Los Angeles Lakers (34-23, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (33-26, seventh in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles faces Phoenix in Western Conference action Thursday.
The Suns have gone 22-18 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix is 16-13 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Lakers are 6-6 against the rest of their division. Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference with 25.3 assists per game led by Luka Doncic averaging 8.6.
The Suns average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the Lakers allow. The Lakers are shooting 49.8% from the field, 2.9% higher than the 46.9% the Suns' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 24 the Suns won 132-108 led by 25 points from Dillon Brooks, while LeBron James scored 23 points for the Lakers.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is shooting 43.1% and averaging 13.4 points for the Suns. Royce O'Neale is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Doncic is averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists for the Lakers. James is averaging 18.8 points and 7.5 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 3-7, averaging 101.7 points, 43.5 rebounds, 22.5 assists, 8.6 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 41.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points per game.
Lakers: 5-5, averaging 111.4 points, 38.5 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 7.7 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Cole Anthony: out (not injury related), Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Devin Booker: out (hip), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Haywood Highsmith: out (knee).
Lakers: Jaxson Hayes: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City will try to extend its three-game win streak with a victory over Detroit.
The Pistons are 22-7 in home games. Detroit is the top team in the Eastern Conference averaging 57.2 points in the paint. Jalen Duren leads the Pistons with 13.7.
The Thunder are 21-7 in road games. Oklahoma City is 2-6 in one-possession games.
The Pistons make 47.8% of their shots from the field this season, which is 4.3 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.5%). The Thunder average 10.0 more points per game (119.4) than the Pistons allow their opponents to score (109.4).
TOP PERFORMERS: Cade Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 14.3 points over the last 10 games.
Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 16.6 points and 1.6 steals over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 119.8 points, 46.7 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 11.0 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.2 points per game.
Thunder: 7-3, averaging 115.1 points, 44.8 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.6 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: None listed.
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdomen), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Miami Heat (31-28, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (32-26, sixth in the Eastern Conference)
Philadelphia; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers host Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat in Eastern Conference play.
The 76ers are 20-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 16.4 fast break points per game led by Maxey averaging 5.6.
The Heat are 16-17 against Eastern Conference opponents. Miami ranks third in the league scoring 18.0 fast break points per game led by Norman Powell averaging 3.6.
The 76ers are shooting 46.0% from the field this season, 0.2 percentage points higher than the 45.8% the Heat allow to opponents. The Heat average 120.0 points per game, 4.1 more than the 115.9 the 76ers give up to opponents.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Heat won 127-117 in the last matchup on Nov. 23. Powell led the Heat with 32 points, and Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Maxey is shooting 46.7% and averaging 29.1 points for the 76ers. Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Adebayo is averaging 18.3 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 15.1 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 5-5, averaging 116.0 points, 42.2 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 10.5 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points per game.
Heat: 5-5, averaging 121.0 points, 52.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 9.6 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: Johni Broome: day to day (knee).
Heat: Nikola Jovic: day to day (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Ryan Rollins and the Milwaukee Bucks host Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bucks have gone 7-4 against division opponents. Milwaukee gives up 115.4 points to opponents and has been outscored by 3.1 points per game.
The Cavaliers are 7-3 against the rest of their division. Cleveland is fourth in the NBA scoring 119.5 points per game while shooting 47.7%.
The Bucks score 112.3 points per game, 2.7 fewer points than the 115.0 the Cavaliers allow. The Cavaliers are shooting 47.7% from the field, 1.3% higher than the 46.4% the Bucks' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the third time this season. The Cavaliers won the last meeting 118-106 on Nov. 18. Mitchell scored 37 points to help lead the Cavaliers to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Rollins is shooting 46.7% and averaging 17.2 points for the Bucks. AJ Green is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals for the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen is averaging 20.5 points and 11.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 7-3, averaging 114.2 points, 44.4 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points per game.
Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 120.8 points, 43.7 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 10.6 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points.
INJURIES: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: day to day (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New Orleans Pelicans (17-42, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (18-40, 13th in the Western Conference)
Salt Lake City; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Utah looks to end its three-game slide when the Jazz play New Orleans.
The Jazz are 10-27 in Western Conference games. Utah is fifth in the Western Conference with 11.8 offensive rebounds per game led by Walker Kessler averaging 4.6.
The Pelicans are 10-26 in conference games. New Orleans is the league leader in inside scoring, averaging 57.6 points per game in the paint this season. Zion Williamson leads the team with 16.0 points per game in the paint.
The Jazz average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.6 fewer makes per game than the Pelicans give up (14.5). The Jazz average 114.8 points per game, 11.1 fewer points than the 125.9 the Jazz give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Keyonte George is shooting 45.8% and averaging 23.8 points for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Trey Murphy III is averaging 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Williamson is averaging 21.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 114.0 points, 46.3 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 10.7 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.6 points per game.
Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 116.7 points, 42.3 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points.
INJURIES: Jazz: Vince Williams Jr.: out for season (acl), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).
Pelicans: Yves Missi: day to day (calf), Trey Murphy III: day to day (shoulder), Micah Peavy: day to day (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Portland Trail Blazers (28-31, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-35, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago comes into the matchup against Portland as losers of 10 games in a row.
The Bulls have gone 15-16 at home. Chicago is eighth in the Eastern Conference scoring 115.8 points while shooting 46.8% from the field.
The Trail Blazers have gone 12-16 away from home. Portland ranks third in the Western Conference with 45.8 rebounds per game led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.5.
The Bulls are shooting 46.8% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 47.6% the Trail Blazers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers' 45.2% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.6 percentage points lower than the Bulls have given up to their opponents (47.8%).
The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last matchup 122-121 on Nov. 20. Isaac Okoro scored 13 points to help lead the Bulls to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is shooting 47.4% and averaging 15.3 points for the Bulls. Guerschon Yabusele is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Clingan is averaging 11.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant is averaging 18.3 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 0-10, averaging 106.2 points, 41.1 rebounds, 23.5 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 42.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.3 points per game.
Trail Blazers: 5-5, averaging 118.8 points, 46.8 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.8 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).
Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija: out (back), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Robert Williams III: out (foot), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio is looking to build upon its nine-game win streak with a victory against Toronto.
The Raptors have gone 16-14 at home. Toronto scores 113.7 points while outscoring opponents by 1.9 points per game.
The Spurs have gone 20-10 away from home. San Antonio is the Western Conference leader with 35.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Victor Wembanyama averaging 9.3.
The Raptors score 113.7 points per game, 1.8 more points than the 111.9 the Spurs allow. The Spurs are shooting 47.8% from the field, 1.8% higher than the 46.0% the Raptors' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 121-103 on Oct. 28. Wembanyama scored 24 points to help lead the Spurs to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 17.8 points over the last 10 games.
Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for the Spurs. Harrison Barnes is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 112.4 points, 41.3 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 9.8 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.2 points per game.
Spurs: 9-1, averaging 124.3 points, 48.6 rebounds, 31.0 assists, 7.7 steals and 7.4 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: day to day (injury management), Scottie Barnes: day to day (quad).
Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Mason Plumlee: out (reconditioning).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LOS ANGELES — As Alijah Arenas walked off the Pauley Pavilion court after picking up his third foul just four minutes into the second half of USC's rivalry game against UCLA on Tuesday night, he slammed his hands on the bench in frustration.
It was that kind of night for Arenas, and that kind of night for the Trojans in general as they lost, 81-62, to their archrivals. And maybe that kind of season.
USC was ice cold from the floor all night, struggling to find any real offensive contribution from anyone other than Chad Baker-Mazara, who led the team with 25 points. His 14 points in the first half made him the only Trojan to that point with more than two made field goals. Arenas had four points in the first — all from the free-throw line — in only nine minutes after picking up two early fouls.
It was a game that USC simply could not afford to lose as one of the first four teams out in USA TODAY Sports' latest Bracketology. The Trojans now drop their fourth consecutive Big Ten game, and second consecutive Quad 1 matchup after blowing a late lead to Oregon on Saturday.
Even with the bumps expected since making his freshman debut in late January — five months after tearing his right meniscus practice in July — Arenas continues to flash the potential that made him a five-star recruit and potential lottery pick entering the season.
If it doesn't show in the stat sheet, it shows in the little things: dribbling out of double teams, getting to the line, grabbing boards and setting his teammates up for open looks. Arenas also added six points down the final stretch to finish the game as the only Trojan besides Baker-Mazara to score in double figures.
Here's how Alijah Arenas fared in Tuesday's loss to UCLA:
Feb 24, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) dunks the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images
After a disappointing home loss to the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers, the Minnesota Timberwolves begin their trifecta of matchups during a west coast road trip with the Portland Trail Blazers, who will be without Shaedon Sharpe and first-time all-star Deni Avdija. Minnesota started the break with a home win against the Mavericks, but followed it up with a dreadful battle against the Sixers.
Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid return to the lineup after missing the previous game due to suspension and injury, respectively. The front-court troops were thin on Sunday, and having two key pieces back should help them a lot with the impending matchup. Rudy Gobert will have his hands full with Donovan Clingan, who has been playing extremely well as of late and is a massive presence down low and on the glass. It’s a great opportunity for the Wolves to recollect and start this interesting road trip against very competitive teams with a bang.
The game opened with the arena seeming a little bit hazy, but it did not seem to impact either team as it was a close one throughout, with Minnesota holding a slight edge for the majority of the quarter. The Timberwolves, as they tend to do, had too many turnovers early on, but Ant and Jaden answered the bell to keep the pressure on and maintain the lead.
Kris Murray and Scoot Henderson carried the Blazers’ scoring load early, for a team bereft of scorers with the absence of Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe. Jaden McDaniels stole the show in the first, hitting three 3s and adding an insane four blocks to his stat line. The Timberwolves used Slim’s dominance to hold a 33-27 lead in the first.
Julius Randle began the second quarter off on a sour note, picking up the third foul that forced him out of the game early in the second. A lightning-quick 8-0 run spurred by Donte DiVincenzo helped Minnesota to grow the lead, but Portland was able to slow the game down by drawing fouls and making their free throws to stay within striking distance.
Jaden McDaniels continued to wreak havoc, and Anthony Edwards answered every Blazers bucket with one of their own. Ant was nearly flawless in the first 24 minutes; he shot 8/12 with 25 points, including 4/8 from beyond the arc. Despite shooting well and seemingly having control over much of the second quarter, Minnesota only led 62-59 at the break.
The Trail Blazers came out swinging in the third in what would be a tug-of-war frame with both sides having their moments. Jaden McDaniels continued his awe-inspiring dominance on both ends to help the Wolves take a larger edge a couple of times throughout the third, but Minnesota wasn’t able to keep the momentum going as the Blazers kept fighting their way back in it with offensive rebounds and a boost of Scoot Henderson energy. Donte DiVincenzo ended a lackluster third quarter from the Timberwolves with a bang, ripping the ball away from Scoot Henderson and going in for a slam to give Minnesota the slight 96-94 edge.
Another nail-biter was in store for the Minnesota Timberwolves after allowing the shorthanded Blazers to stay in the game. The fourth quarter was no different, with both teams throwing punches trying to gain the upper hand. For the start of the quarter, the Timberwolves were getting killed on the offensive glass and allowing the Trail Blazers to get extra opportunities.
That’s when Coach Finch turned to Rudy Gobert. Rudy had a dominant fourth quarter, controlling the glass, contesting shots, and most importantly, rebounding Ant’s misses as he went cold down the stretch. Gobert controlled the game and helped the Timberwolves to score points in the clutch when their usual ace in the hole was a bit off line.
We’ve seen these types of performances by Jaden McDaniels in the past – uber-efficient, lockdown defense on the perimeter and at the rim, closed out by his bounce dunk that is nearly patented at this point. This was another chapter in the long book of awe-inspiring McDaniels performances. He scored 29 points on 12/16 shooting, added six rebounds, five blocks, and three steals. Definition of stuffing the stat sheet.
Fans have gotten used to Jaden’s stoic coldness as he wreaks havoc on opponents’ shots and dashes their dreams of coming out with a victory. While we can all appreciate that, it is fun to see a little flair in his emphatic dunk that can and should call attention to a performance that deserves its (Portland) roses.
Anthony Edwards on Jaden McDaniels: This man right here in this game he supposed to have 40 tonight, he back home in front of the home crowd….The fam right here. He back at the crib. He went ham man. (Jaden possibly covering his mouth with a towel so he doesn't show his big… pic.twitter.com/DeZwDjYw3s
Minnesota let the Trail Blazers hang around for a lot longer than they should have. When this happens, the less talented team starts to feel themself. One of the worst ways that this can manifest is by hounding the offensive glass. The best way to make up a talent deficit is to shoot more shots, which usually come easier off an offensive rebound.
As the fourth quarter started, that was exploited – the Trail Blazers were getting multiple shots per possession, and one was bound to find its way into the hoop. That is when Chris Finch turned to Rudy Gobert. Rudy understood the assignment: end possessions. But he had a much larger impact than that. Gobert not only helped keep the massive Donovan Clingan off the boards, while ending Portland’s offensive possessions after one shot, but he also impacted every drive that they had during the stretch.
This led to runouts and an easier time managing Portland’s pressure. Finally, Anthony Edwards went on a cold streak to close this one. When your alpha doesn’t have it, things can get scary. Rudy Gobert took it upon himself to help gut out those offensive possessions.
He attacked the offensive glass and generated extra possessions while also finishing plays himself (including a 2/2 trip to the free throw line). Rudy’s ability to control games in this way is big-time, and a big reason they finished this game with a win.
Just some monster plays from Rudy Gobert on both ends down the stretch.
The Timberwolves will face off against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers in another late 9 PM CT tipoff on Thursday night. This will be another nationally televised game on Prime Video, but also available on Fanduel Sports Network.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 34 points and made five 3-pointers to help the Minnesota Timberwolves hold off the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121 on Tuesday night, their fourth win in their last five games.
Jaden McDaniels added 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks for the Timberwolves.
Donte DiVincenzo had 19 points and made five 3-pointers, and Julius Randle had 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Rudy Gobert scored just 10 points but had 19 rebounds and changed the game defensively.
Jrue Holiday led the Blazers with 22 points. Jerami Grant had 18 points, and Donovan Clingan scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.
Scoot Henderson had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench.
It was a tight, physical, back-and-forth affair with 15 lead changes, but Minnesota’s 3-point shooting (17 of 35) was enough to hold off the Blazers, who were 14 of 35 from deep.
Up next
Trail Blazers: Face the Bulls in Chicago on Thursday night.
Timberwolves: Face the Clippers in Los Angeles on Thursday night.
Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. loses control of the ball while being guarded by LeBron James and Deandre Ayton in the first half. (Caroline Brehman / Associated Press)
In a topsy-turvy fourth quarter, the Lakers came up short when LeBron James missed a last-second shot that sent them to a 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic had 22 points to lead the Lakers but was just eight for 24 from the field and two for 10 from three-point range. He was wide open behind the arc after taking the inbounds pass in the closing seconds, but he didn't shoot, passing to James with the clock running down.
James took a turnaround three that missed. He finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The lead went back and forth most of the fourth quarter, each play more important than the previous one, each moment more intense, each possession more meaningful.
When Rui Hachimura drilled a three-pointer from the corner off a pass from Doncic for a 106-103 lead with 2 minutes 14 seconds left, the Lakers (34-23) looked to be in pretty good shape.
But Magic star Paolo Banchero scored in the paint, giving him a game-high 36 points, and was fouled by Deandre Ayton. Banchero missed the free throw, leaving the Lakers ahead 106-105 with 1:18 left.
James went to work in the post over the smaller Anthony Black, drawing a foul. But James made just one of two free throws for a 107-105 lead
Magic guard Desmond Bane (22 points) answered with a three-pointer for a 108-107 lead that forced the Lakers to call a timeout with 34.6 seconds left.
Hachimura missed a three but the Lakers retained possession, and on the ensuing inbounds play Doncic found James cutting down the lane for a dunk for a 109-108 Lakers lead.
Banchero missed a jumper, but Wendell Carter Jr. grabbed the rebound and scored for a 110-109 Orlando lead with 6.7 seconds left. The Magic finished with 12 offensive rebounds.
The Lakers called another timeout and had one last opportunity, but this time they couldn’t get a good shot and time expired.
The good news was the Lakers sawa more engaged Ayton, a more active big man, a more involved player.
Doncic passed the ball inside to Ayton in the midpost early in the third quarter and watched his big center turn and shot over a smaller defender. Ayton missed the shot, but he collected the rebound and scored on a layup.
Ayton had 17 points on six-for-eight shooting and six rebounds in the first half and 21 points for the game to go along with 13 rebounds.
Doncic went down late in the first quarter after getting poked in his eye by Mo Wager, a red mark developing beneath his eye. Doncic stayed down for a while before eventually getting up with one minute and 59 seconds left in the first.
On the very next possession, Doncic drilled a three-pointer, a sign that his vision was clear.
He finished the first quarter with 11 points on four-for-eight shooting, four rebounds and four assists.
After the end of the first, Doncic went to the Lakers’ locker room, but he returned to the bench early in the second quarter.
Early in that second quarter, the Lakers displayed hustle and defense.
James ran down Anthony Black and blocked his shot off the backboard. Banchero got the rebound, but he had his shot blocked by a hustling Marcus Smart.
The Lakers started the third quarter by giving their fans a highlight moment.
It began with Ayton getting the defensive rebound and passing the ball to James, who then whipped the ball to Austin Reaves and filled the lane on the fast break.
Reaves threw a lob to James for a dunk, bringing the crowd to its feet.
The Lakers even opened a 12-point lead in the third quarter, their defense on point and their offense looking good.
But the Magic didn’t stop coming after the Lakers.
Orlando closed out the third quarter hard and got to within 80-79 entering the fourth.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 24, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the first time this season, the Lakers lost when leading after three quarters, falling to the Magic at home on Tuesday, 110-109. A putback layup from Wendell Carter Jr. after a missed jumper from Paolo Banchero with 6.7 seconds left put Orlando up.
Luka Dončić had a chance to win the game with a three, but hesitated, allowing the defense to recover, forcing a pass to LeBron James whose off-balance shot missed at the buzzer..
LA led for the near entirety of the first three quarters, building a 12-point lead in the second and third quarters. However, a huge game by Paolo Banchero and big fourth quarter from Desmond Bane made it a tight game down the stretch.
The Magic crushed the Lakers in second-chance opportunities, scoring 15 points on 13 offensive rebounds.
The game began with LeBron James setting the tone with 10 points, including two triples. Deandre Ayton was the next highest scorer with four points. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane combined for eight points for the Magic.
LA built a lead of seven. Orlando then responded well, cutting Los Angeles’ lead down to two.
Carter Jr.’s nine points helped the Magic trim the deficit. The Lakers had no answer for him, allowing him to have a free path to the rim.
Luke Kennard scored a quick four points off the bench after entering the game. Los Angeles held off Orlando on the shoulders of Luka Dončić, who was now in double figures with 11 points. At the end of the first, the purple and gold were up by eight.
Good 1st Q overall against an ORL team that's won 5 of 7 despite missing Wagner/Suggs.
LA's up 33-25, with LeBron/Luka combining for 21 points, and Luke Kennard adding 6 off the bench.
Lakers shooting 60% to ORL's 41.7%; LA does have 5 TO's to 1 from ORL.
Tristan da Silva started the second period by converting on a hook shot for the Magic. LA still had no answer for Carter Jr., who was now at 15 points for the half. The Lakers only had three offensive rebounds compared to Orlando’s five.
With 6:20 left until halftime, Austin Reaves was still scoreless on four shot attempts.
Da Silva knocked down two more 3-pointers as he had not missed a shot. Ayton was now the third player in double figures for the Lakers with 15 points. Neither team seemed to have the answer for each other’s centers. Ayton was scoring easily on hook shots.
Luckily for LA, Desmond Bane was 0-5 from behind the arc. Going into halftime, Los Angeles was up by three.
The Lakers lead the Magic 56-53 at the half. Deandre Ayton has been great. He has 17 points. Austin Reaves has been very quiet, he has 0 points and is 0-5 from the field. I'm not sure when the last time that happened was.
Reaves started the third period by converting on a pair of free throws for his first two points of the game. Reaves also connected with LeBron for an impressive alley-oop. After Reaves knocked down a 3-pointer, Orlando had to call a timeout, trailing by 10.
After an uncharacteristically quiet first half scoring wise, Austin Reaves scored 5 points in the first 2 minutes of the 3rd Q, to go with an alley-oop assist to LeBron, that put LA up 63-53 and forced an early Orlando time out.
Out of the break, the Magic missed on a shot from behind the arc. On the other end, Reaves scored on a jumper in the paint. Paolo Banchero scored four in a row to stop some of the bleeding for Orlando.
The Magic cut the deficit down to five with 6:37 left until the fourth.
A quick six straight points for LA put some more cushion on their lead. Orlando answered right back with Banchero continuing to lead the way with 17 points in the quarter, making it a one-point game. He was also 10-10 from the charity stripe.
Los Angeles turned the ball over with seven seconds left, but decent defense on the other end protected their one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Lakers lead the Magic 80-79 entering the fourth quarter. LA has yet to lose this year when leading after three quarters of play.
Marcus Smart started the final frame by converting on a free throw. Bane responded by knocking down a pair of jumpers, giving Orlando their first lead since the first quarter.. LeBron ended that lead with a jump shot.
Reaves put Los Angeles back in the lead with a layup.
It was Bane’s quarter as he scored another five points, putting the Magic back ahead. Reaves aggressive play was helping keep the Lakers from falling apart. He tied the game after completing a three-point play.
Jonathan Isaac was left wide-open for an easy slam to retake the lead for Orlando,
The Lakers were shooting 50% from the field in the quarter, while the Magic were shooting 58%. After Orlando went up by five, Los Angeles responded with five straight points to tie the game.
Both teams were battling hard and exchanging the lead. Luka was having a tough offensive game, but suddenly turned the jets on, converting on two big-time shots.
Lakers-Magic going bucket for bucket in the fourth.
With 1:25 left, LA was nursing a three-point lead until Banchero converted on a layup to cut it to one again. Luka was then fouled from behind the arc; Orlando challenged the call and won. It led to a jump ball, which the Lakers won.
LeBron was then fouled with 44 seconds left in regulation, splitting the free throws to put LA up two. Bane knocked down a 3-pointer on the other end that put the Magic up by one with 34 seconds left.
Hachimura missed a triple, but Los Angeles got the ball back and LeBron dunked to give the Lakers the lead back. On the other end, Carter Jr. grabbed the offensive rebound and converted on a layup to give them the lead again.
LA had 6.7 seconds left to get the win, but they fumbled it with Luka passing up an open 3-pointer to pass to LeBron, who had to take a bad shot that he missed.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists. LeBron notched 21 points with six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ayton pitched in with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Reaves had a slow offensive game with 18 points. Kennard scored nine points off the bench. Hachimura ended with 10 points.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday at 6:00 PM PT.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 24: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 24, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors got back in the loss column on Tuesday, losing 113-109 to the New Orleans Pelicans. It was an odd game, and it wasn’t clear whether the Warriors should be favored or not. They were facing a very bad Pelicans team, but New Orleans was fairly healthy, and even welcomed Dejounte Murray back after more than a year on the sidelines. Golden State, meanwhile, was playing without Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Al Horford.
It was a very ugly first half, with the Warriors unable to buy a bucket. It looked for a while like they would get blown out, but they came roaring back in the second half, and took the lead. Then they lost their rhythm down the stretch, and the Pelicans took control in the final moments.
Let’s grade the shorthanded squad that came up just short against old friend Jordan Poole. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.
Note: True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Tuesday’s games, league average TS was 57.9%.
Moody stepped up in a huge way this game, just as he did on Sunday. After a few games looking a little slow and sluggish, he’s starting to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him. His shot was nice in this one, and his defense was solid, even though he almost fouled out. But what I really loved was the way he used the threat of his jump shot to attack … he took three shots inside the arc and drew eight free throws, and that was fantastic to see.
Grade: A Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team.
It’s been a while since a Warrior played 39 minutes in a game, but if anyone can do it, it’s the endless ball of energy that is Santos. That energy mostly did good things. The 12 rebounds speak for themselves, and Santos was frequently leaping around the court, keeping a possession alive or saving a ball from going out of bounds. The five stocks certainly speaks to his activity level.
The energy sometimes did bad things, though. Six turnovers is way too many, as is five fouls, though some grace is afforded given how shorthanded the team was. Overall, it was a chaotic game from Gui, but he did more good than harm, especially considering the circumstances of the roster.
A pretty solid Dray game which, honestly, we hadn’t really seen in a while. He played really strong defense on Zion Williamson, who scored 26 points but needed 21 shots and five free throws to get there, while having his playmaking shut down. Some really nice passes from Dray, as well.
Grade: B+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists.
There were points in this game where Melton was the only Warrior capable of getting a bucket. When no one else could score early, he was dropping it shots. He continued to be able to get looks all through the game, though his efficiency fell off rather dramatically. He was the team’s top scorer, but didn’t score very efficiently, and turned the ball over as often as he passed out an assist (though much of that was due to his teammates missing shots).
He had the highlight of the game on a massive dunk, and was a reminder as to the value of being able to get a bucket, even when the efficiency isn’t great. Especially with Curry out.
Spencer couldn’t get much going in this game. It was an especially rough first half for him, though he came out of the gates in the third quarter with some big plays. But mostly, he struggled.
With Horford resting, Porziņģis sick, and Trayce Jackson-Davis in Toronto, Post was the only true center that the Warriors had. And he played like one. His signature three wasn’t falling, so he took up a more old school game. He scored in the paint, going 3-for-4, gobbled up nine rebounds in just 23 minutes, and played strong interior defense. It was fun to see!
As we’ve grown accustomed to, Richard played some strong perimeter defense. Unfortunately, that’s about all he did. That’s not strictly a bad thing: it’s still impressive for a rookie to play more than 17 minutes and be comfortable not taking a single shot. But he just didn’t provide an impact in any area of the game, except on some defensive possessions.
Grade: C Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team.
My goodness, what has gotten into Podziemski on the glass? That’s now 15 boards in back-to-back games for the diminutive (by NBA standards) guard. Pretty magnificent stuff.
He struggled to score, but I liked a lot of the things he did on offense, the shots just weren’t falling. Keep rebounding like that, though, and the shots will eventually fall. Like Santos, Podz’s hustle and energy made good things happen, even where it isn’t statistically reflected.
Grade: B+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in rebounds.
Hey, we might as well shout out Kuminga, who made his Atlanta Hawks debut and thoroughly dominated. Hawks fans are probably feeling really excited right about now. Way to go, JK.
Grade: A+
Tuesday’s DNP-CDs: Malevy Leons
Tuesday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis, Nate Williams
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) defends New York Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan (20) during the first half at Rocket Arena.
CLEVELAND — Jeremy Sochan’s transition to the Knicks has not gone smoothly on the court as he tries to recover game conditioning and gets comfortable with his teammates.
But he’s confident it will turn around.
“It’s a process. It’s my fourth game here,” Sochan said in an interview with The Post. “So we’ll figure it out. We’ll be good.”
James Harden defends Jeremy Sochan during the first half of the Knicks’ 109-94 blowout loss to the Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Feb. 24, 2025 in Cleveland. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Sochan managed just two rocky minutes in the first half of Tuesday’s 109-94 loss to the Cavaliers, then was benched until garbage time while finishing with no points.
Sochan, who was signed as a free agent during the All-Star break, had been given a rotational opportunity by coach Mike Brown, who said he wanted to give the forward a chance to determine his fit before the playoffs.
But Sochan’s third-quarter shift Tuesday went to rookie Mohamed Diawara, who had been surging before Sochan’s signing but struggled in Cleveland while missing three of his four 3-point attempts.
“It’s my first time adjusting to a different dynamic,” said Sochan, who spent his first three full seasons with the Spurs. “So it’s going to take some time to figure out and, of course, I haven’t been in a lot of game shape. So altogether there are going to [be] ups and downs. But I’m blessed and excited to be in this situation. And I truly believe I can add to this team.”
In four appearances, Sochan is averaging one point and one rebound in 7.5 minutes.
“I think it’s just learning how everyone wants to play. The vibe on the team and all those sorts of things,” Sochan said about his biggest adjustment. “And I think it’s pretty easy for me to learn the playbook. But now it’s learning everybody’s tendencies. What they like and what don’t like. Just trying to figure out that part. That’s offense and defense, too.”
Jeremy Sochan rises up for a layup attempt during the Knick’ road loss to the Cavaliers. NBAE via Getty Images
Fitness was also a hurdle after spending most of this season on the bench with the Spurs.
“[Tuesday] I felt a little better than Chicago [on Sunday] and the other two games. There’s nothing you can really do to get into game shape,” Sochan said. “That’s a whole different story. But it only takes a few games and then you start feeling better.”
Kenny Atkinson isn’t focused on beating the Knicks in the playoffs because he doesn’t want to make the same mistake as last season, when his top-seeded Cavs were prepping for a Celtics showdown but got upset in the second round by the Pacers.
“You have to be careful. I know last year we were thinking ‘Boston, Boston, Boston,’ and we got Indiana,” Atkinson said Tuesday. “I thought, ‘We’ve got to beat Boston.’ As a head coach, I do keep an eye on what those teams are doing, the Knicks or Boston, teams that are in our wheelhouse. Detroit, I’ll keep an eye on. But I think it’s a mistake just to focus on one team because the roulette wheel could just drop on another team.
“I’m aware of what’s going on with those teams more than, say, teams at the end of the standings.”
The Knicks and Cavs entered the season as favorites in the East but the Pistons and Celtics emerged as surprising top two seeds nearing the end of February.
One umpire had five calls consecutively overturned by the automated ball-strike challenge system during Tuesday’s Pirates-Red Sox Grapefruit League spring training game in Fort Myers, Fla.
Home plate umpire Mitch Trzeciak must have been red in the face when a number of his calls were challenged and overturned. But he later earned himself a sarcastic cheer when one call was upheld by ABS.
You think YOU'VE had a bad day??
Here's 5 Consecutive Calls overturned by ABS challenges.
It started in the first inning when Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez challenged a ball call on a pitch from Carmen Mlodzinski, and the ABS review very clearly showed the ball was a strike and went essentially right down the middle.
Mitch Trzeciak had a tough day behind the plate. Baseball Quotes, /X
NESN play-by-play man Tom Caron couldn’t help but point out the obvious error by saying, “And that one, kind of right down the middle.”
Caron continued to point out the rough day that Trzeciak was having during the broadcast.
One of the overturned calls during Tuesday’s Red Sox-Pirates game. Baseball Quotes, /X
“You’ve missed two, and one was right down the middle, and one was two inches outside, and you’re like, ‘Alright, I’m having a bad day, and everybody knows it,'” Caron said later on in the broadcast.
In the end, Trzeciak, a Triple-A umpire getting a chance to call a big league game, had five calls that were overturned by the challenge system before the end of the third.
But the calls weren’t the only bizarre thing to take place during Tuesday’s game.
