there were some close calls around David Rittich’s net after that to hint this game might not make it to overtime.

But the script flip came on the Islanders’ side, again, after they escaped some bad turnovers and consecutive icings. It started with a bouncing pass to the neutral zone from Tony DeAngelo. Lee not only handled the pass but batted the puck once out of the air as he cut across the neutral zone from left to right. Simon Holmstrom crossed with him, staying on side but mixing up the Panthers’ top D pair just enough to give Lee some daylight down the right wing.

His sweeping power move took Bobrovsky by surprise — or at least, the Panthers goalie sold out completely to face the backhand — and Lee was able to slam it home after carrying around the Panthers goalie and Aaron Ekblad. Gustav Forsling was just a foot short with his emergency reach.

Love Lee’s reaction, acting like it was nothing special, though he and the whole gang it was damned special indeed.

Up Next

That’s three consecutive wins and six points to kick off the post-Olympic period.

Those are kind of a big deal because now the Islanders head west for a pretty tough string that starts with back-to-back in southern California Wednesday and Thursday night before the trade deadline.

Posted on

Steph Curry to be ‘re’-re-evaluated for 10 days

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 28, 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

Per a source that told ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Steph Curry — after waiting 10 days to be re-evaluated — is now set for another re-evaluation for another 10 days.

That means Curry will miss the Golden State Warriors’ upcoming five games, at the very least.

Suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome — more commonly known as runner’s knee — Curry’s ailment has proven to be quite unpredictable and much tougher to manage than expected. Already out of the running for end-of-season awards, Curry will also be unable to contribute to a last push toward the Warriors gaining respectable position in the play-in tournament.

A mid-game interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews during the Warriors’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers revealed that Curry hasn’t had on-court work at all.

Posted on

Will Warren showcases his Yankees growth in nearly flawless spring outing

New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren (98) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Will Warren throws a pitch during the Yankees' March 1 Grapefruit League game.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Trea Turner went down swinging on a four-seam fastball.

Access the Yankees beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.

Try it free

J.T. Realmuto followed, returning to the bench after taking a 96 mph pitch looking.

Then came Alec Bohm, ending the first inning after whiffing on heat.

After striking out a two-time batting champion, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and former All-Star, Will Warren walked off the mound, having given a glimpse of his ceiling, and a showcase of his growth, entering his second full season in the majors.

“If I see, like in that first inning, I thought that they were off the heater, I’m just gonna keep [throwing the] heater until they prove that they can hit it,” Warren said after the 5-3 win over the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark. “Last year, I may have been trying to overdo stuff or trying to make this super nasty pitch. And it’s like, you don’t really need to do that. Your stuff’s good enough as it is. Just execute and stay in control, stay smooth and be aggressive.

Will Warren throws a pitch during the Yankees’ March 1 Grapefruit League game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“A lot of times in spring training, it’s hard to get that amped-up feeling going, but when we roll out there in the first inning and it’s Turner, Realmuto and Bohm, that’s going to give you a little juice.”

Warren, 26, was nearly flawless in his second spring training outing, throwing 3 ²/₃ scoreless innings, while allowing one hit and no walks.

The right-hander — who allowed one run in 2 ²/₃ innings with four strikeouts in his previous start — threw 50 pitches (33 strikes) and struck out four, facing off against Phillies starter Andrew Painter, one of Philadelphia’s top prospects.

“I thought he was excellent,” manager Aaron Boone said of Warren. “Four-seam was crispy. I thought his command was really good. I thought he was really sharp. I thought Painter was kind of crispy early, got my attention, and then Will answered.

“I think he’s really talented. I think he’s got all the weapons … He’s confident, so I know there’s more and I know he expects that. I don’t know what the ceiling is.”

Warren’s new shift to the third base side of the rubber may reveal it.

“I think the attack angle is really weird to righties,” said Warren, who went 9-8 with a 4.44 ERA in 33 starts last season. “I think you saw that today. I get really late swings over there. The lefties, I think the backdoor sweeper is going to be a huge pitch for me. It’s been a big pitch in the past, but moving over there, it looks like it’s never going to come back. The lines are getting sharper as we go throughout the spring, so I really like the adjustment we made.

“I think everything’s in a good spot … I think everything’s going in the right direction.”

Posted on

Klay Thompson will not return to Sunday’s game against OKC Thunder

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 1: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks smiles before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 1, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks took on the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday night with a piece-meal roster. P.J Washington, Marvin Bagley III and Naji Marshall were three key rotation players out for the game, and after 15 minutes of action, Klay Thompson unfortunately joined them. Shortly after Thompson checked out, the announce team said he would be out for the game with an adductor contusion.

The adductor muscles are located in the inner thigh and the injury is akin to a “groin strain” or “groin contusion.” There are various grades to this type of injury and we do not yet know how severe Thompson’s is. On the low end (grade 1), a two-to-three-week recovery timeline is common. More serious injuries (grade 2 or 3) could take up to two-to-three months!

Again, we do not yet know the severity of the injury and can only speculate as to what it means for Thompson. Given that we’re in the home stretch of the season with only about six weeks remaining, it’s not impossible to envision a scenario where Thompson played his last game for 2025-2026. Hopefully we’ll get further clarity soon, and hopefully it will be good news that Thompson can return to action quickly.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Posted on

Carlos Mendoza not considering five-man Mets rotation despite Ron Darling’s Kodai Senga comment

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza wearing a red baseball cap and sunglasses, Image 2 shows Ron Darling at the Baseball Writers of America Awards Dinner
Carlos Mendoza said he's not considering a five-man rotation for the Mets.

PORT ST. LUCIE — A day after SNY analyst Ron Darling said the Mets should go to a five-man rotation instead of having to “work around” Kodai Senga’s preference to pitch in a six-man rotation, Senga threw live batting practice on a back field and looked good again.

Access the Mets beat like never before

Don’t miss Mike Puma’s text messages from Queens and beyond — he’s giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.

Sign up Now

Carlos Mendoza, when asked about the possibility of going to a five-man rotation, told The Post it was not currently a consideration.

“We have six starters,” Mendoza said.

If everyone remains healthy, Senga will be joined in the rotation by Opening Day starter Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Sean Manaea and Nolan McLean.

Of those starters, Mendoza said Peralta is likely the only one who won’t be asked to pitch on an extra day’s rest, but he will talk with the rest of the rotation about their usage.

Senga’s next outing will come in a Grapefruit League game and the Mets have been encouraged by the intensity with which he has attacked this spring.

And before they make any decisions about how to best utilize their rotation, they want to make sure everyone remains in good form throughout the spring.

Carlos Mendoza is pictured before the Mets’ Feb. 21 game. Imagn Images

Last spring training, the Mets lost Manaea to a strained oblique and Frankie Montas to a strained lat.

So far, the rotation is in solid shape — and they hope it remains that way, as Holmes and McLean head to the WBC to pitch for Team USA.

Holmes was impressive again in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Houston at Clover Park, integrating his cutter into his arsenal more.

He allowed one run in four innings.

He threw the cutter 21 percent of the time Sunday after using it just 8.3 percent of the time a year ago.

Holmes said the pitch “felt good” and could help augment his sinker.

Ron Darling is pictured Jan. 24. Getty Images

Mendoza added if Holmes can use it effectively and add it to his sinker/sweeper mix, it will make the right-hander even better.

“There’s so much movement, life, sink and cut on his pitches,” the manager said.

The Mets announced after Sunday’s game that right-hander Alex Carrillo was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse and lefties Anderson Severino and Matt Turner were reassigned to minor league camp.

The moves left the Mets with 70 players in major league camp.

Cristian Pache, known primarily for his defense in the outfield throughout his career, has hit well so far this spring.

He added a double Sunday.

“He’s an elite defender,” Mendoza said. “Offensively, his at-bat quality, he’s hit the ball hard up the middle and run the bases [well]. There are a lot of tools there. It’s good to see the results.”

St. John’s announced the athletic department would honor the life of longtime Mets media relations official and St. John’s alumna Shannon Forde on Tuesday during the men’s basketball game versus Georgetown at Madison Square Garden.

Forde passed away 10 years ago from breast cancer.

Posted on

Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia rally Inter Miami to 4-2 victory over Orlando City

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored twice in a four-goal second half, defender Telasco Segovia added a goal and two assists and defending champion Inter Miami rallied to beat Orlando City 4-2 on Sunday night, winning for the first time at Inter&Co Stadium.

Messi took a pass from Segovia and scored in the 57th minute to pull Inter Miami (1-1-0) even at 2-2 and Segovia scored unassisted in the 85th for the lead. Messi put the finishing touch on the victory when he scored off a free kick in the 90th. The reigning MVP’s first two goals of the season give him 52 in his first 55 regular-season MLS matches — 51 of them in his last 49 appearances.

Marco Pašalić took a pass from Iván Angulo and scored in the 18th minute to give Orlando City (0-2-0) a 1-0 lead. Pašalić has scored in four straight matches against Inter Miami.

Defender Griffin Dorsey set up Martín Ojeda for a goal six minutes later for a 2-0 advantage that stood through halftime.

Inter Miami cut it to 2-1 four minutes into the second half on Mateo Silvetti's first career goal. Defenders Segovia and Facundo Mura had assists as the 20-year-old forward found the net in his fifth career appearance. Segovia had eight goals and six assists as a rookie last season, while Mura collected his first assist in his first season.

Dayne St. Clair, the reigning goalkeeper of the year, turned away three shots — all in the second half of his second start with Inter Miami.

Maxime Crépeau had four saves in his second start for Orlando City.

Teenager Colin Guske, 19, will miss Orlando City's next match after the rookie picked up two yellow cards in his first start — the second one led to his exit in the 88th minute.

Inter Miami, which had never won in its previous nine trips to Orlando, was coming off a 3-0 road loss to Los Angeles FC.

Orlando City swept Inter Miami during the regular season last year and leads the all-time series 8-7-4.

Up next

Inter Miami: At D.C. United on Saturday.

Orlando City: At New York City FC on Saturday.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer

Posted on

Preview: Wizards host Rockets, DMV native Durant

Nov 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) handles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards are playing the Houston Rockets Monday night. I’ve got you covered with the preview.

Game info

When: 7 p.m. EST on Monday, Mar. 2

Where: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

How to watch: Monumental Sports Network

Injuries

Wizards — Leaky Black, Anthony Davis, Trae Young and Alex Sarr are all listed as OUT. Tristan Vukcevic, Anthony Gill and Kyshawn George are all listed as DAY-TO-DAY. D’Angelo Russell is not with the team.

Rockets — Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate and Fred VanVleet are all listed as OUT.

Game notes and more

  • The Houston Rockets added DMV legend Kevin Durant in the offseason, though in the absence of Fred VanVleet and any suitable offensive organizer to replace him, the Rockets have pigeon-holed themselves as a high floor, low ceiling non-contender. They were a hot pick to make the NBA Finals before the season, but now I would not be surprised if they lose in the first round of the playoffs.
  • The NBA will look to change its tanking rules following this season, so the Wizards have embarked on potentially one last tankathon for the ages ahead of a loaded 2026 draft class.
Posted on

Matthew Schaefer powers Islanders by Panthers in latest thrilling comeback as win streak hits five

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Islanders player Anders Lee (#27) scoring the game-winning goal against Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (#72), Image 2 shows New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer celebrates his goal with teammate Ryan Pulock (6)
The Islanders defeated the Panthers on Sunday.

The Islanders’ stirring run of comebacks from two-goal deficits incredibly continued Sunday night against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.

And this one mostly was about their budding superstar defenseman.

Just as they’d done in Montreal and Columbus earlier this week — albeit this time without the need for overtime — rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer and the surging Isles stormed back from a 2-0 hole again before posting their fifth straight victory bridging the Olympic break with a rousing 5-4 decision over the Panthers at UBS Arena.

Florida’s Sam Reinhart evened the score with just under two minutes to play, but Isles captain Anders Lee’s forehand move with 30.9 seconds left in regulation improved the Isles to 35-21-5 overall ahead of a West Coast trip beginning Wednesday in Anaheim, Calif.

“These are some big games,” said the 18-year-old Schaefer, who scored twice to become the first Isles defenseman of any age to reach 20 goals since Denis Potvin in 1985-86. “A couple of big days, obviously, a couple of overtimes. … The last couple of games we’ve been down by a couple of goals and just fought back. It’s a team effort.”

Anders Lee scores the game-winning goal during the Islanders’ March 1 win. NHLI via Getty Images

Schaefer’s second goal of the night and 20th already of his first professional campaign with just over nine minutes remaining in regulation snapped a 3-3 tie.

After the Isles forced a turnover in the Florida zone, Ondrej Palat found Schaefer, who whistled a wrister off a Panthers player and between the legs of veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to spark loud chants of the rookie’s name multiple times.

“I have to stay dialed in, but when I hear that from the crowd, it gets me super fired up,” Schaefer said. “It’s so fun. I want to hear that every night.”

Sandis Vilmanis and Sam Bennett had staked the Panthers to a 2-0 advantage against Isles backup goalie David Rittich before the 15-minute mark of the opening session.

Matthew Schaefer celebrates his goal during the Islanders’ March 1 win. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post

Schaefer, who also broke Phil Housley’s league mark Thursday in Montreal for goals by an 18-year-old blueliner, fired in a pinball goal with a slapper from the right circle that hit a Florida defenseman, then the crossbar and then the back of Bobrovsky before settling across the goal line for a 2-1 game with less than two minutes left before intermission.

”I don’t know how many times I’ve said the word ‘impressive,’ ” Isles coach Patrick Roy said of Schaefer. “But he’s doing things that are very special out there.”

Before the game, two-time Cup-winning coach Paul Maurice added himself to the growing list of admirers of the dynamic rookie, who now stands just three goals behind Rangers legend Brian Leetch’s 23 for the all-time NHL mark for rookie defenders.

“It’s just awesome,” the Panthers’ bench boss said. “When they’re 18, and they can do that — like pure 18 and step in the league and be an impact player at that age — he’s just going to get better and better and better. But he’s not afraid to shoot the puck, not afraid to get up the ice.

“He’s smart, like, not all offense regardless of the situation. He’s got a really good balance, like, he’s played in the league for a whole bunch of years. He knows when to go and when not to go. So the Islanders got a cornerstone for their franchise for probably 20 years.”

Carson Soucy buried the equalizer with a 4-on-4 goal barely seven minutes into the middle period after Schaefer’s interference penalty had negated an Isles power play.

It was Soucy’s second in nine games with the Isles since a late-January trade from the Rangers and his fifth overall this season.

Bennett buried his second of the game with a backhander off the rush around the 12-minute mark of the second, but Bo Horvat made it a 3-3 game with a hard-angle shot from the left wall past Bobrovsky with just under three minutes to play before intermission.

“I hope it’s not something we do every night,” Roy said of the comeback run. “But I love the fact we don’t change our game and stay focused and do what we have to do.”

Posted on

Road Trip Starts With Frustrating, Heartbreaking Loss On Long Island For Panthers

The Florida Panthers opened a critical four-game road trip on Sunday night as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.

A strong start by the Cats would not be enough as the host New York Islanders picked up their third straight win in which they were down by multiple goals, taking down Florida 5-4 at UBS Arena.

The Panthers didn’t waste any time in getting their road trip off on the right foot.

After getting a friendly bounce on a clear by Sergei Bobrovsky, A.J. Greer found a streaking Sandis Vilmanis heading into the Islanders’ zone.

Vilmanis sent a backhand toward the net that found its way past David Rittich at the 3:44 mark, giving the Cats a 1-0 lead.

The first power play of the game came late in the opening period, when Ryan Pulock was called for hooking Matthew Tkachuk.

Directly off the ensuing faceoff, Sam Bennett played a quick pitch and catch with Aaron Ekblad, getting the puck back, walking into the left circle and wiring a wrist shot past the glove or Rittich.

Islanders’ rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer picked up his 19th goal when a long shot went of a pair of Panthers’ skates, the goal post and the back of Bobrovsky before bouncing into the net with just under two minutes left in the period.

Carson Soucy completed the two-goal comeback for the Islanders 7:28 into the second period, snapping a loose puck over Bobrovsky’s glove while the teams were skating four-on-four.

About five minutes later, Matthew Tkachuk picked up a loose pick along the boards in the defensive zone and sent a backhand across the ice and to Bennett, who was heading toward Rittich with speed.

Bennett sent a backhand against the grain that handcuffed Rittich and put Florida back in front with 7:56 to go in the middle frame.

A goal by Bo Horvat another five minutes after that sent the game into the third period knotted at three, and a second goal by Schaefer that, like the first one, deflected off a Panthers play before skipping past Bobrovsky, gave the Islanders their first lead of the night with 9:31 to go.

From that point on, Florida put on a strong fight to even the score back up, and they would get rewarded for their efforts with Bobrovsky on the bench for a sixth attacker.

Sam Reinhart somehow found a way to get a wrist shot through from the point to the net, beating Rittich over the blocker with 1:58 to go, seemingly sending the game to overtime.

Anders Lee had other thoughts, driving with the puck around Aaron Ekblad and past Bobrovsky with a backhand forehand move that came with 30.9 on the clock.

At a time where Florida needs every point they can get, that’s pretty inexcusable.

On to New Jersey.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA 

Panthers Place Luke Kunin On NHL Waivers

Panthers Activate Dmitry Kulikov Off The Injured Reserve; Listed As A Game-Time Decision

Panthers Begin Crucial 4-Game Road Trip With Visit To Long Island

The Hockey Show: Panthers Have Seep Hill To Climb, Olympic Fallout, Jonathan Zaslow Discusses US Controversy

‘I Don’t Know What These Guys Are Smoking’: Daniil Tarasov Rips NHL For Allowing Disputed Goal

Photo caption: Mar 1, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the first periodat UBS Arena. (Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images)

Posted on

Stephen Curry injury update: Warriors star not ready to return

Stephen Curry is expected to miss time with the Golden State Warriors due to an injury.

He has missed the team's last 10 games and is expected to miss the next five games. Golden State went 4-6 during his absence. Curry will be reevaluated again in 10 days, according to ESPN.

Curry's injury is listed as patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as "runner's knee.”

The Warriors are eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 31-29 overall record.

How did Stephen Curry get injured?

Curry appeared to be uncomfortable with his right knee during a game against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 30. He had a brace on his knee and was grabbing at it during the game.

What is runner’s knee?

According to John Hopkins Medicine, runner's knee is when a person has “pain in front of the knee or around the kneecap (patella). This is where the knee connects with the lower end of the thighbone (femur).”

Who is Stephen Curry’s backup?

Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer are expected to serve as the primary backup options while Curry remains out of the lineup.

Podziemski has averaged 12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 60 games this season. Spencer has averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game in 44 games played.

When do Warriors play next?

The Warriors will host the L.A. Clippers at the Chase Center on Monday, March 2, at 10 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steph Curry injury update: Warriors star out with runner's knee

Posted on

James Harden helps Cavs to a road win while playing with a broken thumb

NEW YORK (AP) — Still recovering from a broken thumb, James Harden made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Harden had 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in Cleveland's 106-102 victory at the Brooklyn Nets. The 11-time All-Star went 4 for 7 from 3-point range.

The 36-year-old Harden missed two games after fracturing his right thumb during Tuesday night's 109-94 win over the New York Knicks.

“You could see in the first half he's not 100 percent, obviously,” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I thought in the second half though he had that stretch there where we were struggling, he kind of took over, got to the free-throw line, hit a couple 3s, so that was good.”

Harden was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 3. The 17-year veteran is averaging 19.3 points, 8.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds in eight games with Cleveland.

The 6-foot-5 guard had eight points in the first half against Brooklyn, and the Nets led 52-46 at the break. But Cleveland rallied in the second half.

Harden made two foul shots and converted a four-point play to help the Cavs take a 70-64 lead with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

“We needed him tonight,” Atkinson said. “Obviously playing handicapped, he still played really well.”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba