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Warriors lose to tanking team again — this time against the Bulls

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors passes around Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Chase Center...

SAN FRANCISCO — One day was all it took for the Warriors to top their worst loss of the season.

After failing to pull out a win while the Jazz rested their best players in crunch time on Monday, the Warriors returned home Tuesday and once again proved incapable of beating a tanking team.

The Warriors were at the foul line with the lead in the final moments of regulation but still couldn’t finish off a 130-124 overtime loss to the lowly Bulls, who outscored them in 12-6 in the extra period.

“We just couldn’t close it out,” coach Steve Kerr said. “They were the better team in OT.”

Gui Santos, Kristaps Porzingis, LJ Cryer and Pat Spencer all scored 17 points to lead the Warriors, but Golden State had no answer for Matas Buzelis, who finished with 41 points on 16-of-28 shooting. Josh Giddey added 21 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds for a triple-double.

Back-to-back losses to the Bulls and Jazz amounted to a serious case of whiplash after strong efforts from Golden State to beat the Rockets and threaten the Thunder on the road last week.

“Both very winnable games,” Kerr said. “Had the lead late tonight. Obviously one we should’ve had. But this is how the NBA is, especially when you’re beaten up. Games are going to be tight. You’ve got to finish. And we haven’t finished either of the past two nights.”

Brandin Podziemski looks to pass the ball while guarded by Josh Giddey. Getty Images

What it means

Kerr has been on the cusp of 600 wins since the Warriors beat the Rockets in Houston last week. He hasn’t been able to break through against two tanking teams.

Even with the beleaguered state of their roster, the Warriors’ past two losses will go down as two of their worst of the season. Two of the easiest games left on Golden State’s schedule just happened to line up as their only stretch this season with a home-road back-to-back.

No wonder the Warriors looked out of gas for most of the night.

The loss dropped Golden State below .500 for the first time since it was 14-15 on Dec. 20.

The Warriors (32-33) now sit a half game behind the Clippers (32-32), ninth in the Western Conference.

Turning point

Once again, the Warriors lost the game at the foul line.

After two dreadful performances from the stripe, the Warriors shot it far better against the Bulls, converting 16-of-18 attempts in regulation. But holding a 117-116 lead with 8 seconds left, LJ Cryer was only able to convert one of his two free throws.

“You make the free throw, probably a different outcome of the game,” said Cryer, who tied with Spencer for a team-best plus-18 off the bench.

Draymond Green celebrates a 3-pointer against the Bulls. AP

On the other end, Draymond Green fouled Jalen Smith on a desperation attempt that sent him to the line with 1.4 seconds left. Smith sank both of his free throws to send the game to overtime.

“He got his hand on his body,” Kerr said. “It was a foul. I’m sure he’d like to have that one back. He just got his hand in the wrong spot.”

Playing their second game in two nights in as many cities, the Warriors were sluggish from the outset and the crowd inside Chase Center reciprocated with an atmosphere to match. But the lower bowl rose to its feet as Golden State erased a 13-point deficit.

When the Bulls forced overtime, fans streamed for the exits. They apparently already knew how this one was going to end.

MVP: Gary Payton II

The 6-foot-2 Payton was a constant presence around the basket and finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. The 11 rebounds led the Warriors, including a team-best three on the offensive glass, all of which Payton cleaned up for putback dunks.

Stat of the game: Zero

That is the number of minutes De’Anthony Melton played against the Bulls, despite the Warriors limiting his action Monday at Utah with the intent of him playing in the back-to-back.

Brandin Podziemski drives to the basket against the double team. Getty Images

Likewise, the Warriors sat both Porzingis and Al Horford against the Jazz so that both could play Tuesday against the Bulls. It’s no sure thing that either game hinged on the three players’ availability, but in the end, both ended in stinging losses.

Kerr said afterward that Melton tweaked his hamstring/groin late against the Jazz and had it act up overnight, preventing him from playing against Chicago.

Before the game, Kerr said he was hopeful Melton could establish that he was up to the task.

“We need him,” he said. “He’s obviously one of our best players.”

Up next

The Warriors host Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves on Friday in their last home game until March 25. They hit the road for five games, including two more sets of back-to-backs, beginning Sunday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The most important date for the Warriors this week, however, is Wednesday. That is when Steph Curry (knee), who missed his 15th straight game, is set to be re-evaluated.

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Report: Utah Jazz interested in Lakers’ Austin Reaves

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NOVEMBER 23: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives into Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of a game at Delta Center on November 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to Eric Pincus, the Utah Jazz are interested in Austin Reaves.

In this episode of the Jovan Buha podcast, you can listen to it. Pincus says:

“I’ve heard that the Utah Jazz like Austin Reaves. I don’t think that’s a shock, but I’ve heard that that’s one of the teams that’s interested in Austin Reaves,”

There have been rumblings here and there about this, but it’s the first time we’ve seen someone plugged in talk about it. If the Jazz are interested in Reaves, that probably means some sort of sign-and-trade. Utah will be over the cap, and even if they don’t sign many of their expiring deals, they’ll be adding Walker Kessler to their books alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. On top of that, we’re not far away from Keyonte George also being up for a contract, and you can bet he’s going to be earning a big payday as well. The question from this is, who do the Jazz trade to the Lakers if they want Austin Reaves? Is there a sign-and-trade possibility with Kessler now that Utah has Jaren Jackson?

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Ryan Ufko's 1st Career NHL Goal Elevates Nashville Predators Past Kraken | Recap

Ryan Ufko netted his first career NHL goal, a highlight reel score and game-winning conversion that elevated the Nashville Predators past the Seattle Kraken, 4-2, on Tuesday at Climate Pledge Arena. 

In the second period, Ufko got the puck off the face-off in the Kraken zone. He'd deke out a Kraken defender, cutting into the slot and getting goalie Joey Daccord sliding before putting it in on the forehand. 

Since joining the Predators for the first time this season on March 5 against the Boston Bruins, Ufko has two points in three games (1G, 1A). This season in Milwaukee, he's recorded 44 points (11G, 33A) in 50 games and earned AHL All-Star honors. 

Juuse Saros was massive in net, making 43 saves on 45 shots for his second 40+ save performance of the season. It's the most saves he's made in a single game this season. 

The Predators fell behind early, as Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers scored in the first 10 minutes to make it 2-0 Seattle. Kakko's goal came just 2:14 minutes into the game.

Nashville was dominated in the first period, getting outshot 19-7 and going down by two goals.  

Its response was swift in the second period. Tyson Jost scored on a feed from Fedo Svechkov to get the Predators on the board. It was Jost's first goal since Dec. 27 and Sevchkov's second point in three games. 

Reid Schaefer tied the game later in the second, tapping in a feed from Matthew Wood. That was Schaefer's first goal since Dec. 31 and Wood's 10th assist of the season. 

Steven Stamkos added an empty net goal with five seconds left in the game to seal a victory. 

Jonathan Marchessault recorded two assists in the win for just his third multi-point game of the season.

The win is massive for the Predators' hopes of making the playoffs, now just a point behind the Kraken for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with 66 points. 

According to MoneyPuck.com, with the win, the Predators now have a 25.5% chance of making the playoffs. Los Angeles (67 points) picked up just one point in a 2-1 overtime loss to Boston, while San Jose (66 points) lost in regulation to Buffalo, 6-3. 

The Predators continue their five-game road trip into Vancouver on Thursday against the Canucks at 9 p.m. CST. 

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Carter erupts for career-best 24 points to lead Kings to 114-109 comeback win over Pacers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Devin Carter scored 22 of his career-best 24 points in the fourth quarter to power the Sacramento Kings to a 114-109 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.

Carter scored 13 straight points down the stretch for Sacramento, who trailed by as many as 20 points and were down by 10 heading into the final frame.

The Kings shot 46% from the field and 35% from deep, while the Pacers shot 41% and 30% respectively. Carter was 9 of 13 from the field and 3 for 4 from beyond the arc.

Maxime Raynaud's and-1 jumper with 16 seconds remaining finished off the win.

Raynaud had an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double, the 15th of the season for the 7-foot-1 rookie. Russell Westbrook added 16 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan and Nique Clifford each scored 12 points.

Indiana led 59-42 at the half, but Sacramento took their first lead since the first quarter on Carter's 3-pointer with 4:16 remaining in regulation.

Aaron Nesmith led all scorers with 29 points, 24 of them in the first half. Obi Toppin scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Kam Jones had 14 points and nine assists.

Indiana extended its NBA-long losing streak to 10 games, and the game matched teams with the NBA’s two worst records.

Pascal Siakam (right knee sprain) and Andrew Nembhard (back and neck soreness) did not play. They are the Pacers' first and third-leading scorers, respectively.

The Kings had dropped their last three meetings against Indiana, including a 116-105 defeat on Dec. 8 in Indianapolis.

Up next

Pacers: Host Phoenix on Thursday night.

Kings: Host Charlotte on Wednesday night. ___

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

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Hornets rally for 103-101 victory over the Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Brandon Miller had 21 points and eight rebounds, LaMelo Ball had 12 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and the Charlotte Hornets overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 103-101 on Tuesday night.

Kon Knueppel added 15 points and five rebounds for the Hornets, who got back to .500 at 33-33. Ryan Kalkbrenner added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Hornets trailed 43-24 in the second quarter but edged ahead late by holding the Trail Blazers to 19 points in the fourth quarter.

Jerami Grant scored 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting for Portland. Deni Avdija had 22 points and Scoot Henderson scored 14 off the bench. Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan each had 11 points.

Portland controlled the first half and led Charlotte by nine going into halftime before a cold-shooting stretch and a series of late-game miscues.

Up next

Hornets: Visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

Trail Blazers: Host the Utah Jazz on Friday.

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Wembanyama’s shooting spree lifts Spurs past Celtics

SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots for a three-point shot against Boston Celtics in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 10, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For three quarters Tuesday night, the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics looked like two teams unwilling to blink. Every Spurs run was answered. Every Boston basket seemed to come with a response. The crowd inside Frost Bank Center stayed on edge, sensing the game could tilt either way.

Then Victor Wembanyama tilted it.

The Spurs’ young superstar caught fire from beyond the arc and, when the game tightened in the fourth quarter, San Antonio delivered the final surge to secure a 125-116 win over the Celtics. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Wembanyama is quickly becoming one of the most electrifying players in the NBA.

The night began with both teams trading baskets in a fast-paced opening quarter. Boston leaned on former Spur Derrick White, who quickly found his rhythm and kept the Celtics within striking distance. Meanwhile, San Antonio’s offense flowed through Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, who pushed the tempo and created opportunities for his teammates.

Neither side gained much separation. By halftime, the scoreboard reflected the back-and-forth nature of the game as the team’s went to the locker room even at 58 apiece. Boston’s perimeter shooting kept the pressure on, while the Spurs countered with crisp ball movement and timely shooting from Devin Vassell and the supporting cast.

The tension only grew in the third quarter.

White began to heat up for Boston, knocking down difficult shots and attacking the lane. But every time the Celtics appeared ready to take control, Wembanyama answered. The 7-foot-4 phenom drilled three-pointers with ease, stretching Boston’s defense farther and farther away from the rim.

Still, the game remained tight entering the final period. That’s when the Spurs made their move.

With the Celtics clinging within a possession early in the fourth quarter, San Antonio strung together the run that changed everything. Vassell knocked down a key three. Fox sliced into the lane for a layup. Wembanyama followed with another deep shot that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Suddenly, a close game had become a Spurs advantage that Boston couldn’t erase. The Celtics fought back behind White’s scoring, but San Antonio’s offense never cooled. Fox continued orchestrating the attack, Wembanyama kept stretching the defense, and the Spurs calmly knocked down free throws down the stretch.

By the final minutes, the outcome was no longer in doubt.

When the buzzer sounded, the Spurs walked away with a huge victory, another impressive win during what has become one of the team’s hottest stretches of the season.

And once again, it was Wembanyama at the center of it all, putting on a performance that felt as spectacular as it was decisive.

Game Notes

  • It is still so amazing to see Jason Tatum back on the court playing good basketball after that devastating Achilles tear last season in the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks. So happy to see him back. Tatum had his best scoring night since returning with 24 points on Tuesday night.
  • Despite Jaylen Brown’s ejection, the Spurs got a huge win against a championship contender. Boston joins Detroit, Oklahoma City, and Denver among the league’s top teams that have been beat by San Antonio this season.
  • Julian Champagnie is human after all, he had a poor shooting night and did not score, but his teammates came through in the clutch.
  • The Spurs big three of De’Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, and Stephon Castle combined for 82 of Spurs’ 125 points. Wemby led the way with 39 points and tied his career-high of eight three-pointers. Fox added 25 points, and Castle chipped in 18. If this is the version of the Spurs big three we’re going to get come playoff time, the entire NBA may be in trouble.
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Team USA suffers embarrassing loss to Italy — putting WBC chances at risk

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Nolan McLean #26 of Team United States reacts after pitching against Team Italy in the first inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas, Image 2 shows Jac Caglianone #14 of Team Italy celebrates with Kyle Teel #3 after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game presented by Capital One between Team Italy and Team USA at Daikin Park on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas, Image 3 shows Sam Antonacci #10 of Team Italy slides safely into second base as the ball gets past Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of Team United States in the sixth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas
wbc

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics had plenty of upsets and surprises, but Tuesday night’s World Baseball Classic action might have produced the most shocking international result of 2026.

And Team USA was on the wrong side of it.

The Americans were stunned by Team Italy, 8-6, in a game in which they never led, played sloppily and failed to find the big hit.

Nolan McLean reacts after pitching against Team Italy in the first inning of Team USA’ 8-6 loss to Italy during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston. Getty Images

Now, their hopes to reach the quarterfinal round are in doubt and could come down to a tiebreak.

After the game U.S. manager Mark DeRosa fielded questions about whether he thought his team had already secured a spot in the quarterfinals with Monday night’s win over Mexico because of his comments on a television appearance Tuesday morning.

In that interview he said: “Ton of respect for Italy — it’s weird — we want to win this game even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals because Mexico plays Italy actually tomorrow. So, the way the schedule lines up this is an important game for us.”

In the interview room he said he “misspoke” in that segment and in a later interview outside the clubhouse he reiterated that he did not think they had already clinched a spot.

Mets hurler Nolan McLean got the start for the U.S., and after a dominant first inning where he struck out the side, allowed two home runs in the second to put the Americans in an early 3-0 hole.

Yankees lefty Ryan Yarbrough didn’t provide any relief, yielding a two-run blast to Jac Caglianone in the fourth.

Jac Caglianone of Team Italy celebrates with Kyle Teel after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning of their upset win over Team USA during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston. MLB Photos via Getty Images

Things completely unraveled two innings later when reliever Brad Keller turned a possible double-play ball into a run-scoring error when he threw wildly to second base. The Italians then tacked on two more in the inning with a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch to take an 8-0 lead after the first five and a half innings.

Gunnar Henderson (a solo shot) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (three-run homer) went deep in the sixth and seventh before Roman Anthony delivered a run-scoring single in the eighth.

But Bryce Harper, who came up as a pinch-hitter for Paul Goldschmidt and represented the tying run, flied out to left field to strand runners on the corners in the eighth.

Crow-Armstrong went hit a second homer, a solo blast, in the ninth, but the U.S. couldn’t pull any further.

Sam Antonacci of Team Italy slides safely into second base as the ball gets past Bobby Witt Jr. during the sixth inning of their upset win over Team USA. Getty Images

Captain Aaron Judge, up with a runner on and two outs, struck out swinging to end the game.

Judge said he is disappointed that the team failed to take care of business against Italy.

“It’s the toughest thing,” he said. “You always like having your destiny in your own hands and we had it right in front of us and Italy came out swinging.”

Judge added that the team will probably gather at the hotel to watch Wednesday’s game.

“It’s out of our control now,” he said. “We just need a little luck and we’ll see what happens.”

— with AP

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Colorado State women beat Air Force 56-42 to win first Mountain West Championship since 2016

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brooke Carlson scored 17 points, Madelyn Bragg added 15 and Colorado State pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Air Force 56-42 on Tuesday night for the Rams' first Mountain West Conference championship since 2016.

No. 3 seed Colorado State (27-7) took a 34-32 advantage into the final period and outscored Air Force 22-10. Carlson scored eight points, and Bragg and Kloe Froebe added five apiece in the fourth quarter.

Carlson shot just 4 of 15 from the floor but made 9 of 12 free throws. Bragg made 7 of 8 field goals. Froebe finished with nine points and 10 rebounds.

Milahnie Perry scored 14 points for No. 9 seed Air Force (16-18). Emily Adams added 12 points and Alexis Cortez chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds.

The Rams shot 4 of 8 from the floor and made 14 of 18 free throws in the fourth quarter while the Falcons were 3-of-17 shooting overall.

The No. 9 seed Falcons entered as the lowest-seeded program to earn a spot in the title game. Air Force beat No. 8 seed Wyoming, top-seeded San Diego State and No. 5 seed Boise State.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

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Anthony Roy sends No. 14 seed Oklahoma State to 92-83 win over Colorado in Big 12 tourney

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Anthony Roy scored 24 points, Christian Coleman had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and No. 14 seed Oklahoma State held on down the stretch for a 92-83 victory over No. 11 seed Colorado in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.

Jaylen Curry added 15 points for the Cowboys (19-13), who probably need to keep winning to make the NCAA Tournament field next week. Their next chance is Wednesday night against sixth-seeded TCU for a spot in the Big 12 quarterfinals.

Bangot Dak had 22 points and eight rebounds to lead Colorado (17-15), whose own NCAA hopes almost certainly vanished. Barrington Hargress added 18 points and nine assists, Isaiah Johnson had 14 points and Ian Inman finished with 11.

Colorado mostly controlled its game against Oklahoma State when the teams met earlier this season in Boulder.

The Cowboys mostly flipped that script in the Big 12 Tournament.

The Buffaloes had to make a couple of late buckets to get within 41-40 at halftime, and then had to keep fighting back from deficits throughout the second half. But every time Elijah Malone would bully his way for a bucket, or Johnson scored with a runner for the Buffs, Roy or Curry was there to answer with timely baskets for Oklahoma State.

The game was still tight until Vyctorius Miller made five consecutive free throws with about 6 minutes left. That turned a 68-62 lead into a 73-62 advantage, and allowed Oklahoma State to stay away from the Buffaloes the rest of the way.

Up next

Colorado: The Buffaloes wait to hear where they will be playing in the postseason.

Oklahoma State: The Cowboys face No. 6 seed TCU in a Wednesday quarterfinal. They lost both of their games to TCU in the regular season, including a 95-92 overtime thriller.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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Yankees news: Gil excited to put injury behind him

Mar 4, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; New York Yankees catcher Payton Henry (79) congratulates pitcher Luis Gil (81) after the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: After winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2024, Luis Gil’s 2025 season was not what he wanted. Limited to just 11 starts last year due to injury, Gil’s looking forward to 2026 and so far the early returns of spring have been encouraging. Hoch also has some notes about Jasson Domínguez working to improve his hitting from the right side and the competition for the final spot on the bench with the rest of it mostly figured out.

NJ.com | Randy Miller: With a lot of hype surrounding the World Baseball Classic, it’s easy for players who aren’t participating to get some FOMO. Max Fried, recently announced as the Yankees’ Opening Day starter, spoke on this adding that anyone would want to play that type of competitive baseball, but he passed on the opportunity because he felt he wouldn’t be able to properly build up to that level of competition for March.

New York Post | Dan Kelly: A day after the news broke that Spencer Jones would start the year with Triple-A Scranton, he clobbered his fourth home run of the spring. Barring any significant injuries on the depth chart ahead of him, there was always almost no chance of him breaking camp with the big league club. Still though, his success this spring has given Jones a boost of confidence and he knows his task is not to focus on what he can’t control, but to focus on what he can. He wants to build off his breakout last year and work on being consistent.

NJ.com | Randy Miller: Speaking of the last bench spot, Randal Grichuk took some time to discuss his disappointing 2025 season which saw him garner almost no attention as a free agent. Supposedly the Yankees had initially offered him a major league contract towards the beginning of free agency, but he opted to see what his options were, and the Yankees went on to re-sign Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, which left him settling for a minor league deal with the club. He seems to think his down year was just a fluke and that he still hit the ball hard. He feels confident in having a path to that last bench spot with the team and definitely feels like he can be a contributor.

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4 Penguins Who Have Stepped Up Big Without Crosby, Malkin

One look at the Pittsburgh Penguins' schedule in the month of March was enough for a whole lot of people to question whether or not a team that was - according to outside noise - supposed to be a lottery team would be able to sustain playoff-level hockey. 

And right when, not one, but two of the team's biggest stars were guaranteed to miss at least a few games, there were even more questions. The currently injured Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin - who still has three games to serve on his suspension - have been driving the bus for the Penguins for two decades, and they are still the two most productive players on the team.

Well, as it turns out, the Penguins have been doing fine regardless. 

In the three games since they lost both Crosby and Malkin simultaneously, the Penguins are 1-0-2 and have collected four out of six possible points. They're still second in the Metropolitan Division, and they are finding ways to beat good teams, squeak points out of almost every game, and utilize their "never quit" mantra to come roaring back in games, even when they are down.

And, although many of them are playing pretty well without 87 and 71, there have been four players who have stepped up in a big way and stood out among the rest.

Penguins Provide Injury Updates On Several PlayersPenguins Provide Injury Updates On Several PlayersThe Pittsburgh Penguins provided a few injury updates on Tuesday.

Erik Karlsson

Not only is Karlsson playing his best hockey as a Pittsburgh Penguin this season, he's also playing the best all-around hockey he's played since his days as an Ottawa Senator. 

The 35-year-old, three-time Norris Trophy-winning blueliner is in his third season with Pittsburgh, and he has looked the part both offensively and defensively all year. He has six goals and 42 points in 58 games. He's also played a key role on both special teams units for the Penguins, and their power play and penalty kill have both been top-five units in the NHL for the majority of the 2025-26 season despite a recent fall-off by the power play, which is now ranked sixth.

But since the Olympic break - which included heartbreak for Karlsson and Team Sweden - his play has been at another level. 

Karlsson is driving offense at an elite rate, he's getting pucks to the net with six shots in two of his last four games, he's logging heavy minutes, and he's made some stellar defensive plays that weren't prevalent in his game much at all prior to this season.

He has not played in the postseason since 2018-19 with the San Jose Sharks. He badly wants to get there this time around, and he's playing like a man carrying his team on his back. 

Karlsson has been the Penguins' best player in these last seven games, and it's not particularly close. 

Takeaways: Penguins Storm Back From Three-Goal Deficit, Beat Bruins In OT For Most Critical Win Of The SeasonTakeaways: Penguins Storm Back From Three-Goal Deficit, Beat Bruins In OT For Most Critical Win Of The SeasonLed by Anthony Mantha's two goals, the Pittsburgh Penguins put together their biggest and most impressive comeback win of the season against the Boston Bruins on Sunday

Egor Chinakhov

Chinakhov has been simply magnificent since joining the Penguins, as his 11 goals are more than any other Penguins' player since his debut with the team on Jan. 1.

But he has really turned it up since the break - and, especially, in the three games without Crosby and Malkin. 

In the three games without Crosby and Malkin, Chinakhov has a goal and three assists, and - really - he should have four assists, as he wasn't awarded one on Tommy Novak's overtime winner against the Boston Bruins on Sunday but certainly earned one. He hounded one of the league's best defensemen in Charlie McAvoy and forced a turnover, took the puck around the offensive zone and across the net front, stuck with it after a poke check, and got the puck to Novak for the goal. 

And this is just one example. Chinakhov has been playing responsible defensive hockey since he arrived in Pittsburgh, and his smarts and instincts have been on full display on a top line with Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust - a line he has helped elevate.

This guy was well-worth a second- and third-rounder, and as a pending-RFA, he is making his case for a pretty big pay raise this summer, when he and the Penguins wiill surely talk about a new contract. 

Egor Chinakhov's Stock With The Penguins Continues To RiseEgor Chinakhov's Stock With The Penguins Continues To RiseEgor Chinakhov's play with the Pittsburgh Penguins has been outstanding.

Rickard Rakell

Rakell has drawn the ire of some Penguins' fans since the Olympic break for his play at the center position. Having not been a full-time center since 2017 - and with the Penguins stretched thin at center - it took a few games for Rakell to adjust to his role as the team's first-line center without Crosby, a role he probably never imagined he'd play as a Penguin. 

But he's stepped up in a big way since Malkin came out of the lineup in terms of getting some offensive momentum, driving play, and taking draws. He has a goal and four points in the last three games without both of the big guys, and he's making some progress in terms of winning draws, as he's 11 of his last 25. Not great, but not where he started, either. 

Many forget that Rakell missed 21 games earlier this season with a broken hand, and he was flirting with point-per-game before that. He's been asked to shoulder a huge load without Crosby and Malkin, getting matched up down the middle against the opposition's best, running the power play from down low, and being relied upon offensively. 

The Penguins are 1-0-2 and have earned four of six possible points without both Crosby and Malkin. Rakell may not be doing the flashy things like Karlsson and Chinakhov, but he is a vitally important member of their top-six, and the team wouldn't be functioning at the level it still is without him in the picture.

Penguins' GM Kyle Dubas Hits Big Career MilestonePenguins' GM Kyle Dubas Hits Big Career MilestonePittsburgh Penguins' general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas hit a career milestone during Tuesday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Anthony Mantha

Speaking of top-six players stepping up, Anthony Mantha has certainly done so since both 87 and 71 exited the lineup. 

Mantha tallied the tying goal and the go-ahead goal against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, and he also scored against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday in the last minute of the first period to tie the game at the time. 

But it's not just the goals in terms of Mantha's contributions, even if he has 24 of them this season - second only to Crosby. He's also made some key defensive plays, most notably in overtime against the Canes, when he blocked a shot to save a goal and later backchecked and dove to break up a 2-on-0 opportunity. And he's still helping the second line drive possession and create chances.

The 31-year-old forward has been nothing short of impressive this entire season, as he's already tied his career-high in points (48) and is just one goal shy of tying his career-high in that department. And this is coming off a 2024-25 season in which he played just 13 games before tearing his ACL.

Mantha has been an integral part of the Penguins' resurgence this season, and he has stepped up in really big moments for the team all season long - but, especially, in these last three games.

Penguins Forward Closing In On Career High In GoalsPenguins Forward Closing In On Career High In GoalsAnthony Mantha is three goals away from a new career-high.

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From the Pocket: Docherty’s voice memo highlights impossible job facing modern AFL coaches

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There comes a point in every footy season where everyone involved begins to fray. It often starts just after the Anzac Day round, when Melbourne’s big wet sets in, the ladder begins to splinter, there’s debate about “the state of the game” and there’s often a public spat between two prominent media figures. For anyone trying to process it or avoid it, it’s good to consult someone from outside the footy bubble and be reminded that none of this stuff actually matters.

But it started early this year. This year’s soap opera began in the first week of March, with a 12-goal onslaught and a voice message. Sam Docherty, sounding like he was speaking from an F45 class while riding a lawnmower, unleashed an expletive filled, rather entertaining and fairly accurate depiction of his former club.

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Islanders 4, Blues 3 (OT): Barzal caps 3-goal comeback

The new guy had to say some goodbyes first. | NHLI via Getty Images

The Islanders’ incredible overtime magic continued with their 10th OT winner of the season, this time built off the foundation of a three-goal comeback and a rare double-power-play conversion from a team whose power play can rarely shoot straight.

Mat Barzal finished the 4-3 win in St. Louis, using his speed to wrongfoot forward Jordan Kyrou for the overtime tally at 2:11. But the Isles only got there thanks to some good fortune, good power play passing and a timely coach’s challenge that prevented a 4-0 deficit.

The Isles had outshot the Blues badly in the first period and to start the second, but they allowed too many golden chances and were behind 3-0 just over midway through the game. It looked like it was 4-0 when Robert Thomas put in another golden chance, but it was overturned by video review after the Isles challenged for offside. Before the challenge, it looked like the Isles were considering putting David Rittich in, but thankfully they didn’t, because Sorokin’s elite services later proved necessary.

That overturned goal was the fortune teller’s turning point if not the actual turning point; it wasn’t until much later in the second period (17:50) that J-G Pageau finally got the Isles on the board. With the way the Isles had generated chances prior to that point (still outshooting the Blues 29-14 through 40 minutes), it felt like that gave them a fighting chance going into the third.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

But who would’ve expected that chance to be cashed in by not one, but two power play goals? Honestly, when Pavel Buchnevich was called for a very fortunate double-minor high-sticking on Calum Ritchie five minutes into the third, my first thought was, “Great, there goes four more minutes of comeback time wasted.”

Instead, the Isles power play moved the puck around and retained it along the boards decently enough — though not as well as the Blues, who just missed restoring their three-goal lead on a power play late in the second. Their persistence was rewarded when Jack Finley (son of former Islander and Blue Jeff Finley) accidentally pushed a loose puck over the line as he and another Blue battled with Bo Horvat and Cal Ritchie in the crease.

The goal was credited to Ritchie at 5:52, erasing the first minor and bringing the Isles to within one. They pulled off a proper power play sequence to get the next one, Horvat finishing a tic-tac-toe play in the slot from Ritchie and Barzal.

That left it tied 3-3, paving the way for some nervy moments but mostly two teams who were fine with tossing a coin for the extra point.

Overtime was your usual cagey affair, and Barzal wisely awaited the right moment to turn on the jets just after Kyrou came on the ice (and after receiving the puck from Brayden Schenn, who was shadowed by his trade counterpart Jonathan Drouin on the play). As Darren Pang said on the TNT broadcast with Butch Goring and Brendan Burke*, “Barzal going up against Kyrou, not exactly a Selke-nominated player.”

*At the game, staring into space as I waited for my daughter to use the restroom, I was startled to see Burke and Goring in line for the men’s room among the masses. I knew the game was on TNT but didn’t realize they had the call — didn’t even realize Butch does TNT games?! — so I was disoriented but happy, and take full credit for the comeback that ensued.

That burst of speed and 3-on-3 matchup allowed Barzal to bait Kyrou outside before cutting inside and firing upstairs from the slot. Game over.

Overall, it was a mostly well-earned two points for the Isles with the final shots tally 49-23. But many of their shots did not have the desired traffic or rebound presence, while they let up some inexcusable openings on the Blues goals. That included a 4-on-1 counterattack to open scoring for the Blues, and a wide open backdoor Jimmy Snuggerud after Scott Mayfield, Carson Sousy and Ritchie were all mesmerized watching Thomas in the left wing corner. Dylan Halloway’s goal to make it 2-0 was at least a fantastic shot that stunned Ilya Sorokin, but the Blues forward was allowed to much space to dance into the slot unimpeded.

Schenn’s Farewell

What a crazy, whirlwind week for new Islander Brayden Schenn! Switching teams without switching hotels in San Jose, getting one game in (an OT win, it’s how we do) before heading right back to his home for the past decade, then taking in a tribute and thank you after a parting that he did not request. With three kids, including a newborn, he’ll surely settle in on Long Island just fine, unless the former Drouin residence he’s renting is cursed.

On the ice, he looked a little more comfortable, logged five shots in 17:06 and won seven of 10 faceoffs. He had an early chance to get on the board that required a stretching stop from Joel Hofer. And for the record book, he gets the assist on the OT winner, even if all he did was hand it off to Barzal on his own way off for a change.

Up Next

That was huge, getting not one but two points from an 0-3 deficit in a game the hockey gods tried to steal from them. That pulls them even with Pittsburgh, which has a game in hand and picked up an OTL point tonight.

The Isles head home from the trip 2-2 thanks to some OT magic. They’ll have a home back-to-back vs. L.A., which beat them too easily last week, and Calgary, which lost 4-0 tonight in Manhattan.

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Marcus Semien’s spring training hitting woes with Mets continue with another 0-fer game

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Marcus Semien, hitting earlier in the spring, went 0-for-3 in the Mets' 6-1 spring training win over the Cardinals on March 10, 2026

Observations from Mets spring training on Tuesday:

Bombs away

Francisco Alvarez launched a 439-foot homer to center field for the Mets in their 6-1 exhibition victory over the Cardinals at Clover Park.

The blast was Alvarez’s first this spring.

Slow spring

Marcus Semien went 0-for-3 and is hitting .190 in the Grapefruit League.

Marcus Semien, hitting earlier in the spring, went 0-for-3 in the Mets’ 6-1 spring training win over the Cardinals on March 10, 2026. Corey Sipkin for New York Post

The veteran second baseman has been batting leadoff in Francisco Lindor’s absence.

Caught my eye

Semien won an ABS challenge, getting a strike overturned to a ball. Alvarez and David Peterson both lost challenges attempting to get a ball overturned to a strike.

Wednesday’s schedule

The Mets have an off-day and resume the Grapefruit League season Thursday against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.

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Bam Adebayo scores 83, passes Kobe Bryant for second most in a game in NBA history

Wilt. Bam. Kobe.

That is now the order for the top-scoring games in NBA history as — out of nowhere — Miami's Bam Adebayo dropped 83 points in Miami's blowout win over Washington Tuesday night.

"Wilt, me and Kobe, sounds crazy," Adebayo said (via Ira Winderman at the South Florida Sun Sentinel).

"Man, I wish I could relive it twice," Adebayo said in his walk-off interview.
"This was just an absolutely surreal night," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Adebayo is not known as an elite scorer, but on Tuesday, he came out on fire — scoring 31 points in the first quarter — and he had 43 in the first half. Adebayo did his damage where he always does, in the paint (26 points) and at the free throw line, where he was a ridiculous 36-of-43. Bam also knocked down seven 3-pointers and shot 20-of-43 overall for the night.

Adebayo crushed the record for most points by a Heat player, which had belonged to LeBron James at 61. Coach Erik Spoelstra said he had kept the box score from that 61-point game but lost it when a fire burned down his house last year. He said he can laugh about that now because he will keep this one from Bam.

It was shocking to see because Adebayo is averaging 18.9 points a game this season, has averaged more than 20 points a game just once in his entire career, and his previous high for a game was 41 points. He more than doubled that Tuesday night.

Adebayo had set the Heat record with 62 points by the end of the third quarter, and by just over three minutes into the fourth quarter, the Heat were up by 22. Spoelstra kept Adebayo in the game and the Heat kept feeding him the ball, having him chase history. In the final couple of minutes, the Heat would foul a Wizards player quickly to stop the clock and force free throws, so the Heat would get the ball back. Washington started triple-teaming Adebayo to deny him the ball and the Heat kept finding ways to get him the rock and let him drive into fouls — when Adebayo was called for a charge, Spoelstra challenged it.

There will be pushback on Adebayo's night from the Kobe nation, which will call what the Heat did to get Bam to 83 unethical (or something similar). On the night Kobe dropped 81 on the Raptors, the Lakers trailed by 15 at one point in the first half, the Lakers' offense was off, and Kobe just put the team on his back.

Adebayo did that most of the way as well, even if the Heat were handling the Wizards, and anything that happened late was taken from Philadelphia's playbook on the night Wilt Chamberlain scored 100.

What matters most is that this was just fun — and a historic night for Adebayo, the Heat and their fans. Something none of them will ever forget.