South Australia will be forced to complete a tricky chase to win the Sheffield Shield final after Queensland fought back into the match with the bat.
Rams held virtual meeting with Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter
The Los Angeles Rams continue their pre-draft evaluations, recently holding a virtual meeting with a running back prospect, Jarquez Hunter.
Celtics-Suns takeaways: Porzingis leads 132-102 rout without Tatum
Celtics-Suns takeaways: Porzingis leads 132-102 rout without Tatum originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
What to Know
- The Celtics did not have Jayson Tatum after the star forward rolled his ankle in Monday’s win in Sacramento.
- Kristaps Porzingis took the mantle in the scoring column, tying the game high alongside Suns star Kevin Durant.
- Jaylen Brown delivered a bounce-back performance following a quiet night last time out.
- Boston’s prolific 3-point shooting proved to be too much for Phoenix, which endured a dry spell in the second quarter and couldn’t maintain pace.
The Boston Celtics outscorched the Suns in Phoenix to make it seven straight wins after a 132-102 result Wednesday night.
Without Jayson Tatum (ankle), the Celtics jumped off to a hot start, leading 21-9 before taking a 42-38 lead after one. Boston drilled its triples early on, nailing 10 of 17 with seven of the eight players who played making at least one. Kristaps Porzingis went 3-for-3 from deep while Jrue Holiday also added nine points, but not all via distance.
Keeping Phoenix in it was Kevin Durant, who led all scorers after one with 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting. No other Sun recorded more than five points (Devin Booker, Collin Gillespie).
Boston then turned it up multiple notches in the second, leading by as much as 25 points with the 3-point disparity continuing to show. The Celtics increased its made triples to 14, while the Suns went a cold 0-for-9 from beyond the arc in the period. Four Boston starters eclipsed double-digit points, led by Porzingis’ 17. Durant pushed his point total to 20, but no other Sun had more than nine (Booker) as Boston led 73-54.
A few notches later in the third, Boston bumped its largest lead to 34 as its stellar shooting continued. Porzingis moved to 30 points while Jaylen Brown followed with 24. Durant still carried Phoenix with 30, but Booker’s 13 remained the second most as the side’s 3-point woes persisted.
The final quarter was just about getting through unscathed without injuries, and Boston did just that as Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard got to add to their stats, as did Neemias Queta.
With the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, here are three takeaways from the Celtics’ blowout win over the Suns:
Kristaps Porzingis exhibits his best version
Porzingis’ health has been a frequent question mark, but tonight was one of those games where he exhibited his best version. The 29-year-old finished tied for a game-high 30 points on a hot 10 of 15 clip overall, including making 4 of 5 triples.
He added eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks to his stat line in 29 minutes, not playing in the fourth quarter with the game wrapped up. If Joe Mazzulla can continue to manage Porzingis’ minutes properly, he can win the team some playoff games singlehandedly.
Jaylen Brown bounces back
After a quiet game against the Sacramento Kings on Monday despite 4 of 5 shooting, Brown made sure to step up in Tatum’s absence.
The 28-year-old recorded 24 points, second on the team, with a 7 of 15 clip from the field (4 of 9 from deep) while converting all six free-throw attempts. He added five assists, three rebounds and a steal to his stat sheet in 28 minutes, also not needing to play in the fourth.
C’s outscorch Phoenix from distance
Sometimes the modern NBA is simple: Just make more 3-pointers than your opponent. Boston found a rhythm early with 10 first-quarter triples made. Phoenix kept within distance with four, but missed nine attempts in the second quarter without a make and fell behind permanently.
Boston finished the game making 22 of 52 3-point attempts, a clip good for 42.3% on extremely high volume. Phoenix, on the other hand, ended up 13 of 41 from distance, only 31.7%. While Durant went 3 of 4, Booker went 1 of 6 and Cody Martin went 1 of 7, to name a few.
It was a stark difference to the Celtics, with Al Horford being the worst starter from distance (2 of 7). Porzingis, Brown and Derrick White all made at least four triples, with Sam Hauser going 3 of 4 off the bench. Pritchard struggled, however, mustering just a 1 of 8 clip on the night. Still, he totaled seven points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal to help see off the game in the fourth.
Boston’s second and final regular-season matchup vs. Phoenix will be at home on Friday, April 4. Tip-off time is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.
‘Going to be an absolute beauty’: Meet the 151km/h teen tearaway stars ‘dont want to face’
Having just been rolled for 95 in the Sheffield Shield final, Queensland captain Marnus Labuschagne gathered his troops for a pep talk during the innings break.
LeBron James talks retirement, Michael Jordan, Doncic trade and more
Mar 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
LeBron James is bringing back his "Mind the Game" podcast, but with two-time MVP Steve Nash filling in the place of J.J. Redick, who is now busy coaching LeBron and the Lakers.
To promote that, LeBron is doing some media stops, and one of them was a lengthy, in-person interview on the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ on ESPN. If you missed it, here are a few highlights from the conversation.
• On when he might retire: "For me, it's about my mind. I'm all about the process. If it gets to the point where I don't feel like showing up to the arena five hours in advance. Or I don't feel like training. Or I don't feel like studying the scout sheet of guys. If it gets to that point, I'll know, 'You know what, Bron, that's a wrap.' I will be able to tell."
• On Luka Doncic trade: "I can't put myself in his shoes because I've never been traded before. But I can have a sense and be a human being to know: You commit to a franchise for seven years and you feel like, 'This is the place where I'm going to be.'… And then out of nowhere, bam, you just get traded. I don't give a damn where you're going… That's a shock to your system."
“Luka Doncic committed to a franchise for seven years and that was his comfort..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
Out of nowhere you get traded and that’s a shock to your system..
I had to let him know that we’ll figure it out because we need him to be who he is” ~ @KingJames#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/kPEIag0MID
• On his relationship with Michael Jordan: "We don't talk. Because I'm still playing. I'm still playing, I'm still focused on my craft right now...
"I think it's because I'm still playing. And MJ, we all know MJ. Even if you don't know him personally, he is one of the most ruthless competitors there is and until I'm done and he doesn't have to look at me running up and down wearing the No 23 and every time my name is mentioned, it's mentioned with his."
• On his son, Bronny James: "For me as a dad, it doesn't matter if he never scores, ever. For me as a dad, I'm just super proud of him, period, as a young man. For me as a mentor and as a teammate of his that wants to see him thrive because I have seen the work he's put into the game, I am super proud of his development to where he is now... starting off the G League season with just trying to figure it out and now, 39 [points] and even when I talked to him, he was more pissed off at the technical free throw that he missed more than anything. He was like, 'I could have had a 40 ball, and I missed that damn technical free throw.' So, the kid, he's awesome."
Dylan Andrews is out as UCLA’s point guard; might Donovan Dent replace him?
After an unusual trajectory to the start of his college career, UCLA's Dylan Andrews is moving elsewhere to finish it as he enters the transfer portal.
Yankees option RHP Yerry De Los Santos among flurry of injury moves
The Yankees' 2025 Opening Day roster is coming into focus, and after Wednesday's moves, it's likely the bullpen has been decided.
The team announced they optioned RHP Yerry De Los Santos to Triple-A, making room for Yoendrys Gomez and Brent Headrick to take the final two bullpen spots as internal options.
De Los Santos had a very good spring, pitching to a 1.93 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP over 9.1 innings across eight appearances. However, De Los Santos had minor league options, something Gomez didn't. But that doesn't mean Gomez isn't good; the 25-year-old righty has not allowed a run in 11.1 innings pitched (seven appearances) while striking out nine batters.
As for Headrick, although he had an option, he is a left-hander that will allow the Yankees to carry two southpaws alongside Tim Hill. The 27-year-old Headrick has struggled a bit this spring, allowing seven runs over 11.1 innings pitched but he had back-to-back scoreless outings in his final tuneups of camp.
In addition to the roster move, the Yankees made a flurry of injury designations.
The team placed RHP Clayon Beeter (shoulder), RHP JT Brubaker (rib), RHP Scott Effross (hamstring), Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow surgery recovery), RHP Clarke Schmidt (rotator) and RHP Ian Hamilton (illness) on the 15-day IL to start the season.
DJ LeMahieu (calf) and Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) were placed on the 10-day IL, which is a good sign for the Yankees. They don't believe either hitter will miss more than the first week of the season before they can return. Both are retroactive to March 24 so they can potentially return on April 3.
The Yankees begin the season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Their Opening Day roster will not be due until then.
‘Can’t not notice him’: Aussie elephant in room for next Ashes as bold England plot emerges
Had Dan Worrall stayed in Australia, the former ODI representative could well be part of the attack seeking to give South Australia its first Sheffield Shield in three decades this week against Queensland.
Frustrated coach Will Hardy unloads on Jazz: 'You are a member of a team. This is not about you.'
Utah's young core had an impressive first half Tuesday night, leading Memphis 65-64 at the break. That was the last of the good play by the Jazz for the night.
Utah was outscored 76-38 in the second half of what became a blowout loss, shooting less than 40% and getting outworked in every aspect of the game. In his postgame press conference, Jazz head coach Will Hardy unloaded on his team, with quotes via Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune.
“Pass the mother******* ball. Run back on defense. When it’s time to communicate what we’re doing on defense, you should do it at a volume louder than I’m talking to you right now. When there is a loose ball, you need to want it more than the other team. You are a member of a team. This is not about you. This is not a personal workout for you.”
While the Jazz are tanking this season and have the second-worst record in the league, a culture of effort and accountability can still be established — Mark Daigneault did that in Oklahoma City, and when the talent started to come, that team blossomed. That's the foundation Hardy is trying to build in Utah, and he wasn't feeling it during the second half Tuesday night.
"I’ve talked a lot about how we carry ourselves meaning something to me, and those words are not hollow. That second half was really disappointing, and it’s not representative of who we want to be as an organization. It’s not representative of who I want us to be.
"There are very few times where I’ve been disappointed in our group, and tonight I’ll drive home disappointed. But we have to all wake up tomorrow and get back to work. And it is one game. It is one half. I understand that, and I’ll get some sleep and wake up tomorrow with perspective. But during the game, perspective is for the birds. The lights are on, you’re competing. You’re representing an organization, representing a fan base, our community. That was just unacceptable."
It's been a rough season in Utah, but this is a franchise and an ownership/management team that doesn't want to have a lengthy rebuilding process, they want to turn this around fast. Some of that will depend on the luck of the lottery balls and the team's player development skills, but some of turning this around is about building a culture.
Will Hardy is trying to ensure the Jazz players live up to that standard.
LeBron James tells Pat McAfee it was 'my job' to defend Bronny against Stephen A. Smith
The LeBron James-Stephen A. Smith feud doesn't look like it will be ending anytime soon, as the Lakers superstar trashed Smith on the network that employs the "First Take" host.
Appearing on Wednesday's episode of ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," James talked about his confrontation with Smith during a timeout at a Lakers game this month and how Smith has addressed the incident multiple times.
“He’s like on a Taylor Swift tour run right now," James said. "It started off with [Smith saying], ‘I didn’t want to address it. I didn’t want to address it. I wasn’t going to address it, but since the video came out, I feel the need to address it.’ Mother— are you kidding me? If there’s one person that couldn’t wait until the video had dropped so you could address it, it was your a—. Like, seriously?"
Smith has characterized the interaction as James "making sure I mind what I say about his son,” a reference to James' oldest son and Lakers teammate Bronny James. Smith previously said on air that Bronny should play in the G League this year rather than split time with the NBA.
“I am pleading with LeBron James as a father: Stop this,” Smith said on the Jan. 29 episode of "First Take." “Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad.”
Read more:Lakers' Bronny James scores career-high 39 points in G League game: ‘I belong out there'
Smith walked back his criticism a bit after Bronny had a good game. But James told McAfee that Smith had "completely missed the whole point."
"Never would I ever not allow people to talk about the sport, criticize players about what they do on the court," James said. "That is your job to criticize or be in a position where if a guy’s not performing, that’s all part of the game."
But, James added, “when you take it and you get personal with it, it’s my job to not only protect my damn household but protect the players. ... And I know he’s gonna be happy as hell. He’s gonna be smiling from ear to ear when he hears me talking about him again. Oh my God. He’s gonna get home and get some ice cream out of his f— freezer and sit in his chair in his tighty whities on the couch.”
Oddly enough, Smith already responded to a different part of the James interview before the show even aired. A clip from the prerecorded interview was released ahead of the full show. In it, James proclaimed Milwaukee Bucks star "Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the ‘70s."
Read more:Stephen A. Smith says LeBron James confronting him was 'weak': 'I was talking about you,' not Bronny
Smith addressed the comment Wednesday on "First Take" before the entire James interview aired.
"Here’s the problem with what LeBron James did. It's still disrespectful to the previous eras. And there's no call for it," Smith said. "And so when he does what he does on that level, that's him passive-aggressively, yet again, finding a way to take shots because inherently he has a problem with himself being compared to dudes from previous eras.”
Even though he had no way of knowing Smith would say any of that, James told McAfee after making his comment about Antetokounmpo: "I would be able to play in any era."
Smith has yet to publicly respond to anything else from the James interview.
Read more:Stephen A. Smith: 'I might have been wrong' about Bronny James' NBA readiness
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Oregon DL Derrick Harmon has versatility and high ceiling, giving him shot to go early in 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Oregon's Derrick Harmon is emerging as a standout prospect on the defensive line. Harmon is drawing significant attention for his versatility, skills and ability to impact the run and passing game.
Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice ranked him 15th on his big board entering April and Charles McDonald put him 21st on his board.
Harmon is heralded for his adeptness at playing across the defensive line. Tice appreciates Harmon's ability to line up as a true three-technique defensive tackle, meaning he typically lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard, positioning himself perfectly to disrupt runs and passes.
Brandon Sloter via Getty Images
Harmon's game film illustrates his proficiency not merely in racking up big plays but also in doing the important in-between work. He's noted for keeping his feet moving, maintaining his gaps and contributing significantly during twists and games, a tactic involving defensive linemen exchanging roles to confuse the offensive line.
One of the more fascinating comparisons for Harmon is to former NFL star Akeem Hicks. Like Hicks, Harmon is expected to contribute effectively against both the pass and run, potentially proving to be a valuable asset to any defensive scheme. This versatility allows him to fit into gap-shooting defenses, where the objective is to penetrate and disrupt the backfield, as well as two-gap systems, where retaining a position and controlling the blocker are key.
The enthusiasm surrounding Harmon is largely due to his balanced skill set, suggesting a high floor with plenty of ceiling yet to be realized. Harmon's robust performance numbers were highlighted in the "Football 301 Podcast" episode that broke down the top defensive linemen in this upcoming draft.
Whether dominating at the line of scrimmage or making critical stops behind it, Harmon is poised to be a significant asset in this year's defensive line class.
To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Holloman knows his role with Michigan State and helps the Spartans win without flashy statistics
Shawn Respert started it on Senior Day in 1995, at the end of a record-setting career, and Mateen Cleaves brought it back into the spotlight during the NCAA championship season of 2000. On March 9, though, Michigan's Phat Phat Brooks and L.J. Cason stood on the logo in the final minute of Michigan State's 79-62 win, trying to ruin the moment. Holloman and Jaden Akins asked them to move, and when they refused, Holloman moved them himself.
Utah HC Recalls Forward From AHL Tucson Roadrunners
The Utah Hockey Club has recalled forward Kailer Yamamoto from the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL.
Yamamoto, 26, has been a standout for Tucson this season, leading the team with 51 points (21 goals, 31 assists) in 51 games. He previously played three games for Utah in October 2024 but did not register a point and finished with a -1 rating.
Dylan Guenther Records 100th Career NHL PointUtah Hockey Club forward Dylan Guenther recorded his 100th career NHL point last night against the Detroit Red Wings.
Since being sent down, Yamamoto has proven himself as a strong depth scorer in the AHL, earning this call-up at a crucial time. With Utah in the thick of the Western Conference wild card race, adding a productive forward could provide a needed boost.
A former first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers, Yamamoto has also spent time with the Seattle Kraken before joining Utah. In 306 NHL games, he has recorded 58 goals and 76 assists for 134 points.
Now, he’ll look to build on his strong AHL season and help Utah push for a playoff spot down the stretch.
Andre Tourigny Among Many Supporting Ryan Smith and the New Utah OwnershipOn Monday, March 17, James Mirtle of the Athletic put out an article ranking every NHL owner from 1-32, based on surveyed responses from over 4000 readers, including fans of every NHL team.
Utah HC Drops UtahHC+ Service To $1 For Rest Of The SeasonUtah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith loves his fans, and it shows after the announcement made today.
Utah Hockey Club Files Trademark Hinting At Possible Team NameAccording to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Uyte LLC—the same company that filed previous trademarks for the Utah Hockey Club—has now filed a trademark for the nickname "Mammoth."
Luisangel Acuña earns final spot on Mets' 2025 Opening Day roster: report
The Mets are naming infielder Luisangel Acuña to the 26-man roster for Opening Day, according to multiple reports.
The 23-year-old infielder has reportedly been told that he will be named the final player to the club's roster ahead of New York's first game of the 2025 MLB season against the Houston Astros on Thursday.
This likely means that outfielder Alexander Canario is the odd man out and, since he is out of options, will be placed on waivers by noon tomorrow when the Mets' Opening Day roster is due.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns announced that Brett Baty, Hayden Senger, Max Kranick, and Huascar Brazoban had been informed that they made the Opening Day roster.
However, Stearns did not announce the decision on Acuña, saying the team was "ensuring we stay open to what might be out there."
"This is a highly active time of year as players are on waivers, players have assignment clauses, players have upward mobility clauses, players take their [opt-]outs and become free agents," he said from Houston. "Players become available at the last minute before rosters are submitted and the last thing we want to do is tell a player that they are on the Opening Day roster and then have to walk that back before rosters are due.
"So we're just gonna make sure that we explore all possibilities before we announce anything final."
Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Baty will be getting "a lot of playing time" at second base.
Acuña made his MLB debut at the end of last season, collecting 12 hits in 39 at-bats over 14 games with three home runs and six RBI. He appeared in nine games during the Mets' postseason run, mostly as a late-inning replacement, and went hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts. During 131 games at Triple-A Syracuse last year, Acuña knocked in 50 runs with 33 extra-base hits and a .258/.299/.355 slash line (.654 OPS) with an impressive 40 steals on 54 attempts.
This spring, he had 13 hits in 52 at-bats (.250 average).
"I think he had a nice spring training," Stearns said. "Luisangel is a very, very gifted defender. I'm glad he got some additional exposure to third base. I think that was important for him and towards the end of camp, he started to play a strong third base, and that was great to see.
"Offensively, I think we saw some really good signs. We saw some ability to go the other way, we know he's got some pop in the bat when he gets to his pull side. And then we also saw where there still needs to be some growth, and he's very aware of that as well."
Canario was solid during the spring for the Mets – 11 hits in 36 at-bats with three home runs and eight RBI and a 1.030 OPS – but keeping him would have meant that the Mets would begin the season with only four infielders on the 26-man roster.
He was acquired in a cash deal with the Chicago Cubs in late February. The 24-year-old appeared in 21 games with the Cubs the past two seasons, tallying 12 hits in 45 plate appearances with five extra-base hits, eight RBI, and a .857 slugging percentage.