Jayson Tatum’s season debut proved coexistence won’t be an issue for the Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum missed his first six shots to begin his long-awaited season debut against the Mavericks on Friday night. Coming back from a nearly 300-day absence triggered a slew of emotions for him, and those began hours before his long-awaited reception at TD Garden.

“I just felt really anxious,” Tatum admitted after Boston’s 120-110 win over the Mavericks. “It’s been a long time coming just to get to this point. Many nights and days, I dreamed about this moment and the anticipation, the crowd. It’s been forty-two and a half weeks since I last played in an NBA game, so I’m just trying to get caught up in the speed and everything. I just kind of felt like I was a step off or moving too fast. But the game started to slow down as I relaxed a little bit.”

Tatum’s mini slump wasn’t long-lasting. It intensified the eagerness that was already brewing amongst fans in attendance. Every shot attempt forced Celtics fans to withhold their cheers and applause, whether it was a mid-range jumper from 19 feet or a one-handed dunk attempt that nearly erupted TD Garden’s crowd. It was only a matter of time before Tatum found his footing, and without a concrete minutes restriction, time was on his side throughout the night.

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 6: Jayson Tatum #0 and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics hug during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In the second quarter, a missed 3-point attempt from Payton Pritchard unintentionally set Tatum up for a putback dunk to get him on the board for the first time in over nine months. That was all he needed.

From there, Tatum converted his next five shot attempts, two of which were corner 3-pointers over defensive contests from P.J. Washington. Tatum redeemed himself for his cold 0-for-6 start by finishing 6-for-16. He scored 15 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists, notching his first double-double of the season while playing 27 minutes in a successful first appearance back.

Most importantly, Tatum’s performance proved that coexisting with the readjusted Celtics offense isn’t a cause for concern.

“It was a surreal feeling, but then it felt normal,” Tatum said. “So that was really promising for me, not even when the game started. Just driving to the game, starting my routine, doing my pregame shooting. I knew it was a big moment, but everything just started to feel really normal again.”

Before the game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla revealed there would be little to no restrictions applied to Tatum. He wasn’t coming off the bench, and his minutes weren’t being counted. For months, word on the street had been that unless Tatum was 100 percent ready, he wouldn’t be taking the court — and that proved true. Tatum returned with the intention of giving Boston everything and then some. Getting the starting nod was one thing, but logging 27 minutes was another.

Tatum went from surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon last May, to months of recovery, to weeks of ramping up enough to return to NBA action. Throughout that process, he watched the Celtics part ways with a handful of key contributors from the organization’s 2024 championship, only to fill their spots with less-experienced replacements who’ve risen to the occasion. Yet despite it all, Boston hasn’t missed a beat. The team responded to its adversity from the very start, going 41–21 without Tatum and securing a not-too-shabby No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference entering his return.

Getting to rejoin his teammates and contribute was something Tatum didn’t take for granted.

“I had a real sense of gratitude for just being back on the floor and playing basketball again,” Tatum said.

Tatum opened up about the reality of undergoing rehab and its long, grueling journey. While his teammates were practicing, playing, and improving together as the season progressed, Tatum was in the shadows fulfilling his obligations as a one-man crew. That wasn’t easy.

“Going through rehab and being injured is lonely — and it’s not intentional,” Tatum shared. “I couldn’t practice for a while. I couldn’t be in the game. When they were on the court, I was in the weight room, having to do my own thing. So you feel isolated in a sense. I just expressed that being around as much as possible — going to games, being on the plane — really made me feel like I was still very much a part of the team.”

Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 24 points in the win, while Derrick White pitched in with 20, followed by Pritchard’s 18 off the bench. Had Tatum converted on just half of his missed attempts, he would’ve finished with 20 points as well — further proving there’s no legitimate concern about his fit in the offense.

Even when he wasn’t scoring, Tatum found ways to impact the offense, and Mazzulla noticed that.

“What I liked was his approach,” Mazzulla said. “… I think he had two assists, three rebounds before he even took his first shot. So I think the playmaking, but also a steady balance of the things of the process of what we need to do to win, and I thought he attacked that well tonight.”

Tatum helped empower the offense — 48 hours after being held to 89 points in a loss to the Hornets — to the point where Mazzulla was able to pull him and the rest of the starters with five minutes remaining. With a 23-point lead in hand, Mazzulla unloaded the bench, embraced Tatum on the sidelines, and waited for the final seconds to wind down before the traditional “Gino Time” celebration played on the video board.

It wasn’t the first time Tatum had heard “Gino Time” play during a Celtics victory lap this season, but it was the first time he’d been part of it since last year. He credited everyone involved for helping the team reach such heights by the time of his return.

“Obviously, the team looks totally different than it did last year,” Tatum said. “But I can’t commend the group enough and the coaching staff for how they’ve attacked this season, how they’ve competed and played together every single night. I don’t know if there’s a team that’s been more fun to watch this season play as a unit.”

Canadiens visit the Kings after Caufield's 2-goal game

Montreal Canadiens (33-18-10, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Los Angeles Kings (25-22-14, in the Pacific Division)

Los Angeles; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Kings -130, Canadiens +110; over/under is 5.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens visit the Los Angeles Kings after Cole Caufield's two-goal game against the Anaheim Ducks in the Canadiens' 6-5 shootout loss.

Los Angeles has a 10-14-7 record in home games and a 25-22-14 record overall. The Kings have gone 19-2-7 in games they score at least three goals.

Montreal has a 33-18-10 record overall and a 16-7-8 record on the road. The Canadiens have committed 261 total penalties (4.3 per game) to rank fourth in NHL play.

The teams match up Saturday for the second time this season. The Kings won 5-1 in the previous meeting.

TOP PERFORMERS: Quinton Byfield has 13 goals and 20 assists for the Kings. Adrian Kempe has six goals and six assists over the past 10 games.

Caufield has 37 goals and 26 assists for the Canadiens. Nicholas Suzuki has four goals and 10 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 3-6-1, averaging 2.3 goals, four assists, 3.8 penalties and 10.8 penalty minutes while giving up 3.5 goals per game.

Canadiens: 5-2-3, averaging 4.4 goals, 7.6 assists, 3.7 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game.

INJURIES: Kings: None listed.

Canadiens: None listed.

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

Oilers visit the Golden Knights after Hyman's 2-goal game

Edmonton Oilers (30-25-8, in the Pacific Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (29-20-14, in the Pacific Division)

Paradise, Nevada; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Edmonton Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights after Zach Hyman scored two goals in the Oilers' 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Vegas is 29-20-14 overall with a 10-4-4 record in Pacific Division play. The Golden Knights have a 28-6-8 record in games they score three or more goals.

Edmonton has gone 30-25-8 overall with a 9-5-3 record in Pacific Division play. The Oilers have scored 57 power-play goals, which ranks first in the Western Conference.

Sunday's game is the second time these teams match up this season. The Oilers won the last matchup 4-3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two goals in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Pavel Dorofeyev has 30 goals and 21 assists for the Golden Knights. Ivan Barbashev has six goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

Connor McDavid has 35 goals and 71 assists for the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl has scored eight goals with 13 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Golden Knights: 4-6-0, averaging three goals, 5.6 assists, 3.3 penalties and 8.1 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.

Oilers: 4-6-0, averaging 4.4 goals, 7.4 assists, 3.5 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 4.3 goals per game.

INJURIES: Golden Knights: None listed.

Oilers: None listed.

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

Knicks’ Pacome Dadiet nets career high in points during garbage time

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Pacôme Dadiet, who scored 11 points in garbage time, hits a 3-pointer during the fourth quarter of the Knicks' 142-103 blowout win over the Nuggets in Denver on March 6, 2026

DENVER — Pacôme Dadiet, the 2024 first-round pick who has spent much of this season in the G-League, finally took advantage of his NBA opportunity in Friday’s 142-103 Knicks win over the Nuggets.

The 20-year-old Frenchman went off for 11 points in just nine minutes of garbage time, helping send the Nuggets to their worst home loss since 1998 against Michael Jordan’s Bulls.

It was a career high in points for Dadiet, who shot 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.

Pacôme Dadiet, who scored 11 points in garbage time, hits a 3-pointer during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 142-103 blowout win over the Nuggets in Denver on March 6, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

“He’s been playing well in the G-League and shooting the mess out of it,” coach Mike Brown said. “And he’s got great size. He’s young. And we want him to keep growing and developing. Anytime young guys like that see the ball go in and do those things on the floor in an NBA game, it helps with the belief. It helps not only in them believing and their confidence level going up, but also their teammates, too.”

Dadiet hadn’t played since Feb. 8 and never scored more than five points this season before Friday.

“It definitely feels good. Every time I go out there, I try to go out with confidence,” Dadiet said. “Because I know I’m not going to get that much time. So I’ve been working with the G-League team to get some reps and it definitely feels good.”


Josh Hart, an enthusiastic Yankees fan despite growing up in the D.C. area, will get his own bobblehead in The Bronx.

The Yankees announced Friday that Sept. 25 against the Orioles is Josh Hart Bobblehead Night, with the first 18,000 fans receiving his mini figure that is holding a bat in his left hand, a basketball in his right.

“I can’t wait for it. Obviously I love my Yanks,” Hart said Friday. “So being able to do that is super cool. I’m super excited when that opportunity came to us. And we really jumped on it.”

Josh Hart gestures to the bench after hitting a 3-pointer in the Knicks’ road win over the Nuggets. AP

Hart is the grand-nephew of Yankees legendary catcher Elston Howard. He wore Howard’s No. 32 jersey while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Yankees game in September 2024.

This year, Hart’s bobblehead giveaway is the day before CC Sabathia’s jersey is retired at Yankee Stadium.

“It’s my first bobblehead doll ever,” Hart said. “So good vibes.”


If not for the controversial no-call in Wednesday’s loss to the Thunder, Jalen Brunson would’ve collected a career-best four charges drawn in one game.

But the refs swallowed their whistles in the first quarter — when Shai-Gilgeous Alexander appeared to charge into Brunson on a drive for what would’ve been his third foul — and the Knicks point guard finished the night with three charges drawn.

“Hopefully, there’s another opportunity to break the record,” Brunson said.

The official NBA referee X account defended the non-call, saying, “Brunson does not give Gilgeous-Alexander an opportunity to avoid contact.”

Brunson said Friday he didn’t see that post.

Either way, the point guard entered Friday leading the NBA in charges drawn with 25.

How Luka Dončić dominated the Pacers in the first quarter

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Jarred Vanderbilt #2, Jaxson Hayes #11, Luka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers laugh during the game against the Indiana Pacerson March 6, 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

LOS ANGELES —  In the first leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back, they came out and were totally dominated by Denver. The Nuggets jumped out to an 11-0 run and never relinquished the lead.

For the second game, the Lakers flipped the script, beating the Pacers 128-117.

They were able to cruise to victory despite playing without LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber, because Luka Dončić decided losing wasn’t an option.

Luka usually starts games strong. He leads the league in first-quarter points with 11.7 per game. Against the Pacers, he took his aggression to another level.

He started his offensive onslaught with a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer from the wing. Later in the period, he converted again from the same spot.

Dončić was feeling it from deep, and the hot streak never ended in the first quarter. He went a perfect 5-5 from deep.

His final 3-point attempt during the opening period was, arguably, his most impressive. Luka waited until the shot clock wound down and then took a highly contested three from the very top of the key.

While this is a bad shot for most, Luka made it look routine. The ball swished through the net, the crowd roared, and Dončić grinned, pointing to some fans courtside who were marveling at his greatness.

“I mean, some ridiculous shot making,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. “And a lot of ridiculous shot making against really, really good defenders. I think he just really imposed his will and took control of the game early and gave us a cushion.”

Luka ended the frame with a whopping 22 points. This was the fifth time this season that he had at least 20 after 12 minutes of play. Considering that they were missing two starters, Austin Reaves was struggling and the Lakers were coming off a tough loss, every point on Friday night was necessary.

“I think when you see a guy like him, kind of getting into his spots, hitting his shots, it definitely just brings a different level to our group,” Luke Kennard said.

While Luka’s offense constantly receives adulation, his defensive moments often go unnoticed. Against the Pacers, those defensive plays were loud.

In the first quarter, Luka was running all over the court, helping on the weak side, grabbing defensive rebounds, and matching the Pacers’ physicality.

He blocked Pascal Siakam when he tried to attack him one-on-one, and then at the 6:47 mark, he intercepted a pass from Siakam as he tried to get the Pacers out in transition.

Luka turned that defense into offense by going coast-to-coast with the ball and scoring on the other end.

“Yeah, I know people are not going to talk about it ever,” Luka said regarding his defensive highlights. “So, I just try to do my job, try to be more aggressive, be more engaged. So, just trying to do better on the defensive end.”

Thanks to Dončić’s efforts, the Lakers were in front 35-27 at the end of the first. From that point forward, the Lakers never looked back. They never trailed again, and the lead grew to as much as 24 points.

Due to Luka’s first-quarter play, he got to rest the entire fourth. An important and beneficial thing, considering the Lakers have a slew of tough games ahead during this homestand.

Luka won’t always reach this level of excellence to start a game, but the Lakers needed it in this contest and he delivered. It’s the fact that he can do it at all that makes him such a special player.

And it’s why, pregame, his former head coach, current coach of the Pacers, Rick Carlisle, gave him the highest of praise.

“He’s the greatest player I’ve ever coached,” Carlisle said.

That’s high praise from a coach who won a title with Dirk Nowitzki. But as Luka showed on Friday night, he is that good, and once he starts hanging banners at Crypto.com Arena, that quote will be the consensus among basketball aficionados.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

England’s aerial prowess is no longer a secret and Borthwick’s men have been overtaken | Ugo Monye

Steve Borthwick has reacted in the best way after two demoralising defeats and they need a fast start in Italy

During their 12-match winning run, when England were at the peak of their powers, they were setting the bar when it came to the kicking game. Steve Borthwick’s side adapted fastest to the law changes around escorting and reaped the rewards as a result. There are plenty of reasons why that winning run has come to an end in spectacular fashion but the fact that other nations have caught up and overtaken England is a significant one.

Part of the problem is personnel. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s absence is a huge blow in this championship and for all Henry Arundell’s qualities, he does not have the same aerial prowess. Tom Roebuck has been in and out, coming back from an injury, so England just haven’t had the same cattle. But it’s clear to me that their rivals have put in the work to get up to speed and are reaping the rewards.

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Southampton’s Tonda Eckert: ‘There is more to football than just tactics’

Youthful manager on his unlikely career path with Germany and Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round trip to Fulham

As a 19-year-old studying at a sports university in Cologne, Tonda Eckert jumped at the chance to work for Germany as an analyst at Euro 2012. “It was nice, eh? Take somebody who doesn’t understand anything about the game and put them in,” says the now Southampton head coach, smiling as he recalls being thrust into an elite environment. He entered the same sphere as Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick and a team of greats: Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, the list goes on.

For the 2014 World Cup, Eckert was tasked with preparing a dossier on Argentina, who Germany overcame in the final. “The celebrations in Berlin were amazing, at the Fanmeile,” he says of the scenes at the fan zone by Brandenburg Gate. In the semi-finals, Germany humiliated the hosts Brazil, triumphing 7-1 in Belo Horizonte. “You know what Joachim Löw said at half-time? That he wouldn’t let anyone play in the final if they didn’t finish the second half with a sense of humility, because he knew how much it meant to Brazil, in Brazil.”

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Taiwan beats Vietnam 1-0 in Women's Asian Cup match

PERTH, Australia (AP) — Taiwan defeated Vietnam 1-0 on Saturday to move into second place in Group C at the Women’s Asian Cup with one match remaining.

Su Yu-hsuan scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute after Saki Matsunaga’s shot hit the crossbar, leaving Su to nod the rebound into an empty net for the team which won the last of its three Asian Cup titles in 1981.

It was a deserved victory for Taiwan, 2-0 losers to Japan on Wednesday, which created several chances to extend its lead.

Vietnam, the 2022 quarterfinalist, beat India in its opener but struggled to threaten the Taiwan defense and failed to record a shot on target. Thi Duyen Tran came closest with a first-half chance that went wide from inside the area.

Both teams now have three points from two games. Taiwan sits ahead of Vietnam and behind Japan, which faced India later Saturday. India is still seeking its first point in the tournament.

Record attendance continues

Australian organizers said Saturday that the tournament had sold 250,000 tickets. The milestone follows the tournament already breaking the all-time total attendance record, with 92,795 fans at the first 10 matches.

That surpassed the previous record of 59,910 for the 2010 edition in China.

State of play

The top two teams in each of the three groups advance to the quarterfinals along with the two best third-place teams.

In Group A, Australia, which beat Iran 4-0 on Thursday, and South Korea have already qualified. Australia and South Korea will meet in Sydney on Sunday to determine top spot in the group, where another record crowd is expected.

After back-to-back losses, Iran needs a big win over the Philippines (0-2) on Sunday to have any chance of advancing to the quarterfinals and qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

In Group B, defending champions China and three-time winners North Korea are through to the quarterfinals after their second consecutive wins in group matches Friday. In opening matches on Tuesday, Myong Yu Jong had a first-half hat trick in North Korea’s 3-0 win over Uzbekistan and China beat Bangladesh 2-0.

Group B play concludes Monday in Sydney when North Korea plays China in a match that will decide first place in the group, and Bangladesh takes on Uzbekistan.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Golden Knights Can't Complete Second Straight Comeback, Fall To Wild, 4-2

Two nights after pulling off the Christmas-like miracle in Motown, the Golden Knights couldn't complete a comeback after once again allowing three unanswered goals, and lost 4-2 to the Minnesota Wild.

The loss comes two nights before a critical Pacific showdown with the Edmonton Oilers.

Minnesota scored three second-period goals in a three-minute span to take a 3-0 lead, delivering the same gut punch that has bothered the Golden Knights all season - falling behind early.

Pavel Dorofeyev scored a goal early in the third period to bring Vegas within two, but Vladimir Tarasenko extended the lead to 4-3 late in the third, putting the game out of reach despite Mitch Marner's late goal, which provided the final margin.

"You can't let the game slip away in those (three) minutes," Jack Eichel said., "Listen, they're a good team, they're gonna get chances. Can't let one trickle into three, but there was still a lot to like about our game.

"I thought we did a lot of good things in the second period, and the third as well, so, back to the drawing board I guess."

Unfortunately for the Knights, it's the same drawing board they've been sketching on after far too many losses they've had to chase games.

The Golden Knights are now in second place in the Pacific Division, one point back of the Anaheim Ducks, 73-72, with the third-place Oilers (68) on deck.

KEY MOMENT

Michael McCarron's goal at the 8:25 mark of the second period came just 18 seconds after Zach Bogosian's goal made it 2-0. Though the Knights showed some life in the third period, McCarron's goal was the knockout punch that seemingly sealed Vegas' fate.

KEY STAT

36.4% ... The Golden Knights scored a power play goal on their only opportunity of the game, improving to 4 of 11 since their return from the break. Vegas' power play ranks third in the league since the NHL resumed play after the Olympics.

WHAT A KNIGHT

Dorofeyev continued his post-Olympic offensive tear with an assist and a goal. He now has seven points in the six games out of the break, having scored four goals and dishing three assists. Dorofeyev became the first Golden Knight in franchise history to record consecutive 30-goal seasons.

UP NEXT: The Golden Knights continue their homestand with Sunday's game against the Edmonton Oilers.

PHOTO CAPTION: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton (5) fights Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) during the second period at T-Mobile Arena.

Lucas Ramirez, Joseph Contreras – sons of ex-MLB stars – steal WBC spotlight

HOUSTON — Baseball is rarely easy to predict, and so Lucas Ramirez has made a habit of the next best thing.

In the months leading up to his World Baseball Classic debut for Team Brazil against Team USA, the outfielder ritually practiced affirmations and visualizations to prepare for his entry onto baseball’s international scene.

“Ever since the (WBC) qualifiers, I was envisioning that first at-bat bomb,” Ramirez said. “And it’s crazy that it actually happened. For five months, I’ve been – every time before I go to bed after I pray, I visualize it. And it happened.”  

So when Ramirez rounded the bases at Daikin Park on Friday night after he delivered a leadoff home run in Brazil’s first at-bat of the tournament – one of two solo home runs he hit in the game – he screamed, “I told you!”

“I say go out there with confidence (and) you can do anything you speak,” Ramirez said later. “If you say it out loud, it’ll happen. I’m telling you. It will happen.”

Although Team USA broke the game open in the late innings for a 15-5 win over Brazil, two of Brazil’s youngest players provided the team’s brightest moments.

At 20 years and 49 days old, Ramirez is the youngest player in WBC history with a multi-homer game. His teammate, Brazil pitcher Joseph Contreras, the youngest player in the tournament at 17 years and 291 days old, got USA captain Aaron Judge to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.

When asked how that moment ranked in his career, Contreras, a senior at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in the Atlanta suburbs, said, “That has to be up there. That’s definitely like a top two moment. I would say the first one obviously was winning the state championship back home. There’s nothing better than winning it all.”

Both players represent Brazil because of their mothers’ heritage and are the sons of MLB legends. Ramirez’s father Manny won two World Series titles with the Red Sox and was a 12-time All-Star. Contreras’ father José was a World Series champion with the White Sox in 2005 and an All-Star in 2006.

Both fathers were in the stands at Daikin Park on Friday to watch their sons’ WBC debuts. The performances the sons delivered were proof that they can create their own legacies.

“Having Manny Ramirez as my father is obviously a good thing and a bad thing,” Lucas Ramirez said. “It’s a little hard. Everybody expects so much. That’s why, maybe, I visualize and say things, I guess – because I got to paint my own picture. I got to be Lucas Ramirez, and I got my own path.”

He wasted little time. Judge’s two-run shot in the top of the first inning gave the USA an early 2-0 lead that was halved a short time later.

Leading off the game for Brazil against San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb, Ramirez deposited a low inside-corner fastball over the wall in right-center field. Feet from where the ball landed, the Brazilian contingent in the home bullpen went berserk, with one reliever even hanging over the fence.  

Besides thinking about hitting a bomb, Ramirez said another thought crossed his mind right before he went up to the plate.

“I’m gonna go out there and give it my all, and I’m just gonna have fun,” he said. “Too many people work on the field and they make baseball their whole life. They have a bad game, and they’re going to have a bad attitude the whole rest of their day. Like, this is temporary. We’re here temporarily, and we’re gonna go out there and have fun and be in life.”

In the top of the second inning, Contreras took over for Brazil starter Bo Takahashi and exacted revenge against Judge, but not before getting into a jam.

After retiring the first batter he faced, Contreras gave up a hard-hit double to Brice Turang and surrendered back-to-back walks to Bobby Witt Jr. and Bryce Harper to load the bases for Team USA’s captain.

Contreras got to a 1-1 count against Judge and threw a two-seamer on the inside of the plate. Judge grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning. Osvaldo Carvalho, Brazil’s first baseman, pumped his fist wildly while Contreras walked to the dugout and collected high-fives and pats on the back.

“It was just a surreal experience,” Contreras said. “I tried to visualize on that and make sure keep breathing, but as soon as the lights came on and I was on the mound, it was like ‘Alright, now you got to face Byron Buxton. OK, now it’s real.’ Game sped up on me a little bit but now I know for the next time.”

Following his scoreless frame, Contreras allowed two of the next three batters he faced to reach base before Kyle Schwarber scored on a wild pitch and knocked the teenager out of the game with Brazil trailing 3-1. Still, Team USA came away impressed by Contreras’ outing.

“Impressive. I know I wasn't doing that at that age, that's for sure,” Judge said. “Just great stuff. I know he had some poise on the mound. He's throwing up to 100 miles an hour. He's facing Team USA, a lot of guys he has seen on TV or different things like that. It was just impressive seeing him control himself out there and get out of a big jam.”

In the eighth inning, Ramirez blasted another home run on a one-out pitch from USA reliever Gabe Speier, making the score 8-5.

When Ramirez and Team Brazil manager Yuichi Matsumoto exited the interview room after the game, a Team USA contingent was waiting in the hallway for their turn. USA manager Mark DeRosa told Ramirez, “Way to swing the bat!” Judge shook hands with Ramirez, who in turn asked the three-time American League MVP to take a selfie with him.

Ramirez plays in the Los Angeles Angels organization and spent the 2025 season at the High-A level. Contreras will graduate from high school this spring and is committed to play college ball at Vanderbilt, if he is not drafted by an MLB organization.

Neither has made it to the majors yet, though each inherited certain traits from their dads.

Ramirez mirrors his father’s swing mechanics, though he was taught to hit lefty instead of righthanded. The 20-year-old was drafted in the 17th round in 2024 and last March helped Brazil qualify for the WBC.

The first pitch Contreras learned how to throw was his father’s infamous forkball. The son is 6-foot-4, tall and lanky like his father, and possesses the same quiet confidence.

“Oh man, that kid is something special,” Ramirez said. “Obviously, he comes from a father who plays baseball as well, so that’s been great. That kid’s going to be lights out one day.”

Ramirez regularly takes Christmastime trips to Brazil to visit his grandmother and grandfather, who own a livestock farm there. He said playing for Team Brazil has only strengthened his connection to the country. Ramirez, who speaks fluent Spanish as well as some Portuguese, has asked older players about Brazil’s lone prior WBC appearance in 2013 and been taught by some teammates how to dance to Brazilian funk music.

Friday night’s loss to the USA in pool play left Brazil still searching for its first WBC win after going 0-3 in the 2013 tournament. Brazil is scheduled to play remaining pool games against Italy, Mexico and Great Britain in Houston.

The final scoreline could have been worse, but Team USA’s offense was more junk than juggernaut. Despite Brazil’s pitchers walking 17 batters, hitting two more batters and incurring three pitch clock violations, the Americans hit 5-for-21 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 baserunners.

What most fans will remember about the night, however, is how two burgeoning stars stole the spotlight from the tournament favorite.

Certainly, Ramirez and Contreras will never forget it. And next time Ramirez goes to visualize his success, he can close his eyes and picture those moments again and again.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manny Ramirez's son a star for Brazil in WBC game vs USA

Indiana faces Portland on 8-game skid

Indiana Pacers (15-48, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (30-34, 10th in the Western Conference)

Portland, Oregon; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana is looking to stop its eight-game slide with a win against Portland.

The Trail Blazers have gone 16-15 at home. Portland ranks eighth in the league with 45.7 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.5.

The Pacers are 5-26 on the road. Indiana is 6-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.0% from the field this season, 4.0 percentage points lower than the 49.0% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers average 111.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 118.1 the Trail Blazers give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is shooting 46.3% and averaging 24.4 points for the Trail Blazers. Jrue Holiday is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Jarace Walker is scoring 11.1 points per game and averaging 5.0 rebounds for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 109.6 points, 44.7 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 8.9 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points per game.

Pacers: 2-8, averaging 115.8 points, 40.1 rebounds, 29.3 assists, 7.6 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.2 points.

INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Kris Murray: day to day (illness), Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

Pacers: Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

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

Los Angeles faces New York following Doncic's 44-point game

New York Knicks (41-23, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (38-25, sixth in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts the New York Knicks after Luka Doncic scored 44 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 128-117 win against the Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers have gone 19-12 at home. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.6 points per game in the paint led by LeBron James averaging 11.2.

The Knicks are 18-14 on the road. New York scores 117.2 points and has outscored opponents by 6.6 points per game.

The Lakers make 49.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 4.2 percentage points higher than the Knicks have allowed to their opponents (45.7%). The Knicks are shooting 47.3% from the field, 1.1% lower than the 48.4% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Knicks won the last meeting 112-100 on Feb. 2, with OG Anunoby scoring 25 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 17.4 points over the last 10 games.

Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 19.7 points per game and averaging 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. Anunoby is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 116.5 points, 40.0 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game.

Knicks: 7-3, averaging 115.0 points, 45.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 9.5 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 101.7 points.

INJURIES: Lakers: LeBron James: out (elbow), Maxi Kleber: out (back), Deandre Ayton: out (knee).

Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).

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

Strength in Numbers just walked into Houston and stole one

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 5: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game on March 5, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors just beat the Houston Rockets in overtime, and the most interesting thing about it isn’t the win. It’s who won it.

And last night there was no *takes a deep breath* StephJimmyKristapsMoses. This was Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos and De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford and Draymond Green walking into Toyota Center shorthanded, undermanned, and completely unbothered. Against the team they had humiliated in a first round upset last year, after humiliating them throughout the entire James Harden era.

And when you really sit with that, a question starts forming that is bigger than one game: who exactly are the Golden State Warriors winning with? And the answer is directly connected to who they’ve decided they can win without.

I feel fairly confident to say nobody understands that better than Kevin Durant, who has spent the better part of a decade serving as one of the most transformative figures in Warriors history.

Think about everything he gave this franchise in that jersey! He arrived in 2016 as the most audacious free agent signing in NBA history and immediately made Golden State into something the league had never seen before: the league’s version of a flying death machine. He willed the Warriors two championships and won back-to-back Finals MVP’s by burying the LeBron James “Cleveland This is For You!” era Cavaliers deep under Oracle Arena where their souls will forever rest. KD had nights with the Warriors where he was so good it felt unfair to even watch. I owe much of my satisfaction in journalism to covering the Warriors at their absolute apex when KD and those monsters were going from city to city either converting stunned enemy fans to join Dub Nation or embarrassing them into submission. The day they unveil his statue in deep East Oakland (he never played in San Francisco as a Warrior) I will be there in the front row, clapping and selling mixtapes.

But most importantly, let’s never forget that off the court Durant poured himself into the Bay Area community with the kind of generosity that doesn’t make headlines because it isn’t performed for cameras. I truly believe Kevin Durant loved this place, and this place loved him back, and that will never change. Never forget he literally helped build Chase Center with his bare hands.

But here is the thing about KD and the Warriors. His relationship to helping the Warriors win spans cities, jerseys, and even a full decade of time. Was it not 10 years ago that KD helped the Dubs win what the NBA called The Greatest Regular Season Game ever, also known as the Double Bang Game? KD stepped up for the Dubs in the clutch: with 14 seconds left and Oklahoma City clinging to a tiny lead, he threw a prayer to half court that Golden State intercepted. Then he fouled Iguodala, who swished the ensuing free throws with ease to send the game into overtime. Then Durant fouled out in OT, which as Draymond alluded to in the documentary, basically guaranteed the Thunder were going to lose. TO THE VIEWING GLOBE:

But on Thursday did you see the Durantula try to dagger De’Anthony Melton with one of those cold blooded three-point shot attempts that only he has mastered? With the game on the line? Man, it was one of those insane deep launches he does where it doesn’t matter who is in his face. He’s the 7-foot superhuman who catapults the ball from an unblockable height, and you just gotta hold your breath as it hurtles toward the inevitable bottom of the basket. It’s basically unguardable; ask Cleveland.

This time though thankfully Melton fouled him and knocked off the trajectory of the potentially tying shot, sending KD aka Slim Reaper to the charity stripe, down three points at home. He sank the first, splashed the second. The score, 113-112 Warriors. Next FT ties. Kevin rimmed out the tying free throw attempt and the Warriors recovered.

The gasp from the crowd signified in their heart of hearts it wasn’t just a missed free throw to tie the game. Nooo no this was the latest bit of proof that apparently the Houston Rockets just don’t deserve to beat the Dubs as long as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr are breathing air.

The Warriors had their signature win of the season, wounded and in enemy territory against a franchise that truly has severe GSW related trauma. And that hometeam was led by the superstar who left Golden State in the middle of a dynasty.

This game wasn’t supposed to go Golden State’s way on paper. Those Bay Bandits have a crazy confidence despite their multitude of problematic injuries. Was it a bit of that confidence behind what led Draymond years ago to tell Durant: “We don’t need you. We won without you”?

Let me jump into my Lay-Z-Boy and activate armchair psychology. If I may presume: Draymond was really articulating the deepest truth about what Golden State has always been. Strength In Numbers isn’t just a cute, catchy slogan!

It’s a philosophy fueled by magic, sparked by Stephen Curry’s greatness, grounded in a gritty brotherhood of competitive ballers, and elevated by Steve Kerr’s experience in building systems that strive to make every player their best for the team. If you believe in this brand of basketball, in a perfect world the Warriors don’t need any single player to be the answer. They need everyone to be part of it.

But ain’t it nice when somebody just takes over though? Paging the young guard Podz. Brandin Podziemski played 40 minutes, scored 26 points, hauled in 9 rebounds, and made the go-ahead three in overtime when the Rockets were breathing down their necks. That’s “Put Some Respect On My Name” activity from a hooper who is maximizing every second of Stephen Curry’s rehab process. The effort on the boards is what really stands out; a guard consistently rebounding like this has a chip on his shoulder. You can’t teach effort.

And who gave more effort than Gui Santos who logged 42 minutes at a +20, finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. During this overtime battle in Houston he gave another indicator that he can become everything this organization hoped a wing in their system would be, the Iguodalian swiss army knife who makes the right play so quietly and consistently that you only notice him when you check the box score after and wonder how that happened.

De’Anthony Melton, fresh off an ACL recovery, goes 10-for-22 from the field, adds 3 steals and 2 blocks, and tips in the winning bucket late because he’s perpetually standing on business. The front office made a solid move in picking up Melton, who is serving up absolute filth on anyone unlucky enough to catch him on an island. Melton’s post-injury confidence level is apparent in every cobra-like step he takes towards his defender, getting around them or through them repeatedly with a nonchalance that lets them know it’s not gonna quit.

Also give a shout out to Al Horford, roughly as old as me, killing them for 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting including three from deep, and hits the cold-blooded basket late that took the air out of Toyota Center. When I look at Al I think of everyone I balled in high school with; Horford carries the legacy on for us who came of age when Facebook came out and MySpace was cooking.

And Draymond Green finishes with 10 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and a +12 in 35 minutes, orchestrating all of it, scratching and clawing and refusing to let this group believe for a single second that losing is an option. This team, even without their most potent players, are learning how to grow from survival to revival. We know Steph Curry is still the load-bearing wall of this entire structure. He has missed over a month of games with a knee injury. Next to him in the training room is Porzingis who is a 7-foot-3 monster waiting to return, and need I remind you that sharpshooter Moses Moody is really becoming a thing? The pieces are gathering.

So yes, Kevin Durant helped the Warriors win again last night, which at this point is less surprising than it should be. But the real story is the answer to the question that opened this whole thing.

Who are the Warriors winning with? These guys. Right here. Right now.

They believe. Imagine what they are capable of if the stars align. Just ask the Rockets.

Spurs rally from 25 down to stun Clippers in electrifying comeback

SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 6: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after putting his team ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For much of the night, it felt like the San Antonio Spurs were simply trying to survive. Shots weren’t falling. The defense was a step slow. And the Los Angeles Clippers looked firmly in control, building a lead that swelled to 25 points and silencing the home crowd.

But basketball games, especially ones involving this young Spurs team, have a way of turning quickly.

What started as a frustrating night slowly transformed into one of the wildest comebacks of the season. By the final buzzer, the Spurs had erased that massive deficit and stunned the Clippers with a 116-112 victory Friday night, sending the crowd at the Frost Bank Center into a frenzy.

Early on, the Clippers dictated everything. Los Angeles carved up San Antonio’s defense with ease, knocking down open shots and controlling the pace. The Spurs struggled to find any offensive rhythm, missing open looks and committing turnovers that only fueled the Clippers’ transition attack. By the second quarter, the scoreboard told the story: a growing Clippers lead that eventually turned into a 20-point lead at halftime.

The Spurs looked flat. The Clippers looked comfortable as the third quarter began and Los Angeles’ lead swelled to 25 points.

And yet, the game was far from over.

“We weren’t at our best,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “You probably would have not ever booked that or stamped out for your perfect execution in that moment. And sometimes you just need the wherewithal and the fight and that thing in there to finish the job.”

The shift began quietly. San Antonio came out of the locker room with renewed energy, pushing the tempo and attacking the rim. The biggest jolt came from Julian Champagnie, who suddenly caught fire. Champagnie buried jumpers, attacked the basket, and delivered a flurry of points that quickly chipped away at the deficit. Possession by possession, the Spurs clawed back.

“I always say this, and we always say it, and I don’t want the fans or anybody to think that we say this because we have to, because we don’t, but I genuinely think that we have the best fans in the NBA,” said Champagnie, who credited the fans with fueling their comeback.

The crowd, once restless, began to believe. By the end of the third quarter, the once massive Clippers lead had shrunk dramatically down to 11 points, and the building was alive again. With momentum fully on their side, the Spurs turned to their star. Victor Wembanyama controlled the game in the fourth quarter, impacting nearly every possession. He altered shots at the rim, grabbed key rebounds, and delivered timely scoring when San Antonio needed it most.

Then came the moment that sealed it.

With the game hanging in the balance, Wembanyama slipped away on the break, took a pass from De’Aaron Fox, and hammered home a dunk that pushed the Spurs ahead in the closing seconds. The arena erupted as San Antonio completed the improbable comeback.

“The best thing that I see is that nobody gives up on anything or anybody,” Wembanyama said. “Everybody gets everybody’s back. That’s why I have blind trust in these guys. I love them so much.”

The Clippers had one last chance, but the Spurs’ defense slammed the door shut. What began as a nightmare turned into a statement win. The Spurs didn’t just survive a rough start; they erased a 25-point deficit and outplayed a veteran Clippers team down the stretch. It was a performance fueled by resilience, grit, and the growing confidence of a young roster learning how to close games.

“That was one of the best games of my basketball life,” Wembanyama said. “That was the best 30 hours of basketball in my life.”

For the fans inside the arena, it was a night that felt impossible just a few hours earlier.

For the Spurs, it was proof that no deficit is too big — and no game is truly out of reach.

Game Notes

  • Carter Bryant may have just secured himself a spot in the rotation in the NBA Playoffs. The box score may show just five points, but his impact on both ends showed how valuable he is. He had a huge block in the third quarter and an alley oop slam that fueled the fans and pumped up his team.
    “I give him a lot of credit tonight. I don’t think we win this game without him,” Champagnie said of the rookie.
  • This might make me very unpopular, but can we stop booing Kawhi Leonard? It’s been eight years. Yes, I understand what he did hurt, and it’s the reason for the rebuild. But he’s also a reason why the Spurs are in the position they are in now. If he did not leave, the Spurs don’t get Wemby, and who knows what today would look like. Just food for thought.
  • Mitch Johnson’s decision to go small in the third quarter was scary, but it worked. It shows when the Spurs are on fire, nothing is impossible. In that moment, speed, pace, and defense mattered. He forced Brook Lopez to beat them, and the plan worked.
  • Fans may give De’Aaron Fox crap for what they feel isn’t “living up to his contract” but his fourth quarter proves why the Spurs brought him over in a trade last season. He scored 10 of his 19 points in the final frame, six assists and no turnovers.
    “He took over the game in terms of how he was managing and dictating,” Johnson said.

Cleveland puts home win streak on the line against Boston

Boston Celtics (42-21, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (39-24, fourth in the Eastern Conference)

Cleveland; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland hosts Boston looking to prolong its seven-game home winning streak.

The Cavaliers have gone 25-15 against Eastern Conference teams. Cleveland ranks eighth in the NBA with 28.4 assists per game. James Harden leads the Cavaliers averaging 8.1.

The Celtics are 27-14 in conference matchups. Boston is at the bottom of the NBA scoring 11.7 fast break points per game.

The 119.1 points per game the Cavaliers average are 12.1 more points than the Celtics allow (107.0). The Celtics average 114.5 points per game, 0.4 fewer than the 114.9 the Cavaliers allow.

The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Nov. 30 the Celtics won 117-115 led by 42 points from Payton Pritchard, while Evan Mobley scored 27 points for the Cavaliers.

TOP PERFORMERS: Donovan Mitchell is shooting 48.3% and averaging 28.5 points for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Jaylen Brown is scoring 28.8 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 17.3 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 41.3% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 116.3 points, 43.4 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points per game.

Celtics: 8-2, averaging 111.6 points, 51.6 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 5.7 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.6 points.

INJURIES: Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell: day to day (groin), Max Strus: out (foot), Dean Wade: day to day (ankle), Jarrett Allen: day to day (knee).

Celtics: Nikola Vucevic: day to day (finger), Jordan Walsh: day to day (illness).

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