Category: Sports News

The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Sunday evening to face the Portland Trail Blazers. The Hawks came in on a three-game winning streak, with the Blazers being the final game of their recent homestand. As for the Blazers, this was their second game of a back-to-back after losing to the Charlotte Hornets yesterday.

The Hawks were able to get Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker back in the game after they missed the previous one against the Washington Wizards.

The Hawks started off raining three-pointers, with Onyeka Okongwu hitting a pair of them.

Dyson Daniels laid down the hammer on his former teammate, Vit Krejci, in a welcome back moment.

Okongwu didn’t stop knocking down threes in the quarter, and his total went up to four.

The defense and ball movement were on full display for the Hawks in the first, and it helped them build a double digit lead while also putting 40+ points on the board.

Jonathan Kuminga came in and lived at the free throw line, and was also a beneficiary of the ball movement.

Going into the second, the Hawks led 44-25.

The Hawks continued to maintain their lead as they kept making shots and getting stops on defense. Corey Kispert’s hot shooting from Thursday ran over to this game.

Alexander-Walker pulled some tricks out of his bag, getting to the rim after a few swifty handles.

Okongwu knocked down his sixth three-pointer of the game.

The Hawks shot 60% from the field in the first half, and going into the second, they trailed 75-58.

The third quarter started with a lot of ball movement and ended with a easy paint shot from Daniels.

Alexander-Walker found Jalen Johnson on this dime.

Daniels once again found a way to put Krejci on the highlight board, blowing past him for another floater.

The Blazers didn’t have much of an answer for the Hawks were doing, and even when they did knock down a few shots, the Hawks answered back.

Going into the fourth, the Hawks led 103-85.

Kuminga and CJ McCollum connected on this play for an easy two points to start the fourth.

The game was pretty much decided, but that didn’t mean the Hawks stopped competing. Okongwu was able to knock down his seventh three-pointer of the night.

Kuminga in the open lane is a problem.

Kuminga didn’t stop there, and threw down another crazy dunk minutes later.

The end of the bench came in after this play, and the Hawks walked away with their fourth straight win.

Okongwu finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, Kuminga finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, and McCollum finished with 19 points.

The Hawks will be back in action on Wednesday to face the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers did enough to defeat the Brooklyn Nets106-102, but it was far from a perfect game. Let’s get into why.

First, the Cavs struggled to keep control of the ball. They turned it over 17 times, which accounted for 17.9% of their offensive possessions (21st percentile). That would be concerning on its own, it coming against the 27th-ranked defense that is also in the bottom half of the league in forcing turnovers, makes it even more worrisome.

The Cavs are at their best when they get their bigs involved offensively, especially Jarrett Allen. Opponents know this as well and are packing the paint anytime one of Cleveland’s bigs is rolling or available for a pass inside. This led to more than a few of their turnovers on Sunday afternoon.

Additionally, James Harden wasn’t as sharp as he usually is with the ball. He’s responsible for five of Cleveland’s giveaways. Some of these were uncharacteristically sloppy. This could also be a byproduct of playing through a broken thumb.

Opponents know that the Cavs want to get the bigs involved and that Harden isn’t 100%. This will make them more susceptible to turnovers, even against a poor defense like Brooklyn’s. Cleveland will need to be better in this area if they want to avenge Friday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Speaking of things that also went wrong on Friday, the Cavs — once again — nearly blew this game late.

They were up seven with a minute and a half left against a bad Nets team, and then proceeded to shoot themselves in the foot. The Cavs allowed the Nets to score on four of their final five possessions, committed two turnovers, and missed two crucial free throws of their own.

The combination of poor clutch defense and not effectively closing the game out at the line is also what did them in against Detroit. Evan Mobley’s big offensive rebound after a Dennis Schröder missed free-throw saved them from being in the same situation they were in then.

A better team than Brooklyn might’ve taken advantage. These late situations are where they miss Donovan Mitchell — who sat out his third straight game with a groin injury — most.

There were still good things to take from this game, particularly how Harden opens up the offense with his passing.

Harden wasn’t perfect, but the way he’s a threat to get the ball to everyone on the court unlocks the offense in a way few in the league can for their team.

Harden has the unique ability to both make every pass and see every opening as if he’s watching everything unfold in slow motion above the action.

This play is a good example of that.

I’m not sure if Harden ever actually sees Sam Merrill on this pass. What he does know is that there’s two defenders on the ball, and two down low taking away the inside pass, and the opposite wing is covered up as well. By process of elimination, the corner must be open, which is where he riffles the pass too.

Merrill was actually drifting away from the corner when he caught it, but the velocity of the pass gives him enough time to set his feet and square his shoulders for the on-balance three.

Harden seems to make his best passes to Merrill.

This also illustrates how Harden just reads and reacts to everything so quickly. He keeps the decision tree open as long as possible, and if the defense gives a better opportunity to one of his teammates, Harden is going to get the ball to them even if he’s already going up with his own shot.

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There aren’t many players who can make passes like this.

Harden contributed a team-high 22 points in the win, but did so on just nine attempts from the field. He did a great job of getting to the line, as he took 12 free throws, which ties his most in a game in a Cavs uniform. Overall, he came into this game attempting over four fewer free-throw attempts in Cleveland than he did with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Most of the fouls he drew came from attacks off-the-dribble. That’s notable because if there were something he’d be hesitant to do coming back from a broken thumb, it’d be driving to the hoop.

Even though he did on Sunday, Harden hasn’t really looked to score since coming to Cleveland. With the Clippers, he was averaging 17.5 shot attempts per game. So far with Cleveland, he’s only taken 17 or more shots once in the eight games he’s played with the Cavs.

Throughout his career, Harden’s shot attempts have mostly reflected the context and offense he was in. In his prime with the Houston Rockets, he routinely averaged over 18 shots a game. When he’s playing off another star player, he’s adjusted his shot attempts down. This was most recently seen when he took under 15 shots a game alongside Joel Embiid when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Harden has mostly tried to set up his teammates in Cleveland. That’s what the situation has called for. And he’s done an excellent job of doing that so far. It’ll be interesting to see if that changes on Tuesday assuming Mitchell will still be out of the lineup.

The Cavs need Donovan Mitchell to play at a faster pace.

Harden’s deliberate style has helped the offense, but it’s done so most when he’s paired with Mitchell’s frenetic energy.

Mitchell has been a one-man break starter this season as the Cavs have gotten out in transition 1.9% more (90th percentile) when he’s on the court compared to when he’s off.

The Cavs were missing this on Sunday. They played at one of their slowest paces of the year, with only 95 possessions. They weren’t able to get anything easy in the open court and mostly relied on Harden and others to create in the half-court. It was good enough to get the win, but it wasn’t their best overall offensive process.

Mitchell and Harden’s opposite styles have blended nicely. That is more apparent when only one of them is on the court.

Keon Ellis has great hands, even if he has a broken finger. He finished with five blocks and three steals in this game. It’s nearly unheard of for a guard at his size to get his hands on the ball with such frequency.

Just look at some of these blocks and steals. I don’t think I’ve seen someone with this combination of size, closing speed, and hands. And he also never gives up on a player and has seemingly endless energy. He’s a complete game-changer on that end.

In another life, Ellis would’ve made for a great free safety.

Evan Mobley is turning the corner. He has now strung together two good games, which is encouraging given how disjointed things looked offensively for him when he first came back from the calf strain after the All-Star break.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson mentioned on Friday that it typically takes Mobley time to find his groove after he returns from an injury. I wouldn’t say he’s found it yet, but the team did play its best basketball with him as they outscored Brooklyn by 24 when he was on the court.

Things are trending in the right direction.

Allen has continued his aggressive play.

He tied Mobley for the most shot attempts on the team (12), which is exactly what you want to see.

The Cavs have continually challenged Allen to be more involved offensively. He was when Harden was out for two games, and that carried over on Sunday when he returned to the floor. The offense will continue to be at its best when he’s involved like this.

The Dallas Mavericks (21-38) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (46-15) on Sunday night, finishing out a three-game home stand where they’ve yet to win. After winning two in a row, Dallas put in two commanding tank performances against the Grizzlies and Kings. The Thunder are coming off an incredible overtime win against the Denver Nuggets.

Here’s the main things you need to know:

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
• WHAT: Last home game before a road trip
• WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
• WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
• HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

The injury report is lengthy for Dallas, as has been the custom this year. Cooper Flagg remains out with this foot sprain, which is starting to get concerning (but of course, this injury must heal correctly). Marvin Bagley will miss again with the neck sprain following the injury against the Kings. PJ Washington is doubtful with the same ankle sprain but the designation suggests progress on that front. Naji Marshall is questionable with a finger injury, but I bet he plays. Caleb Martin is also questionable with lower back soreness.

The Thunder have several players out as well. Jalen Williams has a hamstring injury. Ajay Mitchell has been out for a while with a few injuries. Thomas Sorber’s been out the whole year and someone named Brandon Carlson is out as well with a lower back injury.

This short homestand has been brutal, but given the state of the Dallas roster it’s not shocking. They’re tired and you can only play hard like they do for so many months before something gives. Nothing would surprise me with regard to the Thunder game tonight (well a Dallas win would); they could keep it close or get blown out.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning in a single-car crash, police said. He was 23.

Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control on a curve and hit a guardrail, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The car struck an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment.

Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene in Boulder County. Police said a preliminary investigation “shows that speed is suspected as a factor.”

Ponder played in two games for the Buffaloes last season, going 0-for-1 passing and carrying the ball twice for a loss of 4 yards. The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, began his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring.

The Buffs were slated to begin spring practice on Monday.

“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders posted on X. “Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1.”

Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders' statement and called Ponder a joy to be around and coach.

“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real,” Marion posted. “Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!”

Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said Ponder “epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike.” The athletic department said it would make counseling resources available to players and staff.

Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram.

“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen wrote. “You had a presence about you that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life.”

The Big 12 Conference extended its condolences in a post on X.

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The USC men's basketball team is losing one of its most key players at one of the most critical points of the season.

Chad Baker-Mazara, a sixth-year graduate student, is no longer with the program, the team announced in a statement Sunday afternoon.

No further details were provided by the team, but Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times reported that "it wasn’t any one incident, but an accumulation of issues that led to Baker-Mazara’s departure."

Baker-Mazara put up 14 first-half points in USC's 82-67 loss to Nebraska on Saturday but exited the game just three minutes into the second half after he fell hard on the baseline while trying to chase down Nebraska's Pryce Sandfort. He briefly went into the locker room and did not re-enter the game.

"He said he couldn’t go," head coach Eric Musselman told reporters after the game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves gutted out an ugly win at the Intuit Dome on Thursday night before having two days off to prepare for a familiar opponent. The last time these two teams met up in a nationally televised affair was fireworks on Christmas Night between Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards duking it out in an overtime thriller where Denver came out on top.

This game could have big playoff implications as the weather warms up and teams prepare for the playoff battle ahead. Both teams head into today boasting a 37-23 record in a dead tie for the 4th seed in the Western Conference. While the Nuggets have already secured the tiebreaker, the ability to move ahead of them this late in the season is a prime opportunity to get up to the three seed.

Denver started the game out of rhythm and missing open looks, while the Timberwolves followed suit with some wobbly offense of their own. Anthony Edwards was having a tough time as Denver was committed to double-teaming him wherever he got the ball, and the rest of the offense was not able to capitalize on those advantages. A few lapses on defense, where Minnesota lost their assignments, led to Jokić killing them with passes on backdoor cuts. The three-time MVP scored 13 points and dished four assists in the first. Minnesota was outplayed in the frame and ended down 31-22 after the first 12 minutes.

Bones Hyland was getting Bizzy to close the first quarter and start of the second. He set fire to a Timberwolves team that needed an extra jolt in a Sunday afternoon game. He helped to tie the game early in the second, leading a 9-0 run, and finished the half with 15 points on a perfect 5/5 from the floor. Minnesota killed in the non-Jokić minutes and used that to go on another big 12-0 run later in the period. Nikola Jokić came back in to keep the game close, but the Timberwolves closed the half strong with a couple of Ayo buckets and Ant getting a runout to the rim for a layup to give the Wolves a 58-50 lead at halftime.

The offensive floodgates were wide open for both teams to start the third quarter. Donte used his hustle and grit and parlayed it into some flamethrower shooting. He hit four threes in the quarter to help the Timberwolves maintain their solid lead. Jokić kept the Nuggets afloat; he had 17 of his own in the third and kept the game from getting out of hand. After an 8-0 run late, Julius stopped the bleeding with an And-1 to help Minnesota maintain their eight-point advantage with a 90-82 score heading into the final 12 minutes.

The Timberwolves were in a prime position to grow their lead to start the fourth, with Jokić heading to the bench and them dominating those minutes in the first half. Naz Reid took that challenge head-on. He drilled a three and had a couple of nifty Big Jelly finishes around the hoop – skipping for joy after the final one. Jamal Murray punched back with a high-flying dunk to get the crowd back into it, and Denver would not go away. Even with this, the Timberwolves used their defense and turned it into offense to shut down the hopes for a comeback. Anthony Edwards led the way with 21 while Jaden added 20 of his own.

Donte’s Hustle

Donte DiVincenzo always shows up ready to roll. In a game where the Timberwolves struggled to wake up for the early afternoon tipoff in Denver, he continued to bring it. While the shot can be streaky at times, this is something that he can and does do consistently. Whenever there was a chance for him to go make a play, he did it. You combine this grittiness with the hot shooting, and it was one special performance.

DDV drilled four threes in the third quarter while mixing in his patented hustle to give the Wolves runouts and extra possessions. Those things add up over the course of the game, none bigger than him coming from Nikola Jokić’s blind spot to take the ball from him and help Jaden get a fast break layup when the game still felt like it was in the balance during the fourth quarter. He scored 17 points and added five assists and three boards along with a pair of steals.

Defense -> Offense

Early in the game, when Minnesota was struggling, part of the reason was that Denver was committed to double-teaming Anthony Edwards wherever he was on the floor. It threw Ant off his rhythm and made him have to work hard for all his opportunities early on.

The way to combat this was through getting out in transition. The Timberwolves outscored Denver in fast-break points 30-6. They utilized their strong defense to get out for easy opportunities and grease the wheels of the offense. They also outscored Denver 22-11 in points off turnovers. The age-old saying of “the best way to beat a zone is to go before it gets set up” also applies to this defensive scheme.

Up Next

The Timberwolves head back home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, which marks the end of their three-game road trip, where Minnesota went 3-0. Tuesday’s game against Memphis will air on FanDuel Sports Network at 7 PM CT.

Highlights