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Wild back Gustavsson with a 2nd-period burst in a 4-2 victory over the Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Filip Gustavsson made 30 saves and the Minnesota Wild scored three goals in a 3:07 span in the second period in a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night.

Third in the Central Division, Minnesota improved to 3-2 since the Olympic break. Vegas is second in the Pacific Division.

Mats Zuccarello opened the second-period scoring spree at 5:18 on a wrist shot. Zach Bogosian followed with a slap shot at 8:07, and newcomer Michael McCarron had a tip-in at 8:25. Vladimir Tarasenko scored with 4:18 left in the third, with McCarron assisting in his Wild debut.

Pavel Dorofeyev and Mitch Marner had third-period goals for Vegas, and Akira Schmid stopped 20 shots. Dorofeyev scored his 30th of the season, ending Gustavsson's shutout bid with a power-play goal at 2:17.

Robby Fabbri and Bobby Brink also made their Wild debuts following trades. Minnesota also acquired Nick Foligno from Chicago at the trade deadline. He'll join younger brother Marcus with the Wild.

Nic Dowd and Cole Smith made their Vegas debuts. Dowd came over Friday from Washington. The Golden Knights placed forward Mark Stone on injured reserve Thursday because of an upper-body injury.

Up next

Wild: At Colorado on Sunday.

Golden Knights: Host Edmonton on Sunday night.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Mets’ Sean Manaea not bothered by velocity drop in spring start: ‘I feel healthy’

New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) walks off the field against the Miami Marlins after the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) walks off the field against the Miami Marlins after the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

JUPITER, Fla. — After a year marred first by an oblique strain suffered in spring training and an elbow issue in July, it was somewhat eye-opening to see Sean Manaea’s velocity drop by more than 3 mph from last year on both his four-seam fastball and his sinker in his opening Grapefruit League start Friday against the Marlins. 

The lefty, though, said he was unconcerned by the dip in the numbers, noting the “weird mound” at Roger Dean Stadium, as well as it being his first start of the spring against an opposing team. 

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“Some pitches need a little work, but I feel healthy and for the most part I was throwing strikes,’’ Manaea said of his three-inning outing in which he allowed just one hit, a homer by Connor Norby in the bottom of the first. He threw 33 pitches, just 19 for strikes. 

Manaea said he was pleased with his changeup and cutter. 

Carlos Mendoza also liked the cutter, noting it broke in against right-handers and had movement. 

Of the decreased velocity, Mendoza said, “I’m not gonna make too much of the first one. He says he feels really good physically.’’ 

As for his arm slot, which the Mets believed may have gotten too low last season, Manaea said he’s looking to get a bit higher, although not over the top. 

New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) walks off the field against the Miami Marlins after the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

More than anything, though, Manaea wants to avoid the IL. 

“I think I’m good,” he said. “I feel healthy. I feel strong.” 

It’s a long way from the east coast of Florida to the cauldron of New York, but Devin Williams has so far looked more like the lockdown closer he was for the Brewers in his early days with the Mets than he did a year ago with the Yankees. 

He struck out three in an inning earlier in the week and tossed another scoreless inning Friday. 

“He’s pretty elite,’’ Mendoza said. “Players at some point…are gonna go through tough stretches. For him, it wasn’t easy out of the gate [with the Yankees] and you know how that can be, especially here in New York. But he figured it out and he’s been that guy.” 

The Mets are counting on Williams being that again this season in the wake of Edwin Díaz’s departure to the Dodgers, leaving Williams as the clear choice to finish games. 

“We’ve just got to keep him healthy,” Mendoza said. “I like the fact he’s working on that slider. Maybe that will be a different look for hitters and get them off the fastball and changeup.” 

As for closing out games during the regular season, the manager said of Williams, “He’s been in that position and we’re counting on him.” 

Robert Stock, who impressed during his first Grapefruit League appearance for the Mets, has been shut down with a shoulder injury, Mendoza said Friday. 

The right-hander tossed three scoreless innings against Houston on Feb. 26 before experiencing discomfort following his outing with Team Israel in the WBC. 

Mendoza said the 36-year-old Stock, signed to a minor league deal for pitching depth, will be sidelined for the rest of the tournament as the Mets determine the severity of the injury. He underwent an MRI on Friday… Freddy Peralta is scheduled to start for the Mets on Sunday… Right-hander Dylan Ross was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. 

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Celtics’ Jayson Tatum returns from Achilles tear with double-double: ‘This is a huge step’

Jayson Tatum drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jayson Tatum drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jayson Tatum got off to a 0-for-6 start in his return from a torn Achilles.

But he then drilled his next five shots and finished with 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting with 12 rebounds and seven assists in the Celtics’ 120-100 win over the Mavericks on Friday.

Tatum, who was off the court for 298 days following the torn Achilles suffered at Madison Square Garden in Game 4 of the Knicks-Celtics Eastern Conference semifinals, scored his first points on a put-back dunk.

The jam came on a missed 3 from Payton Pritchard with 1:16 to go in the second quarter, where Tatum — one of the best rebounding forwards of this era — easily boxed out Rookie of the Year contender Cooper Flagg to position himself for the two-handed slam to give the Celtics a 52-51 lead shortly before halftime.

“This is a huge step. I’ve still got a long ways to go,” Tatum told reporters after the game.

Jayson Tatum recorded a 15-12-7 stat line in his return following a torn Achilles last May. Getty Images

Tatum joins the Celtics as the team moves to 42-21, maintaining the second spot in the Eastern Conference, temporarily holding off the Knicks, who won 142-103 over the Nuggets on Friday night, improving to 40-23.

Tatum started and was a plus-20 in his 27 minutes, logging the fourth-highest total on his team during his return.

“Nights and days I dreamed about this moment,” Tatum said, according to NBA.com. “It’s been 42 1/2 weeks since I played in an NBA game. Just trying catch up on the speed … but the game started slowing down.”

Jayson Tatum drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NBAE via Getty Images

Jaylen Brown, who has carried much of the offensive mantle in Tatum’s absence, paced the team with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Flagg was held to just 16 points on just 7-of-23 shooting, adding eight boards and six dimes in the Dallas loss.

Boston will play the Cavaliers in an afternoon tip-off Sunday at 1 p.m.

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Latest on Yankees in World Baseball Classic: David Bednar escapes, Austin Wells doubles, Aaron Judge robs in semis

Here are the latest updates on Yankees who are playing in the World Baseball Classic...

 

March 15

USA vs. Dominican Republic

The United States advanced to Tuesday night's World Baseball Classic title game with a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic that saw a trio of Yanks perform well.

Aaron Judge cracked a single in his first at-bat, but finished 1-for-4 with two strikeouts at the plate. But he was involved in the two biggest plays on defense on the night. First in the bottom of the third, the reigning AL MVP gunned down Fernando Tatis Jr. at third base to end the inning with a perfect throw. 

Then, in the top of the 5th, Judge cranked a ball deep to center (109.9 mph off the bat), but Julio Rodriguez made a leaping grab to rob him of a homer for a 407-foot out that would have been gone in 14 of 30 big-league parks. (But not Yankee Stadium.)

Reliever David Bednar put himself into and out of trouble during the seventh inning as he tried to protect the Americans' 2-1 lead. After getting the first out, there was a bit of Yankee-on-Yankee crime as Austin Wells ribbed a double to right on a ball that got over Judge's head. Geraldo Perdomo followed with a single to left, but Wells was held at third base.

Perdomo would steal second a few pitches later, but Bednar kept the US ahead, getting Tatis to swing through three splitters all below the zone and winning a five-pitch battle with Ketel Marte whiffing at a 1-2 curveball in the dirt.

The double was Wells' only hit, as he finished his WBC by going 1-for-3 with a strikeout.

March 14

Puerto Rico vs. Italy

Fernando Cruz continued his scoreless streak in the WBC with 1.1 more shutout innings against Team Italy which included two strikeouts. 

Cruz entered in the fourth inning with Team Puerto Rico down 8-2 following a two-run ground-rule double by J.J. D'Orazio that capped a four-run inning. The right-hander immediately put out the fire by striking out Dante Nori to end the frame and went back out for the fifth where he had a 1-2-3 inning.

With Puerto Rico getting bounced from the tournament after an 8-6 loss, Cruz ended his WBC with 2.2 scoreless innings across three appearances. 

Before joining Puerto Rico, Cruz had not allowed a run in three games with the Yankees meaning the right-hander has yet to be scored upon this spring.

March 13

USA vs. Canada

Aaron Judge went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk in Team USA's quarterfinal game against Canada. While that was impressive, Yankees closer David Bednar had the performance of the night, thanks to escaping a jam in the seventh.

With Team USA holding on to a 5-3 lead, Bednar allowed two singles with no outs. Catcher Cal Raleigh allowed a ball to get past him to set Canada up with runners on second and third and still no one out. Bednar bounced back to get Josh Naylor to pop out, Tyler O'Neil to strike out and to get outfield prospect Owen Caissie to strike out swinging on the ninth pitch of the at-bat.

Bednar preserved the USA's lead as they will now go on to face the Dominican Republic on Sunday in the semifinals.

Korea vs. Dominican Republic

Austin Wells didn't get the start in Friday's quarterfinal game -- the Marlins' Agustin Ramirez got the nod -- but the Yankees backstop made his presence known. In his lone at-bat, Team DR was up 7-0. With runners on first and third and two outs, Wells ambushed the first pitch he saw and deposited a three-run shot over the right-field wall.

Per the WBC's mercy rule, Team DR was up by 10 after seven innings, giving the team the victory. 

The Dominican Republic will now face Team USA in the semifinals.

March 11

Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela

Team DR beat Venezuela on Wednesday to finish undefeated in pool play, and secure the top spot in Pool D. 

Austin Wells reached three times on the night and scored one of the team's seven runs. 

He drew a walk ahead of a Fernando Tatis Jr. homer in the fourth, singled up the middle in the sixth, then walked again on six pitches with two outs in the eighth.

Wells is hitting just .162 for the tourney, but this was arguably his best showing. 

Fellow Yankee Camilo Doval also played a part, as he struck out one and needed just 12 pitches to work through a perfect bottom of the eighth.

Team DR will now face Korea on Friday night in the quarterfinals. 

March 10

Italy vs. USA

The Yankees had plenty of representation in this game, and they all played a part in Team USA's near-comeback on Tuesday night.

Once down 8-0, Team USA stormed back to cut Italy's lead to 8-6 in the ninth inning. Aaron Judge came up as the tying run with two outs, but struck out swinging on a 1-2 changeup low and out of the zone from Greg Weissert, to finish the miraculous win by Italy. 

Judge finished 0-for-4 with a walk. 

Yankees closer David Bednar appeared in the eighth with the USA down 8-4 and helped keep Italy off the board. The right-hander struck out two batters, but his most impressive display was getting out of a bases-loaded jam after allowing two hits and hitting a batter without allowing a run.

Paul Goldschmidt got his first start of the WBC, and the former MVP went 1-for-3 with a run scored. 

Ryan Yarbrough took over for Mets rookie Nolan McLean in the fourth inning. The southpaw struggled, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and one walk while striking out two batters.

March 9

Mexico vs. USA

Aaron Judgeshowed off his arm and then hit a two-run home run to put the Americans ahead during a five-run third inning that accounted for all of USA's runs in a 5-3 win over Mexico on Monday night in Houston. The Yankee captain finished the game 2-for-3 with two walks and two RBI.

Brazil vs Great Britain

Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s run with the British came to a close on Monday, but not after the Yankee infielder went 2-for-5 with three RBI in an 8-1 win over Brazil. Brendan Beck, the No. 22 prospect in the Yanks' system, got the start and, despite walking two, the right-hander delivered four scoreless innings on 53 pitches (31 strikes) with four strikeouts.

Colombia vs. Panama

Jose Caballero hit the ball hard all five times he came up to bat, but only came away with two hits. Fortunately for the infielder, one of those hard hits was a 370-foot home run (106.2 mph exit velocity) and the other a 97.6 mph single. Unfortunately for him, Panama fell 4-3 despite him going 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Cuba vs. Puerto Rico

Fernando Cruz allowed a walk, but struck out two during a scoreless eighth inning of work in Puerto Rico's 4-1 win. Cruz got four whiffs on five swings and needed just 18 pitches (seven strikes) for the clean inning. Elmer Rodriguez, who was sent down to minor league camp on Monday, but in his starter he allowed one hit and three walks while striking out three over three scoreless innings and was the game's winning pitcher. He threw 50 pitches (21 strikes).

Dominican Republic vs. Israel

Amed Rosario went hitless in his lone at-bat after entering the game off the bench in a 10-1 win.

March 7

Panama vs. Puerto Rico

Jose Caballero was on the doorstep of being his country's hero on Saturday. In the 10th inning of their game with Puerto Rico, Caballero lined a single up the middle to give Panama a 3-2 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Caballero made a sensational double play to get two outs, but Puerto Rico tied the game and eventually won it a hitter later on a Darell Hernaiz walk-off homer.

Caballero finished 1-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout.

USA vs. Great Britain

Aaron Judge didn't have the night he did the day before, but he was still effective, driving home a run on a single to left field in Team USA's three-run sixth inning. The Yankees and Team USA captain finished 1-for-5 with a strikeout.

Yankees closer David Bednar made an appearance, striking out two in a 1-2-3 seventh inning.

On the other side, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is still looking for his first WBC hit after a rough 0-for-4 performance with four strikeouts for the golden sombrero.

 

March 6

USA vs. Brazil

Aaron Judge got the night started for Team USA with a two-run shot in his first-ever WBC at-bat. The captain finished 1-for-4 with two walks and three runs scored, but he could have done a lot more damage. In his second at-bat, Judge had his bat sawed off by 17-year-old Joseph Contreras -- son of former Yankees pitcher Jose Contreras -- to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.

Despite that missed opportunity, Team USA went on to win 15-5 over Brazil.

Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua

Yankees reliever Camilo Doval pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning to pick up the hold in DR's 12-3 win. Yankees catcher Austin Wells went 0-for-5 with a strikeout for DR, while Amed Rosario came in to pinch-run and play third base in the later innings.

Puerto Rico vs. Colombia

Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz got on out to get out of a jam in the eighth as PR went on to win 5-0.

Panama vs. Cuba

Jose Caballero went 0-for-2 with a walk in Panama's 3-1 loss

Great Britain vs. Mexico

Jazz Chisholm Jr. went 0-for-5 with a strikeout, leading off for Great Britain in the team's 8-2 loss to Mexico.

 

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Kreider scores tying goal, Killorn ends shootout in Ducks' 6-5 comeback win over Canadiens

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Chris Kreider got the tying goal with 42 seconds left in regulation and Alex Killorn scored in the sixth round of the shootout, sending the Anaheim Ducks to a 6-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night.

Kreider matched his career best with a four-point night for the Ducks, who won for the seventh time in eight games despite blowing a two-goal lead in the third period. Cutter Gauthier, who also scored in the shootout, and Leo Carlsson had a goal and an assist apiece.

Anaheim improved to 8-0 in shootouts this season despite going just 2 for 6 against Montreal, with even Mason McTavish failing to score for the first time in six tries this season.

Radko Gudas and Jackson LaCombe also scored, and Lukas Dostal stopped 23 shots in a rough performance before he came up big in the shootout. Anaheim earned its 19th comeback victory, matching Montreal for the NHL lead.

Cole Caufield scored two of Montreal’s three goals in the third period and Lane Hutson had a goal and two assists. Samuel Montembeault made 28 saves for the Habs, who have lost four of six.

Gauthier got his 32nd goal just 33 seconds after the opening faceoff, giving him seven goals in five games since the Olympic break.

Nick Suzuki answered moments later, securing the fifth consecutive 20-goal season for Montreal's captain.

After Gudas got his first goal since Nov. 19, Carlsson added his 21st goal early in the third off a 2-on-1 pass from Kreider.

But Caufield got his 36th and 37th goals of the season with Alexandre Carrier's tying goal with 8:13 left in regulation sandwiched between them.

With the Ducks in desperation mode, Kreider skillfully redirected Jacob Trouba’s shot from the point for the 21st goal of his first season with Anaheim.

Olen Zellweger committed a tripping penalty in overtime, but Anaheim killed the 4-on-3 disadvantage.

The Ducks played without new defenseman John Carlson, who flew to the West Coast on Friday after a late-night trade ended his 17 seasons with Washington. Montreal stayed pat at the trade deadline.

Up next

Canadiens: At Los Angeles on Saturday.

Ducks: Host St. Louis on Sunday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

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San Antonio vs. Los Angeles, Final Score: Spurs complete 25-point comeback in a wild finish, 116-112

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 6: Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on March 6, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The San Antonio Spurs escaped from the jaws of defeat with an epic comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. They also closed the distance further in the standings with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2.5).

A few artillery strikes uncorked the Spurs’ offense, and Devin Vassell and a few others kept the pressure on when Victor Wembanyama checked out. Yet they were mostly sloppy and the help defense was a step slow, surrendering unnecessary 3-pointers and cheap fouls.   

They subsequently had trouble running their offense at the start of the second quarter, allowing multiple pick-6s, which allowed Kawhi Leonard to find his rhythm. Wemby checked back in and despite making a few baskets, he was pressing. He was unable to close the distance and then it became a 20-point crater in Luke Kornet’s minutes going into halftime. 

The strategy in the third quarter was to feed Wemby and use him as a decoy. They later found something when De’Aaron Fox got free for a floater to cut the deficit to 19- points, forcing the Clippers to call a timeout. They kept chopping away and flipped the script by the time the fourth quarter started.

Wembanyama checked back in while they were down seven with nine minutes left and the snowball effect continued until Leonard got hot again. Then every time it seemed one like team was about to gain an edge, the other side came storming back or made a mistake. It took late heroics from Wemby, Fox, Carter Bryant and Julian Champagnie to get away.

Observations

  • This was San Antonio’s first of three games with the Clippers this season and the first time seeing them without Ivica Zubac. LAC had a few key guys out, yet still had an older shooting presence in Brook Lopez. He had a hot start that lasted until the third quarter.
  • The defense was stuck in quicksand much of the night, not pressuring drives enough and being slow to recover to the perimeter. Their performance the previous night against a top-tier team wasted lots of physical and mental energy. The Clippers have been good, and the Spurs should have been better prepared for them like a top-three team in the conference because of the tension that will forever linger between the fans and Leonard. Still, being able to erase a 25-point deficit says a lot about their talent and resiliency, especially the late part of the fourth where they took the lead with Wemby resting.
  • The Spurs did not push the pace enough and saw too much of the Clippers’ half-court defense. Part of the problem was taking the ball up slowly and getting scored on too often, which makes it take longer to get across half-court. The Clippers had the fresher legs in the open court, outscoring them 21-12, but wasting this much energy was a reason their defense was weaker in the second half.
  • Champagnie emerged in the third quarter, making four 3-pointers, including two and three freebies when Leonard was on the bench. He was a big reason why the Spurs didn’t fall apart in the non-Wemby minutes. The team even mixed in and out of a zone in that stretch, and it got stronger as the game went on. Bryant’s hustle was another key factor in a late 13-0 run.
  • Luke Kornet is a fine backup because of his rim protection, but opponents sag off him making it harder for the others to get loose, and he lacks the foot speed to keep up outside of the lane. It might be worth a try to experiment with some Bryant as a small-ball five in situations that are not favorable for Kornet when Wemby rests. He has a limited offensive game as well, but he’s fast and strong enough. 
  • Leonard had the perfect blend of power and finesse as bodies bounce off of him and then he gently rises for a jumper. Nonetheless, Stephon Castle got the most time guarding him 25.5 hours after spending lots of time on MVP candidate Cade Cunningham.
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Tyler Herro has 33 points as the Heat snap the Hornets’ 6-game winning streak

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tyler Herro had 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists and the Miami Heat snapped the Charlotte Hornets’ six-game winning streak with a 128-120 victory Friday night.

Herro was 8 for 10 from 3-point range, including one that broke a 108-all tie with 7:06 to play. That came during a 9-0 run after the Hornets led by two and was essentially the difference in the game.

Bam Adebayo added 24 points and 12 rebounds to help the Heat win their fourth straight game. Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 21 points off the bench. Miami was 18 for 38 (47%) on 3s.

Kon Knueppel scored 27 points for the Hornets, going 6 for 10 behind the arc. Brandon Miller had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while LaMelo Ball scored 21 points but was 7 for 22 from the field.

Charlotte fell back to .500 at 32-32. All the victories during the Hornets’ winning streak had been by 15 or more points, tying the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors for the second-longest streak in NBA history.

The first meeting between the teams in four months showed how much things had changed for the Hornets. Miami rang up a franchise-record 53 points in the first quarter of that Nov. 7 game, rolling to a 126-108 victory.

Charlotte had become the team hanging big numbers on opponents and tried to rally behind Knueppel, who hit consecutive 3-pointers to cut it to 120-117. But Herro hit a jumper and Dru Smith had a follow shot to push it back to seven.

ROCKETS 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 99

HOUSTON (AP) — Alperen Sengun scored 28 points, Amen Thompson had 26 and Houston used a dominant fourth quarter to beat Portland.

Sengun shot 11 of 15 from the field while playing just 26 minutes due to foul trouble, while Thompson converted all but one of his 12 shot attempts and scored eight points in the fourth quarter.

Houston trailed 85-77 after Matisse Thybuille drained a 3-pointer a minute into the final period, but Portland missed 11 of its next 13 shots and the Rockets went on a 23-4 run that covered close to eight minutes.

Houston shot 67% in the fourth quarter, outscoring Portland 29-17.

Kevin Durant added 20 points for the Rockets (39-23), who entered the day tied for fourth in the Western Conference.

Jerami Grant led Portland with 21 points. Jrue Holiday added 20 points and 10 assists, while Donovan Clingan finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

CELTICS 120, MAVERICKS 100

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown had 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Boston beat Dallas in Jayson Tatum’s first game in almost 10 months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon.

Tatum had 15 points on 6-of-16 shooting, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a rust-filled 27 minutes. He played in five- and six-minute spurts in his first game since suffering the injury in during Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to New York in May.

Derrick White added 20 points to help Boston win for the fourth time in five games. Dallas has lost six straight.

No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, a Maine native playing his first game in TD Garden, had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Dallas. Klay Thompson finished with 19 points, and Naji Marshall had13 points.

Tatum missed his first six shots, including three 3-pointers. But he continued to look for his teammates and actively screening to initiate the offense.

KNICKS 142, NUGGETS 103

DENVER (AP) — OG Anunoby scored 34 points to power New York to a win over Denver, who lost All-Star point guard Jamal Murray to a sprained ankle Friday night just when its starting lineup was back together.

Josh Hart added 18 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 17 rebounds as the Knicks kicked off a five-game trip in resounding fashion, their starters taking the fourth quarter off to enjoy the rare rout.

The 39-point home loss tied the Nuggets’ record set against Chicago in 1998.

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 38 points but the Nuggets suffered their biggest loss of the season — both on the scoreboard and on the court with Murray’s injury.

Aaron Gordon (hamstring) played for the first time since Jan. 23 and Cam Johnson returned from a sprained ankle, giving the Nuggets their original starting lineup for the first time since Nov. 12.

SUNS 118, PELICANS 116

PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 18 of his 32 points in the third quarter, and Phoenix held off New Orleans.

Jalen Green had 25 for the Suns, who led by 14 in the second half before the Pelicans trimmed the lead to one point.

Grayson Allen made two free throws with 9.8 seconds remaining to give the Suns a 116-113 lead. Zion Williamson made one of two and Booker made a pair with 7.8 seconds left. Herb Jones scored with 5 seconds to go but the Suns were able to run out the clock.

Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 22 points. Williamson had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Saddiq Bey also had 19 points for the Pelicans.

Oso Ighodaro, starting for injured Mark Williams, had 13 points and six rebounds before fouling out with 1:08 remaining. Allen had 12 points and eight assists, and Collin Gillespie also had 12 points for Phoenix.

SPURS 116, CLIPPERS 112

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks as San Antonio rallied from a 25-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard had 30 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles, which had a three-game winning streak snapped.

San Antonio (46-17) has won 14 of 15 and is second in the Western Conference.

After defending a missed 3-pointer by Leonard, Wembanyama broke free for an uncontested dunk that gave the Spurs a 113-112 lead with 16 seconds left. Clippers forward Nicolas Batum turned the ball over on the ensuing possession when his foot crossed the boundary while inbounding the ball. Stephon Castle closed out the win by rebounding his own missed free throw and converting a layup with 1 second remaining.

After trailing 75-50 in the third quarter, the Spurs opened the fourth with an 18-5 run to take their first lead since the opening minutes.

Wembanyama blocked Kris Dunn’s reverse layup, creating a fast break that ended with an alley-oop dunk by Carter Bryant. Devin Vassell followed with a 3-pointer for a 99-97 lead.

Julian Champagnie finished with 20 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs, and De’Aaron Fox had 19 points and nine rebounds.

Brook Lopez had 26 points for the Clippers.

LAKERS 128, PACERS 117

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 44 points in the first three quarters Friday night, overcoming LeBron James’ absence and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a victory over Indiana.

Doncic hit seven 3-pointers on a 14-for-25 shooting night and grabbed nine rebounds before sitting out the fourth for the Lakers, who rebounded from a road loss to Denver on Thursday and won for the fourth time in five games overall.

James sat out to rest his accumulation of minor injuries in his 23rd NBA season, but Doncic picked up any offensive slack from the start. The Slovenian superstar scored 22 points in the first quarter, topping 20 in the opening period for the fifth time this season — the most such first quarters in the NBA in one season at least 30 years.

Doncic capped his barrage by banking in his seventh 3-pointer late in his 15-point third quarter.

Doncic became only the fourth player in Lakers history to score 40 points in at least 10 games in a season, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. He also has the most 40-point games in the NBA this season, passing Anthony Edwards.

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Miami Ohio caps off perfect regular season, 'should cement' March Madness spot

No. 20 Miami (Ohio) has finished a perfect regular season, and its athletic director believes it “should cement” the RedHawks as an NCAA Tournament team.

The last remaining undefeated team in men's college basketball capped off a 31-0 campaign with a wild overtime win against rival Ohio on Friday, March 6. Despite five technical fouls and 14 made 3-pointers from the Bobcats, the RedHawks didn't falter.

Down by one point with less than 30 seconds left in overtime, star guard Peter Suder drew a foul with 12 seconds left to get to the free throw line. Ohio had a chance to retake the lead in the final seconds, but was unable to get a basket. The RedHawks added a free throw and the Bobcats couldn't hit the last-second 3-pointer to seal a 110-108 win for the RedHawks.

With the victory, Miami is the fifth team this century to have a perfect regular season, last accomplished by Gonzaga in 2020-21. It also snapped a 14-game losing streak at Ohio, last winning at the Bobcats’ home arena in 2011.

Miami (Ohio) RedHawks guard Trey Perry (1) flexes during a stop in play against the Ohio Bobcats in the first half at the Convocation Center.

The undefeated record has put the RedHawks at the center of an NCAA Tournament debate, focused on whether the mid-major team needs the automatic bid to get a spot in the big dance.

On the surface, they have the qualifications. A 31-0 record is hard to ignore, and the tournament selection committee has never done so. Since the tournament expanded in 1985, no team with more than 28 wins has ever missed out on March Madness, and a squad with less than four losses has always made it. Now, the most Miami can lose before Selection Sunday is one game.

It’s why athletic director David Sayler said the victory over the Bobcats virtually punches the RedHawks' ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

“An undefeated season, it has to matter, right?” Sayler told USA TODAY Sports. “Otherwise, why wouldn't we just play three days in (the MAC tournament) and the winner goes to the (NCAA) tournament and forget the regular season if you're not going to take an undefeated team?"

“It should cement it,” he added.

However, the argument for Miami's omission from the bracket is the quality of the resume. Miami doesn't have any Quad 1 games, just one Quad 2 victory and the majority of its wins come in the Quad 4 category, a 16-0 record. Three victories also came against non-Division I teams.

In KenPom, the RedHawks have a strength of schedule ranking of 285nd out of 365, and the nonconference rating is fifth-worst in Division I. Their rating of 88 puts them around teams that aren’t in the NCAA Tournament at-large conversation. It also hasn't helped the past three wins were all by one possession.

It’s led to pundits like former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl stating Miami needs the auto-bid or it shouldn’t be in the tournament, resulting in some frustration for those trying to celebrate a historic run.

“It's disappointing that more people across the country can't just enjoy a good story,” Sayler said. “They're on the verge of a historic thing here, and all people try to do is tear them down.”

He pointed to two reasons why people have been trying to discount the program: “Expert” bias toward power conference schools and that fans “can’t sit back and acknowledge” what’s happening, instead making excuses for their teams while belittling others.

“That's why I've been quoting Yoda sometimes, because we're fighting the evil empire here,” Sayler said. “It's inevitability. These forces are out there that are against you, and you're trying to carve a path.”

Still without a loss, Miami is eager to prove its worth. While there’s so much conversation on qualifying for the field of 68, coach Travis Steele has already said the second week of the tournament – the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight – is where the RedHawks want to be. 

Sayler supports the idea, and likes his team’s chances of getting there. There's still the MAC tournament, which kicks off the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 12 with the championship game two days later. The RedHawks will be the No. 1 seed, and there's stiff competition challenging to secure the automatic March Madness spot, including defending conference champion Akron.

But it shouldn't stop the historic RedHawks from dancing.

“We're not a fluky story,” Sayler said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Ohio perfect season 'should cement' NCAA Tournament spot

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Aaron Judge and Brice Turang power US to a 15-5 WBC-opening win over Brazil

Baseball: World Baseball Classic-Brazil at United States

Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer and Brice Turang had three hits and four RBIs to lead the United States to a 15-5 win over Brazil in its World Baseball Classic opener Friday night.

There was one out and one on in the first when Judge, the first player to commit to the team last April, connected off Bo Takahashi at Houston’s Daikin Park.

Lucas Ramirez — with his father, 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez, in attendance — homered twice for Brazil. He cut the lead to 2-1 with his leadoff homer, and his solo shot in the eighth got Brazil within 8-5.

At 20 years, 49 days, he became the youngest player in WBC history with a multi-homer game.

Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch in the fifth to push the Americans’ lead to 4-1. Turang cleared the bases with his double to left field two pitches later to make it 7-1.

Brazil is in the WBC for just the second time and first since 2013. The team fell to 0-4 all-time in the tournament after losing to Japan, Cuba and China in 2013.

Another highlight for Brazil came when 17-year-old high school senior Joseph Contreras got Judge to ground into a bases-loaded double play to end the second inning. Contreras, the youngest player in the WBC this year, is the son of pitcher José Contreras, who played 11 MLB seasons.

Lucas Rojo hit an RBI single for Brazil in the seventh before a two-run shot by Victor Mascai off Michael Wacha cut the lead to 7-4.

Bryce Harper’s RBI single got things going in the ninth as the U.S. tacked on seven more runs.

The Americans walked 17 times and forced Brazil to throw 221 pitches.

On Saturday, Brazil faces Italy on Saturday and the U.S. plays Britain.

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Yankees news: Gerrit Cole impressed by Carlos Lagrange

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Carlos Lagrange has been turning heads this spring, and joining the list is his most esteemed colleague in Gerrit Cole. The youngster hit triple digits on the radar gun several times during a live BP session Friday afternoon, and the Cy Young winner was simply blown away. “I’ve hit 101 in my career probably less than 10 times, and I’ve seen him do it every single time,” said Cole. Hopefully Lagrange can continue to hone his command – which, frankly, has already been better than expected this spring – and reach his top of the rotation ceiling.

The Athletic | Jayson Stark: ($) Will the advent of ABS eliminate manager ejections for arguing balls and strikes? Not so, says Aaron Boone. I’m inclined to believe him; he knows what he’s talking about. After all, per Stark, Boone has led the league in ejections for five years running now — something that even the legendarily cantankerous Bobby Cox never did. While ABS should help turn many a low strike call on Aaron Judge into balls, there are still other avenues in which Boone can channel his rage towards the blue.

FanGraphs | Davy Andrews: FanGraphs is doing a series on who to root for in each pool of the WBC, and some familiar names are mentioned in their preview of Pool B. Aaron Judge is the most obvious one, though for the wrong reasons (his lackluster speech to Team USA is lampooned yet again). Jazz Chisholm Jr. receives a shoutout in the Team Great Britain section as the best player on his team. Finally, old friend Dante Bichette Jr. (of the glorious green hair) is name-dropped in the Team Brazil writeup. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to grab a beer and ruminate on early 2010s Yankee prospects and the passage of time.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Nine months after a slide gone wrong at T-Mobile Park ended his 2025 season, Oswaldo Cabrera returned to the field* yesterday against the Rays, drawing a walk in his only plate appearance and making a couple of plays at short before being pinch-hit for by George Lombard Jr. in the fourth. It’s certainly been a long road to recovery for Oswaldo, and he’s feeling all the emotions right now: “Having nine months out of the field, I feel so happy about it. I’m feeling so good right now.” We’re happy for you too, Oswaldo. Best of luck in 2026.

*Cam Schlittler returned as well for his spring debut, but we’re keeping the focus on Cabrera for this story.

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Avalanche beat Stars 5-4 in a shootout, ending Dallas’ 10-game winning streak

DALLAS (AP) — Valeri Nichushkin scored with 15 seconds remaining in regulation, then made one of NHL-leading Colorado’s two shots in a shootout to beat Dallas 5-4 on Friday night, ending the Stars’ franchise-record winning streak at 10 games.

Martin Necas had a goal and three assists for the Avalanche, then made the victory-clinching shot in the shootout after Nichushkin went first.

The Avalanche still had an extra skater on the ice — after Stars captain Jamie Benn had missed an open net on his shot with just over a minute left in regulation — when Nichushkin’s 13th goal tied it. Nichushkin had shots ricochet off both posts earlier in the third period.

Jake Oettinger had 25 saves for the Stars and Scott Wedgewood, his former backup in Dallas, stopped all 10 shots he faced throughout overtime before denying former teammates Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene in the shootout.

Wedgewood took over in net for the Avs after Benn’s goal 1:52 into the second period put Dallas up 4-2 after only 11 shots against Mackenzie Blackwood.

Wyatt Johnston, Miro Heiskanen and Justin Hryckowian each had a goal and an assist for the Stars, who hadn’t lost since Jan. 22. Their 86 points rank second in the NHL, seven behind their Central Division rival.

PANTHERS 3, RED WINGS 1

DETROIT (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk had his sixth career hat trick and Florida beat Detroit to snap a four-game losing streak.

Eight points behind Boston for the final wild-card spot in the East, two-time defending champion Florida is in danger of becoming the first Cup-winning team to miss the playoffs the following season since Los Angeles in 2014-15.

Tkachuk had his first hat trick since Jan. 9, 2024, against St. Louis. He has eight goals in 16 games this season. He made his season debut Jan. 19 after recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 27 saves after the Panthers chose not to deal the 37-year-old goalie before the deadline Friday.

Alex DeBrincat scored his team-high 33rd goal for Detroit. John Gibson made 20 saves.

CANUCKS 6, BLACKHAWKS 3

CHICAGO (AP) — Brock Boeser batted the puck in to break a tie at 2:40 of the third period and NHL-worst Vancouver beat Chicago to end a seven-game losing streak that started in January.

Boeser smacked the puck past Arvid Soderblom after Linus Karlsson’s cross-ice feed ramped up the goalie’s stick and into the air. Max Sasson and Boeser added empty-netters.

Drew O’Connor, Jake DeBrusk and Teddy Blueger had first-period goals and Nikita Tolopilo stopped 20 shots to help Vancouver win for the first time since a 2-0 home victory over Anaheim on Jan. 29. The Canucks had lost 10 of 11.

Ryan Donato, Ilya Mikheyev and Frank Nazar scored for Chicago in its fourth loss in five games since the Olympic break. Soderblom made 16 saves.

Before the game, Chicago traded forward Nick Foligno to Minnesota for future considerations. Andrew Mangiapane made his debut for the Blackhawks after being acquired from Edmonton on Wednesday.

HURRICANES 6, OILERS 3

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Jackson Blake scored twice, K’Andre Miller had three assists and Eastern Conference-leading Carolina beat Edmonton for its seventh victory in eight games.

Nikolaj Ehlers added a goal and an assist, and Shayne Gostisbehere, Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal also scored, and Frederik Andersen made 13 saves. The Hurricanes are 40-16-6 overall, going 16-2-3 in their last 21.

Zach Hyman scored twice for Edmonton, and Vasily Podkolzin added a goal. The Oilers have lost six of eight to fall to 30-25-8.

Tristan Jarry stopped 26 shots for Edmonton.

Ehlers has five goals in his last three games, hitting the 20-goal mark Friday for the ninth time in his 11 NHL campaigns.

Oilers star Connor McDavid picked up an assist to extend his points streak to six games.

DUCKS 6, CANADIENS 5, SO

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Chris Kreider got the tying goal with 42 seconds left in regulation and Alex Killorn scored in the sixth round of the shootout, sending Anaheim to a victory over Montreal.

Kreider matched his career best with a four-point night for the Ducks, who won for the seventh time in eight games despite blowing a two-goal lead in the third period. Cutter Gauthier, who also scored in the shootout, and Leo Carlsson had a goal and an assist apiece.

Anaheim improved to 8-0 in shootouts this season despite going just 2 for 6 against Montreal, with even Mason McTavish failing to score for the first time in six tries this season.

Radko Gudas and Jackson LaCombe also scored, and Lukas Dostal stopped 23 shots in a rough performance before he came up big in the shootout. Anaheim earned its 19th comeback victory, matching Montreal for the NHL lead.

Cole Caufield scored two of Montreal’s three goals in the third period and Lane Hutson had a goal and two assists. Samuel Montembeault made 28 saves for the Habs, who have lost four of six.

BLUES 3, SAHRKS 2

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Robert Thomas scored his second goal of the game 54 seconds into overtime and St. Louis beat San Jose, just hours after trading captain Brayden Schenn.

Thomas scored on a rebound of a shot by Philip Broberg, giving him four goals in three games since returning from an injury.

The Blues entered trade deadline day near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and are looking to the future having traded away Schenn to the New York Islanders and defenseman Justin Faulk to Detroit.

That left St. Louis undermanned with only five healthy defensemen against the Sharks, but the Blues still managed to pull out their third straight win. Jimmy Snuggerud also scored and Jordan Binnington made 23 saves.

Kiefer Sherwood had tied it in the third period for San Jose when he beat Binnington with a one-timer from the circle. This has been an eventful week for Sherwood, who scored the winner on Tuesday against Montreal for his first goal with the Sharks and then signed a five-year, $28.75 million extension on Wednesday.

Macklin Celebrini also scored for the Sharks.

WILD 4, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Filip Gustavsson made 30 saves and Minnesota scored three goals in a 3:07 span in the second period in a victory over Vegas.

Third in the Central Division, Minnesota improved to 3-2 since the Olympic break. Vegas is second in the Pacific Division.

Mats Zuccarello opened the second-period scoring spree at 5:18 on a wrist shot. Zach Bogosian followed with a slap shot at 8:07, and newcomer Michael McCarron had a tip-in at 8:25. Vladimir Tarasenko scored with 4:18 left in the third, with McCarron assisting in his Wild debut.

Pavel Dorofeyev and Mitch Marner had third-period goals for Vegas, and Akira Schmid stopped 20 shots. Dorofeyev scored his 30th of the season, ending Gustavsson’s shutout bid with a power-play goal at 2:17.

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OG Anunoby’s huge night propels Knicks to dominant road win over Nuggets

Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks celebrates after a made 3-point basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado
OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates after a made 3-point basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado

DENVER — There’s something about playing a mile high that suits OG Anunoby. 

After dropping a career-best 40 points last season in Denver, the surging two-way forward again carved up the Nuggets on Friday at Ball Arena, dropping an efficient 34 as the Knicks started their West Coast swing with a blowout 142-103 win. 

It was the Nuggets’ worst home loss since Michael Jordan’s Bulls beat them in 1998. 

“I just think [Anunoby] likes Denver, he likes the altitude,” Josh Hart said. “That’s what he can do, defensively guard one through five, and obviously, offensively get to his spots, knock down shots, get in the paint and just be a force.” 

OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates after a made 3-point basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado Getty Images

Anunoby shot a slick 11-for-17 and highlighted his evening with a breakaway double-pump reverse jam to end the third quarter. The move jump-tarted extended garbage time and sent Nuggets fans funneling very early to the exits, leaving the traveling Knicks faithful to dominate the arena chants. Anunoby also grabbed four steals and helped defend a frustrated Nikola Jokic, who scored 38 points but missed his first six 3-pointers. 

“Defensively, he’s on another level, man,” coach Mike Brown said. “If he keeps that up, that’s Defensive Player of the Year type stuff. For sure First Team All-Defense. He’s guarding point guards. He’s guarding the muli-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Then he’s guarding everybody in between.” 

Anunoby picked up the slack for an ice-cold Jalen Brunson, who only managed nine points on 3-for-13 shooting. Brunson did have 15 assists, however, representing his third straight game with double-digit dimes. Hart, playing with a sore back, added 18 points in 25 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns (17 points, 13 rebounds) and Mitchell Robinson (13 points, five rebounds) both had strong nights alternating at center. 

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives past Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second half at Ball Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Nuggets, injury-riddled all season, were finally at full strength, returning Aaron Gordon after a 17-game absence because of a hamstring strain. His dunk after about two minutes sent the Denver crowd into an uproar. 

The environment felt ready for a Nuggets’ steamroll. 

But their good health was short-lived. Jamal Murray, the star point guard, came up limping late in the second quarter after accidentally stepping on the foot of Jokic. 

His left ankle turned over rather dramatically, leaving Murray unable to walk off the court without assistance. The air was removed from Denver’s sails. The Knicks, who trailed by nine in the first quarter, took off. 

They led by 13 at the break, then 25 after Anunoby’s athletic jam in the third quarter. Even DNP regular Pacôme Dadiet shined in garbage time with 11 points in just eight minutes. 

Anunoby has rediscovered his rhythm after his toenail avulsion, shooting 45 percent from deep in the last five games. He added seven rebounds and five assists Friday. 

So Anunoby and the Knicks had no problems dealing with the high altitude in Denver, although he claimed his consecutive stellar performances at Ball Center were just “a coincidence.” 

But Anunoby soared on that double-pump dunk like gravity wasn’t a problem. 

Josh Hart of the New York Knicks celebrates after a made basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images

“I was thinking 360-degree [dunk], windmill,” Anunoby said. “Then I just thought I’ll do the double-pump.” 

Historically, the Knicks have had problems with the thin air, however. They recently went 16 years without a win in the Mile High City, a streak that mercifully ended during Brunson’s first season in 2022. 

New York also won last year in Denver — a 145-118 shootout led by Anunoby’s career night. 

Towns said he’s more acclimated after spending most of his career in the Western Conference. He still thinks it’s a factor, however. 

“Hell, yeah,” Towns said. 

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, right, looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther, left, defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 6, 2026, in Denver. AP

While with Minnesota, Towns endured a 12-game losing streak against the Nuggets from 2018-21. They then split a pair of playoff series — in 2023 and 2024 — leaving Towns as an expert dealing with Jokic. 

“He’s really damn good. That’s pretty much it, pretty much all there is to it,” Towns said. “You just go out there and compete at a high level against one of the best.” 

But Anunoby was better than Jokic on Friday and everybody else on the court. 

The Knicks fans behind the basket understood, chanting, “OG, OG, OG” as the final buzzer neared. 

“Obviously, OG had a whale of a game for us,” Brown said.

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East-leading Hurricanes beat the Oilers 6-3 for their 7th victory in 8 games

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Jackson Blake scored twice, K’Andre Miller had three assists and the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oilers 6-3 on Friday night for their seventh victory in eight games.

Nikolaj Ehlers added a goal and an assist, and Shayne Gostisbehere, Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal also scored, and Frederik Andersen made 13 saves. The Hurricanes are 40-16-6 overall, going 16-2-3 in their last 21.

Zach Hyman scored twice for Edmonton, and Vasily Podkolzin added a goal. The Oilers have lost six of eight to fall to 30-25-8.

Tristan Jarry stopped 26 shots for Edmonton.

Ehlers has five goals in his last three games, hitting the 20-goal mark Friday for the ninth time in his 11 NHL campaigns.

Oilers star Connor McDavid picked up an assist to extend his points streak to six games.

Up next

Hurricanes: At Calgary on Saturday night.

Oilers: At Vegas on Sunday night.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Game Recap: Devin Booker catches fire as Phoenix survives a late Pelicans push, 118-116

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 6: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 6, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns needed a response after an abysmal performance against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. They delivered one, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 118-116. It was a little more uncomfortable than it needed to be, as Phoenix allowed 35 points in the fourth quarter while scoring only 26. Still, the result is what matters. The Suns secured their 36th win of the season, matching their total from a year ago.

Devin Booker led the charge with 32 points, shooting 10-of-21 from the field and 5-of-12 from beyond the arc. Collin Gillespie added 12 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. Jalen Green looked far more comfortable, scoring 25 points on 8-of-17 shooting and 3-of-9 from deep. Grayson Allen chipped in 12 points and 8 assists, and the Suns received positive minutes from rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming.

New Orleans pushed throughout the night, especially in the closing minutes. All five Pelicans starters finished in double figures. They scored 54 points in the paint, which was 20 more than Phoenix managed. The difference came from the perimeter. The Suns knocked down 23 three pointers, a number that ultimately carried them to the win.

The two point victory completed a season sweep of the Pelicans and moved Phoenix to within one and a half games of the Los Angeles Lakers for the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

Game Flow

First Half

The Suns’ offense opened the Chicago game looking completely inert. Possessions stalled, shots did not fall, and the rhythm never appeared. Against New Orleans, the opening stretch felt different.

Phoenix looked organized. The ball moved with purpose. Shots started dropping. They opened the game on a 7-0 run, a quick burst that set the tone early. New Orleans answered with a 7-0 run of its own, although the Suns still looked far more fluid than they did the night before.

Jalen Green set that tone early by applying pressure at the rim. He attacked downhill, forced the defense to react, and turned those drives into trips to the free throw line.

Green ended the first quarter with 8 points on 3-of-7 shooting. 

We once again saw first quarter minutes for Khaman Maluach. That continues to be part of his development curve. One thing he clearly needs to clean up is his movement on screens. He was called for an offensive foul when he shifted during a pick, and that marks the second time in two games where it has happened. That is the kind of detail young bigs learn over time, understanding when to hold position and when to release.

The offense began to wane as the quarter drew to a close. The team shot 4-of-13 (30.8%) from beyond the arc and the bench unit certainly didn’t help as they came in and went 1-of-6. Thankfully, New Orleans shot under 40% as a team.

After one, the Suns trailed 29-26.

Phoenix put together a 10-2 run early in the second quarter, and Oso Ighodaro played a big role in that stretch on the offensive end. That element is key. Having someone who can attack the interior adds another dimension to the offense. It gives the Suns a pressure point near the rim instead of becoming a team that stands around the arc firing three pointers all night.

Phoenix pushed the lead to five early in the quarter, although New Orleans answered midway through the period with a 7-0 run. That stretch arrived when the ball began sticking in Jalen Green’s hands, and the rhythm of the offense slowed down.

Green still produced in the quarter. He scored 10 points in the quarter, putting him at 18 for the half. He finished the period 2-of-6 from the field, both makes coming from beyond the arc, and he went 4-of-4 from the line.

Devin Booker eventually took more control of the offense, and the game began to settle for Phoenix. The Suns responded with an 8-0 run, and the lead continued to grow. It reached 10 with under two minutes remaining in the half. Booker closed the first half with 7 points and 4 assists.

Zion Williamson added four points during the final minute of the half, part of his 15 first-half points, which trimmed the margin. Phoenix headed into the locker room with a six-point advantage. Oso Ighodaro had 10 points, and Royce O’Neale, who was questionable to play, had 6 rebounds.

The Suns outscored New Orleans 32-23 in the second quarter and carried a 58-52 lead into halftime.

Second Half

Royce O’Neale opened the third quarter with a quick five points in the first couple of minutes. The burst forced Pelicans head coach James Borrego to call an early timeout as the Suns pushed their lead to nine.

The timeout helped settle New Orleans. They responded with a 10-2 run of their own and quickly chipped into the margin.

The Pelicans began attacking the rim with even more aggression during that stretch, and it created problems for Oso Ighodaro. With 5:52 left in the third quarter he picked up his fifth foul, which meant the Suns would lean on rookie Khaman Maluach for extended minutes.

Devin Booker steadied the group with a lineup that featured Grayson Allen alongside the young trio of Maluach, Ryan Dunn, and Rasheer Fleming. That unit started to find rhythm. Phoenix strung together an 11-0 run, capped by a Devin Booker three. Fleming knocked down a three during the run as well, giving the offense another spark.

Rasheer Fleming knocked down another three. Khaman Maluach rejected an Yves Missi attempt at the rim. I was sitting there smiling like an idiot watching it unfold.

The third turned into the Devin Booker show. He poured in 18 points and caught absolute fire. Booker went 6-of-9 from the field in the period and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Every possession started to bend in Phoenix’s direction once he found that rhythm.

The Suns scored 34 points in the quarter, shooting 45.8% from the field and 6-of-17 from deep.

After three quarters, Phoenix held an 11 point lead, 92-81.

The fourth quarter opened with the teams trading buckets, and Jalen Green carrying much of the scoring load for Phoenix early in the period. He had five of the Suns’ first 10 points in the quarter.

He also delivered a nice pass to Khaman Maluach inside, which is something this team still needs to get more comfortable with. The Suns are not used to having a true interior presence. There were multiple possessions where Maluach had position near the rim and the entry pass never arrived, or the pass came late and off target.

Dejounte Murray, who is working his way back after the Achilles injury that ended his season last year, kept probing the Suns defense throughout the fourth quarter. He stayed patient with the ball, poking and prodding until he found a seam. He kept New Orleans within striking distance as the clock passed four minutes left. Suns were up by 9.

The Pelicans had their chances. Shots were not falling, although they continued to extend possessions by grabbing offensive rebounds. As the quarter moved toward the final moments, the game tightened.

Dejounte Murray kept applying pressure, probing the defense and keeping New Orleans within striking distance. With 11.7 seconds left, Saddiq Bey stepped to the line and hit a pair of free throws, trimming the Suns lead to 114-113.

Grayson Allen answered on the other end. He calmly sank two free throws of his own with 9.8 seconds remaining, pushing the lead back to three. Phoenix then chose to foul Zion Williamson. Only 1.2 seconds came off the clock in the process. Williamson missed the first free throw, then knocked down the second.

The Pelicans then fouled Devin Booker. The foul game is always a thrill, right. One minute on the clock somehow turns into twenty.

Booker stepped to the line and knocked down both free throws, pushing the lead to four with 7.8 seconds remaining. Herb Jones answered quickly with a bucket to keep the pressure on. New Orleans nearly stole the ensuing inbound pass, although Phoenix managed to secure it and close the door.

The Suns held on and secured their 36th win of the season.

Up Next

The next opponent for Phoenix is one of the best stories in the NBA this season, the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte has been on an absolute heater lately. They may have dropped a game tonight against the Miami Heat, although that loss came after a six game winning streak that had people around the league starting to pay attention. That team is playing with confidence right now, and they are going to arrive in Phoenix believing they can keep that momentum rolling.

See you Sunday.

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No. 6 LSU blows out No. 7 Oklahoma 112-78 to reach SEC semifinals

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — MiLaysia Fulwiley had 22 points and eight assists, Flau’jae Johnson scored 16 of her 21 points in the second half and No. 6 LSU ran away from seventh-ranked Oklahoma 112-78 on Friday in the Southeastern Conference Tournament for its fifth straight victory.

LSU had the second-highest point total in SEC Tournament history, behind only Tennessee’s 118 in 1980.

Mikaylah Williams scored 14 points and Jada Richard had 13 for the Tigers (27-4), who held the Sooners to 36% shooting from the field and forced 22 turnovers. LSU shot 53% and made 13 of 24 3-point attempts.

LSU moves on to face No. 3 South Carolina, the tournament’s top seed and three-time defending champion, in Saturday’s semifinals.

Aaliyah Chavez scored 20 points and Sahara Williams had 19 points and nine rebounds for Oklahoma (24-7), which had its seven-game win streak snapped.

LSU shot 57% in the first quarter and Fulwiley made a runner to beat the buzzer and give the Tigers a 28-19 lead. The Sooners twice got back within striking distance of the lead, but LSU began to pull away and increased its lead to 26 early in the fourth quarter.

NO. 2 UCLA 78, WASHINGTON 60

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Big Ten Player of the Year Lauren Betts had 26 points and eight rebounds and Kiki Rice added 18 points and six assists to help UCLA overcome a sluggish start and beat Washington in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

The regular-season champion Bruins (29-1) won their 23rd consecutive game, matching last season’s mark for the longest winning streak in school history. UCLA also has won 22 straight Big Ten games, a streak that began with last year’s march to the conference tourney crown.

Avery Howell scored 18 points to lead the Huskies (21-10). Brynn McGaughy had 12 points and all-conference guard Sayvia Sellers had 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting after scoring 25 in Thursday’s win over Southern California. Washington had a two-game winning streak snapped with its second loss to the Bruins this season.

Still, this game didn’t follow the expected script in front of a sparse, midday crowd in Indianapolis.

Washington charged out to a 13-6 lead after one quarter and UCLA coach Cori Close called timeout when the Huskies extended the margin to 22-12 with 6:26 left in the second.

The game then turned quickly. UCLA responded to the stoppage with 15 consecutive points while allowing just one basket the rest of the half as they rallied to take a 27-24 halftime lead.

NO. 3 SOUTH CAROLINA 87, NO. 17 KENTUCKY 64

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Joyce Edwards scored 21 points, Madina Okot added 12 points and 13 rebounds and 3 South Carolina routed Kentucky in the first of four Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal games at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Tessa Johnson added 15 points and Ta’Niya Latson 12 for the top-seeded Gamecocks, who raced to a 17-point halftime lead and never let up.

South Carolina (30-2) looked laser focused as it began its quest for a fourth straight SEC Tournament title and 10th in the past 12 seasons under coach Dawn Staley, shooting 53% from the field, forcing 19 turnovers and outscoring Kentucky 46-24 in the paint.

Amelia Hassett had 15 points and Clara Strack scored 13 to lead Kentucky (23-10).

The Gamecocks will play Saturday against the winner of the game between No. 6 LSU and No. 7 Oklahoma.

NO. 4 TEXAS 83, ALABAMA 60

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Jordan Lee scored 16 points, Madison Booker contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in limited action and Texas rolled into the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals with victory over Alabama.

Bryanna Preston added 13 points for Texas, which has won six straight.

Texas (29-3) will face No. 24 Mississippi, an 89-78 winner over No. 5 Vanderbilt, on Saturday. No. 3 South Carolina and No. 6 LSU square off in the other semifinal.

Diana Collins, Jessica Timmons and Alancia Ramsey each scored eight points for Alabama (23-10), the only unranked team to reach the tournament’s quarterfinals.

This one was never competitive.

Alabama, which lost five of its final six regular-season games, seemed to find its footing by beating Missouri and Tennessee in the tournament’s first two rounds. But the Crimson Tide appeared to have run out gas by the time tipoff arrived Friday night.

The Longhorns made 16 of 29 shots from the field to open the game and sprinted to a 40-12 lead early in the second quarter in front of a sparse crowd.

Texas forced 14 turnovers in the first half and led by 33 at the break.

NO. 24 MISSISSIPPI 89, NO. 5 VANDERBILT 78

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Latasha Lattimore scored 28 points and Cotie McMahon had 27 as No. 24 Mississippi built a 32-point third-quarter lead and held on late to beat fifth-ranked Vanderbilt 89-78 in the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

Tianna Thompson added 16 points for the Rebels (23-10), who jumped to a 23-2 lead in the first quarter and rode the wave of momentum to their second win this season over Commodores (27-4).

Ole Miss will face No. 4 Texas in Saturday’s semifinals.

Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, who averaged more than 30 points per game in conference play this season, missed her first 12 shots — including five 3s — and didn’t make a first field goal until 2:31 remained in the third quarter after battling early foul trouble.

Blakes then helped a fuel a frantic fourth-quarter rally in which Vanderbilt trimmed the lead to nine with three minutes to go. She finished with 24 points.

Aubrey Galvan added 18 points for Vanderbilt.

NO. 8 MICHIGAN 80, OREGON 58

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Syla Swords scored 17 points and Olivia Olson had 16 as Michigan beat Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

The Wolverines (25-5) will face No. 9 Iowa in Saturday’s semifinals.

The final margin was Michigan’s largest lead of the game. Olson went 7 of 11 from the field for the Wolverines, who shot 44%. Ashley Sofilkanich added 14 points and Kendall Dudley scored 10.

Katie Fiso scored 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting and Ehis Etute had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Ducks (22-12).

Oregon made 41% of its shots. Both teams struggled from 3-point range as the Ducks were 3 of 19 and the Wolverines 4 of 19.

Oregon committed 17 turnovers, eight more than Michigan.

NO. 9 IOWA 64, ILLINOIS 58

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ava Heiden scored 16 points and Hannah Stuelke finished with 13 points and five rebounds despite playing with an injured right elbow, leading Iowa past 10th-seeded Illinois and into the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

The Hawkeyes (25-5) have won seven straight and need two more wins to capture their fifth conference tourney crown in eight years. Taylor Stremlow had nine points and six assists, while Journey Houston grabbed 12 rebounds for Iowa.

Jasmine Brown-Haggard finished with 22 points and Berry Wallace added 13 for Illinois. The conference’s youngest team played its third game in three nights after advancing to the quarterfinal round following wins over Wisconsin and No. 18 Michigan State.

Stuelke’s return seemed to reinvigorate the Hawkeyes. She was injured during Iowa’s victory over the Fighting Illini on Feb. 26 and missed the Hawkeyes’ regular-season finale last weekend. Coach Jan Jensen said the injury was so severe Stuelke struggled to shoot during the week, consulted with wrestling trainers about how to treat it and then fell ill, making Friday’s availability unclear.

None of it didn’t seem to bother Stuelke, who went 6 of 11 from the field and helped Iowa take control quickly before getting some extra rest late in the game.

NO. 10 TCU 63, BYU 46

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marta Suarez had 17 points and eight rebounds, Taylor Bigby scored 11 of her 13 points in the first quarter, and TCU began the defense of its women’s Big 12 Tournament championship with a quarterfinal victory over BYU.

Olivia Miles added 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the top-seeded Horned Frogs (28-4), who will play No. 12 seed Kansas State in the semifinals on Saturday.

Delaney Gibb scored 17 points to lead the ninth-seeded Cougars (22-11), who finished the regular season with three straight wins, and then beat Houston and Utah in the first two rounds of the conference tournament to help their NCAA Tournament hopes.

The Horned Frogs certainly looked like a team riding a six-game win streak into the postseason. They held BYU to a single field goal over the first 5 1/2 minutes, built a 24-8 lead by the end of the first quarter and led by as many as 18 in the second.

TCU did it all without a whole lot from Miles, too. The Big 12 player of the year was 0 for 3 from the field and had three turnovers in a scoreless first half, while her foul in the final seconds allowed BYU to hit a free throw to close within 32-19 at the break.

NO. 11 OHIO ST. 50, NO. 19 MINNESOTA 55

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Elsa Lemmila had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Jaloni Cambridge also scored 17, and Ohio State beat Minnesota in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

Fourth-seeded Ohio State (26-6) plays No. 1 seed and second-ranked UCLA — which beat the Buckeyes 82-75 on Dec. 28 — in the semifinals Saturday.

Cambridge added six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Chance Gray hit three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points.

Mara Braun hit a 3-pointer that cut Minnesota’s deficit to 58-55 with 1:32 left in the game. Neither team scored again until Cambridge made a jumper with 16 seconds left.

Grace Grocholski led No. 5 seed Minnesota (22-9) with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Sophie Hart had 12 points and a career-high 19 rebounds and Amaya Battle added 10 points. Hart has 1,000 career points, 966 for the Gophers. Tori McKinney had two points on 1-for-4 shooting in just 16 foul-plagued minutes.

Kennedy Cambridge had six of Ohio State’s 12 steals and added five points, four assists and three rebounds.

NO. 12 LOUISVILLE 87, SYRACUSE 61

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Tajianna Roberts scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, Mackenly Randolph had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Louisville beat Syracuse in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

Second-seeded Louisville (26-6) plays No. 3 seed and 16th-ranked North Carolina in the semifinals Saturday.

Reyna Scott made 7 of 10 from the field and finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Cardinals. Skylar Jones scored 12 while Imari Berry and Laura Ziegler each added 11 points.

Syracuse (23-8), the No. 7 seed, announced before the game that Dominique Darius — who averages 12.6 points and has a team-high 106 assists this season — would miss the rest of the tournament due to a hand injury suffered in the Orange’s 70-59 win over California in the second round.

Uche Izoje had 22 points, 16 in the first half, and nine rebounds for the Orange. Sophie Burrows added 12 points and nine rebounds and Jasmyn Cooper scored 11.

NO. 13 DUKE 60, CLEMSON 46

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Toby Fournier had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, Delaney Thomas added 14 points, and Duke cruised past Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

The defense for top-seeded Duke (22-8) stunned Clemson (21-11) in the first half, forcing 11 turnovers and four shot-clock violations. The Blue Devils responded on offense, going 5 of 9 beyond the 3-point arc and 14 of 30 from the field against the same team that upset them 53-51 merely 12 days ago.

Duke went on a 10-0 run late in the second quarter to extend its lead to 38-19 at the half. Fournier had 12 points in the first half.

Clemson turned a 25-point deficit to 13 within the final minutes of the game, but Duke closed it out.

NO. 15 WEST VIRGINIA 67, ARIZONA STATE 54

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sydney Shaw hit five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points, Gia Cooke scored 16, and West Virginia beat No. 10 seed Arizona State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.

No. 15 West Virginia (25-6) plays Saturday in the semifinals against Colorado. The Mountaineers have won 25 games in each of coach Mark Kellogg’s first three seasons.

Shaw tied the program record for 3-pointers in a Big 12 Tournament game. Jordan Harrison added 10 points, five assists and three steals for West Virginia.

Marley Washenitz led Arizona State (24-10) with 14 points and Heloisa Carrera scored 10. Gabby Elliott left the game due to an apparent knee injury with 5:33 left in the third quarter but returned to start the fourth and finished with nine points — all in the first half.

NO. 16 NORTH CAROLINA 85, VIRGINIA TECH 68

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Lanie Grant scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, Nyla Harris had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and third-seeded North Carolina beat No. 6 seed Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on Friday night.

North Carolina (26-6) plays No. 12 and second-seeded Louisville in the semifinals Saturday.

Grant hit 4 of 7 from 3-point range and Harris made 8 of 11 from the field. Elina Aarnisalo totaled 18 points, six assists and five rebounds for UNC, and Nyla Brooks added 10 points.

Harris made a layup that gave the Tar Heels the lead for good and sparked an 11-2 run that made it 30-22 with 4:33 left in the second quarter. Aarnisalo hit a 3-pointer and added two free throws as UNC scored eight of the final nine first-half points to take a 13-point lead into the intermission.

Carleigh Wenzel made 14 of 15 from the free-throw line and finished with 26 points for Virginia Tech (23-9) but was 6-of-17 shooting, 0 of 6 from 3-point range.

COLORADO 62, NO. 20 BAYLOR 53

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Desiree Wooten had 21 points, Zyanna Walker scored 19 and Colorado upset Baylor in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Conference Tournament.

No. 6 seed Colorado will play 15th-ranked West Virginia, the No. 2 seed, in a semifinal matchup on Saturday. No. 1 seed TCU plays No. 12 seed Kansas State in the other semi after the Wildcats upset No. 4 seed Oklahoma State 74-73 in the day’s first quarterfinal.

Wooten came off the bench to make 8 of 16 shots with three 3-pointers for the Buffaloes (22-10), who advanced to a conference semifinal for the first time in 11 years. She added five rebounds and three assists. Reserve Logyn Greer had nine points and four boards.

Taliah Scott scored 14 points to pace the third-seeded Lady Bears (24-8). Darianna Littlepage-Buggs had 10 points and 10 rebounds, while reserve Kyla Abraham added 10 points and six boards.

NO. 25 FAIRFIELD 69, SACRED HEART 53

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Kaety L’Amoreaux scored 21 points, Meghan Andersen added 16 points and Fairfield eased by Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament for its ninth victory in a row.

Fairfield (26-4), the No. 2 seed, continues its quest for a third straight MAAC championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Stags already secured their third straight regular-season title, the seventh in program history.

L’Amoreaux, the conference player of the year, and Andersen combined for 22 points in the first half to help Fairfield build a 35-24 lead. Andersen scored five points during a 12-0 second-quarter run that gave the Stags a 14-point lead.

Fairfield led by double figures the entire second half. The Stags closed the third quarter on a 9-0 run and led by as many as 27 in the fourth before Sacred Heart scored the final 11 points of the game against reserves.

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