Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Takeaways: Penguins' Scoring Stymied In 2-1 Loss To Bruins

After a dominant effort against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins travelled to Boston to take on the Bruins Tuesday night, a team they had lost three straight games to.

Unfortunately, they walked away with the same result. 

The Penguins struggled in the first period, and despite finding their game in the latter two periods, the Bruins bested them, 2-1. All three goals were scored in the first period of play, with Erik Karlsson opening the scoring for Pittsburgh just 42 seconds into the game and Marat Khusnutdinov and Casey Mittelstadt scoring both of Boston's goals by the six-minute mark of regulation. 

The rest of the game was a tight-checking goaltending battle, and Penguins' netminder Stuart Skinner was solid early on and throughout, stopping 26 of 29 Bruins' shots. However, Boston's Jeremy Swayman put on a stellar performance - especially in the third period, when the Penguins were piling on an onslaught - allowing just one goal on 35 shots. 

Even though they were completely out of sorts in the first period and were lucky to be down by only one, the Penguins really found their game in the second and third periods. It just wasn't enough, and they earned their fourth-straight loss against a Boston team that always seems to give them finishing fits.

NHL Jack Adams Award Rankings: Can Penguins' Dan Muse Beat Avalanche's Jared Bednar?NHL Jack Adams Award Rankings: Can Penguins' Dan Muse Beat Avalanche's Jared Bednar?Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has led our NHL Jack Adams Award rankings for most of the season. But Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Dan Muse leads the top challengers.

Here are a few notes and takeaways from this one:

- Swayman was brilliant in this game. He made some ridiculous saves in the final frame to preserve his team's lead, and he never lost his composure, even as the Penguins were very heavily pressuring. 

Skinner was good, too, especially on an opening sequence in which he was forced to make a few nice stops prior to Karlsson's goal. The two goals against were primarily a result of the Penguins' defense breaking down in front of him.

Gotta love a good goaltending battle, even if that comes at the expense of scoring.

Is It Worth It To Move Stuart Skinner Before Friday's NHL Trade Deadline? Is It Worth It To Move Stuart Skinner Before Friday's NHL Trade Deadline? Stuart Skinner is out there in trade talks, but does it make sense to move him?

- There's no going around how sloppy the Penguins were early on, and I haven't seen them play that way since the holiday break. Their forwards were completely losing track of guys in the high-danger areas. The defensemen were caught puck-watching and with feet of stone. 

After Boston's second goal - which was just 50 seconds after the first - head coach Dan Muse used the Penguins' sole timeout. Whatever he said must have worked because the Penguins were buzzing for most of the rest of the game. 

But those first six minutes killed them. And I'm sure they'd want both plays back.

- On a positive note, Karlsson, the lone goal-scorer, was on a whole other level Tuesday. 

He finished with a team-high six shots and 16 shot attempts. He was generating offense at will, continuing his excellent work on the penalty kill, running a smooth power play, aiding the team in transition, and making a few key defensive plays throughout. 

Against pretty much any other team, Karlsson probably has about four goals. But he, like his teammates, simply couldn't crack Swayman as the game progressed and got better for him. 

Without Crosby, the Penguins will be relying on Karlsson to generate a lot of offense. I thought he was the game's best player, and it wasn't particularly close. 

6 Penguins' Storylines To Watch During Trade Deadline Week6 Penguins' Storylines To Watch During Trade Deadline WeekEveryone's eyes will be on Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins leading up to the NHL trade deadline on Mar. 6.

- I continue to be a bit baffled by the Penguins' refusal to use Ben Kindel and/or Egor Chinakhov on their first power play unit and in six-on-five situations. 

Kindel was very good again on Tuesday, and he has, arguably, been their best player for the better part of this post-holiday run. If he hasn't been their very best player, he's certainly been their most consistent on a night-in, night-out basis. His vision and puck distribution skills - especially from down low - could be weapons in either situation.

And then there's Chinakhov. Here's a guy who has 10 goals in his last 21 games - and, indisputably, the best shot on the team - and he's not out there with the game on the line? Given Chinakhov's defensive play and puck skills with the Penguins, too, there's really no reason to exclude him in situations where the team needs to score a goal. 

Rickard Rakell is a good player. So is Anthony Mantha. So is Bryan Rust. But I'd swap out two of those three for the other two without hesitation on the power play and at least one of them during six-on-five. 

Penguins' Prospect Named AHL Player Of The MonthPenguins' Prospect Named AHL Player Of The MonthPittsburgh Penguins' prospect Ville Koivunen was given the AHL's top honors for the month of February and continues to impress at that level.

- Faceoffs are a legitimate problem for the Penguins right now, and it's especially hurting them on key offensive zone draws that require possession to be established.

The Penguins were just 16 of 48 (33 percent) on faceoffs Tuesday, and they've gone 68 of 207 for an abysmal faceoff win percentage of 32.9 percent. And, according to Penguins' historian Bob Grove, Sidney Crosby had taken a whopping 38.6 percent of all Penguins' faceoffs (1,171 of 3,030 this season before his injury.

The next closest player? Kindel, who had taken 428 going into Tuesday's game. 

- The NHL trade deadline is Friday, Mar. 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Crosby is injured, Blake Lizotte is day-to-day, and the injury statuses of Tristan Broz and Filip Hallander remian unclear at this point. 

The Penguins badly need a center, and the reality is that this season, they may have to seek options externally. This will definitely be a storyline to monitor this week. 

5 Centers Penguins Should Target In Trade Market5 Centers Penguins Should Target In Trade MarketThe Pittsburgh Penguins, currently in playoff position and without Sidney Crosby, may look to add a viable center option at the NHL trade deadline.

- This is the time of year where scoreboard watching becomes a daily routine. 

The Washington Capitals lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime, 3-2. The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Seattle Kraken Monday night. The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Nashville Predators, 3-2, and they are now just five points behind the Penguins.

It can't be stressed enough how important points are now. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!    

Posted on

Stars extend franchise-record winning streak to 10 with 6-1 romp over Flames

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Sam Steel scored twice and added an assist and the Dallas Stars extended their franchise-record winning streak to 10 games with a 6-1 romp over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.

Jamie Benn, Mavrik Bourque, Nathan Bastian and Wyatt Johnston also scored to help Dallas improve to 38-14-9. Matt Duchene had four assists giving him a team-best 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) during the winning streak.

Steel and Duchene tied career highs for points in a game, and Steel tied a career high with 10 goals. He also had 10 times for Minnesota in 2022-23.

Casey DeSmith made 20 saves to improve to 13-4-5.

Flames starter Dustin Wolf was pulled after giving up four goals on 17 shots. Devin Cooley made 16 saves in relief.

Up next

Stars: Host Colorado on Friday night.

Flames: Host Ottawa on Thursday night.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Posted on

Ex-Knicks coach David Fizdale blames failed tenure on tanking edict: ‘Donating my record’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Former Knicks coach David Fizdale, Image 2 shows New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale reacts to a call during the game

TORONTO — More than six years removed from his ugly run as Knicks head coach, David Fizdale blamed his terrible record on the front office.

“If I was doing it over again, I would’ve fought more to build a team early on and not cash in my record,” Fizdale said on FanDuel TV’s show, “Run It Back.” “That’s the hard part for coaches when you agree to the tanking.”

Fizdale said he was under a directive to lose by the front office — led, at the time, by Steve Mills and Scott Perry — to draft Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. The Knicks picked RJ Barrett at No. 3 and, according to Fizdale, were convinced that summer that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving “were for sure coming to us.”

“That s–t didn’t work out,” Fizdale said.

Instead, the Knicks signed Julius Randle, Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson. Fizdale started 4-18 during the 2019-20 season and was canned. His final record with the Knicks was 21-83, the worst winning percentage in franchise history.

“Losing all those damn games,” Fizdale said. “Donating my record.”

David Fizdale reacts to a call during a 2018 Knicks game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Despite Fizdale’s excuses, the Knicks were much better after he left with largely the same roster. Mike Miller was a much more respectable 17-27 as the interim coach.

Then Tom Thibodeau took over and guided the team to the No. 4 seed in the East.

Fizdale has not held a head coaching job since his failed Knicks stint. The 51-year-old was an assistant with the Lakers and Suns, but currently is not on a staff.

Posted on

Tom Seaver’s 1969 Mets World Series ring sells for over $850,000 at auction

seaver
seaver

The 1969 World Series ring that once belonged to Mets legend Tom Seaver sold for more than $800,000 at an auction last weekend. 

Dallas-based Heritage Auctions sold the piece of baseball memorabilia for $854,122, Newsday reported Tuesday evening. 

Access the Mets beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Try it free

The Post first reported in February that the World Series ring, along with nearly 200 items from Seaver’s personal collection, was being sold at auction at Heritage Auctions’ Winter Platinum Sports Catalog auction, which ran through March 1. 

Among the other items that had belonged to Seaver that were put up for auction were his 1992 Baseball Hall of Fame induction plaque. 

Newsday reported that the plaque sold for $170,800, while Seaver’s 1973 Mets National League championship ring went for $201,300. 

Seaver’s daughter Anne previously told The Post that his “’69 ring was very hard to part with.”

“We had trouble deciding on that,” she said. 

The items ended up being auctioned off after Anne and her mom, Nancy, went through Seaver’s office and storage area in their California home.

Former New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver waves during a celebration of the 40th anniversary of their 1969 World Championship before the Mets played the Philadelphia Phillies in their MLB National League baseball game in New York August 22, 2009. REUTERS

And it wasn’t until the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s death in 2020 that Anne realized how much her dad meant to Mets fans. 

“I never realized how much they loved him until I felt that love directed to me when he died. The support and kindness I got from these strangers made me realize that he is a huge part of these people’s lives,” she said.

“So that’s my personal reason for wanting to share something like the ’69 ring. His fans loved him, truly. And that makes me love them.”

Tom Seavers’s 1969 World Series ring; 1992 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Plaque presented to Tom Seaver. Heritage Auctions

The most expensive item auctioned off was a 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card that belonged to player and announcer Joe Garagiola. 

The piece of baseball history went for $3.59 million.

Posted on

Blackhawks Take Their Foot Off The Gas, Blow Late Lead To Jets

The Chicago Blackhawks closed out their four-game road trip with a visit to Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets. With a chance to make it a .500 trip, they knew they had an opportunity to win against a reeling Jets team. 

Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele made a brilliant play early to set up a goal scored by Dylan Samberg. His first of the season and 10th of his career was a snipe, but he was the beneficiary of the two superstars. 

From there, the Blackhawks started to take over the game with their pace, speed, and tenacity. With under two minutes remaining in the first period, the Blackhawks tied the game. 

Teuvo Teravainen stayed hot, as did the power play, as he scored his 13th of the season. It was a struggle to score power-play goals leading into the Olympic break, but they seem to have it worked out now. 

Nobody scored in the middle frame, but the Blackhawks mostly controlled play. Connor Hellebucyk looked like the goalie everyone knows him to be, which kept his team alive. 

Just 32 seconds into the third period, Ryan Greene scored to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead. Connor Bedard collected his second assist of the game on this goal. Leading up to the goal, Greene was having a sensational game, and he eventually was rewarded for his efforts. It's nice to play with Connor Bedard, too. 

The Blackhawks played extremely well again to begin the third period. It looked like they'd add that third goal and skate out of Winnipeg with a win. Then, a switch flipped as the game came to a close. 

For the final half of the third, the Blackhawks became a shell of themselves. Winnipeg started to possess the puck and control play in their attacking zone. 

Eventually, and deservedly so, the Jets tied it up at 2. With Hellebucyk on the bench for the extra attacker, fresh off a timeout, Cole Perfetti scored with a perfect shot that beat Spencer Knight. 

In overtime, Mark Scheifele continued his Blackhawk domination with the game-winning goal at 2:06. That's now 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in his career against the Blackhawks, including three points on Tuesday. 

For the Hawks, they let a great road showing slip away in the final minutes of regulation and overtime. Coming out of the break, there was a lot of chatter about holding onto leads late, but that wasn't on display in this one. 

Every year, a young team is going to have a handful of losses that hurt more than others. This is one of them for the Blackhawks. After dominating for 50 minutes and having a late lead on the road, it was all for naught because they couldn't hold on for one more minute. 

Watch Every Chicago Goal

What’s Next For The Blackhawks?

The Blackhawks will return home for the first time since the Olympics on Friday night when they host the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center. 

Image

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

South Side Sox Reacts: Rookie hopes for 2026

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in White Sox fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Sure, it’s only Spring Training, but the White Sox got out of the box pretty hot in Cactus League play. Even a .500 record isn’t exactly something we’re used to around these parts.

While the fortunes of the 2026 White Sox rest squarely on the shoulders of their 2025 rookie class (Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth), there’s a next wave of talent bubbling under the surface. And this spring in particular, second baseman Sam Antonacci and outfielder Braden Montgomery have made waves, hungry to contribute on the South Side soon.

This week, we’re asking you to pick the rookie you are most excited to see debut in Chicago in 2026:

Posted on

Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers sleepwalk in drubbing by Spurs

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 3: Jabari Walker #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 3, 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
Joel Embiid – 9
VJ Edgecombe – 9
Paul George – 6
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 3
Dominick Barlow – 2
Andre Drummond – 2
Jared McCain :’( – 2
MarJon Beauchamp – 1
Adem Bona – 1
Justin Edwards – 1
Quentin Grimes – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1

The 76ers were on the wrong end of an old-fashioned butt-whooping from the Spurs on Tuesday falling 131- 91.

The throwback broadcast was spoiled for Philly fans after one quarter, as the Spurs’ talent advantage presented itself rapidly against the undermanned Sixers.

They were without Joel Embiid (right oblique strain) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (illness) on Tuesday night, leaving Andre Drummond as the starting matchup with Victor Wembanyama, which went as well as you would expect.

A competitive first quarter from the Sixers saw strong stretches from VJ Edgecombe, Adem Bona and Justin Edwards, but it quickly faded in the second quarter as the home squad got outscored 46- 28.

Within a blink of an eye in the third, the Spurs had opened up a 40-point lead off the back of strong shooting from deep and nonexistent defensive effort from the Sixers.

Tyrese Maxey put up a quiet 21 points on 19 attempts, did not hit a three after the first quarter, and finished with two assists. Credit goes to a strong defensive backcourt in San Antonio.

Edgecombe had a strong showing before he left the game early with lower back soreness after taking a hard fall on this play:

Thus, our Bell Ringers will be picked from our garbage time opportunist and a familiar face.

Jabari Walker: 20 points, 7-of-10 FG, 2-of-5 3PT, 4-of-4 FT, 6 rebounds, 2 offensive rebounds

Walker was the sole garbage-time performer deserving of recognition. He got his first minutes in the third while the Sixers were down 39, and drew a foul after grabbing an offensive rebound, and hit both free throws. Later in the frame he would drain a corner three.

In the fourth, Walker would add a couple of close shots, a dunk and another corner three to push him to 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting. He notched two and-1 buckets in a row later in the quarter, bringing his total to 20 points on the night.

It was a welcome sight for Walker, who has seen his minutes shrink in recent games. He broke a dry spell in the scoring column, entering Tuesday having not made a shot in almost two weeks. Perhaps this showing will turn the tide for him offensively as the Sixers could desperately use any help on that end.

Jared McCain: 20 points, 8-of-15 FG, 4-of-9 3PT, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound

Our long lost friend Jared McCain put up an undeniable stat-line against the Bulls in 25 minutes of action, helping the Thunder win without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Tonight was the kind of night Sixers fans dreaded after the questionable trade deadline. A poor performance at home where McCain’s services would have been a useful asset or at the very least entertaining for fans in the stadium, as opposed to them exiting early with most of the second half still to go.

Posted on

Cincinnati jumps out early, beats BYU 90-68

CINCINNATI (AP) — Jalen Celestine and Jizzle James each scored 18 points and Cincinnati cruised past BYU 90-68 on Tuesday night.

Moustapha Thiam added 15 points and nine rebounds for Cincinnati, which shot 50% overall and 43.5% (10 of 23) from long range. Baba Miller chipped in with 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Day Day Thomas scored 12 points.

Thiam’s dunk with 7:45 to play gave the Bearcats a 71-50 lead. Miller added a one-handed slam with 2:05 remaining.

Cincinnati (17-13, 9-8 Big 12) has won six of its last seven. BYU (20-10, 8-9) has lost three straight.

The Bearcats took the lead about three minutes in and led by as many as 16 points in the first half. The Cougars scored the first five points of the second half to get within seven points, but that was as close as they would get.

AJ Dybantsa scored 23 points and Robert Wright III added 21 for BYU. Aleksej Kostic scored 14 points.

Up next

BYU hosts No. 10 Texas Tech on Saturday in a regular-season finale.

Cincinnati ends its regular season at TCU on Saturday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Posted on

Dak's career-high 22 points and career-high 10 rebounds help Colorado withstand Utah in 92-78 win

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Bangot Dak scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Colorado withstood Utah's second-half shooting barrage to beat the Utes 92-78 on Tuesday.

It was the 7-foot Dak's fifth double-double of the season and second this year against Utah. Isaiah Johnson also scored 22 points, Barrington Hargress scored 19 points and Jalin Holland 11 for Colorado (17-13, 7-10 Big 12).

Terrence Brown scored 26 points and Don McHenry 19 for Utah (10-20, 2-15).

A 13-13 contest with 14:46 left before halftime became one-sided as the Buffs went on to dominate and posted a 51-26 lead at halftime, shooting 67.9% (19 of 28) before intermission. Utah meanwhile shot 34.5% (10 of 29) and missed all nine 3-point attempts.

The Utes turned it around after the break and shot 73.9% (17 of 23) including 85.7% (6 of 7) from 3-point range and got back in it. McHenry's three-point play brought Utah within 69-60 with 8:58 remaining.

Colorado responded with Holland making a pair of foul shots, Dak made four straight and then a tip-in layup and Colorado stayed ahead by double digits the rest of the way.

Up Next

Colorado: Hosts No. 2 Arizona in a regular season finale on Saturday.

Utah: Ends the regular season at Baylor on Saturday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Posted on

Ryan Conwell scores 23 points and Louisville tops Syracuse 77-62

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Ryan Conwell scored 23 points, he and Isaac McKneely combined for 10 3-pointers, and Louisville defeated Syracuse 77-62 on Tuesday night.

The Cardinals, who have fallen out of the Top 25 after losing three of their last four games, got 19 points from J’Vonne Hadley and 16 points from McKneely. Conwell and McKneely each buried five 3s and the Cardinals (21-9, 10-7 ACC) finished 14 for 35 from deep.

Naithan George scored 16 points, Nate Kingz 14 and Donnie Freeman 10 for Syracuse (15-15, 6-11). The Orange made only 4 of 19 from 3-point distance.

Louisville made 6 of 17 3-pointers in the first half and Syracuse was 0 for 11. The Cardinals took the lead for good with an 11-0 run that made it 21-10 nine minutes into the game. Later, a 10-0 run pushed the Louisville lead to 37-16 and the score was 39-21 at halftime.

The Cardinals made five 3s in the first 10 minutes of the second half, pushing their lead to 60-38. A few minutes later a 13-2 run had Syracuse within 62-51 but the margin never got down to single digits.

Syracuse has lost four straight games and six of eight overall.

Up next

Syracuse: The Orange wrap up the regular season with a home game against Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Louisville: The Cardinals finish at No. 22 Miami on Saturday.

The conference tournament runs March 10-14 at Charlotte, North Carolina.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Posted on

Knicks showing they can lean on defensive side of ball to win games

It was another defensive clinic for the Knicks.

In New York's 111-95 win over the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday night, the Knicks held their opponent to under 100 points for the 11th time in their last 19 games. And the Knicks needed that defensive intensity as their offense went stagnant at moments in this one, allowing the upstart Raptors to hang around and even get as close to two points in the fourth quarter.

After going into halftime with a 10-point lead, the Knicks scored just 19 points in the third, allowing the Raptors to cut into the lead heading into the final frame. Knicks coach Mike Brown credited the defense for not letting the game get away from them.

"We came out the third quarter... couldn't score the ball like we did in the first half, but we hung in there defensively," Brown said after the game. "And to hold a team like that that kicks out and runs in transition the way they do to 37 points in the second half, is a pretty good half defensively. We got to hang our hat on that end of the floor and our guys are doing it, they're doing it with physicality first and then trying to go get that ball off the glass second."

The Knicks limited the Raptors to just 13 fastbreak points for the game, and after Raptors star Brandon Ingram scored 26 points in the first half, he only scored five in the second half. A huge reason for that was Josh Hart's defense on the forward, earning him the team's defensive player of the game.

"Josh Hart was phenomenal in a lot of different areas," Brown said. "50-50 balls, guarding different guys. Skills, deflections, you name it. Josh seemed like he was everywhere tonight on that end of the floor."

During this stretch of defensive dominance, Karl-Anthony Towns' play on that end of the floor has seemingly improved as well. Not known for his defense, the Knicks big man had a block and a steal -- which led to a breakaway dunk -- but his defensive presence has not gone unnoticed. 

Brown was asked about Towns' contributions on defense and whether there's a correlation between the team's defensive success and the big man's improved intensity on that side of the ball.

"It's been huge. Again, I say this all the time, one guy can't guard one other guy in the league," Brown said. " It's almost impossible, especially when they do call fouls. And in the way the floor is spaced. It's tough to do that, and so you have to have five guys on a string. The game right now is space and pace, and everybody looks at KAT like, 'oh, you can't do it.' Well, he can do it. 

"He's showing he can do it, and we need him to continue to do it. Whether it's in the pick-and-roll, coming back in transition, coming over to help from the weak side or guarding this guy in a one-on-one situation. He's been fantastic."

Brown pointed out Towns' communication on the floor as a big factor. Towns is so loud that Brown can hear his big man talking to his teammates constantly, and because he's the big and can see everything from the back side, it helps the team as a whole and it showed. 

The Raptors scored just 13 points in the fourth quarter, as the Knicks went on a 16-2 run to end the game and improved to 4-0 against the division rival. They'll go for the season sweep of Toronto on April 10 at home.

And despite the offensive struggles in the third, Brown was encouraged by Tuesday's win overall and reiterated that leaning on the defense is important.

"We feel like we can score. It was a good offensive game, shooting 56 percent from the floor, 32 assists, but we didn't play well, especially offensively in the second half," Brown said. "To be able to know that you can hang your hat on that end of the floor is going to be huge for us because the ball doesn't always go in the hoop."

The Knicks hope to continue their defensive dominance when they host the defending champion Thunder on Wednesday night.

Posted on

Devils Notch 2nd Straight Win

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 3 : Dougie Hamilton #7 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL regular season game against the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center on March 3, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Maclean/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

The New Jersey Devils may indeed be pulling out of the three-month slump that sank their season. Or the Devils’ very modest two-game winning streak might just be what it appears to be on its surface – a couple of wins over two teams that are somehow even worse off than the Devils. And make no mistake, that’s exactly what the Blues and Panthers are.

How bad of a season has it been for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champs? Well, Florida was pretty stoked to get Tomas Nosek back in the lineup for the first time since last summer’s Cup-clincher. The Panthers were also thrilled to have Dmitry Kulikov in the lineup for just the fourth time this season.

Neither was much help against the Devils though.

New Jersey got goals from five different players and Jacob Markstrom stopped 20 of 21 Florida shots Tuesday night as the Devils put a major dent in Florida’s plans to defend its Cup with a 5-1 win over the Panthers at Prudential Center.

New Jersey went back over NHL .500 with the win. At 30-29-2 the Devils have 62 points and are 11 points back of the final wild card spot. Florida’s 63 points have them 10 back of Boston, which beat Pittsburgh Tuesday night, and the Panthers, or at least head coach Paul Maurice, seem to know that the end is near.

Down 3-1, Maurice was desperate enough he pulled goalie Sergei Bobrovsky with more than four minutes to play leading to empty netters by Dawson Mercer at 16 minutes, 23 seconds of the third and Simon Nemec at 19:20.

For just the third time in their last 10 games, the Devils scored the game’s first goal. Arseny Gritsyuk snapped a shot over Bobrovsky’s blocker at 12:10 of the opening period after Connor Brown sprung Gritsyuk and Jack Hughes on a two-on-one.

The Panthers evened it up on an Anton Lundell goal 2:27 later, but couldn’t make the Devils pay for a double minor taken by Brendan Dillon with less than a minute to play in the period. And when Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was called for hooking early in the second, it was the Devils who took advantage of the extra ice, getting a Dougie Hamilton goal while the teams skated four aside.

Cody Glass’ 14th goal of the year on a tip-in from just off the right post at 8:13 gave the Devils some breathing room.

Not that they’d need it.

Markstrom was solid for a second straight game, picking up second star honors in the win, and Mercer and Nemec buried the Panthers with empty netters in the game’s final minutes.

Up Next

No rest for the Devils, who take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m., Wednesday, at Prudential Center in another nationally televised game, this one on Hulu. The Leafs (27-24-10) are just a couple of points ahead of the Devils, who are looking to win three in a row for the first time since the western Canada road trip in late January. Toronto lost to the Flyers on Monday and is just 3-6-1 in its last 10 games.

Your Thoughts

So the Devils are whatever. … It’s hard to read anything into these games from a Devils’ perspective, but wow was that a terrible showing from the Panthers. Soft. Gutless. It was a dead ringer for the kind of non-effort the Devils have been putting out since December when the ugly reality of how many teams they had to leapfrog became clear and they completely tuned out Sheldon Keefe. They’ll get a Leafs team in very similar straits to the Panthers Wednesday night, so they might be looking at three in a row. Then again, it’s a back-to-back, and we all know how good the Devils are on short rest. But if they somehow get a win then there’s a terrible Rangers team up next on Saturday. … Does anyone think these games count and they have a chance at making a run?

Posted on

Scheifele scores in overtime as the Jets beat the Blackhawks 3-2

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Mark Scheifele scored at 2:06 of overtime to lift the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night.

Cole Perfetti forced the extra frame for Winnipeg, tying the game 2-2 with just 38.6 seconds remaining in regulation. Dylan Samberg, who assisted on Scheifele's winner, also scored in the first period for the Jets, who went to overtime for the fourth consecutive game.

Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Greene scored for Chicago. Connor Bedard picked up two assists.

Connor Hellebuyck made 18 saves for the victory. Spencer Knight stopped 29 shots for the Blackhawks.

The Jets pulled Hellebuyck for the extra attacker and netted the equalizer when Perfetti buried the late chance. The goal validated a second-period line shuffle that had Perfetti placed on a line with Adam Lowry and Gabriel Vilardi.

By forcing the extra frame, the Jets went to overtime for the fourth consecutive game. It was a crucial late push to grab two points as they kicked off a critical eight-game homestand.

Chicago’s special teams continue to be a primary driver of the squad’s offense. With Teravainen’s first-period goal, the Blackhawks now have a power-play goal in four consecutive games.

Winnipeg picked up its seventh straight home victory over Chicago and improved to 4-10 in overtime games this season.

Up next

Blackhawks: Host Vancouver on Friday.

Jets: Host Tampa Bay on Thursday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Posted on

Player Grades – Recapping the Mavericks vs. the Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 3: Brandon Williams #10 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 3, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks, still without Cooper Flagg, started their longest road trip in 15 years, taking on the Charlotte Hornets. The six-game trip got off on the wrong foot with a 117-90 loss.

Let’s get to the grades!

Brandon Williams: B+

18 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 27 MIN

Williams was aggressive on both sides of the ball, setting an early tone driving and staying connected defensively. He notched his eighth-straight game in double-figure scoring on 4-for-10 shooting and was the Mavs’ leading scorer throughout nearly the entire night. He led the parade to the free throw line for Dallas and was excellent when he got there, converting at a 10-for-11 clip.

Max Christie: C-

11 PTS / 5 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 33 MIN

Christie couldn’t find the range but took a bit too long to pivot away from the longball in favor of driving more frequently. When he did the latter, better things happened. If you’re going to lead the team in shot attempts (15), converting more than 28% is a requirement.

Khris Middleton: B

9 PTS / 9 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 29 MIN

Middleton was a mixed bag, having chipped in solid point and rebound totals, but he turned the ball over often (three) and committed four fouls. Not his best night as a Mav, although a somewhat janky substitution pattern may have contributed to him not finding his flow.

P.J. Washington: B

13 PTS / 2 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 28 MIN

Washington’s output was very similar to Middleton’s, though he had fewer fouls and turnovers. The grade lands the same, however, as Washington was a near non-factor on the boards and had some bone-head plays that suggest he’s working his way back, which is exactly what he’s doing after a three-game absence.

Daniel Gafford: B

10 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 2 STL / 1 BLK – 22 MIN

If taking shots to the head were a measure of success, Gafford would be MVP. He was the unfortunate recipient of a few blows that sent him to the floor, but nothing that kept him down for long. He had a much better game on Tuesday night than he has in recent days, though it’s not hard to imagine an even more efficient shooting night and/or a higher rebounding total.

John Poulakidas: N/A

0 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 14 MIN

Making his Mavs’ debut, Poulakidas did a nice job. For a two-way player with virtually zero reps, pulling in five rebounds and dishing two dimes isn’t too shabby. Of course, we wanted to see the shooter shoot, but he instead deferred to his teammates so we’ll have to wait until at least next game to see what he can do in that department.

Dwight Powell: B

12 PTS / 4 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 26 MIN

Powell was an efficient 3-for-5 from the floor to go along with 6-for-8 from the free throw line, doing little bits of everything. Unfortunately everything included two turnovers and three fouls along with nearly killing Ryan Nembhard in an all too familiar friendly fire collision.

Final Thoughts

Dallas reversed things this game, keeping close early and coming unglued at the end. To be plus-18 points from the free throw line, yet getting destroyed by a 27-point margin is puzzling (it was the three-point shooting that did it, if you’re curious). We’ll see what the rest of the road trip will bring!

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

Harrison Barnes’ 364-game ironman streak ends after he woke up from nap with ankle injury

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns smiling at San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes.
Karl-Anthony Towns is all smiles in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 01, 2026.

You snooze, you lose.

Spurs veteran Harrison Barnes’ four-year-long streak of consecutive games played ended after he woke up from a nap with a sore left ankle, causing him to miss Tuesday’s game against the Sixers.

“He woke up from his nap and we found out,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters before Tuesday’s matchup in Philadelphia, per The Athletic. “So he’s with the medical staff now and hope it’s nothing serious.”

Karl-Anthony Towns is all smiles in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 1, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Barnes, 33, played in 364 straight games dating back to 2021 before he surprisingly popped up on San Antonio’s injury report.

The forward’s last missed game was due to a sprained right foot on Dec. 4, 2021, when he was a member of the Kings.

Barnes’ ironman streak trailed only Mikal Bridges among active players; the Knicks’ swingman has played in 618 consecutive contests, including New York’s 111-95 victory against the Raptors Tuesday night.

“At some point, he had to [miss a game],” Johnson added. “It speaks to the preparation that he does before he goes into the game. It speaks to the recovery process that he puts in after the game. He’s just a consummate pro. It’s a heckuva run that he had.”

In his most recent outing, Barnes notched three points and two assists in 17 minutes of action Sunday during the Spurs’ 114-89 blowout loss to the Knicks.

A key member of the Warriors during his first four seasons, including Golden State’s championship-winning team in 2015, Barnes has since bounced around to the Mavericks, Kings and Spurs.

Barnes had played in 364 straight games before he missed Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia. NBAE via Getty Images

San Antonio acquired Barnes in July 2024 as part of a three-team trade that sent veteran All-Star DeMar DeRozan to Sacramento.

In 60 games (49 starts) this season, Barnes is averaging 10.2 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 44.2 percent from the field.

Even without Barnes, the Spurs rebounded well from Sunday’s defeat at Madison Square Garden, as they steamrolled the Sixers 131-91 in Philadelphia.

With Tuesday’s win, the Spurs improved to 44-17, three games back of the defending champion Thunder for the top seed in the Western Conference.