BOTTOM LINE: Dallas hosts San Antonio looking to break its four-game home skid.
The Mavericks are 3-7 against division opponents. Dallas ranks third in the NBA with 35.0 defensive rebounds per game led by P.J. Washington averaging 5.7.
The Spurs are 8-3 against Southwest Division teams. San Antonio is fifth in the Western Conference scoring 116.9 points per game and is shooting 47.2%.
The Mavericks are shooting 47.0% from the field this season, 1.5 percentage points higher than the 45.5% the Spurs allow to opponents. The Spurs average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.9 more makes per game than the Mavericks allow.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Spurs won 125-92 in the last meeting on Oct. 23. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 40 points, and Washington led the Mavericks with 17 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Flagg is averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Klay Thompson is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Stephon Castle is shooting 45.0% and averaging 16.5 points for the Spurs. Julian Champagnie is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 4-6, averaging 117.1 points, 48.0 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 7.2 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points per game.
Spurs: 7-3, averaging 114.0 points, 45.6 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 7.0 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), P.J. Washington: out (concussion protocol), Brandon Williams: day to day (leg), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle).
Spurs: Kelly Olynyk: out (foot), Dylan Harper: out (ankle), Lindy Waters III: out (knee), Jeremy Sochan: out (quad).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Bulls visit Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors in Eastern Conference action Thursday.
The Raptors are 22-14 in conference play. Toronto is eighth in the league giving up just 112.5 points per game while holding opponents to 46.2% shooting.
The Bulls have gone 16-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago is fifth in the league scoring 17.9 fast break points per game. Ayo Dosunmu leads the Bulls averaging 3.5.
The Raptors are shooting 47.2% from the field this season, 0.2 percentage points lower than the 47.4% the Bulls allow to opponents. The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Raptors give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Barnes is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.5 blocks for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the last 10 games.
Josh Giddey is scoring 18.6 points per game and averaging 8.6 rebounds for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 113.5 points, 42.4 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 8.0 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.
Bulls: 5-5, averaging 116.8 points, 44.5 rebounds, 30.2 assists, 6.2 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.9 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: out (back).
Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Zach Collins: out (toe), Julian Phillips: day to day (wrist), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Memphis Grizzlies (19-29, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (23-28, 10th in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Portland comes into the matchup with Memphis after losing six in a row.
The Trail Blazers are 18-15 in Western Conference games. Portland is 9-12 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Grizzlies are 16-17 in Western Conference play. Memphis ranks ninth in the Western Conference shooting 34.9% from 3-point range.
The Trail Blazers' 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.2 fewer made shots on average than the 14.3 per game the Grizzlies give up. The Grizzlies average 13.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Trail Blazers allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Grizzlies won 119-96 in the last matchup on Dec. 7.
TOP PERFORMERS: Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 21.8 points for the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant is averaging 13.6 points over the last 10 games.
Cedric Coward is averaging 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 10.8 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 53.6% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 112.9 points, 48.0 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.1 points per game.
Grizzlies: 2-7, averaging 116.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 28.7 assists, 7.9 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Scoot Henderson: day to day (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle: out (knee), Kris Murray: day to day (lumbar), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson: out (illness), Georges Niang: out (foot), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte will try to keep its four-game road win streak alive when the Hornets play Houston.
The Rockets have gone 17-5 in home games. Houston scores 115.5 points while outscoring opponents by 5.4 points per game.
The Hornets are 12-15 on the road. Charlotte ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference shooting 37.0% from 3-point range.
The Rockets are shooting 47.2% from the field this season, 0.1 percentage points lower than the 47.3% the Hornets allow to opponents. The Hornets are shooting 46.3% from the field, 0.3% higher than the 46.0% the Rockets' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Rockets. Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Miles Bridges is averaging 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 23.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 7-3, averaging 109.6 points, 48.8 rebounds, 25.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points per game.
Hornets: 8-2, averaging 113.4 points, 48.7 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.1 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.1 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (ankle).
Hornets: Tidjane Salaun: day to day (illness), KJ Simpson: out (hip).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Indiana Pacers (13-38, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (20-29, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Milwaukee hosts the Indiana Pacers following the Milwaukee Bucks' 141-137 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Bucks are 6-4 against opponents in the Central Division. Milwaukee has a 9-20 record against opponents over .500.
The Pacers are 3-8 against the rest of the division. Indiana is 6-29 against opponents over .500.
The Bucks average 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.4 more made shots on average than the 11.4 per game the Pacers give up. The Pacers average 12.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 fewer made shots on average than the 14.3 per game the Bucks give up.
The two teams match up for the third time this season. The Bucks defeated the Pacers 111-94 in their last matchup on Dec. 24. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 24 points, and T.J. McConnell led the Pacers with 16 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Rollins is averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Kyle Kuzma is averaging 14.0 points over the last 10 games.
Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and four assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 3-7, averaging 109.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.9 points per game.
Pacers: 4-6, averaging 112.4 points, 43.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.1 points.
INJURIES: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Gary Harris: out (hamstring), Bobby Portis: out (hip), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
Pacers: Micah Potter: day to day (hip), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (hand), Obi Toppin: out (foot), T.J. McConnell: day to day (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Lando Norris insists he enters the new Formula One season highly motivated to retain the world championship he won for the first time last year. The McLaren driver believes his maiden triumph has only given him greater confidence in his ability to defend the title.
Norris won the championship after an intense competition that went to the wire. After a three-way fight with his teammate, Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Norris sealed the title by just two points at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
The Golden State Warriors made a move on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in an attempt to keep themselves contenders in the Western Conference.
The Warriors added center Kristaps Porziņģis in the final hours before the NBA’s trade deadline, coming to a reported agreement with the Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in return.
For months, the Warriors were expected to trade Kuminga and were considered a candidate to land disgruntled Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The latter has seemingly changed, with Golden State having "moved on" from Antetokounmpo in the wake of this deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Here's grades for the Kristaps Porziņģis deal:
Kristaps Porziņģis trade grades
Golden State Warriors grade: B
The Warriors are finally moving on from Kuminga, who had shown flashes of his talent and potential but never appeared to be on the same page as the Golden State coaching staff.
Porziņģis could be seen as low-risk, high-reward. If he is healthy, he could be just what the Warriors need: a center that can shoot the basketball. He also adds much-needed size near the rim.
Atlanta Hawks grade: B
Kuminga provides a level of athleticism and physicality to the Hawks at the forward position. He has also shown the ability to score and play solid defense during his time with the Warriors. Hield was a positive bonus in the trade, being one of the better long-range shooters in the league. He will also add a lighthearted and fun energy to the locker room.
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 04: Josh Manson #42, Nathan MacKinnon #29, Valeri Nichushkin #13 and Devon Toews #7 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the San Jose Sharks at Ball Arena on February 04, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
In their last game before the NHL Olympic break, the Colorado Avalanche took on the San Jose Sharks at Ball Arena. While they tried to lose but were unsuccessful, the Avalanche secured a 4-2 win before a group of eight players head off for the Winter Olympics in Milan.
Let’s break down all the action from tonight!
First Period
After a lackluster offensive performance in the last game, the Avalanche brought some energy to start the game and outshot San Jose 14-5. Of course, there was more power play futility to witness as the Avalanche couldn’t convert on two early opportunities. While the Avs had some good looks overall in the first period, Yaroslav Askarov stopped every single shot he saw, and kept this game at a 0-0 tie heading into the second period.
Second Period
Just over a minute into the second period, Artturi Lehkonen would get the Avs on the board first and give them a 1-0 lead as he crashed the San Jose net, and managed to find the puck in a scramble and put it past Askarov. There was a video review to make sure there wasn’t anything illegal in the mess at the net front but the goal stood.
Lehkonen would give the Avs a 2-0 lead, as Nathan MacKinnon would find him with a phenomenal cross-ice pass as he came flying into the offensive zone, and he made no mistake and one-timed the puck past Askarov. With 17 shots put on net in the second period alone, the Avalanche were firmly in control after the second period.
Third Period
It should have been an easy win at that point but San Jose would tie the game at 2-2, though, with goals from Timothy Liljegren and Philipp Kurashev, both of which came early in the second period. Liljegren would beat Mackenzie Blackwood with a one-timer, and Kurashev would manage to put a bit of a knuckle-puck past Blackwood to tie the game.
After that the game felt a bit tense for the next 10 minutes but Josh Manson saved the day and scored the go-ahead goal to give the Avs the lead back, as he let a one-timer rip from the point and beat Askarov cleanly to give Colorado a 3-2 lead.
Brock Nelson would add an empty-net goal for the Avalanche after that, giving us the final score of 4-2 and a secured victory.
Takeaways
It was certainly nice to see the Avs end on a high note before heading off for the NHL Olympic break. Over the past few games, it wasn’t really hard to see that they had kind of looked past these games and seemingly were just wanting to get to the Olympic break, which is understandable, but it was still nice to see them depart for the next three weeks riding off of a win. Now, Colorado gets some really valuable time for their injured players to rest up and relax, while a handful of them head off to Milan to represent their respective countries in the Olympics. Hopefully, we get to watch some exciting Olympic hockey, and the rest of the Colorado team now gets some valuable time to rest up before the NHL regular season continues after the break.
Upcoming
With the NHL Olympic break now in full swing, Colorado’s next regular-season game is at home on Wednesday, February 25th against the Utah Mammoth at 7 p.m. MT.
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Matvei Gridin had a goal and an assist for the rookie's first multipoint game in the NHL, leading the Calgary Flames to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.
Ryan Lomberg scored the go-ahead goal at 6:44 of the third period. Jonathan Huberdeau and Connor Zary also scored for Calgary. Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar and Zach Whitecloud had two assists apiece.
The Flames took the season series against their provincial rival, winning three of four meetings.
Leon Draisaitl had two goals and Kasperi Kapanen also scored for the Oilers, who limped into the Olympic break on a three-game losing streak. Evan Bouchard had three assists.
Flames goalie Devin Cooley stopped 36 shots. Tristan Jarry made 21 saves for Edmonton.
A bouncing puck in front went on net off Lomberg's skate, forcing Jarry to kick out his pad. Lomberg buried the rebound to give the Flames a 4-3 lead.
Calgary led 3-1 before Draisaitl scored his second power-play goal of the game at 18:26 of the second period. Kapanen tied it 4:17 into the third.
Draisaitl (1,036) moved past Mark Messier (1,034) into fourth place on Edmonton’s career points list. Draisaitl is seven back of Jari Kurri for third. Wayne Gretzky (1,669) leads, followed by Connor McDavid (1,178).
Edmonton has given up goals on five consecutive penalty kills after Calgary converted each of its first two power plays in the first period.
Gridin’s third career goal was his second in three games as the 19-year-old continues to impress on a line with Huberdeau and Morgan Frost.
Jalen Brunson had 42 points, making the right decision when the Nuggets sent two defenders at him late in the game.
The Knicks obviously needed Brunson’s scoring on Wednesday. But they don’t get the win without strong contributions from OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Landry Shamet. Jordan Clarkson has been out of the rotation. He started against Denver and finished with 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
"That’s a good team, a talented team," Jokic said after the game.
Will it be the same team after Thursday’s trade deadline? Pelicans guardJose Alvarado remains on the Knicks' radar. The Knicks have also been in touch with teams about reserve big men. They had dialogue with Phoenix about Nick Richards. They’ve also seen Yves Missi as a potential target.
On Missi in particular, the Knicks may not be able to compete with other teams targeting him. The Pacers are among the teams that have been in on Missi. Given the interest in the young center, New Orleans can probably net significant draft capital if they decide to move him.
The Knicks have seven second-round picks (nine if you include the Washington pick, which is likely to convey as two second-rounders).
They were able to flip Guerschon Yabusele for Dalen Terry without surrendering any of that draft capital. Given the market for dumping contracts (see Charlotte and Tyus Jones), it seemed like the Knicks would have to attach a draft pick to move Yabusele. The fact that they got the deal done without surrendering a pick will surprise some opposing execs.
Do the Knicks have another move that will surprise their peers? We’ll find out soon.
The San Antonio Spurs walked onto the floor at Frost Bank Center knowing the circumstances were tilted in their favor. Oklahoma City arrived shorthanded, resting much of its regular rotation and leaning heavily on its bench. What followed, however, was not a quiet night or an easy victory.
Instead, the Spurs had to earn every possession of a 116-106 win, fending off a Thunder group that played free, fast and with nothing to lose — the kind of opponent that can turn a routine night into an uncomfortable one if focus slips.
For long stretches, the game felt more like a test of discipline than talent.
San Antonio built an early 22-point lead behind aggressive drives to the basket and steady shot-making, but the Thunder’s reserves refused to go down without a fight in the second half. Each time the Spurs appeared ready to pull away, Oklahoma City responded with energy plays — loose balls, quick cuts, and timely perimeter shooting — keeping the game within reach.
The Spurs’ offense, defined by rhythm and ball movement, came in waves. When it stalled, Keldon Johnson became the stabilizer. Johnson attacked the paint, absorbed contact and finished through traffic, providing the kind of physical scoring that kept San Antonio from drifting too far off course. His presence was a reminder of how valuable a reliable scorer can be on nights when execution isn’t crisp.
“I felt we got a little unfocused at times,” Johnson said. “Ultimately we got the win, but there are things we need to learn to clean up, you know, be tighter on and be better on. We pulled together in the end and got it done, but we definitely need to be better.”
Oklahoma City continued to hang around into the fourth quarter, turning the final minutes into something more tense than expected. The Thunder trimmed the lead to single digits and briefly threatened to make the closing stretch uncomfortable for the home crowd.
That’s when De’Aaron Fox took control.
Fox’s speed changed the tone of the game late. He pushed the pace, broke down defenders off the dribble and delivered timely baskets that steadied the Spurs when the margin felt in doubt. His late-game command didn’t show up as a dramatic takeover, but as a series of calm, efficient decisions — the kind that quietly shut the door.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama made his impact felt in subtler ways. Even when he wasn’t the focal point of the offense, his length altered shots, discouraged drives and helped the Spurs control the paint when the Thunder tried to generate momentum inside. His presence alone forced Oklahoma City to think twice about attacking the rim during critical possessions.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Spurs had done enough — not flashy, not flawless, but effective.
“Getting our minds prepared in shootaround to play those guys and then to go out there not being like that is tough,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said. “We still got it done. Whatever five is on the court for them [OKC] and they are a good matchup. So it was tough regardless.”
The win carried more weight than the box score might suggest. San Antonio matched its win total from last season, a small sign of progress for a team still learning how to close games and manage expectations. Nights like this, against an opponent with nothing to lose, often reveal as much about a team’s maturity as marquee matchups do.
For Oklahoma City, the loss still came with encouragement. Their bench-heavy lineup played with pride and confidence, showing why depth and development remain pillars of the franchise’s long-term vision.
For the Spurs, the takeaway was simpler.
They survived a trap game, leaned on experience when needed, and walked away with a win — the kind that doesn’t dominate highlight reels but quietly builds a season. As the schedule tightens and tougher opponents loom, San Antonio will look back on nights like this as lessons in patience, focus and finishing the job.
“I think we did what we had to do to get the win,” a disappointed Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson said. “I think there are a lot of things that could have been better. It was good to see us finish the job, but we’ll try to continue to get better from this one.”
Game Notes
The Denver Nuggets’ double OT loss to the New York Knicks combined with San Antonio’s win puts the Spurs two games up on Denver for second place a jam packed Western Conference with the All-Star break around the corner.
Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson combined for 47 of the Spurs’ 116 points. A good night at the office for them both.
Carter Bryant continued to show his growth in his rookie season, scoring 11 points in 13 minutes. Coach Johnson said Bryant has learned from his mistakes earlier in the season. “When you have a young player, they’re never mistake free, so once they figure out that, then sometimes they’re free to play with more effort and energy,” he said of the rookie.
Speaking of rookies, Dylan Harper missed Wednesday’s game, but it will be interesting to see if he available for Thursday’s road contest against Dallas.
And Thursday also brings the trade deadline. Who will still on the roster by tip-off Thursday night? Pounding the Rock will bring you all the latest news as it happens.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shane Wright scored twice to lead the Seattle Kraken to a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.
Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson also scored and Chandler Stephenson and Frederick Gaudreau each had two assists for the Kraken, who have won five of their last six games. Joey Daccord made 25 saves.
Andrei Kuzmenko scored both of Los Angeles' goals and Darcy Kuemper made 19 saves.
The Kings took a 1-0 lead at 7:42 of the first period when Kuzmenko scored on the power play.
Wright tied it at 1 at 9:16 on a backhander for his first goal of the game and Larsson put Seattle up 2-1 at 10:14 on a one-timer. Dunn made it 3-1 on the power play at 15:21.
Kuzmenko cut it to 3-2 on the power play at 10:27 of the second period, but Wright gave the Kraken a two-goal lead again with a power-play score at 5:50 of the third.
SEATTLE (AP) — Bennett Stirtz hit four 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, Alvaro Folgueiras scored 16 points, and Iowa beat Washington 84-74 on Wednesday night for its fifth consecutive win.
Tavion Banks had 11 points and Cooper Koch also scored 11, all in the second half, for Iowa (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten). Banks missed a free throw with 29 seconds left in the first half to break his streak of 30 consecutive made free throws — four shy of the program record set by Chris Street (1993) and Jordan Bohannon (2018).
Hannes Steinbach had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Washington (12-11, 4.-8) and his 15 double-doubles this season are the most by a freshman in program history. Isaiah Stewart had 14 double-doubles for the Huskies in 2019-20.
Zoom Diallo had 16 points, a career-high 12 assists and six rebounds and Wesley Yates III scored 15 points for Washington.
Franck Kepnang threw down a dunk that gave the Huskies a seven-point lead with 18:41 left in the game but they went without a field goal for the next seven-plus minutes. Washington was 0 for 6 from the field and committed two turnovers during an 18-4 Iowa run that made it 63-56 with 12:59 to play and the Hawkeyes led the rest of the way.
Washington shot 76.9% (20 of 26) in the first half — the third-best shooting half in the Big Ten since the 2018-19 season — but made just 9 of 25 (36%) from the field after halftime.
With New York up 119-117 and only 15 seconds left on the clock in overtime, Denver inbounded and put the ball in the hands of their hottest scorer, Jamal Murray. The Knicks defense forced the All-Star guard to chuck up a three-point attempt with two seconds remaining. The attempt hit the front of the rim and bounced a few feet away from the basket with Christian Braun hustling for the rebound and Mikal Bridges trying to box him out. As the seconds ticked off, an official blew his whistle just as the clock expired.
Confusion swept over MSG as the officials gathered. They reviewed the play and confirmed that a loose-ball foul on Bridges was assessed with just 0.3 seconds remaining.
Braun hit both his free throws and sent the game into double overtime.
“I didn’t see it, so it’s a little tough for me to comment on it," head coach Mike Brown said after the game. "But I think Mikal was boxing out and they went back and reviewed it, so I just gotta roll with it.”
"Just trying to box out," Bridges said of the play. "Leaving it up to the officials to make the call. Just not trying to give him a rebound."
The Knicks were so close to capturing their eighth straight win against a team that also has championship aspirations. Instead, they had to play five more minutes on the second of a back-to-back.
But that didn't deter the Knicks or Bridges.
In double overtime, the Knicks took over, getting out to an 8-0 run -- led by the heroics of Jalen Brunson-- to give New York a cushion. And Bridges wasn't just a bystander -- he contributed to what would ultimately be one of the more impressive victories of the season.
With the Knicks up four and 1:38 left on the clock, Landry Shamet fed Bridges for a massive three. It was Bridges' first three-point shot made, and just the second shot he made all game. After one of his best games, Bridges had one of his worst on Wednesday. He scored just five points on 2 of 8 shooting, four rebounds, and four assists. He finished as a minus-2 but was a minus-9 when double overtime started.
Despite his struggles, Bridges credited his teammates for getting him back into the game in the final period.
"Felt like it wasn’t going my way on both ends, and just got teammates to encourage me to try and stay with it and do whatever it takes to win," Bridges said.
Free agent pitcher Framber Valdez and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $115 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
Valdez became one of baseball’s most durable starters with the Houston Astros. Now, the left-hander is set to join a Tigers rotation anchored by two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
Skubal went to a record-setting salary arbitration hearing Wednesday, with the left-hander asking for $32 million and the Tigers offering $19 million.
Valdez is a two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion. He was Houston’s ace last season with a 13-11 record and 3.66 ERA, and became a free agent for the first time.
He struck out 187 and walked 68 in 192 innings, and had a major league-high 12 wild pitches while making $18 million on a deal reached last offseason that avoided salary arbitration. He started Houston’s last four season openers.
Since making his major league debut in 2018 with the Astros, he is 81-52 with a 3.36 ERA. The 32-year-old Dominican averaged more than 191 innings the past four seasons, joining Giants right-hander Logan Webb as the only two pitchers to throw at least 175 innings each of those years.
Valdez was 15-7 with a 2.91 ERA over 28 games in 2024 and threw a no-hitter in 2023, when he was an All-Star for a second straight season. He is 8-4 with a 4.34 ERA in 17 postseason games, including 16 starts.
Valdez pitched in two World Series for the Astros, and was the winning pitcher in the clinching Game 6 that secured their 2022 championship against Philadelphia.
In the 2022 Series, he was 2-0 in two starts while allowing two runs over 12 1/3 innings (1.46 ERA) with 18 strikeouts. A year earlier, he gave up 10 runs and 12 hits over 4 2/3 innings (19.29 ERA) in two starts against Atlanta.
Valdez rejected a $22,025,000 qualifying offer from the Astros in November, so they would receive a compensatory pick after the fourth round of the 2026 amateur draft if he completes his deal with Detroit, which would forfeit its third-highest selection.
Valdez pitched a no-hitter against Cleveland on Aug. 1, 2023. He came close to another one just more than a year later against Texas, but that bid was broken up when Corey Seager homered with two outs in the ninth inning.
Two pitches after Trent Grisham’s slam in the Yankees’ 7-1 victory on Sept. 2, Valdez crossed up catcher César Salazar by throwing a 92.8 mph sinker to Anthony Volpe. Salazar moved his glove downward as the pitch approached the plate, an indication he was expecting a pitch with less velocity and more break. The ball hit him in his chest protector.
Just before the pitch Grisham sent over the fence, Salazar had motioned for Valdez to step off the mound. Valdez and Salazar both said after the game the pitch that hit the catcher wasn’t on purpose.
Astros manager Joe Espada insisted a day later the situation was “100%” resolved in his mind, and he wanted to “get past this and get back to baseball,” and he met with both players.
