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Not all wins are created equal and Thursday’s was no ordinary victory for the Lakers.

There’s a level of seriousness that came with that performance that separates good teams from great teams. Everything about this performance screamed schedule loss.

The team had an emotional win in Houston just 24 hours earlier. They then flew from Texas to Florida and didn’t arrive at the hotel until after 5 a.m. That LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves all played was surprising enough.

But they did more than just show up. Even if it was against a Miami team that borders unserious in their own right, the Lakers had a lot stacked up against them and responded in a big way.

The Lakers are rolling, Luka is in a groove not seen by a Laker since Kobe Bryant and the wins are stacking up at a rapid rate now.

So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.

LeBron James

38 minutes, 19 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 8-12 FG, 3-5 FT, +4

Playing in this game was impressive enough for a 41-year-old. But then he broke his own record as the oldest player with a triple-double. Bringing this level of energy and efficiency and execution on the second night of a back-to-back in year 23 is the latest list of unparalleled accomplishments.

Grade: A

Marcus Smart

28 minutes, 13 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 2-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, 8-9 FT, +15

A lot of performances went under the radar in this one because of, well, Luka. Smart was a useful safety valve on a number of possessions, highlighted by him getting to the line nine times.

Grade: B+

Deandre Ayton

29 minutes, 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 turnover, 5 fouls, 3-5 FG, +13

Bam Adebayo didn’t score 83 points on him, so it was an impressive defensive display. In reality, it was a fairly pedestrian showing from Ayton after a string of strong ones.

Grade: C+

Austin Reaves

40 minutes, 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 5-12 FG, 2-7 3PT, 6-10 FT, +13

Speaking of pedestrian games, Reaves put up another one on Thursday. He’s been a bit too hot and cold of late. Having said that, it’s been three straight cold games now in the last four days.

Grade: C+

Luka Dončić

38 minutes, 60 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 18-30 FG, 9-17 3PT, 15-19 FT, +7

Well, what else can you say? It’s the first 60-point game by a Laker since Kobe Bryant’s finale. After helping keep the Lakers afloat in the first half, a supercharged second half helped them race ahead.

He is in some kind of rhythm right now that is incredible to watch and brings back lots of memories of Kobe. Scoring 100 points inside of 24 hours rightfully brings those comparisons.

Grade: A+++

Luke Kennard

13 minutes, 2 rebounds, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, -5

This is five games in a row now with Kennard being a relative non-factor offensively. In that span, he has four field goals.

Grade: D

Jaxson Hayes

19 minutes, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2-6 FG, 2-2 FT, -7

Jaxson gave a boost in the first half with his activity around the rim. But that was also about all he did in this.

Grade: B-

Rui Hachimura

18 minutes, 7 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 3-6 FG, 1-2 3PT, -5

Another player who had a strong first half, which was important when the team needed an offensive boost.

Grade: C+

Jake LaRavia

18 minutes, 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 5 fouls, 2-3 FG, 1-1 3PT, +5

A nice LaRavia that also came on an efficient shooting performance tacked on, though it featured nearly fouling out, too.

Grade: B+

JJ Redick

After one quarter, I wondered if this game could use a boost from someone like Jarred Vanderbilt or Adou Thiero to add some energy. The Lakers didn’t end up needing it, but it was a surprise that Redick didn’t really expand his rotation. This road trip isn’t going to get any less exhausting, so introducing some more players feels like it has to happen at some point.

Grade: B

Thursday’s DNPs: Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, Drew Timme, Jarred Vanderbilt

Thursday’s inactives: Chris Mañon, Nick Smith Jr., Maxi Kleber

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

With most of their rotation players out, the Utah Jazz likely expected to drop one to a Bucks team that played the roster meant to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay in Milwaukee. Utah ended up beating the Bucks 128-96. Probably not the best thing for the Bucks to prove to Giannis that he can win there.

The best player on the floor was Ace Bailey, who scored a career high 33 points with 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Bailey is turning into a real weapon for the Jazz, who are doing everything they can to add one more top-8 pick in the upcoming draft. Bailey continues to get better and better every night showing more and more to his game. Not only is Bailey’s shooting getting more and more efficient, but he’s also showing great defensive chops with 3 steals and 1 block in this game. Not only that, his 4 assists are a sign of a burgeoning ability to playmake for others. Utah has a chance to win the lottery again after this season, but they appear to have a young star already from last year.

Ace Bailey wasn’t the only player to shine, Cody Williams is also improving night after night. He’s improving in all aspects of his game, especially with his scoring. Williams had 23 points in the first half and looked completely comfortable all night, scoring on the hapless Bucks. Williams was a fantastic 10/15 from the field and 1/2 from three, but also dished out 5 assists. Night after night, it’s getting clearer and clearer that Williams is becoming a core part of the future and a player that Utah was right to draft at #10.

Kyle Filipowski continues to show he can be a positive contributor, although he’s got to find a way to improve on defense. It may not be something he can ever do, but it’s the one thing that is going to keep him from being a consistent rotation player.

Finally, there has to be a huge shoutout to the Utah Jazz front office for finding some nice players from the G-League. Blake Hinson, who is on a two-way contract, has been a lights-out shooter for the Jazz, and tonight was no different. Hinson shot a blistering 4/7 from three, and it looks like something he should be able to replicate in the years to come. Andersson Garcia has had a nice defensive presence for the Jazz since joining. Tonight, he played all 48 minutes and played with high energy all game. I’m not sure that Garcia will be on the Jazz next season, but he’s proven he’s a player worth looking at and bringing into their development system. He could be a potential fit down the road.

It’s not a good night for the Jazz in terms of tanking for the lottery, it likely puts the 4-spot out of reach, but it was a night where you got to see the future of the Jazz in Ace Bailey and Cody Williams, and that future is looking bright.

2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:

Tyrese Maxey – 22
Joel Embiid – 9
VJ Edgecombe – 9
Paul George – 6
Justin Edwards – 4
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 4
Quentin Grimes – 3
Jared McCain :’( – 3
Dominick Barlow – 2
Andre Drummond – 2
MarJon Beauchamp – 2
Adem Bona – 1
Cam Payne – 1
Jabari Walker – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1

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The Sixers took care of business in Sacramento, defeating the Kings 139-118 and bouncing back from Wednesday’s blowout in Denver.

The Sixers treated fans who stayed up to watch with an extremely strong offensive performance, including a couple of career nights against the lottery-chasing Kings.

One of the toughest choices for Bell Ringer this season, so have at it.

Justin Edwards: 32 points, 11-of-18 FG, 7-of-11 3PT, 4 assists, 2 steals

Edwards opened the game on fire, making three from deep, a post fadeaway and a tough layup to bring him to 13 points with just four minutes elapsed in the first quarter. Then he started diming up teammates, specifically VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes. He tallied four assists in the first half.

His fifth three, occurring in the fourth quarter, gave him his career high in points with 26. He added his sixth three later in the frame to give him a career high in makes from deep, and knocked his seventh down after lulling the defender to sleep. The Philly native notches his first career 30-point night.

VJ Edgecombe: 38 points, 16-of-28 FG, 3-of-7 3PT, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals

Edgecombe was the driving force for the Sixers’ offense once Edwards cooled off, scoring from everywhere on the floor. He started with a couple threes in the first following a nice floater to begin scoring. He got his teammates involved and got repaid with a nasty alley-oop finish in transition in the second quarter. He also showed off his improvement in the midrange with a pair of mirrored pull-up midrange shots over a good contest.

He finished a fastbreak dunk after a Dominick Barlow block to help fight off the ghosts of third-quarters past. He snake finished through the defense for an easy two in close midway through the third. He made a beautiful spin fade after drawing help. He spent the rest of the quarter penetrating the defense at will.

He added another layup at the onset of the fourth, then hit two threes and a layup to give him a new career high with 38 points. His 11 assists provided him his fifth double-double of his career.

He is now the fourth Sixers rookie to notch 30 points and 10 assists, joining Allen Iverson, Ben Simmons and Jared McCain

Quentin Grimes: 27 points, 10-of-20 FG, 3-of-6 3PT, 7 assists, 5 rebounds

Grimes was the Sixers leading scorer at halftime thanks to strong drives and savvy finishes at the rim. It was not like the Kings deployed the stingiest rim protection, but Grimes did not settle for poor shots when better ones were available. Only two of his eight makes came from outside the paint in the first half and he did not hit his first three until just before halftime.

He added a three early in the third quarter, and another one a few possessions later to keep trading buckets with the Kings amidst inconsistent defense to begin the second half.

Adem Bona: 8 points, 2-of-3 FG, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 foul

Bona was pivotal in stopping the Kings from taking a larger lead after the Lowry-equipped bench lineup swiftly gave the Sixers lead up. He successfully thwarted multiple dunk attempts at the rim, and was a force on the boards, notching 10 rebounds by halftime.

He added an ungraceful steal and slam to the highlight reel as well.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored a career high 38 points with 11 assists, Justin Edwards was 7 of 11 from 3-point range and finished with 32 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Sacramento Kings 139-118 on Thursday night.

Quentin Grimes scored 27 points as the 76ers ended a five-game road losing streak and won for the fourth time in their last six games playing without their two biggest stars — Joel Embiid (strained right oblique) and Tyrese Maxey (finger).

Embiid has missed 11 straight games but coach Nick Nurse said he has been making progress.

Edwards shot 11 of 18 from the field overall and went 3 for 3 from the line.

Maxime Raynaud led the Kings with 30 points and Daeqwon Plowden had 20. Dylan Cardwell had 14 rebounds. For the Kings, it was their third loss in their last five games.

Philadelphia shot 50% from the field overall and 47% from 3-point range, compared to 38% from deep for Sacramento.

The 76ers took the lead for good with 3:08 remaining in the second quarter. The score was 71-62 at halftime, with Grimes scoring 20 points. The 76ers extended their lead to 114-91 during the fourth quarter, fueled by a 16-2 scoring run.

The Kings Malik Monk left the game with an injured right shoulder and did not return.

Up next

76ers: Play at Utah on Saturday night.

Kings: Host Brooklyn on Sunday.

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

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

For most of the night, it felt like the San Antonio Spurs were stuck in place — running hard, but going nowhere. The ball clanged off the rim more often than it swished through. Possessions grew tense, deliberate. Across the floor, the Phoenix Suns moved with the confidence of a team in control, building a lead that hovered, then stretched, then threatened to break the game open entirely.

By the middle of the fourth quarter, the Spurs were down double digits. The crowd inside the Frost Bank Center grew restless, a low murmur replacing the earlier buzz. It had the feel of a long night nearing its inevitable end.

But basketball games, especially strange, stubborn ones like this, don’t always follow the script.

It started with defense. A stop that forced Phoenix deeper into the shot clock. Then another. Suddenly, the Suns’ rhythm, which was so steady all night, began to wobble. The Spurs pushed the tempo, not recklessly, but urgently. De’Aaron Fox sliced into the lane with purpose, absorbing contact and finishing through it. Each drive felt like a spark, something to ignite a team that had been searching for life. Earlier, Collin Gillespie had kept San Antonio at bay, knocking down three after three, each one a small act of resistance to the Spurs’ attempt at getting back into the game.

But then, those efforts began to go around the rim and out. San Antonio continued to get stops and make shots. The deficit shrank. Ten became seven. Seven became four. The noise inside the arena swelled again — cautious at first, then rising with each possession. You could feel belief creeping back in, possession by possession.

Still, the Suns had their chances. Rasheer Fleming stepped to the line, the kind of moment a rookie lives for. But on this night, nothing came easy when the man at the line shoots 57 percent. He missed free throws left the door open, just enough for San Antonio to slip through.

One final possession. One final chance. Mitch Johnson called timeout to advance the ball and there was little doubt who would have the ball in his hands with the game on the line. The ball found Victor Wembanyama — as if it had been destined to all along when he was drafted just three years ago. It was only fitting that Wemby had the chance to return the Spurs to playoff glory.

“I’m happy for the city, the community, and organization,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said of clinching the team’s first playoff berth since 2019. “To be a part of that process is rewarding.”

There was a stillness in the moment. No rush, no panic. Just Wembanyama, rising above the defense, his long frame creating space where there seemed to be none. The shot — a soft, controlled pull-up — left his hands as the clock neared zero.

For a split second, everything held its breath. Then the net snapped as the ball went through.

“It’s very fun. We hadn’t had this type of situation in awhile. It was a test and we passed it,” Wembanyama said. “It was a meaningful game and close to the playoffs, this was a good test right now.”

With just over a second remaining, the Spurs had flipped the entire night on its head, stealing a 101-100 victory from a game that had seemed lost. Teammates swarmed Wembanyama. The arena erupted, the earlier tension replaced by a roar that shook the building.

He finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, but numbers felt almost secondary. This was about presence. About timing. About the growing sense that when the game tightens and the lights get brighter, the Spurs have someone who can bend the moment to his will.

For this young Spurs team, this win felt like more than just another mark in the standings. It felt like a turning point for the present and their future, the kind you remember later, when close games stop slipping away and start becoming something else entirely.

“It feels good, it feels like a long time coming,” Keldon Johnson said of clinching the playoffs. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or do it anywhere else but here…this is a special group that we have. And I am blessed to be a part of it.”

Game Notes

• Phoenix is one team that’s been a thorn in the Spurs’ side all season, officially splitting the season series 2-2. But in all four games, the Suns have been a solid team against San Antonio. If this is the first round matchup, it’ll be juicy.
• Stephon Castle’s perimeter defense was missed against Devin Booker, who scored 22 points on the night. However, even without Castle defending him, he only shot 8-for-21 for the game.
• If this is the Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox we’re getting in the postseason, the Spurs will continue to surprise people. And they will go further than many are expecting.

Don’t look now, but they’ve won three of their last four!

The Sixers blew out the Sacramento Kings 139-118 Thursday night.

They are 38-32, a big win given big losses by the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat earlier in the night.

Reaching 30 points for the first time since his NBA debut, VJ Edgecombe cruised past that to put up a career-high 38 points and 11 assists, shooting 16-of-27 from the floor. It’s the most a Sixer has put up as a rookie since Tyrese Maxey. Justin Edwards went for a career-high as well, finishing with 32 points going 11-of-18 from the floor and 7-of-11 from three.

Quentin Grimes dished out seven assists as well while putting up 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting. Maxime Raynauld led the Kings with 30.

Joel Embiid was originally listed as doubtful for this one and was eventually ruled out for his 11th straight game with an oblique strain. Tyrese Maxey (finger sprain), Paul George (suspension), Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow strain) and Johni Broome (meniscus tear) remained out.

Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.

First Quarter

• Neither team put the clamps on early, but no one took better advantage than Edwards, who made five of his first six shots of the night. He came out gunning from behind the arc, and was about the only player to meet the resistance at the rim on a drive but hit a nice spin move to get around it.
• Of course Sacramento started just as well offensively. They made nine of their first 11 field goals just like the Sixers. Rather than just getting right to the basket their drives resulted in wide open dump-offs for both of their bigs.
• Edgecombe and Grimes each helped the Sixers spread the ball around as the team went for 10 assists in the quarter. The flashiest assist though went to Edgecombe on a big alley oop in transition. He nailed a pull-up jumper to tie the team’s highest scoring quarter this year at 45 and give the Sixers a 12-point lead.

VJ OH MY. pic.twitter.com/PWRAMrXxZk

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 20, 2026

Second Quarter

• The mostly bench unit had a very rough go of it to kick off the second, giving up that lead entirely early in the quarter. The offense went ice cold while the zone they sat in as a result of a Cam Payne-Kyle Lowry backcourt got beat by three after three.
• The offensive struggles became team wide, as their start from the field in the second got as bad as 1-of-15. They were frankly lucky the Kings weren’t able to punish them more in this stretch. Nearly every player on the court took place in a sequence like this.

An insanely fast-paced and collision-filled 20 seconds of action with nothing either team can show for it pic.twitter.com/wtOlbDyyn4

— Drew Peltzman (@dapeltz13) March 20, 2026

• Edgecombe hitting a couple fadeaway jumpers by the block gave the Sixers some sense of stability. Grimes got under control with his drives, hitting a couple slick finishes before nailing a much-needed three off the catch. Adem Bona was able to complete one of those solo fast breaks for a dunk and a putback a few possessions later, helping the Sixers get back up nine at the break.

Third Quarter

• Grimes and Edwards remaining consistent only buoyed the Sixers to start the half. Raynaud was an imposing force all night. Bona tried his best pushing him around but he needed every bit of strength to match the height disadvantage.
• Even after throwing a very errant lob pass, it was shaking out as a very solid night for Edgecombe as the primary ball handler again. His go-to shots, especially the little fadeaway, routinely got the Sixers out of ruts.
• Edgecombe had seven assists to this point as well, and perhaps his best read of the night hadn’t fallen on a skip pass to MarJon Beauchamp for a corner three attempt. A simple bounce pass from him was enough to hit Andre Drummond for his third three of the night as the Sixers lead jumped up to their largest of the night at 18.

Fourth Quarter

• Edwards’ performance had understandably become overshadowed, but a couple of three-point plays got him quickly back on track. Not only did burying a three set his new career-high, but it set Edgecombe’s career-high in assists. For the starters at least, it was just one of those nights offensively.
• This team was really in no position to nitpick — they needed an easy win no matter who the opponent. This was their first win by 11 points or more in nearly a month, back on Feb. 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ziaire Williams is a generally optimistic guy. Always a smile and positive vibes. Earlier this week, speaking to NetsDaily at a Special Olympics event at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, the 24-year-old was asked about the Nets future.

“We have something very special brewing here in Brooklyn. A year or two from now we’ll be in the mix for the playoffs and winning a lot more games,” he said when asked about the Nets situation. “I’m trusting the front office and our GM Sean Marks. Shoutout to Joe Tsai as well for believing in me and trusting in me as well. We have a bright future ahead.”

Of course, things are nowhere near that level of success at the moment and the 6’9” Stanford product admits it’s uncertain whether he’ll still in Brooklyn when that happens.

“If I can end my career here, I would be more than happy and grateful,” Williams said. “But it is out of my control so I just try to stay present in the moment and try to make as much of an impact that I can.”

Williams has a $6.3 million team option next season, a reasonable deal and he’s played well this season. On the other than, Brooklyn’s roster is going to be fluid over the next year and a half.

In his two years with Brooklyn, “Z” has played well enough as a bench 3-and-D to warrant the team option. In 112 games, 52 starts, he’s averaged 9.8 points in 22 minutes per game on shooting splits of 43/33/84. In his two years in Brooklyn thus far, Williams has had his best scoring seasons while playing the most minutes since being drafted at No. 10 by the

His biggest issue is consistency but he’s had his moments and he loves his head coach and staff.

“We definitely have built a great relationship over the two years I have been here. Jordi is a great coach, his office doors are always open, and he is always looking for feedback,” he told ND about Jordi Fernandez. “As a part of the leadership group of our team, it is my responsibility to bring all of our problems to Jordi. That has resulted in a great bond.”

He also talked about his community service. This week it was a practice session of the New York Wildcats who are currently preparing to play in the 2026 Special Olympics USA games this summer in Minnesota. The event was sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, Special Olympics New York and the office of Brooklyn Borough President.

“I love everything about this man, I feel like both basketball and helping out others are my purpose in life,” Williams said. “I’m always really appreciative to be a part of events like this.

Special Olympics New York (@SpecOlympicsNY) on X

“Sharing the court with these athletes is an incredible honor. Their commitment, teamwork, and love for the game inspire me, and I’m excited to support them as they get ready for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games,” he added.

Williams, who came with some members of his family, was very hands-on, helping out with the drills and showed support to each of the young athletes as well as each camp staffers as they tried to get better with their skills.

As we all know, the Nets’ season has not gone as smoothly as the Wildcats’ practice. Brooklyn currently holds a 17-52 record in the Eastern Conference. With many of the losses being bad ones, including their last matchup with the OKC Thunder, it can be detrimental for a young player to want to continue to be a part of that franchise. But Williams’ attitude is uplifting.