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Yankees news: Jasson Domínguez could be odd man out in outfield

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The Yankees are in an interesting spot with outfielder Jasson Domínguez in 2026. Domínguez is still young enough and his development would be best served by playing every day. However, it’s difficult—at least as of right now (we’re still over a month away from Opening Day and it’s best to expected the unexpected with spring training roster health)—to make the argument that he’s in the Yankees’ best lineup since Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger patrol the outfield with Giancarlo Stanton at DH. That very well could mean that “The Martian” starts the year back in the minor leagues. Domínguez himself understands the dilemma, but is trying not to focus on the noise surrounding his status.

ESPN | Jorge Castillo: After suffering an elbow injury last July, Judge spent a lot of the stretch run hampered. While that didn’t really stop his march to the MVP, the Yankees’ captain definitely felt the effects while playing the field. Going into 2026, that shouldn’t be an issue. Judge is “fully cleared” be a full participant in workouts and will feature in several of the early spring training games before he heads to the World Baseball Classic on behalf of Team USA.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: We’ll double down on Hoch this morning. Carlos Lagrange is ranked as one of the top 100 prospects in baseball according to several outlets, featuring a high-octane fastball as well as a trio of tantalizing secondary pitches. He’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting players in the Yankees’ system. So far in spring training, he’s impressed the Yankees, not only on the mound but off it too.

By the way, in case you’re wondering, the man himself clarified how to pronounce Lagrange’s last name, since some people haven’t been getting it right:

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Victor Wembanyama ‘set the tone’ for new NBA All-Star Game format that finally delivered: ‘It’s back’

Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, and Kevin Durant vie for a rebound during the 75th NBA All-Star Game.
Victor Wembanyama goes for a rebound during the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15.

Victor Wembanyama set the tone.

But his teammates came up empty.

The French superstar helped deliver what was a more competitive-than-expected slate of All-Star games.

This year’s format featured three teams of eight players — two composed of American players and one mainly of foreign-born players competing in a round-robin.

The idea was to create a reason for the players to care after years of lax effort.

In that regard, it delivered.

“It’s a game we love,” Wembanyama said. “It’s a game [I] personally cherish. Being competitive is the least I can do.”

Wembanyama’s Team World, though, lost to both the USA teams.

He missed a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that could have helped his team beat the USA Stripes and advance to the final.

Victor Wembanyama goes for a rebound during the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15. Getty Images

“I ain’t gonna lie,” Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said after the first game. “Wemby set the tone. He came out playing hard, so it’s hard not to match that, so s–t, that’s what happened.”

“Y’all been asking for it,” Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns said. “Fans been asking for it, the media’s been asking for it. I feel that after today, y’all can see that the competition is there. We all brought it today in the sense of effort. I hope the fans and all y’all appreciated it.”

Wembanyama scored 33 points between Team World’s two games.

“Wemby said what he said,” Vince Carter, one of NBC’s color analysts, said. “He said, ‘I’m coming out here to play hard.’ The first three buckets, he set the tone. Off the rip, he wanted the ball, he wanted the ball in the post. … He’s coming out to play.”

Victor Wembanyama is pictured during the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15. Getty Images

Young blood ruled over the old souls, as the USA Stripes — composed of mostly longer-tenured veterans — blew out the USA Stars, composed of mostly younger All-Stars, in the final.

Edwards scored eight points and added four rebounds and two assists in the final.

He was named All-Star MVP.

“I gotta say: It’s back,” Tracy McGrady, one of NBC’s analysts, said of the effort level. “What we wanted from these guys, they gave us that back and more.”

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Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's Comeback Bid Against Cleveland Falls Short On Sunday

The NHL may be on its Olympic break, but the AHL season is still in full swing, coming off the AHL All-Star festivities. 

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins got crushed 5-0 by the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday and were trying to bounce back with a win against the Cleveland Monsters on Sunday, but it wasn't meant to be. WBS trailed three times during the game and came back to tie it each time before falling in overtime, 4-3. 

Rutger McGroarty tied the game at one in the first period after poking the puck in from the net-front. Avery Hayes took the initial shot, and McGroarty was able to finish the play off. 

McGroarty was assigned to WBS after the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 in their last game before the NHL's Olympic break. Before being sent back, McGroarty was playing really well in the NHL and continues to look even faster. He's also improved defensively and is making quicker decisions with the puck on his stick. He's going to be a full-time NHL player very soon.

The Monsters took a 2-1 lead later in the first period before Ville Koivunen tied the game with a little over a minute remaining in the period. The Monsters turned the puck over behind the net, leaving Koivunen with a wide-open cage. He made no mistake with the puck, making it a 2-2 game heading into the first intermission.

Koivunen has had a couple of NHL stints this season and scored his first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning back on Dec. 4. It was a long time coming since he was getting plenty of chances in other games, but wasn't getting the bounces to go his way. 

He has played in 27 NHL games this season and, according to Natural Stat Trick, has been on the ice for 57.7% of the shot attempts, 58.8% of the expected goals, 58.9% of the scoring chances, and 57.2% of the high-danger chances. The process is there, but now it's about fine-tuning the smaller details of his game so that the results come. He's still a player who will be back in the NHL soon. 

Emil Pieniniemi scored his first AHL goal to tie the game at three in the third period. He ripped the puck from the left circle, and it was a no-doubter. 

Pieniniemi has played in six games for WBS this season, compiling one goal and three points. This is his first full professional season after he finished the 2024-25 season with 10 goals and 60 points for the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. 

Avery Hayes didn't score in Sunday's game, but he still made his presence felt when he dropped the gloves with former Penguin Zach Aston-Reese. He delivered some big right-hand punches and got credit for the takedown. What can't he do at this point?  

Hayes recently scored a hat trick for WBS and scored two goals in his NHL debut against the Sabres. It won't be long until he's a full-time NHLer. 

Despite the back-to-back losses this weekend, WBS is still in good shape in the Atlantic Division. WBS has a 32-13-3-2 record, good for 69 points and second place behind the Providence Bruins. The next closest team is the Charlotte Checkers, who are 14 points behind the Penguins. 

WBS will try to snap this two-game losing streak on Wednesday against the Springfield Thunderbirds, who are in seventh place in the Atlantic Division with an 18-24-4-2 record. They'll then have a home-and-home against the Bridgeport Islanders next weekend.

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Celtics star Jaylen Brown disputes Beverly Hills' claims about his event that was shut down

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown disputed the City of Beverly Hills' claims after an event he hosted on the eve of the NBA All-Star Game was shut down because the city said it lacked a permit.

“I’m offended by Beverly Hills, by the statement they put out, like we applied for something and didn’t get it, and we did it anyway (and) we were insubordinate,” Brown told ESPN after the game Sunday. “I know how to follow the rules. I’m smart enough to follow the guidelines."

Hours earlier, Beverly Hills released a statement to The Boston Globe, saying it rejected a permit. The event promoting Brown’s performance brand, 741, was held at Oakley founder Jim Jannard’s home. Brown has a sponsorship deal with Oakley.

"An event permit had been applied for and denied by the City due to previous violations associated with events at the address,” the statement said. “Despite the fact that the permit was denied, organizers still chose to proceed with inviting hundreds of guests knowing that it was not allowed to occur. BHPD responded and shut down the unpermitted event.”

Brown countered to ESPN, saying: “That was not true. We didn’t need a permit because the owner of the house, that was his space. We were family friends. He opened up the festivities to us so we didn’t have to. We never applied for one."

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Anthony Edwards wins ASG MVP, strengthens case as face of NBA

Anthony Edwards furthered his case to be the face of the NBA after securing the All-Star Game MVP at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, Feb. 15.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star joined a list of ASG MVP winners that includes Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James. Each of those players spent time as the face of the league.

Edwards produced 32 points during the three mini games he played in for Team Stars (USA) on Sunday.

The league introduced a new format for the All-Star Game this year with three teams, two consisting of American players and a World team that featured players with international ties, playing each other in a small tournament to determine which two teams would meet in the championship game.

Edwards has acknowledged the potential of being the face of the league, but it isn’t something he’s necessarily chasing.

"It isn’t something I’m out here shooting for, if it happens, it happens,” Edwards told NBA TV after the game. “I’m not somebody like ‘oh I’m trying to be the face of the league,’ but if it happens, it happens."

Edwards did not shy away when pointing out that some of the NBA's best players saw minimal action on Sunday.

"No shade towards Luka (Doncic) and (Nikola) Jokić, but like they are two of the best players in the league, they’re not trying to play in the All-Star Game," Edwards said during an interview on NBA TV.

ALL-STAR GAME WINNERS AND LOSERS: US vs World format is an upgrade

Nikola Jokić saw limited action, playing just over five minutes during the first game, collecting two defensive rebounds and shooting 0-for-1 from the field. He had not been listed on the Denver Nuggets’ injury report but was diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee injury in December that caused him to miss 16 games.

Luka Doncic also played just over five minutes for Team World, shooting 1-of-3 from the field (0-for-2 from the 3-point line) with two assists. Doncic suffered a left hamstring strain on Feb. 5 and missed four consecutive games for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) did not play for Team World due to injuries.

Anthony Edwards career stats

Anthony Edwards has averaged 24.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in 427 NBA games played.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anthony Edwards strengthens case as face of NBA at All-Star Game

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Curry announces return to 3PT Contest at All-Star weekend ‘27

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Team USA Stripes looks on before the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

You ever watch someone do something so well, for so long, that you forget they’re mortal? That’s Stephen Curry with a basketball in his hands at the three-point line.

And now, sitting on the sidelines at All-Star Weekend 2026 with a bum knee, he casually dropped a bombshell during his NBC interview: he’s coming back to the 3-point contest in Phoenix next year. Oh, and he wants Klay Thompson and Damian Lillard there with him.

Curry’s relationship with the three-point contest has always been fun. He won it in 2015 with a then-record 27 points in the final round, draining 13 straight shots like he was playing warmups at an empty Oracle Arena. The next year, Klay beat him in Toronto with 27 of his own, matching Steph’s record in the ultimate Splash Brothers showdown. Then Curry came back in 2021, dropped a ridiculous 31 in the first round, and won the whole thing on his final shot. Drama. Theater. Pure Steph.

This isn’t new for Steph. The three-point contest isn’t just some side show he decided to enter for fun. It’s in his blood, woven into the fabric of who he is as a player and as a person. Picture this: 1994 NBA All-Star Weekend in Minneapolis. A six-year-old Stephen Curry, sitting courtside with his brother Seth, watching their father Dell Curry compete in the three-point shootout. Dell didn’t win that night, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is the image seared into young Steph’s brain: his dad, under the bright lights, shooting for glory in front of the world. The racks lined up, crowd buzzing, and the crisp swish of the net. That’s where the dream got planted.

But here’s the thing: Curry hasn’t touched that contest since Atlanta five years ago. And in those five years, he’s continued to rewrite the record books, continued to make shots that shouldn’t exist, continued to prove that he didn’t just change the game, he is the game now. The man is 37 years old, shooting 39.1% from three this season, and he’s still the most dangerous shooter who’s ever lived. Damian Lillard just won his third contest this past weekend, joining elite company. Curry could join that club too with one more win in Phoenix.

Think about what that would mean. Three 3-point contest titles. The all-time leader in made threes. Eight scoring titles from beyond the arc. A legacy built on redefining what’s possible from 30 feet. And he’s doing it because he watched Dame win and thought, “Yeah, I’m not done yet.”That’s hunger. That’s pride. That’s the kind of competitive fire that made him who he is.

And wanting Klay there? That’s poetry. The Splash Brothers, back where they belong, competing for a crown that they’ve owned more than any other duo in NBA history. The Warriors are the only team ever to have different players win the contest in back-to-back years. Steph in 2015, Klay in 2016. They made that event theirs. Bringing that energy back to Phoenix, with everything they’ve been through, with everything the Warriors have been through? That’s not just nostalgia. That’s a statement.

Curry was sitting there in street clothes, injured, unable to play in the All-Star Game he was voted into as a starter, and he’s already thinking about next year. Already plotting his return: imagining the racks, the money balls, the roar of the crowd when he gets hot. You think he’s washed? You think his time is up? He’s about to remind everyone exactly who he is.

Phoenix 2027. The Chef’s coming back to cook.

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Purple Row After Dark: Which non-roster invite has the best chance of making the Rockies?

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 01: Nicky Lopez #12 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on May 1, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

When the Colorado Rockies released their list of spring training invitees, it included 19 non-roster invitees.

President of baseball operations Paul DePodesta has been clear that the Rockies are looking for athleticism and versatility in position players and a developed arsenal in pitchers.

So, Purple Row Night Owls, here’s tonight’s question: Which non-roster invitee (invitees?) is (are?) most likely to break camp with the Rockies?

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

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2026 NBA All-Star Game, All-Star Weekend grades: Team USA vs World format gets A+

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The biggest winners at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game was not Anthony Edwards or the young USA Stars team.

It was the fans.

For the first time in too long, we got a competitive All-Star Game with defense, real shot making and the kind of effort and energy everyone has been craving.

Let's hand out some grades from the All-Star Game and All-Star Weekend.

USA vs. World Format: A+

It's this simple: It worked because the players bought in.

"I think it was definitely a step up in the competitive department compared to last season," Kevin Durant said.

"I liked it," Wembanyama said. "I wouldn't be against this format in the future, and I wouldn't be against the regular East versus West either."

"I thought it was good, but I still think going back to East-West will be great," Kawhi Leonard said. "I think guys will compete still."
In the end, that is the key question going forward. Let's be honest: Because the USA vs. World format worked this year doesn't mean it will work in future years.

"We wanted to play hard," Tyrese Maxey said. "It doesn't matter what the format was, I came in, I'm going to play some defense. I'll score when I can, but I want to play hard, bring energy, get some steals, and have fun."

The last time the NBA had a competitive All-Star Game was in 2020, the year they switched to the target score system for the fourth quarter, but when that format returned the next year it was a dud. The same thing could happen here with USA vs. the World. The league could tweak some things (10-minute games?), but there are no guarantees the players will continue to care and play with passion again.

This year, however, the new format passed with flying colors.

Championship Game: D

After three great games — the Edwards vs. Wembanyama duel that went to overtime in the first game; Edwards tying the game and then De'Aaron Fox winning it in the second; then Leonard going off for 31 in the third — the last game flopped.

The veterans came out cold, the youngsters were hot and it was 12-1 in the blink of an eye. Soon, the bad defense and jacked-up 3-pointers returned, reminding us of the bad old days. It was just one blip in an otherwise entertaining night, but it sucks to have such a high of a night end on a flat note.

Kawhi Leonard: A

Kawhi Leonard was so good that he got MVP votes even though his team lost.

"It was great. Happy that Adam (Silver) let me in,” Leonard said of the All-Star experience in his home arena, where he was added after the initial vote. "That's what the home crowd wanted to see. I'm glad I was able to do something in that game."

Leonard has played as anyone in the NBA since Dec. 1, and for the season is averaging 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, shooting 38.3% from 3-point range. He blew those numbers away in just 12 minutes in one game.

The die-hard Clippers fans on The Wall at Intuit loved it.

Anthony Edwards: A

On Saturday, when asked how competitive the All-Star Game would be, Edwards said, "It is what it is."

On Sunday it was more than that, and Edwards credited Victor Wembanyama for changing the tone of the game.

"He set the tone, and it was definitely competitive with all three teams, I feel like," Edwards said. "I feel like the old heads played hard, too. They were playing real good defense."

All of that brought out Edwards' intensity, and he was the best player on the court in each of the three games he played — which is why he got to hoist the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP Trophy.

You know you're having a good night when 2 Chainz wants to hang with you postgame.

World Team: Incomplete

Victor Wembanyama was brilliant. Nikola Jokic was not. But the reality is, we did not see the lineups we all wanted because Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) were injured, and Luka Dončić played five minutes in the first game and none in the second (Jokic also sat out the second World game). If this format returns, hopefully we get a full world squad and we can see what that looks like.

Damian Lillard: A

The highlight of All-Star Saturday night was Damian Lillard not just returning to the court — he's been out all season recovering from a torn Achilles — but then winning the 3-Point Contest, which is always the highlight of All-Star Saturday night.

Lillard is one of the game's biggest stars and one of its best people. Seeing him in the Portland uniform again and knocking down 3-pointers again just felt heartwarming

Dunk Contest: C-

There are people who will think this grade is too high. Maybe, I have always thought that the dunk contest plays better in person than on television. So maybe my bias shows through a little.

I would describe the 2026 Dunk Contest as "meh." Or, mid if you prefer.

And that is with all due respect to Keshad Johnson, who danced his way to the win and did his best to put some spark in the event.

John Tesh: A

I'll be honest, when NBC announced that John Tesh was going to play "Roundball Rock" — the famed score he wrote as the intro to the NBA on NBC, a song linked to Michael Jordan and the NBA glory days of 30 years ago — I cringed a little. I didn't think this would work.

I was wrong. John Tesh rocks.

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Johnson scores 24 to guide Bradley to 70-60 victory over Southern Illinois

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Jaquan Johnson scored 24 points to lead Bradley to a 70-60 victory over Southern Illinois on Sunday.

Johnson made 9 of 18 shots with two 3-pointers for the Braves (18-9, 11-5 Missouri Valley Conference), adding seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Alex Huibregtse hit four 3-pointers and scored 14.

Quel'Ron House finished with 26 points to pace the Salukis (12-15, 6-10). Davion Sykes added 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.

Johnson had seven points in the first half as the two teams played to a 28-all tie. Johnson had 17 points after halftime and Huibregtse added 11 to rally the Braves to the victory.

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Celtics’ Jaylen Brown eyeing post-basketball MMA career — and has already ‘talked to some people’

Jaylen Brown dribbling the ball against Anthony Edwards during the 75th NBA All-Star Game.
Jaylen Brown drives to the basket during the Celtics' Feb. 15 game.

Jaylen Brown is in the middle of the prime of his career, but the five-time NBA All-Star is already planning ahead for his post-basketball career in a differrent sport.

And where could that take him?

Apparently, to the octagon, Brown told reporters at NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. 

Brown said that he has even talked to UFC CEO Dana White about the idea. 

Jaylen Brown drives to the basket during the Celtics’ Feb. 15 game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I’ve toyed with this. I’ve talked to some people,” said Brown, who has training in Muay Thai. “Maybe the post part of my career, I would love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing. I’ve talked to Dana White about some stuff. But we’ll see as things go on. We’ll see.”

Considering that Brown is 29 years old and still has plenty of basketball left in him, those UFC dreams are likely a ways off. 

The Celtics are currently the second-best team in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break and Brown has been on a tear this season. 

With 23.9 points per game this season, Brown sits tied for third best in the league among offensive leaders, while also averaging 6.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season. 

Brown was named the 2024 NBA Finals MVP when the Celtics defeated the Mavericks in five games. 

The NBA has not been immune to some scuffles or physical play on the court, which has given Brown the chance to put a little of his combat training into use. 

Jaylen Brown looks to drive to the basket during the Celtics’ Feb. 8 game. AP

“It’s kind of exciting when you get in the moment to have a little bit of controversy,” Brown said. “Sometimes it’s not even that big of a deal, but we’ve got emotional dudes, we’ve got passionate dudes about this game. Some of that stuff is going to happen. You get in between the margins, you’re throwing ‘bows. That stuff, that’s a part of the game to some degree.”

Brown was throwing a different kind of jab over the weekend — a verbal one — at the city of Beverly Hills after cops there shut down an event he was hosting during All-Star weekend.

Brown took to social media to blast the department, calling Beverly Hills “trash” and saying, “people worked hard for this how dare y’all.”

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No. 17 TCU women grab top spot in Big 12 Conference after beating No. 19 West Virginia 59-50

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Marta Suarez and Clara Silva both finished with 14 points to help No. 17 TCU beat No. 19 West Virginia 59-50 on Sunday night and take over the top spot in the Big 12 Conference.

TCU (23-4, 11-3), which won the regular-season and conference tournament titles last season, is tied with No. 12 Baylor, but the Horned Frogs have the tiebreaker advantage after beating the Bears 83-67 before taking care of the Mountaineers. Baylor visits TCU to close out the regular season on March 1.

TCU has won 40 straight games at Schollmaier Arena, tying No. 4 Texas for the longest active streak. West Virginia was the last team to win there, beating the Frogs 77-52 two years ago.

Suarez made 6 of 10 shots with two 3-pointers and Silva sank 7 of 12 shots with eight rebounds and two blocks. Olivia Miles pitched in with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Taylor Bigby added 10 points and four assists as the starters did all the scoring.

Gia Cooke had 18 points to top the Mountaineers (21-6, 11-4), who lost 51-50 to TCU at home in January. Sydney Shaw hit three 3-pointers and scored 12. West Virginia had won four straight and seven of eight entering play.

Cooke and Shaw sank back-to-back 3-pointers and West Virginia used an 8-0 run over the final three minutes of the first quarter to take a 14-11 lead.

Cooke had nine points by halftime and the Mountaineers again outscored the Horned Frogs 14-11 for a six-point lead.

TCU made only 1 of 8 from distance in the first half, but Hunter hit two 3-pointers in the first five minutes of the third quarter and Suarez and Bigby both sank one in a 20-2 run that put the Horned Frogs ahead 42-30. TCU made its first nine shots in the period to build a 46-39 lead heading to the fourth.

The Mountaineers cut the dificit to six on four occasions over the final 10 minutes but got no closer.

Up next

TCU: At Houston on Wednesday.

West Virginia: Hosts Oklahoma State on Saturday.

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NBA All-Star Game winners and losers: US vs World format is an upgrade

INGLEWOOD, CA — The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is officially a wrap.

An entertaining showcase on Sunday, Feb. 15 resulted in a victory for Team Stars — a squad composed of mostly younger U.S.-born players — reinvigorated the event, which has faced repeated criticism over a lack of competitive play.

In the All-Star Game championship, Team Stars defeated Team Stripes, which mostly featured a collection of more experienced veterans like LeBron James of the Lakers, Kevin Durant of the Rockets and Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards won the Kobe Bryant Trophy, given to the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player.

Here are the winners and losers from the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

WINNERS

The new format

It wasn’t perfect, but the “U.S. vs. World” format the NBA deployed for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game was a marked improvement over previous iterations of the event. Several players said after the game that it increased motivation and incentive and it helped inject competition into an event that had desperately lacked it.

In essence, the four, 12-minute games converted each contest into its own fourth quarter, ramping up the drama, particularly inside the final minutes. The first three games were decided on the last shot, with two game-winners. The first game went into overtime.

Yet, while the format does deserve ample credit, the real champions were the players who invested their competitive energy into the exhibition.

Anthony Edwards

During All-Star media day on Saturday, Feb. 14, Edwards had more or less shrugged when asked about the lack of competitive behavior in NBA All-Star Games. Apparently, all it took was seeing a fellow future face of the league, Victor Wembanyama, going hard for him to ramp it up.

Edwards scored 32 points across the three games he played and won his first career All-Star Most Valuable Player award.

Victor Wembanyama

He was on the losing side, with Team World being eliminated before the championship game, but Wembanyama was widely seen as the catalyst to inspire more invested, competitive play. That became obvious from the start, as Wembanyama won the tip-off and then slashed to the basket, sealing off Cade Cunningham (Team Stars) for a quick dunk six seconds into the event. It generated instant attention.

“He set the tone, man, and it woke me up,” Edwards told reporters after the game. “For sure.”

Wembanyama played extremely well, scoring 33 points on 10-of-13 shooting across two games. He was also visibly upset after Team World lost the first game of the night in overtime, indicating that the league — and All-Star — is in good hands with him as a leader.

Kawhi Leonard

Playing in front of his home fans, Leonard popped off for Team Stripes in Game 3, scoring 31 of the team’s 48 points in the game — or 64.6%. Leonard drew MVP chants from the crowd and at one point scored 11 consecutive points, willing his team to win. The game-winning, stepback 3 over Karl-Anthony Towns represented his greatness in the game.

Think of it this way: scoring 31 points in an NBA game is elite. Doing it in what’s essentially a 12-minute quarter, against the world’s best players, is a singular achievement.

Adam Silver

As Silver, the NBA commissioner, has taken criticism recently over his handling of several off-court scandals and his management of the NBA All-Star Game, having the jewel of the weekend succeed is a massively positive step.

There is still work to be done, especially with the Slam Dunk Contest, but there were plenty of fans wondering if the NBA should do away entirely with the All-Star Game. If this is what fans will get, however, the move should be to continue to refine and improve the product.

“Oh, most definitely,” 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, a member of Team Stars, told reporters when asked if the format could set the tone for future All-Star Games. “I think if you have these same type of guys in it, these guys compete.”

LOSERS

Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić

They are two of the biggest stars in basketball, but they were the lone available players for Team World to record DNP (did-not-play) designations. Granted, both players have been dealing with injury concerns so it made sense to be cautious. But they are also notorious for loafing through All-Star Games. More than anything, however, having two players on a nine-player team sit out put an unfair burden on the Team World stars who were available.

Team Stripes runs out of gas

In what was a compelling matchup of younger domestic stars versus grizzled veterans, it was the uncs and old heads who ran out of steam. Team Stripes went brutally cold in the championship game, missing its first 8 shot attempts of the contest before starting just 3-of-16 (18.8%).

It probably didn’t help that Team Stripes had to play consecutive games with little rest.

“Yeah, we can make that excuse,” Durant joked after the game. “We can go ahead and make that excuse.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA All-Star Game 2026: New format, Edwards MVP, winners, losers

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Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki channels new arsenal in quest to solidify rotation spot

Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki

PHOENIX — No translation was required for Hyeseong Kim’s appraisal of Roki Sasaki’s new slider.

“Good,” Kim said in English.

Good enough for the Korean infielder to swing at the pitch and miss in a live batting practice session against Sasaki on Saturday.

Roki Sasaki participates in a throwing drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch. Getty Images

Project Roki is underway at Camelback Ranch, the ninth-inning sensation of the Dodgers’ most recent World Series run working to solidify a place in the team’s rotation.

Sasaki is armed with two weapons that made him a dominant pitcher in Japan, as well as the country’s most anticipated baseball export since Shohei Ohtani: a 100-mph fastball and Wiffle-ball-like forkball. 

Last year, more than 83% of pitches he threw were either fastballs or forkballs. Finding success as a major league starter will be borderline impossible with just two effective pitches, which is why the 24-year-old Sasaki is attempting to incorporate into his arsenal a slider or cutter, or maybe both. 

Sasaki said he junked the slower variation of the slider he threw last season, which was not only hittable but also contributed to shoulder problems that sidelined him for four months. He is now experimenting with a faster version of the pitch he threw earlier in his career in Japan, with a spiral spin.

“I thought the slider I threw last year wasn’t very good,” Sasaki said in Japanese. “In reality, the results weren’t very good, either.”

Before he was placed on the injured list last year, Sasaki made eight starts in which he posted a 4.72 ERA.

The swing-and-miss by Kim on Saturday was a positive sign, but Sasaki said he still doesn’t have a clear vision for a pitch that will move away from right-handed hitters, whether it will be a slider or a cutter or something in between. Sasaki said he also plans to mix in a two-seamer.

By adding a slider or cutter and a two-seamer that travels in the opposite direction, Sasaki said, “I think it will bring my fastball and forkball to life.”

Said Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes: “If he’s executing the fastball and split the way he’s capable of, with what he’s done in the past, it’s an amazing foundation. Anything on top of that is just going to make things more challenging for opposing hitters.”

Sasaki downplayed the magnitude of the changes he’s making, saying he started working on the new pitches last year. Whatever he ends up adding to his pitch mix, comfort will be a major priority.

“As much as possible, I don’t want it to affect my current pitching motion,” he said.

Roki Sasaki walks on the field during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch. Getty Images

Sasaki showed why that was important to him as he pitched to Kim and minor-league catcher Seby Zavala. His fastball touched 98.6 mph.

Reflecting on his first season with the Dodgers last year, Sasaki said, “It wasn’t so much about coming to the major leagues and more about me stumbling.”

He believes that once he starts competing at this level without any physical impairments, he should be able to see the problems he has to remedy in order to excel.

“My goal is to continue pitching so that I can see those challenges,” Sasaki said.

Returning in the final week of the regular season as a reliever and enjoying success as a closer in the playoffs last year was helpful, Sasaki said.

“Rather than finish at the end of the spring (when I was placed on the injured list), it was obviously better to finish in a good way in the postseason,” he said. “It’s now easier to imagine something good. I was able to see something good, so in that sense, I think I’m able to pitch a little more relaxed.”

Roki Sasaki reacts to an out at first thrown by Mookie Betts against the Milwaukee Brewers. Getty Images

Sasaki is also drawing inspiration from a visit he made in the winter.

Back in Japan in December, Sasaki held a baseball clinic for 170 elementary school students in the coastal town of Suzu, which was devastated by an earthquake in 2024. He said he reached out to the city in the middle of last season to make arrangements. He ran with the children, watched them play catch and answered their questions. Before they left, he handed each of them an autographed baseball.

Sasaki could relate to the children, as his own life was shaped by a major earthquake. When he was 9, his childhood home in Rikuzentakata was swept into the ocean by a tsunami. He lost his father and a set of grandparents in the disaster.

“That was my first time participating in a baseball clinic,” Sasaki said. “It’s an experience you don’t usually have. I received different kinds of strength from the children.”

He’s now channeling that into a new arsenal, a new season and potentially a new identity as a pitcher.

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Sayvia Sellers scores 17 to lead No. 25 Washington women over Oregon 51-43

SEATTLE (AP) — Sayvia Sellers scored 17 points to help No. 25 Washington beat Oregon 51-43 on Sunday night.

Sellers made 6 of 16 shots with three 3-pointers for the Huskies (19-7, 9-6 Big Ten Conference). Avery Howell pitched in with nine points and nine rebounds.

Sarah Rambus scored 12 off the bench on 5-for-7 shooting to pace the Ducks (18-9, 6-8), who have lost two straight following a four-game winning streak.

Sellers hit two 3-pointers and scored eight in the first five minutes as Washington jumped out to a 13-1 lead. Sellers added another 3-pointer and the Huskies led 22-9 after one quarter.

Mia Jacobs' three-point play capped a 15-0 run for Oregon and the Ducks rallied to take a 28-27 into halftime. Washington did not score after Elle Ladine sank a jumper to give the Huskies a 14-point lead with 8:29 left in the quarter.

Howell and Sellers had back-to-back baskets to begin the second half and Washington moved back in front. The lead changed hands three times before Sellers and Howell had the final two baskets of the quarter for a 37-34 advantage.

Freshman Brynn McGaughy had a three-point play to begin the final period for a six-point lead and the Huskies stayed in front from there. Sarah Rambus scored in the paint to cut the deficit to two before the Ducks went scoreless over the final 3:47.

Washington shot 38.3% overall and made 6 of 19 from beyond the arc. Oregon shot 30.9% overall and missed 9 of 10 from distance.

Up next

Oregon: Hosts Nebraska on Thursday.

Washington: At No. 2 UCLA on Thursday.

___

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Barack, Michelle Obama headline celebrity-filled 2026 NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome

Michelle and Barack Obama watching the 75th NBA All-Star Game.
Michelle and Barack Obama watching the 75th NBA All-Star Game.

The basketball was elite. The building was electric. But before a single jumper fell inside the $2 billion palace known as Intuit Dome, the loudest roar of the day belonged to two people who weren’t in uniform.

When Barack Obama and Michelle Obama appeared on the video board before tipoff of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the crowd cheered and applauded. Not polite applause. Not celebrity courtesy claps. A full-throated ovation that reminded everyone this league has always been bigger than basketball.

The Obamas, seated next to Hall of Famer Julius Erving, felt like the center of a night built on spectacle. During an NBC interview with Reggie Miller, the former president addressed the elephant that has hovered over All-Star Weekend in recent years — effort. “Anytime you get Americans vs. International, they want to bring it,” he said. And for once, he was right. The pride between all three teams was palpable.

Michelle and Barack Obama watching the 75th NBA All-Star Game. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat a few rows away, British royalty meeting hardwood royalty.

The NBA legends were everywhere. Magic Johnson. Allen Iverson. Oscar Robertson. Pau Gasol. Dwyane Wade. Vince Carter. Tracy McGrady. Carmelo Anthony. The past and present colliding under one roof as current stars like Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Damian Lillard soaked in the moment.

Magic Johnson on the red carpet before the 75th NBA All Star Game. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Even the entertainment world felt courtside-ready: Jennifer Hudson, Ludacris, Glorilla, Tyla, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Anthony Anderson, Shaboozey, Charlie Puth, Gayle King, Kelly Rowland, Keegan Michael Key, Teyana Taylor, John Tesh, 2 Chainz, Sterling K. Brown, Queen Latifah, Simu Liu, Spike Lee and Vin Diesel turned the sideline into a living mood board of American pop culture.

Teyana Taylor, Queen Latifah, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are seen attending the 75th NBA All-Star Game. Getty Images

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Rams head coach Sean McVay was there with his wife, as were other NFL stars like Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and former Chargers WR Keenan Allen.

That’s the thing about the NBA All-Star Game. It isn’t just a basketball exhibition. It’s a census of influence. Music, politics, fashion, film, sport — all orbiting around a leather ball and a hardwood stage in Inglewood.

California Post Senior Sports Reporter Edward Lewis contributed to this story.