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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Edwards career stats

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

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

Giannis Antetokounmpo after NBA trade deadline: 'As of today, I'm committed to the Milwaukee Bucks'

Giannis Antetokounmpowas a trade target for the Knicks earlier this month and could still be on New York's radar but stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks through the NBA's Feb. 5 deadline.

The 2021 NBA Finals MVP addressed his status with the Bucks this weekend when he sat down with ESPN's Malika Andrews for an interview at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

"As of today, I'm committed to the Milwaukee Bucks," he said. "And I'm committed to the people that I work with -- my teammates, the coaching staff, coach Doc (Rivers) and (general manager) Jon (Horst) in the front office. What I've said from the beginning of this year is that, out of my mouth and the way I've carried myself, you will never hear me say I don't want to be a Milwaukee Buck."

Antetokounmpo was asked if he feels "at odds" with being a winner and his loyalty to the Bucks, and he started off by repeatedly saying "no."

"I am a winner, and I'm extremely loyal," Antetokounmpo said. "But the only thing that I feel sometimes ... growing up, you dream, 'Oh, what if I played for the Knicks, Madison Square Garden? What if I get drafted by the Lakers and I'm teammates with Kobe (Bryant)? What if I go play for the Cavs and LeBron (James) passes me the ball?' Like, you just dream, right?

"So, it doesn't change as an adult. You turn on the TV watch OKC, watch Celtics (and think), 'How would that work?' You always dream. If there will ever be a scenario ... where I'll be a Milwaukee Buck no more, I just don't want everybody to think, like, hey, man, I quit on my team -- because it's my team, and I love them."

Antetokounmpo, 31, is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds through 30 games of his 13th NBA season. He was named to his 10th All-Star Game but missed Sunday's action while sidelined with a calf injury.

Nick Castellanos reveals lesson he learned from messy Phillies divorce

Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double.
Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double during the Phillies' Oct. 6 playoff game.

Nick Castellanos has no hard feelings toward the Phillies over the way his time in the City of Brotherly Love ended, but he acknowledged that there are lessons to learn from the experience. 

The biggest learning lesson for Castellanos comes from an incident in June, which had been reported by The Athletic, where he brought a beer into the dugout and screamed at manager Rob Thomas and hitting coach Kevin Long.

Castellanos, who was released last week, apologized for the incident in an open letter to Phillies fans and spoke more about his time in Philly at camp with his new Padres team.

Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double during the Phillies’ Oct. 6 playoff game. AP

“I think when I said I will learn from this is I guess just letting emotions get the best of me in the moment,” Castellanos told reporters at the Padres spring training complex in Arizona. “[Going forward] possibly if I see things that frustrate me or I don’t believe are conducive to winning to speaking up when I see it instead of letting things just pile up over time. And finally, when I address it, it’s less emotional.”

Castellanos found a new home days after the Phillies released him, signing a one-year contract with the Padres over the weekend. 

The newest member of the Padres organization seemed upbeat about the opportunity in San Diego. 

However, he didn’t seem to regret the way certain things happened in Philadelphia, namely how vocal he was about his frustrations in September. 

“In the moment, I felt how I felt, and I spoke from the heart, and I was honest in every word that I said,” he said. “It’s not like I was outwardly ever displaying that. I kept it all inside. But when I was asked a question, I shot straight, and then people perceived it how they wanted.”

The one thing Castellanos said he wished had been different was the ballclub winning a World Series title. 

Nick Castellanos hits an RBI double during a Phillies game against the Mets in June 2025. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

“I mean, I think winning solves everything,” Castellanos said. “So, I think the one thing that I wish would have ended up different that we would have won.”

The Phillies reached the World Series in 2022, but lost to the Astros.

Castellanos now heads to the West Coast and is expected to find time as a designated hitter, while also playing some outfield and potentially first base.

Nick Castellanos reveals lesson he learned from messy Phillies divorce

Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double.
Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double during the Phillies' Oct. 6 playoff game.

Nick Castellanos has no hard feelings toward the Phillies over the way his time in the City of Brotherly Love ended, but he acknowledged that there are lessons to learn from the experience. 

The biggest learning lesson for Castellanos comes from an incident in June, which had been reported by The Athletic, where he brought a beer into the dugout and screamed at manager Rob Thomas and hitting coach Kevin Long.

Castellanos, who was released last week, apologized for the incident in an open letter to Phillies fans and spoke more about his time in Philly at camp with his new Padres team.

Nick Castellanos runs after hitting a double during the Phillies’ Oct. 6 playoff game. AP

“I think when I said I will learn from this is I guess just letting emotions get the best of me in the moment,” Castellanos told reporters at the Padres spring training complex in Arizona. “[Going forward] possibly if I see things that frustrate me or I don’t believe are conducive to winning to speaking up when I see it instead of letting things just pile up over time. And finally, when I address it, it’s less emotional.”

Castellanos found a new home days after the Phillies released him, signing a one-year contract with the Padres over the weekend. 

The newest member of the Padres organization seemed upbeat about the opportunity in San Diego. 

However, he didn’t seem to regret the way certain things happened in Philadelphia, namely how vocal he was about his frustrations in September. 

“In the moment, I felt how I felt, and I spoke from the heart, and I was honest in every word that I said,” he said. “It’s not like I was outwardly ever displaying that. I kept it all inside. But when I was asked a question, I shot straight, and then people perceived it how they wanted.”

The one thing Castellanos said he wished had been different was the ballclub winning a World Series title. 

Nick Castellanos hits an RBI double during a Phillies game against the Mets in June 2025. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

“I mean, I think winning solves everything,” Castellanos said. “So, I think the one thing that I wish would have ended up different that we would have won.”

The Phillies reached the World Series in 2022, but lost to the Astros.

Castellanos now heads to the West Coast and is expected to find time as a designated hitter, while also playing some outfield and potentially first base.

Francisco Lindor ‘very optimistic’ about his Mets Opening Day status after hand surgery

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets' Francisco Lindor during Spring Training at Clover Field, Image 2 shows Francisco Lindor's bandaged left hand and blue sleeve
Francisco Lindor is optimistic that he'll return by Opening Day for the Mets.

PORT ST. LUCIE — Francisco Lindor is weeks away from beginning full workouts, but that doesn’t mean he will be absent from the Mets scene in spring training.

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After undergoing surgery last week for a broken hamate bone in his left hand, the All-Star shortstop affirmed his hope to return in time for Opening Day, but not before he gets to mesh with the team’s new cast.

That meant showing up Sunday to Clover Park, a day ahead of the team’s first full-squad workout.

“We have a lot of new faces that I want to get to know and I wanted to interact with them,” Lindor said. “Just being outside with the guys … it sucks I can’t be out there doing everything they do.”

Lindor is facing a six-week recovery from the surgery, which was performed Wednesday.

Francisco Lindor is pictured Feb. 15 during the Mets’ spring training. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

He didn’t back away from the notion he’ll play on Opening Day.

“I’m very optimistic,” Lindor said. “My goal is to be there. I trust the Mets staff and feel like they have dealt with it many times and they are really good.”

Lindor said he had dealt with discomfort in the hand “over the years” and following a full workout Feb. 6 felt something was amiss, which led to the surgery decision.

Previously, Lindor was scratched from the World Baseball Classic — he was set to serve as Puerto Rico’s captain — after the event’s insurer denied him coverage. Lindor said that decision stemmed from his offseason surgery to clean up his elbow.

Francisco Lindor’s hand is pictured Feb. 15 at the Mets’ spring training complex. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

“It definitely caught me by surprise,” Lindor said of the denied insurance coverage. “I felt like I was ready. … They hadn’t seen me [play] all offseason and I had surgery at the end of the [season].”

Even an intervention by Bad Bunny couldn’t help — the Puerto Rican rapper offered to purchase an insurance policy for the shortstop, but the WBC wouldn’t allow it, according to Lindor.

“We appreciate how much [Bad Bunny] cares for Puerto Rico,” Lindor said. “He wanted Puerto Rico to be as strong as it can be, but it didn’t work out.”

Lindor said the offseason overhaul of the Mets — spearheaded by president of baseball operations David Stearns — was understandable given the disappointing manner last season ended, with the team missing the playoffs. The new cast includes Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr., with Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil and Edwin Díaz among the departed.

“The year didn’t end the way we all wanted and it’s a business and you have a feeling that every year is not going to look the same,” Lindor said. “Stearns is one of the best and this group, they are great, so it was interesting to see how they went about it.

“All offseason it seemed it was quiet and then all of a sudden it wasn’t quiet and then it went back to being quiet,” Lindor said. “They did a really good job with how they did it. I am looking forward to this year.”

Francisco Lindor ‘very optimistic’ about his Mets Opening Day status after hand surgery

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets' Francisco Lindor during Spring Training at Clover Field, Image 2 shows Francisco Lindor's bandaged left hand and blue sleeve
Francisco Lindor is optimistic that he'll return by Opening Day for the Mets.

PORT ST. LUCIE — Francisco Lindor is weeks away from beginning full workouts, but that doesn’t mean he will be absent from the Mets scene in spring training.

Access the Mets beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Try it free

After undergoing surgery last week for a broken hamate bone in his left hand, the All-Star shortstop affirmed his hope to return in time for Opening Day, but not before he gets to mesh with the team’s new cast.

That meant showing up Sunday to Clover Park, a day ahead of the team’s first full-squad workout.

“We have a lot of new faces that I want to get to know and I wanted to interact with them,” Lindor said. “Just being outside with the guys … it sucks I can’t be out there doing everything they do.”

Lindor is facing a six-week recovery from the surgery, which was performed Wednesday.

Francisco Lindor is pictured Feb. 15 during the Mets’ spring training. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

He didn’t back away from the notion he’ll play on Opening Day.

“I’m very optimistic,” Lindor said. “My goal is to be there. I trust the Mets staff and feel like they have dealt with it many times and they are really good.”

Lindor said he had dealt with discomfort in the hand “over the years” and following a full workout Feb. 6 felt something was amiss, which led to the surgery decision.

Previously, Lindor was scratched from the World Baseball Classic — he was set to serve as Puerto Rico’s captain — after the event’s insurer denied him coverage. Lindor said that decision stemmed from his offseason surgery to clean up his elbow.

Francisco Lindor’s hand is pictured Feb. 15 at the Mets’ spring training complex. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

“It definitely caught me by surprise,” Lindor said of the denied insurance coverage. “I felt like I was ready. … They hadn’t seen me [play] all offseason and I had surgery at the end of the [season].”

Even an intervention by Bad Bunny couldn’t help — the Puerto Rican rapper offered to purchase an insurance policy for the shortstop, but the WBC wouldn’t allow it, according to Lindor.

“We appreciate how much [Bad Bunny] cares for Puerto Rico,” Lindor said. “He wanted Puerto Rico to be as strong as it can be, but it didn’t work out.”

Lindor said the offseason overhaul of the Mets — spearheaded by president of baseball operations David Stearns — was understandable given the disappointing manner last season ended, with the team missing the playoffs. The new cast includes Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr., with Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil and Edwin Díaz among the departed.

“The year didn’t end the way we all wanted and it’s a business and you have a feeling that every year is not going to look the same,” Lindor said. “Stearns is one of the best and this group, they are great, so it was interesting to see how they went about it.

“All offseason it seemed it was quiet and then all of a sudden it wasn’t quiet and then it went back to being quiet,” Lindor said. “They did a really good job with how they did it. I am looking forward to this year.”

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

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Team USA Stripes looks on before the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

It was the fans.

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

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

USA vs. World Format: A+

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Championship Game: D

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

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

Kawhi Leonard: A

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

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

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

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

Anthony Edwards: A

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

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

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

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

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

World Team: Incomplete

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

Damian Lillard: A

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

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

Dunk Contest: C-

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

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

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

John Tesh: A

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

I was wrong. John Tesh rocks.

Yankees’ Ryan Weathers flashes heat in first live batting practice — but has to clear key hurdle

New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers #40 pitching live batting practice.
Ryan Weathers throws a pitch during his Feb. 15 live batting practice for the Yankees.

TAMPA — Ryan Weathers is not exactly easing into his first camp as a member of the Yankees.

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The newly acquired left-hander came out pumping the heat in his first live batting practice since spring training began, regularly hitting 97 and 98 mph with his fastball Sunday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field.

Those kinds of numbers are not often seen on a radar gun in mid-February as pitchers ramp up, but Weathers indicated that has been the norm for him the past few springs.

“I don’t feel like I’m trying to throw hard, so I think my delivery’s just in a good spot right now,” he said. “I think everything’s connecting really well. Hopefully I keep throwing like that.”

Ryan Weathers throws a pitch during his Feb. 15 live batting practice for the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg

Weathers, who threw two simulated innings and about 35 pitches, averaged 96.9 mph on his fastball during the regular season last year with the Marlins, who traded him to the Yankees in January for four prospects.

Of course, the biggest hurdle for the 26-year-old in being able to fully showcase that stuff has been staying healthy.

He missed time with a lat strain and a flexor muscle strain last season, so the Yankees are cognizant of building him up carefully to have him available for the start of the season, when he will try to help hold the fort down in the absence of Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt.

“I feel like physically, he’s in a really good place as far as the work he put in, in the winter,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I continue to be excited about him. I think he’s in a really good spot for us.”

Ryan Weathers throws a pitch during his live batting practice Feb. 15. Charles Wenzelberg

The Yankees believe that, if Weathers is healthy, they can help take his game to another level.

He has been working on a new two-seam fastball to give him another weapon against left-handed hitters, and he said the few he threw in Sunday’s session felt good — with about 19 to 20 inches of movement.

The other main focus with the pitching department since he arrived has been more of a change in approach.

“I think just trusting my stuff in the middle of the plate,” Weathers said. “I have stuff moving everywhere, so it’s getting in the zone and letting my stuff play in the zone. The more I can get in advantage counts, I’ll be able to get more outs.”

Yankees’ Ryan Weathers flashes heat in first live batting practice — but has to clear key hurdle

New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers #40 pitching live batting practice.
Ryan Weathers throws a pitch during his Feb. 15 live batting practice for the Yankees.

TAMPA — Ryan Weathers is not exactly easing into his first camp as a member of the Yankees.

Access the Yankees beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.

Try it free

The newly acquired left-hander came out pumping the heat in his first live batting practice since spring training began, regularly hitting 97 and 98 mph with his fastball Sunday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field.

Those kinds of numbers are not often seen on a radar gun in mid-February as pitchers ramp up, but Weathers indicated that has been the norm for him the past few springs.

“I don’t feel like I’m trying to throw hard, so I think my delivery’s just in a good spot right now,” he said. “I think everything’s connecting really well. Hopefully I keep throwing like that.”

Ryan Weathers throws a pitch during his Feb. 15 live batting practice for the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg

Weathers, who threw two simulated innings and about 35 pitches, averaged 96.9 mph on his fastball during the regular season last year with the Marlins, who traded him to the Yankees in January for four prospects.

Of course, the biggest hurdle for the 26-year-old in being able to fully showcase that stuff has been staying healthy.

He missed time with a lat strain and a flexor muscle strain last season, so the Yankees are cognizant of building him up carefully to have him available for the start of the season, when he will try to help hold the fort down in the absence of Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt.

“I feel like physically, he’s in a really good place as far as the work he put in, in the winter,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I continue to be excited about him. I think he’s in a really good spot for us.”

Ryan Weathers throws a pitch during his live batting practice Feb. 15. Charles Wenzelberg

The Yankees believe that, if Weathers is healthy, they can help take his game to another level.

He has been working on a new two-seam fastball to give him another weapon against left-handed hitters, and he said the few he threw in Sunday’s session felt good — with about 19 to 20 inches of movement.

The other main focus with the pitching department since he arrived has been more of a change in approach.

“I think just trusting my stuff in the middle of the plate,” Weathers said. “I have stuff moving everywhere, so it’s getting in the zone and letting my stuff play in the zone. The more I can get in advantage counts, I’ll be able to get more outs.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And where could that take him?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Up next

TCU: At Houston on Wednesday.

West Virginia: Hosts Oklahoma State on Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINNERS

The new format

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

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

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

Anthony Edwards

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

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

Victor Wembanyama

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

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

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

Kawhi Leonard

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

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

Adam Silver

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

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

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

LOSERS

Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić

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

Team Stripes runs out of gas

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

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

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

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