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San Antonio at Detroit, Final Score: Spurs shooters beat physical Pistons, 114-103

Feb 23, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) shoots on Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In one of their most impressive wins of the season, which is saying a lot, the Spurs went into the den of the top team in the NBA and slayed the Detroit Pistons. After a quick start, it took some time for Victor Wembanyama to adjust to the physical play, but his teammates were able to use his gravity to score in all manners, and a great defensive game from the entire team held the Pistons in check for the gutsy 114-103 win.

All five Spurs starters scored in double figures, with Devin Vassell leading the way with 28 points on 7-11 from three, and Wemby had 21 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks (I swear he had more; I especially feel one or two were missed in the first quarter). Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 25 points and 14 rebounds, and the Spurs held All-Star Cade Cunningham in check with just 16 points on 5-26 shooting.

Observations

  • Am I the only one who thinks it’s weird that games can be streamed on Peacock but not televised on NBC? I’m fortunate enough to already have all the random streaming services the NBA is using this season, along with cable and League Pass, but I completely understand the frustration of those who don’t. KENS 5 if you don’t have cable in SA or LP outside of SA? No luck. NBA TV so LP is blacked out and you don’t have an advanced cable package? Out of luck. This is crazy.
  • One of the keys to this game was for the Spurs to hit their threes, and Vassell did just that early, hitting his first three to get the Spurs up 9-2, and Wemby one after Cunningham shoved him to the floor to get out to a 14-2 lead. Unfortunately, they were shooting airballs the rest of the first quarter until a Julian Champagnie three before the buzzer.
  • On the other hand the key to the game for the Pistons was the same tried-and-true method that has been successful for other teams: get physical with Wemby to make him uncomfortable, and they finally did that after the initial Spurs surge by grabbing and holding him, with the idea being that the refs can’t call everything. News flash, they didn’t. Soon, the refs stopped blowing their whistles, and just like that the Pistons were up 18-16 and 27-24 at the end of the quarter.
  • Luke Kornet came in for one minute in the first quarter before Wemby came right back in for him, and the Spurs started the second quarter with a center-less lineup with Kornet nowhere to be seen. Reports said he got kneed in the leg and the Spurs were hopeful the swelling would go down by the second half. He did return, albeit with a knee cover for protection.
  • The refs were letting a lot of contact go in the first half, especially for Detroit. That made it all the more annoying when they called three quick phantom fouls on Carter Bryant early in the second quarter. Even more annoying was how much the announcers were saying they liked no-calls when the Pistons got away with blatant fouls, but they had nothing to say about calls on the Spurs that truly should have been no-calls.
  • Wemby looked a little overwhelmed on offense for much of the first half, but it was how he responded to it that dictated how the Spurs offense went. When he tried to do everything himself, he struggled, with just 7 points on 2-9 shooting, poor shot selection and misses at the rim. When he used his gravity to draw the defense in without forcing shots, his teammates benefited. Champagnie and Vassell combined for 30 points on 9-12 from three in the first half, and Stephon Castle found driving lanes. Somehow, despite it feeling like they were getting owned for long stretches (maybe it just feels that way when it’s Wemby), the Spurs were up 57-55 at the half.
  • Cunningham had two dumb fouls in the first half, one for shoving Wemby to floor to make a statement early, and the and another late for a two-handed shove of Castle over nothing. As a result, he was playing with four fouls by early in the third quarter and five by early in the fourth, so he had to be more passive on defense. The Spurs took advantage, with the guards continuing to attack him to get to the rim, gradually building their lead to as much as 11 and leading by 8 after a very long, drawn out third quarter. (It took 52 minutes, BTW.)
  • Wemby finally seemed to have his role in this game figured out by the fourth quarter, which was dominate on defense while being a facilitator on offense. A flurry of blocks helped the Spurs start on a 7-0 run to get the lead to 15, and then they weathered one more Pistons storm with timely threes from Vassell, Champagnie and Keldon Johnson. It was a gutsy, impressive win that showed huge growth and an ability to adjust the game plan when Wemby is taken out of it offensively. The win gives the Spurs their first nine-game winning streak since March of 2019.

Next up: at Toronto, 6:30 PM CT on Wednesday, Feb. 23.

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LeBron James meetup with Jayden Daniels has fans speculating he’s going to Wizards

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders scrambles with the ball during a game, Image 2 shows LeBron James of the Lakers reacts after scoring a basket, Image 3 shows Jayden and LeBron James standing face-to-face

As Lebron James walked out of the Lakers locker room and down the tunnel at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night, he ran into a familiar face, but not one from the world of basketball. 

Jayden Daniels — the Washington Commanders’ electric young quarterback and 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — stood waiting to meetup with the King outside of the locker room. The Southern California native, Cajon High’s finest export, looked like he had met with his idol before and the two friends were saying hello again after a long layover. 

LeBron didn’t hesitate when he saw him. He beelined for Daniels and wrapped him in a hug that felt genuine, not staged.

The California Post captured the moment on video. It’s everywhere now.

After the embrace, Daniels asked if LeBron would snap a photo with his friend. “Whose phone?” the friend asked nervously.

“Whoever got the best phone,” LeBron shot back with a grin.

As they posed, Daniels’ friend shouted, “Take 20!” — a line every iPhone user understands on a spiritual level.

The internet, of course, did what it does. Some fans jokingly speculated the impending free agent might take his talents to Washington to reunite with Anthony Davis now that the Wizards could be building a contender after also trading for Trae Young. 

One Wizards fan even imagined what the staring five would look like next season.

Others, protective of Daniels after an injury-marred 2025 season, were less charitable. “Get him away from Jayden!” one wrote. 

Another called LeBron the “world’s greatest flop artist.” 

One simply declared: “Aura almost blew my phone out of my hands.”

But mostly users loved the meetup and acknowledged it was two great players saying hello.

And that’s the biggest takeaway from this video. That greatness recognizes greatness. A 41-year-old icon meeting a 24-year-old rising star. No tampering. No conspiracy. Just respect between two athletes playing at the highest level.

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Wisconsin Herd Weekly Recap: Dark days

OSHKOSH, WI FEBRUARY 21: Alex Antetokounmpo #29 of the Wisconsin Herd drives to the basket during the game against the Greensboro Swarm on February 21, 2026 at Oshkosh Arena in Oshkosh, WI. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Wisconsin Herd weighs in as one of the worst teams in the G League. They boast a 7-16 record, good for second-worst in the Eastern Conference. They have no exciting rookie prospects, have virtually no chance of a playoff push, and sent no players to All-Star weekend. This weekly column will keep Bucks fans informed of their G League franchise’s recent results, the progress of their two-way players, and any news on the Herd that may impact the Bucks’ second-half season push.

This Week’s Games

After coming back from All-Star Weekend, the Herd dropped both of their games in a home back-to-back series against the Greensboro Swarm. The two losses dropped the Herd to 7-16 while extending their losing streak to seven games.

Greensboro Swarm 116, Wisconsin Herd 105

Pete Nance: DNP

Alex Antetokounmpo: 19 minutes, 3 points, 3 assists, 1/3 FG, -16

Cormac Ryan: 30 minutes, 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 6/14 FG, 3/8 3FG, 2 turnovers

The Herd reached six straight losses in a back-and-forth Friday loss to the 15-6 Greensboro Swarm. Although the Herd frequently looked outmatched, both physically and tactically, they put up a good fight, stringing together several scoring runs before the Swarm pulled away at the start of the fourth quarter. The home loss to the Swarm dropped the Herd to 7-15 on the season.

Nance missed the Herd’s back-to-back games to play in the Bucks’ Saturday win over the Pelicans. His future with the Herd is cloudy. Nance has found a comfortable spot in the Bucks’ rotation, and there are rumors that the Bucks could upgrade Nance to a standard NBA contract due to his consistent play. However, the Bucks front office would have to cut a player to make room for Nance’s new deal, and breakout wing Ousmane Dieng has eaten into Nance’s bench minutes. 

Friday offered a glimpse of Alex Antetokounmpo’s viability as a rotation player with the Bucks: namely, that there is none. The Bucks’ signing of The Greek Freak’s younger brother to a two-way deal is a way for the Bucks to deepen ties with their franchise player. Alex Antetokounmpo hasn’t shown any signs of making a difference. Antetokounmpo has struggled to find a foothold with the Herd. He averages 3.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and one assist per game coming off the bench, while posting .291/.226/.600 shooting splits. Friday was more of the same. Antetokounmpo struggled to adapt to the game’s tempo despite his lengthy build and size, and sulked to the bench in the game’s dying moments. Although the 25-year-old offers some untapped potential with the Herd, don’t expect Antetokounmpo to make any tangible impact on the Bucks’ second-half push.

Greensboro Swarm 129, Wisconsin Herd 104

Pete Nance: DNP

Alex Antetokounmpo: 20 minutes, 8 points, 2/6 FG, 2/5 3FG, -15

Johnny Davis: 27 minutes, 23 points, 4 rebounds,7/12 FG, 4/6 3FG, -5

The Herd was blown out against the Swarm on Saturday. They struggled against the Swarm’s bruising offensive style and couldn’t connect the dots on offense. The Swarm jumped out to an early first-quarter lead, and although the Herd defended well towards the end of the first half, the game ballooned out of reach in the second half. With Nance on duty for the Bucks’ Sunday loss to the Raptors, the Herd extended their losing streak to seven, putting them five games behind a playoff spot.

Alex Antetokounmpo got a little more burn in the Herd’s second game against the Swarm and played relatively well. He showed signs of becoming a threat from range, and his lengthy build helped him. He’s gritty, willing to make an extra pass, and like both of his brothers, exudes passion for the game. However, his instinct for the game and finesse remain lacking.

Cormac Ryan made his case to be the Bucks’ third two-way player as the deadline to sign players to two-way contracts (March 4th) looms. Ryan averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists per game across the Herd’s two recent back-to-backs. Aside from Nance, who has only played six games for the Herd, Ryan leads the team in scoring and three-pointers made per game. Ryan offers consistent shooting, viable perimeter defense, and rotational flexibility that Milwaukee might want in its second-half playoff push.

Three Notes

Herd trades two-time All-Star Oladipo

The Herd traded two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo to the Cleveland Charge in exchange for the returning player rights for Drake Jeffries and Jacob Gilyard, as well as 2026 G League second-round and international draft picks. Oladipo averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on .389/.329/.778 shooting splits in the regular season. For Oladipo, the Herd gain the rights of Jeffries, who most recently played with the Sheffield Sharks in the United Kingdom, and Gilyard, who averages over 12 points per game in France. The move is unlikely to shake up the Herd’s depth chart.

Bucks could soon decide on Nance’s standard contract

The Bucks have yet to convert Nance’s two-way deal into a standard NBA contract. Nance, who averages 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in the league, has steadily clawed out a rotational role with Milwaukee. He’s served as a steadying force off the bench that can both shoot well and hammer out paint points. Of the 50 available active games allotted to a two-way player, Nance has only 16 left, with 27 left in the season.

If the Bucks were to make room for Nance, it would be by cutting Andre Jackson Jr., who has struggled for playing time. They must consider the Bucks’ abundance of wing and frontcourt depth, including the brilliant performances of newcomer Ousmane Dieng. The Pete Nance question is one to watch as early March nears.

Clock is ticking on Buck’s third two-way spot

The Bucks still need to decide what to do with their final two-way spot. Milwaukee could draw on several prospects who are leading the Herd. Mark Sears, previously waived by the Bucks, is averaging 15 points and 5.3 assists per game as the starting point guard. Ryan could bring more frontcourt depth in times of injury. Former Wisconsin Badgers phenom Johnny Davis is starting to find his shooting groove with the Herd and could very well be called upon soon. Their open two-way contract is an asset the Bucks front office should use to balance the roster.

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Clay Holmes’ WBC nod is another step toward shedding his Mets ‘cloud’

New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes throws a baseball during spring training against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Clay Holmes throws a pitch during his Feb. 23 Grapefruit League start for the Mets.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Clay Holmes plans to make one more start in Mets camp before he begins his next spring challenge: the World Baseball Classic.

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The right-hander first talked about participating in the tournament last year after Andy Pettitte, Team USA’s pitching coach, contacted him.

“He said he wanted me to be a part of the team, and I’m honored to get an opportunity to do this,” Holmes said after making his first Grapefruit League start Monday. “I think the world of Andy. Someone like him believing in me and being in my corner and wanting me to be part of the team was special and meant something.”

It’s another step in Holmes’ career.

It was just a year ago that he entered spring training dealing with questions about whether he’d be able to be successful as a starter after breaking out as a reliever with the Yankees, where he’d met Pettitte.

Clay Holmes throws a pitch during his Feb. 23 Grapefruit League start for the Mets. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Holmes ended up throwing 165 ²/₃ innings, only three fewer than team leader David Peterson.

“I knew last year a cloud followed me,” Holmes said. “ ‘How many innings can you throw?’ I never doubted myself. It’s nice to know I’m capable of it, [but] it doesn’t make it any easier this year. I just have something to build on.”

Holmes’ 2025 wasn’t totally smooth.

After putting up a 2.99 ERA over his first 17 starts, he pitched to a 4.52 ERA over his final 14 starts — excluding two September relief appearances.

This year, Holmes is again a full-time starter, and he’s adding to his workload with the WBC.

Before the right-hander made his first start of the spring against Toronto at TD Ballpark, Carlos Mendoza sounded unconcerned about Holmes pitching too much.

“He’s a guy that takes very little time off from throwing,” the Mets manager said. “We’re not doing anything different.”

Holmes’ inclusion in the WBC won’t impact anything, according to Mendoza.

“It’s basically the same progression as last year,” Mendoza said. “The WBC has nothing to do with it. It’s a credit to him. He’s so meticulous about his preparation and offseason training.”

Clay Holmes throws during the Mets’ spring training session Feb. 22. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Holmes allowed just one hit in 3 ²/₃ innings in a 4-3 win, but that hit was a two-run, 431-foot homer to dead center by Kazuma Okamoto off a curveball that Holmes left up.

Okamoto, who signed with Toronto this offseason, will play for Team Japan in the WBC.

Holmes joked that he might be able to use the bad pitch to his advantage next month.

“Maybe he’ll go back to his Japanese teammates and say, ‘He throws a big curveball to right-handers,’ ’’ Holmes said.

Holmes walked two and struck out three over a 57-pitch outing. 

“He’s a big part of our rotation,” Mendoza said. “He was super-consistent for us last year, and it wasn’t easy making that transition. People were talking [about] innings limits and things like that, and we never put a limit on him. It’s Year 2, and he continues to be a big part of our rotation.”

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Taliah Scott scores 20 and No. 18 Baylor women beat Kansas State 80-54

WACO, Texas (AP) — Taliah Scott scored 20 points and made five 3-pointers, Bella Fontleroy added 16 points and four makes from distance, and No. 18 Baylor beat Kansas State 80-54 on Monday night in its final home game of the regular season.

The Bears pulled away by starting the third quarter on a 13-2 run, highlighted by three 3-pointers by Fontleroy, for a 48-28 lead. Fontleroy scored 12 points in the third on 4-of-5 shooting.

Baylor finished 13 of 26 (50%) from 3-point range, while Kansas State shot 34% overall from the floor with 14 turnovers.

Darianna Littlepage-Buggs had 10 points and 11 rebounds to help Baylor (24-6, 13-4 Big 12) outrebound Kansas State 43-29. Jana Van Gytenbeek added eight assists to go with five points. Scott reached 20 points for the 19th time this season and Littlepage-Buggs recorded her 12th double-double.

Jordan Speiser and Tess Heal each scored 12 points for Kansas State (15-15, 8-9). Brandie Harrod added 10 points. Taryn Sides, averaging a team-high 12.7 points per game, did not score in 12 minutes.

NO. 23 GEORGIA 74, AUBURN 52

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Dani Carnegie had 17 points, Rylie Theuerkauf and Mia Woolfolk both scored 16 and Georgia rolled to a victory over Auburn.

Carnegie added four rebounds and four steals for the Lady Bulldogs (21-7, 7-7 Southeastern Conference). Theuerkauf shot 4 for 7 from 3-point range and Woolfolk made 5 of 8 shots and 6 of 7 free throws.

Khady Leye had 16 points for the Tigers (14-14, 3-11). Ja’Mia Harris scored 13 and Kaitlyn Duhon added 11.

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Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to make just 1 start for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal plans to make only one start for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, regardless of how far Team USA advances.

The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner wants to remain on a regular spring training regimen and ramp up for opening day mostly with the Tigers.

“The reason I didn’t announce it (sooner) was I wanted to keep the momentum on the WBC, but I’m just making one start and then I’ll stick around for a few games," Skubal told reporters Monday in Florida. "I haven’t determined what games I’m going to watch. If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys. But yeah, I’m just making one start and getting back on track and getting back to here.”

Skubal made his first Grapefruit League start Monday, striking out four over two scoreless innings of two-hit ball in Detroit's 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins. He is expected to pitch for the Tigers again Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays and then start for the U.S. late next week during WBC pool play in Houston.

After that, the rest of his outings this spring will come in a Detroit uniform, he said.

“It’s kind of the best of both worlds. That was the communication I had with those guys,” Skubal said. “There’s some risk obviously, and I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but also I understand I need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season. I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful they took me in that capacity.”

Skubal, who can become a free agent in the fall, is scheduled to start Detroit's season opener March 26 in San Diego. The 29-year-old left-hander won his salary arbitration hearing with the Tigers this month and will be paid $32 million this season instead of the team’s $19 million offer.

The WBC runs from March 5-17 in Tokyo, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami, where the final will be played for the second straight time.

“The whole point of me doing the WBC was to make sure that I could stay on a normal workload of a spring training regimen and be able to make a start for Team USA and then come back here and continue my normal routine to get ready for opening day,” Skubal said. “I think everything’s going to stay the same. I’m not ramping up earlier than I need to. I don’t want that narrative out there. I’m treating this as I’m going to Team USA, making a start, coming back to Lakeland and getting ready to go for opening day.”

Skubal, a two-time All-Star, has won the past two AL Cy Young Awards and ERA titles. He was 13-6 with a career-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last season, striking out 241 and walking 33 in 195 1/3 innings. His 0.891 WHIP topped qualified pitchers.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Braves could link up with other Southeastern pro sports teams for TV network

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 12: Hank Aaron #44 of the Atlanta Braves tapes a television commercial for Magnavox as he signed a million dollar contract to tape the commercial as he is two home runs shy of Babe Ruth's record of 714 on February 12, 1974 at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)

So as well all know now, the Atlanta Braves “are well on [their] way towards launching a new era in Braves broadcasting.” That quote came directly from the team itself via a publicly released statement but there have also been rumors that the Braves wouldn’t be the only team on this particular network. The Atlanta Hawks of the NBA were rumored to be a partner before and now we’re learning that they wouldn’t be the only partner, either.

According to a report from Tom Friend of the Sports Business Journal, the Braves have been in talks with multiple cable distributors and Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs for short) when it comes to distribution deals and reportedly the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and the Nashville Predators of the NHL may be looped in on this as well.

Here’s a quote from the article:

The sources indicated the Braves are in talks on distribution deals with Comcast, Charter and DirecTV and possibly with virtual MVPDs such as YouTube TV and Hulu. IN the near term, the team is partnering with Gray Media to broadcast 15 spring training games across 26 Southern markets, including Atlanta’s Peachtree TV, but is ideating an altogether different blueprint for the regular season.

The Braves, with or withut the other three teams, intend to launch their network in time for the regular season, the sources said, and have already begun hiring sales personnel.

So the quote here aligns with what the Braves have been saying all the way at the top of this article: That they are prepared to launch this network in time for the actual games that count. It was also interesting to note that none of these other teams are guaranteed to join up with the Braves on this venture — the article noted that the Hawks and Grizzlies are being encouraged by the NBA to wait for that league to start its own “centralized streaming RSN” in the next couple of seasons and the CMO of the Predators Bill Wickett reportedly said that they haven’t spoken to the Braves about this venture, either.

With that being said, the one thing that ties all of these teams together is that they will all need to figure out their TV situation sooner rather than later since all four of these teams either used to or currently call FanDuel Sports South their TV home. That connection alone would’ve been enough to justify these teams linking up together for a network and then also Tom Friend mentioned that the owner of the Predators does have experience working with Liberty Media.

So the big news here is that the Braves aren’t trying to have this be a Braves-only network but they also seem to be fully ready to have that be the case if it comes down to it. There are still more questions than answers at this point but it does seem like we’re starting to get an idea of how the Braves want this to work out going forward. We’ll see what happens.

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Trio leads No. 23 Georgia women to 74-52 victory over Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Dani Carnegie had 17 points, Rylie Theuerkauf and Mia Woolfolk both scored 16 and No. 23 Georgia rolled to a 74-52 victory over Auburn on Monday night.

Carnegie added four rebounds and four steals for the Lady Bulldogs (21-7, 7-7 Southeastern Conference). Theuerkauf shot 4 for 7 from 3-point range and Woolfolk made 5 of 8 shots and 6 of 7 free throws.

Khady Leye had 16 points for the Tigers (14-14, 3-11). Ja'Mia Harris scored 13 and Kaitlyn Duhon added 11.

Harris made two free throws, then grabbed an offensive rebound and fed Duhon for a 3-pointer as Auburn jumped in front 9-3 in the first 4:33. Miyah Verse scored before coming up with a steal that led to Carnegie's 3-pointer as Georgia closed the first quarter on a 10-0 run and led 13-9.

Woofolk kept the run going with the first three baskets of the second period, Trinity Turner scored in the paint and the Lady Bulldogs upped their advantage to 21-9. Duhon hit a jumper to end the Bulldogs' 18-point run and the Tigers' scoring drought at 8:57.

Harris hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap a 7-0 spurt in the final 1:11 and Auburn to cut it to 30-23 at halftime.

Leye made it a two-possession game when she grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to begin the third quarter for the Tigers, but they would get no closer.

Georgia led 48-38 before starting the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run to pull away.

Up next

Georgia: At No. 4 Texas on Thursday before hosting Florida in a regular-season finale on Sunday.

Auburn: Hosts No. 16 Kentucky on Thursday before ending the regular season at Arkansas on Sunday.

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The ‘motivation’ fueling Ronny Mauricio as his quest for Mets breakthrough continues

New York Mets' Ronny Mauricio bats during spring training against the Miami Marlins.
Ronny Mauricio swings during the Mets' Feb. 21 Grapefruit League game.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Is this the year Ronny Mauricio breaks through?

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From the moment he was first called up in September 2023 and immediately hit a ball 117 mph, the Mets have been waiting for the performance to match the potential.

He was slowed by a torn ACL suffered while playing winter ball in late ’23, which cost him all of ’24 and part of ’25.

Now, Mauricio is healthy and trying to make sure he has a role this year after spending much of last September on the bench.

“I use that as a source of motivation,” Mauricio said, through an interpreter, of spending much of the stretch run on the bench last season. “Last year, when I wasn’t playing, I was able to step back and see things I needed to improve in my game if I want to be on the field and be able to help the team.”

According to Mauricio, who turns 25 in April, there were plenty of areas on which to focus.

Ronny Mauricio swings during the Mets’ Feb. 21 Grapefruit League game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

“I want to control the strike zone and work on my defense,” Mauricio said.

More than anything, though, he wants to make sure he remains in one piece.

“I have to stay healthy,” Mauricio said. “I’m hitting the gym as much as possible to stay fresh for the whole season. I feel more stable now.”

The knee injury cost Mauricio plenty.

He’s eager to put it behind him, which he’s confident he’ll be able to do this spring.

“I want to maintain my speed and be the type of player I know I’m capable of being,” Mauricio said. “I want to return to the type of player I was before the injury.”

Carlos Mendoza wants to see that from Mauricio, as well, noting that his biggest takeaway from the young player this spring is that he’s back in good form physically.

“He’s healthy,” the Mets manager said. “When you watch him take ground balls [and] the way he’s moving around, there’s no limitations there now. He’s free. He’s happy to finally be a full-time player for us without any restriction.”

Ronny Mauricio makes a throw during the Mets’ Feb. 21 Grapefruit League game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

In Monday’s 4-3 win over Toronto, Mauricio started at third, walked, and ran the bases with abandon.

With Francisco Lindor out due to a hamate-bone fracture, there’s even more of an opportunity for Mauricio to contribute and show the Mets he belongs not just on the roster but on the field.

That might be tougher when they are at full strength and have Lindor back at shortstop, with Jorge Polanco at first base, Marcus Semien at second and Bo Bichette at third.

Mauricio nonetheless wants to give them something to think about.

“The last two years, I haven’t been able to have a real spring training because [of the injury],” Mauricio said. “I want to show I can play wherever the team needs me: second, third or short.”

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Taliah Scott scores 20 and No. 18 Baylor women beat Kansas State 80-54

WACO, Texas (AP) — Taliah Scott scored 20 points and made five 3-pointers, Bella Fontleroy added 16 points and four makes from distance, and No. 18 Baylor beat Kansas State 80-54 on Monday night in its final home game of the regular season.

The Bears pulled away by starting the third quarter on a 13-2 run, highlighted by three 3-pointers by Fontleroy, for a 48-28 lead. Fontleroy scored 12 points in the third on 4-of-5 shooting.

Baylor finished 13 of 26 (50%) from 3-point range, while Kansas State shot 34% overall from the floor with 14 turnovers.

Darianna Littlepage-Buggs had 10 points and 11 rebounds to help Baylor (24-6, 13-4 Big 12) outrebound Kansas State 43-29. Jana Van Gytenbeek added eight assists to go with five points. Scott reached 20 points for the 19th time this season and Littlepage-Buggs recorded her 12th double-double.

Jordan Speiser and Tess Heal each scored 12 points for Kansas State (15-15, 8-9). Brandie Harrod added 10 points. Taryn Sides, averaging a team-high 12.7 points per game, did not score in 12 minutes.

Baylor led 35-26 at halftime after holding the Wildcats to 35% shooting, including 2 of 13 from distance.

Up next

Kansas State: Returns home to finish the regular season on Sunday against Iowa State.

Baylor: Plays at No. 11 TCU in a regular-season finale on Sunday.

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Athletics Drop Third Straight Spring Contest, Fall To Giants 6-2

The Athletics continued their rough start to spring training, losing 6-2 to the San Francisco Giants. The A’s stopped scoring after the first inning, while the Giants scored six unanswered runs. Good thing spring stats and records don’t matter!

Looking to avoid a third straight loss to begin preseason action, the A’s started the game strongly. The first three batters reached base against Giants starting pitcher JT Brubaker. Max Muncy, one of the A’s vying to start at third base, came up to bat with the bases loaded, no outs and a chance to do some damage. However, he grounded into a double play, foreshadowing things to come. With a run in, a runner on third and two outs, second baseman Andy Ibàñez doubled to left field, bringing in the A’s second and final run of the game.

Taking the mound with a two-run lead, A’s starting pitcher J.T. Ginn turned in an impressive first spring training performance. He struck out the side in the first inning beginning with Luis Arraez, who is one of the hardest MLB players to strike out. Ginn proceeded to complete a clean second inning, this time inducing three groundouts.

Given how well Ginn pitched in this two-inning stint, it might not be a bad idea for the A’s to deploy him in this role out of the bullpen this season. However, he has also had success as a starting pitcher, which makes him one of the most interesting A’s pitchers to watch this spring. More performances like that this spring and Ginn may very well be in the A’s rotation to open the season.

The third inning was where the game’s momentum shifted. In the top of the inning, the A’s had a chance to extend the lead. Unfortunately, Muncy was thrown out trying to go from second base to home on Darell Hernaiz’s double to right field and then Henry Bolte grounded out with the bases loaded. In the bottom of that frame, the Giants broke through against A’s top pitching prospect Gage Jump. San Francisco got three straight singles before Jump induced a double play grounder to escape a bases loaded jam and keep the A’s ahead by one.

The following inning, the Giants tied it. Then, they proceeded to score once an inning from the fifth to the eighth off a mix of returning relievers like Elvis Alvarado and non-roster relievers. Meanwhile, the A’s offense was shut down by multiple Giants minor league pitchers. Once the Giants took the lead, the A’s did not come close to scoring again until the eighth inning. They got two baserunners with one out, only for the next two batters to not come through. The A’s finished the game with ten hits, although only two were extra-base hits.

Ginn’s strong performance was the highlight of today’s game as the A’s need improvement from him and the other young pitchers if the team wants to return to playoff contention. Speaking of young pitchers, both Jump and fellow pitching prospect Braden Nett showed promise, even though they each allowed a run in their respective innings.

The A’s will try again tomorrow to get that elusive first spring training win vs the also winless Milwaukee Brewers. Mason Barnett, another of the team’s young starting pitchers, will start with relievers Justin Sterner and Hogan Harris lined up to follow him. Will the team’s offense shake off its rust tomorrow or will it be another low-scoring day for the A’s?

Notes:

  • Nick Kurtz showcased his on-base ability today, drawing two walks as the A’s leadoff hitter.
  • Andy Ibàñez had a good day as he drew a walk in addition to his double.
  • Darell Hernaiz looks ready to play for Puerto Rico in the WBC. He got two hits and played a clean game at shortstop
  • Polarizing prospect Henry Bolte struck out twice, further proof that his ability to make contact is still a concern.
  • Max Muncy made a throwing error on a slow ground ball hit his way at third base. His defense was erratic last year. Is third base the best fit for him defensively?
  • Infield prospect Joshua Kuroda-Grauer got two hits. His hitting ability is not in question, but will that be enough to get him to MLB at least in a utility role given his lack of power.
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Patrick Beverley cleared of felony assault charges by grand jury

Former NBA player Patrick Beverley will not face charges following an arrest on Nov. 14 in Fort Bend County, Texas.

Rusty Hardin and Letitia Quinones-Hollins, attorneys for Patrick Beverley, released a statement Monday, Feb. 23: "Several months ago, we said that when all the information was in – when a grand jury could hear all the facts of this case – Patrick Beverley would be cleared of all charges. That is what happened today, when a grand jury sitting in Fort Bend County no-billed Patrick, effectively ending the case.

"Patrick wants everyone to know that he would never do anything to harm his sister and that he is very grateful that the grand jury has recognized that with their no-bill. He is thankful for all who prayed for him and supported him during this time. He is glad that the process was allowed to work as it did and his hope is that with these charges behind him now, his name and reputation will be restored."

Patrick Beverley played 12 seasons in the NBA, most recently with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024.

Beverley had been accused of assaulting his teenage sister and faced a third-degree felony assault charge for the alleged incident. The arrest circumstances were detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

According to that affidavit, deputies were dispatched to the home of Beverley's mother, Lisa, in Rosharon, Texas, a Houston suburb, in the early morning hours of Nov. 14. The mother had called Beverley to confront his teenage sister and her 18-year-old boyfriend, both of whom were in the residence. Upon arriving at the home, Beverley then confronted his sister, who is 15 years old.

The affidavit stated that the sister had snuck out to meet her boyfriend, identified as being 18 years old.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Beverley cleared in felony assault case

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Jazz Comes To Houston, With Peacocks

Feb 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz

February 23, 2026

Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX

TV: Peacock, Space City Home Network

Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 8:30pm pm CST

Later Start For TV Purposes

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

Jass: Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Filipowski

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‘Landmark moment’: Emma Lawrence to become first woman to call NRL games

  • Presenter joins Triple M’s play-by-play commentary team

  • Move hailed as win for women working in sport broadcasting

Emma Lawrence will become the first woman in NRL broadcast history to call a game, with Triple M including “one of the sharpest broadcasters in rugby league” on its play-by-play commentary team for the new season.

Lawrence, one of the most respected voices in the game, will enter the domain previously reserved for men in a move the radio station called a “landmark moment”. Female voices are present across broader coverage of the NRL, but a woman has never been handed the prestigious play-by-play call before.

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Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic to have nose surgery and miss the rest of the season

HOUSTON (AP) — Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery this week and miss the remainder of the season.

Jazz coach Will Hardy said before Monday’s game against Houston that Nurkic has needed the procedure for a while.

“He has had a really bad deviated septum in his nose,” Hardy said. “He has gotten hit in the face four or five times this year. His recent sickness has pushed that forward. It’s something that he’s needed to get done for a while now, so he’s going to get it taken care of.”

The 31-year-old Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in 41 games in his first season with the Jazz. He is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.

“Nurk has been a big part of what we’ve done this year, and he helps our team in a bunch of ways,” Hardy said.

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