PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 30: Brenton Doyle #9 of the Colorado Rockies makes a leaping catch on a fly ball hit by Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Chase Field on May 30, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sure it’s early, and we’re only two games in, and the Colorado Rockies are at a promising .500 after trashing the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier today.
I get it: Spring training doesn’t matter. But this is — at least for Rockies fans — an interesting team because anything could happen. (And whatever does happen, at least it won’t be what happened over the last five years.)
So here’s tonight’s question: Which Rockie will take a leap in terms of improving his performance this season?
Sophomore Sho Evans of Cleveland High missed a potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation, but he did not let that reduce his confidence. When the Cavaliers needed help in overtime on Saturday night, he delivered during a 68-64 victory over Fairfax in the City Section Open Division semifinals at L.A. Southwest College. The Cavaliers will face top-seeded Palisades in Friday's final. Palisades defeated San Pedro 71-56.
Five of Evans' seven points came in overtime, none bigger than a shot that went in with 50 seconds left while being fouled and Cleveland clinging to a 61-60 lead. He made the free throw, and that was the blow Fairfax couldn't recover from after showing feistiness and resiliency all night.
"I just had to have that shooter's mentality when you miss or make, keep shooting," Evans said. "My teammates and coaches trust me to make shots."
The biggest shot of the night in OT. Sho Evans. Three-point play. 64-60 Cleveland with 50 seconds left over Fairfax. pic.twitter.com/H7EqEoKlta
Charlies Adams finished with 24 points for Cleveland (20-9), which needed a free throw from Harout Posheyan with 2.6 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. He was fouled on an offensive rebound off a missed shot by Evans and made one of the two free throws. Fairfax kept switching from man-to-man to a trapping zone on defense, and it produced lots of Cleveland turnovers in the second half.
Ketrayl Roberson led Fairfax (20-10) with 15 points and Chris Stokes scored 13 points.
It's going to be a difficult task for Cleveland to topple heavily favored Palisades. No City Section opponent had come closer than 21 points until San Pedro lost to the Dolphins in Saturday's semifinals by 15 points.
Freshman guard Phillip Reed continues to surpass expectations and come through in a variety of ways. He had 17 points in the first half when the Dolphins trailed early and finished with 29 points. The arrival of the Popoola twins EJ and OJ, from Detroit, gave the Dolphins size and athleticism. EJ had 14 points. Add to all that, junior guard Jack Levey is an exceptional three-point shooter.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 21: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 21, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings: Tyrese Maxey – 20 Joel Embiid – 9 VJ Edgecombe – 8 Paul George – 6 Dominick Barlow – 2 Andre Drummond – 2 Jared McCain :’( – 2 MarJon Beauchamp – 1 Adem Bona – 1 Justin Edwards – 1 Quentin Grimes – 1 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers lost their fourth straight game Saturday night, falling to a New Orleans Pelicans team that still has the second-worst record in the Western Conference even after the 126-111 victory, played one night earlier, and started DeAndre Jordan in the year of our lord 2026. To the surprise of exactly no one, the Sixers were horrendous in the third quarter, allowing the Pelicans to drop 40 points in the period, turning a double-digit lead into a deficit in the process. All the good vibes from the first half of the season are long gone at the moment, and even if Joel Embiid suits up again as early as Sunday against Minnesota, it’s pretty clear there are some glaring holes with this Philadelphia roster. So with all that doom and gloom out of the way, let’s momentarily focus on the spare positives and talk Bell Ringer.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 21: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a three point basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 21, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Oubre, who grew up in New Orleans, had a nice homecoming to the Big Easy, shooting 7-of-15 from the field with four made threes for a team-high 25 points. The most memorable of those three-pointers was a buzzer-beater to end the first half, after which he blew a kiss to the crowd in true Kelly fashion. In addition to his shooting prowess from the perimeter, Oubre continued his attack mentality from the Atlanta game a couple nights ago, repeatedly initiating contact to get to the charity stripe; he is now 16-of-19 from the free throw line across the past two games. Really, it was a three-level scoring game for him, as Kelly also chipped in a few middies of the floater and fadeaway variety. Saturday was another good example of Oubre’s ability to scale up his usage when the team is missing some pieces.
The Nola native nails his third three at the buzzer and the Sixers take a 65-57 lead into the locker room. pic.twitter.com/ynDmwWwAkB
Feb 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Jabari Walker (33) reacts to making a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Walker has replaced Trendon Watford in the rotation since signing his standard NBA contract and returning to action. He made that decision look good again on Saturday, giving the team a nice lift off the bench in his 16 minutes and recording a team-best plus-five plus-minus. Normally not a reliable outside shooter, Walker canned two of his three triples, knocking one down in transition in the first quarter and later spotting up from the corner. He also did rugged work on the glass, most evident when he battled for an offensive rebound late in the first half and finished through contact for a three-point play opportunity. With the Sixers looking to be a player or two short on a lot of nights, it’s at least good to have Jabari back in the fold.
Anyone else you felt had some nice moments in the midst of this mess? Let us know in the comments.
MIAMI (AP) — Andrew Wiggins scored 28 points on 9-of-10 shooting, Norman Powell finished with 25 and the Miami Heat beat the Memphis Grizzlies 136-120 on Saturday night.
Tyler Herro finished with 14 points, Bam Adebayo added 13, while Kasparas Jakucionis and Jaime Jacquez Jr. each scored 12 for the Heat. Miami’s Kel’el Ware had 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Powell overcame a 2-of-7 performance at the free-throw line by converting 10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-8 on 3-pointers.
With the game out of reach late and 1:19 remaining in the fourth quarter, Memphis’ Scotty Pippen Jr. charged at Miami’s Myron Gardner and shoved him near the first row. Both fell to the floor and briefly wrestled before they were separated and ejected.
After leading by five at halftime, the Heat pulled away when they outscored the Grizzlies 39-26 in the third quarter. Powell and Jakucionis each scored nine in the period. Jacquez’s bank shot with 1:19 remaining in the quarter gave the Heat their first 20-point lead at 109-89.
Despite committing 18 turnovers, the Heat finished with 36 assists.
GG Jackson scored a season-high 28 points, Jaylen Wells added 25, Pippen had 18 and Ty Jerome finished with 17 for the Grizzlies, who have lost 11 of 14.
Memphis stayed within distance in the first half by connecting on nine 3-pointers.
The Grizzlies again were without star guard Ja Morant (left elbow sprain), who missed his 13th consecutive game. Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward and Kyle Anderson are all dealing with knee issues and also sat out for Memphis.
Davion Mitchell (illness) and Nikola Jovic (back) didn’t play for the Heat.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Pat Riley looks on during Michael Cooper's jersey retirement during the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on January 13, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers (34-21) will take on the Boston Celtics (36-19) on Sunday as they look to split the season series against their arch rivals. They will also be honoring Pat Riley by unveiling his statue outside Crypto.com Arena.
It’s only right that the Lakers will face the Celtics at home on the day that they immortalize Pat Riley with a statue. It wouldn’t make sense to face any other opponent because the Celtics play such a huge role in Riley’s historic legacy. So there’s indeed more pressure for the Lakers to win this one.
The Celtics team stepping onto the court at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday is, unfortunately, a very good one. Despite their best player, Jayson Tatum, being out since the start of the season, they’re sitting nicely in second place in the Eastern Conference. This says a lot about how well-built their roster is and how much weaker the Eastern Conference is than the Western Conference.
The Lakers should expect a hard-fought game. The Celtics are a team with a top-two offense and top-eight defense. They attempt the third most 3-pointers, so expect a ton of shots from beyond the arc, specifically from Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. The Lakers’ perimeter defense will have to be ready. It’ll be interesting to see if they switch from the zone defense coverage they’ve been employing as of late.
In the last meeting between these two teams when the Lakers were blown out by the C’s, Los Angeles didn’t have Luka Dončić, LeBron James or Marcus Smart. That certainly won’t be the case on Sunday. Also note that Boston is one of the slowest-paced teams in the league, so it would be great if L.A. takes advantage of that.
Ultimately though, the Lakers will have to outplay the Celtics’ well-oiled system on both ends of the court. This means their superstars and role players all have to step up. It’s frankly unacceptable to lose to the Celtics on the day the organization honors Pat Riley, so this is a must-win game.
Let’s see if this team shows some pride and beats the Celtics on Sunday.
Notes and Updates
The Lakers’ injury report stays clean with only Bronny James Jr. and Adou Thiero unavailable as both are currently playing for the South Bay Lakers.
Same goes for the Celtics’ report, which only indicates Jayson Tatum (Achilles tear) as out.
TAMPA — It may be time to bubble wrap Aaron Judge until Opening Day, or at least until the World Baseball Classic.
Making his Grapefruit League debut much earlier than normal, because he is leaving camp next week to captain Team USA in the WBC, the Yankees slugger wasted no time looking like he was in midseason form.
But this is unlike any spring that Judge has had before.
He is usually easing into fairly meaningless Grapefruit League exhibitions by the first week of March, but this year, he will be playing in high-stakes games with Team USA, with pool play set for March 6-10 and the knockout rounds to follow.
“Even going back to last year, [I was] trying to get more at-bats early on so that I could be ready in April,” Judge said. “Felt like that worked out for us and I’m trying to do the same thing that we did last year.
Aaron Judge belts a homer in the third inning, the first of his two long balls in the Yankees’ 20-3 spring training blowout win over the Tigers on Feb. 21, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“But also at the WBC, you don’t want to get exposed, man. You’re playing for your country so you got to be ready to go.”
Two years ago, Judge got off to a quiet start in April before turning red-hot the rest of the year, the opening month the only blemish on his dominant MVP campaign. So he came into camp last year with the goal of getting more exhibition at-bats under his belt, hoping that it would parlay into a stronger start.
The result? Judge hit .427 with 10 home runs and a 1.282 OPS in March and April on the way to a second straight MVP.
Now, Judge’s ramp-up for the season is beginning even earlier, set to play again on Sunday against the Mets (as designated hitter), with Aaron Boone planning to start him in four or five games before he heads to Team USA’s camp next Sunday.
“It’s all about getting ready. But if I don’t get results, I get asked questions about what happened to the power. So I’m glad I don’t have to talk about that,” he said with a grin. “It’s about getting ready. At this point in my career, I got things I need to work on, things I need to do that are going to help us put the best team out there. I’ll figure out the results and stuff playing real games.”
For proof that spring results don’t matter, Judge did not hit a single home run in the spring of 2024, before crushing 58 during the regular season.
A smiling Aaron Judge accepts congratulations from his teammates after belting the first of his two home runs in the Yankees’ spring training blowout win over the Tigers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But the Yankees, who are about to go two-plus weeks without seeing any of Judge’s at-bats up close, liked what they saw on Saturday.
After flying out in his first at-bat, Judge drilled a cutter at the bottom of the zone 420 feet to the batter’s eye in his second at-bat. And in his third, he turned on a 92 mph up-and-in fastball and smoked it 395 feet down the left-field line that he was somehow able to keep fair.
“Just some really good swings, good at-bats,” Boone said.
Soon, Judge will be taking them for Team USA, getting to fulfill a longstanding goal by representing his country for the first time in his career. Besides wanting to win the WBC, he is not surprisingly looking at the tournament as a chance to get better by being around the best of the best.
“That’ll be the coolest part,” Judge said. “[There’s] very few chances — All-Star games you get an opportunity to be around the best players in the world, but this room’s going to be different. You got some of the best players in the U.S. all in one room. It’s going to be exciting, fun.
“Getting a chance to pick some guys’ brains a little bit and see how — more preparation. That’s the one thing I always look at any guy we get here is how do they prepare? How do you prepare to be great? All those guys in that room are going to be great, so it’ll be fun.”
PORT ST. LUCIE — A.J. Ewing might not make an impact in the majors this season, but he took advantage of his presence in the Mets’ Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, hitting a sacrifice fly and showing off his speed and baseball IQ in center field in a 2-1 loss to Miami at Clover Park.
Known as one of the organization’s quickest players, Ewing was in center field when he alertly chased down an errant throw by Kevin Parada on a stolen base attempt by Miami’s Colby Shade.
Ewing got to the ball and made a strong throw to third for the out.
A.J. Ewing throws during Mets’ spring training at Clover Field, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The 21-year-old, who finished last season with Double-A Binghamton, has impressed Carlos Mendoza.
“There’s a lot to like,’’ Mendoza said. “I like him as a hitter at the plate. And his defense, he gets great jumps and made some good plays with reads off the bat.”
Ewing entered spring as one of the top three position player prospects in the organization after swiping 70 bases last season in the minors. If he can hit well enough, Ewing could make an impact down the road.
“His ability to give you a really good at-bat from the left side and speed is pretty encouraging,’’ Mendoza said.
As Jorge Polanco works to acclimate himself with first base, he’ll have a pair of other infielders with little experience as his primary backups.
Mendoza said prior to Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener that Brett Baty and Mark Vientos would likely get plenty of reps there, especially as the veteran Polanco is expected to get significant time at DH.
Brett Baty fields a ball at first base as Jorge Polanco looks on during Mets spring at Clover Field on Feb. 18, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“We’ve got options,’’ Mendoza said of first base. “It depends on matchups and the schedule. We feel really good with the guys when it’s not Polanco.”
The split could make sense, with the right-handed Vientos pairing with the lefty-swinging Baty, who is still taking things slow this spring after experiencing right hamstring discomfort early in camp.
“He continues to progress,’’ Mendoza said of Baty. “He’s trending in the right direction.”
There remains no timetable on when Baty, who is now mostly working at first base to protect the hamstring, might begin work in the outfield.
Marcus Semien was at second base and in the leadoff spot for Saturday’s opener, but Mendoza said they would monitor the 35-year-old’s workload in the spring.
“He wants to play,’’ Mendoza said of Semien, who has appeared in at least 155 games eight times in his career, but was limited to 127 last season due to a left foot injury.
“He takes pride in being available, posting [and] being in the lineup,’’ Mendoza said. “We will have to watch him closely and communicate once we get going.”
Mark Vientos and Luis Torrens are among the veterans expected to make the trip to Tampa on Sunday, along with Carson Benge.
Clay Holmes will make his Grapefruit League debut when he starts Monday’s game against Toronto in Dunedin, Fla.
HOUSTON (AP) — Guilherme Santos scored two goals in the second half of his MLS debut to rally the Houston Dynamo to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire in a season opener on Saturday night.
Santos found the net for the first time in the 67th minute — with assists from Jack McGlynn and Ezequiel Ponce — to tie it 1-1. He scored the winner unassisted 11 minutes later off a deflection.
Santos joined the Dynamo after scoring 95 goals in 429 appearances for Brazilian Série A side Santos FC.
Hugo Cuypers picked up where he left off last season, scoring unassisted in the 31st minute to stake the Fire to a 1-0 lead. Cuypers had 17 goals in 33 appearances last season and scored 10 times in 31 appearances in 2024 — his first season in the league.
Jonathan Bond totaled two saves for the Dynamo, while Chris Brady saved two shots for the Fire.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter led Chicago to its first playoff appearance since 2017 last season.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Sam Surridge scored two goals Saturday night, Warren Madrigal added a goal and two assists, and Nashville SC beat the New England Revolution 4-1 in the season opener for both teams.
Surridge opened the scoring in the sixth minute and scored on the counter-attack in the 16th to make it 2-0.
Brian Schwake made his MLS debut. The 24-year-old goalkeeper did not record a save.
Hany Mukhtar blasted a rising first-touch shot from point-blank range to give Nashville a 3-0 lead in the 39th minute and Madrigal capped the scoring in the 49th.
Leo Campana scored in the 47th minute for New England. Campana, who scored seven goals last year in an injury-plagued season, had five goals in five preseason matches.
Matt Turner had four saves for the Revolution.
Surridge, who led Nashville with 24 goals last season (tied with Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga for second in MLS), signed a contract extension through the 2027-28 season with an option for the 2028-29 season, the club announced earlier Saturday.
Coach B.J. Callaghan signed an contract extension Monday with Nashville. In 2025, his first full season with the club, Callaghan led Nashville to franchise records for single-season wins (22), longest unbeaten streak (15 games) and most goals scored (75). Nashville tied the club’s single-season points record with 54 but lost in the first round of the playoffs to eventual MLS Cup champions Inter Miami.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Petar Musa scored two goals on Saturday night, Logan Farrington added a goal and an assist, and FC Dallas beat Toronto FC 3-2 in the season opener for both teams.
Toronto’s Djordje Mihailovic and Derrick Etienne Jr. each scored a goal.
Musa flicked a header, off a cross played by Farrington, inside the left post from the center of the area to cap the scoring in the 79th minute.
Michael Collodi had five saves for Dallas.
Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran did not record a save.
Musa opened the scoring in the ninth minute but Mihailovic answered with a goal off a perfectly-placed through ball played by Jonathan Osorio in the 15th to make it 1-1.
Farrington cut back to evade two defenders and then slipped a shot from the center of the area inside the right post to give Dallas a 2-1 lead in the 38th minute.
Etienne put away the rebound of a shot by Dániel Sallói to make it 2-2 in the 67th.
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (AP) — Rondale Moore, the NFL receiver who had season-ending training camp knee injuries in each of the last two years after a standout college career at Purdue and a promising start with the Arizona Cardinals, was found dead Saturday, authorities said. He was 25.
Police said Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was found dead in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, police chief Todd Bailey said. The death remains under investigation.
Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore’s death. He said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated his right knee during training camp and never played for them. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but he blew out his left knee while returning a punt in their first exhibition game and spent another full season on injured reserve. Moore was so distraught after immediately realizing the seriousness of that injury that he slammed his hand down on a cart so hard the sound was audible throughout the stadium.
The Vikings said they had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and support.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death. While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply," coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement distributed by the team. “He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish.”
In a statement, the Cardinals said they were “devastated and heartbroken.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special person,” the team said in a social media post.
Moore grew up in New Albany, just across the Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, and was a first team All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor who wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale; we loved his smile and his competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact," Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said on social media. Brohm was the coach at Purdue when Moore played there.
Drafted in the second round by the Cardinals in 2021, Moore had 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns plus 249 rushing yards and one score over three seasons. He served as their primary returner for kickoffs and punts as a rookie before injuries pushed him away from that role.
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this," former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt said on social media. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
Feb 21, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) dribbles against Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) in the first half at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Sometimes it seems like a really hot start is the worst thing that can happen to the Spurs. After the Spurs started the game on an 11-0 run the Spurs let up a bit and let the Kings back into the game. They got complacent, and the Kings fed off of the Spurs lack of energy and lazy turnovers. They came out of the locker room after halftime and gave the Spurs a tough time by playing tough and chippy, and just working harder. The Spurs finally took control of the game with a 12-0 run that spanned the last minute of the third quarter and the first minute of the fourth. The Spurs overcame a game effort from DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Maxime Raynaud with an incredible performance from Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the floor with four blocks and 28 points and nice games from Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. Keldon Johnson brought energy off the bench, keeping the Spurs in the game when the rest of the team seemed to be trying to coast through without expending too much effort. That turned out to be good enough to beat the sad sack Kings, who seemed to be competitive with the Silver and Black until they weren’t, as the Spurs were able to beat them by playing at top efficiency for about 8 minutes of game time spanning the third and fourth quarter, turning a close game into an Austin blowout. That kind of effort won’t be good enough to beat the Pistons on Monday night, and I’m sure that’s going to be Mitch Johnson’s message to the team after the game.
Observations
The Knicks vs the Rockets is on national TV at the same time as the Spurs game, and if I wasn’t doing this recap, I might be watching that game live to see how Sochan is doing on his new team and watching the Spurs later. Hopefully Jeremy is going to have a good game and the Rockets lose.
The Orlando/Phoenix game went to double overtime, and the Suns won the game on a buzzer beater 113-110.
The Spurs were sharp out of the gate, going on an 11-0 with three quick blocks by Victor and a big energy advantage as they got to every loose ball to start the game.
Avery Johnson was on the mic for the play-by-play, and it was great to hear his voice. He seems to relate well to Sean Elliott and Jacob Tobey, and it seemed like they were having a lot of fun.
I can see why Wemby’s nickname is ‘The Alien.’ His skill level is on a different planet than the guys he played against on the Kings. It doesn’t seem fair.
Maxime Raynaud looks like he’s going to be a nice player for Sacramento. He’s long and has good ball skills for a seven footer.
Precious Achiuwa has bounced around the league a bit, but he looks good on the court as a role player for the Kings.
After the torrid start, the Spurs execution and energy waned a bit in the second half of the first quarter, and the Kings used turnovers from the home team to cut the lead to just four at the end of the first quarter, trailing 31-35, with DeRozan scoring the last 4 points for the visitors.
The Spurs case of the turnovers continued into the second quarter, as they Kings started the second quarter on a 9-2 run to take a 3 point lead at 40-37. The Spurs played a little better after a timeout, but the Kings had woken up, and the defensive intensity bothered the home team, and DeRozan was able to do his foul merchant magic to keep Sacramento close. They Spurs took advantage of a nice bounce of a deflected pass to Keldon to take a late lead, and led 73-65 going into the locker room, despite racking up 10 turnovers.
Jacob Tobey said at one point that the crowd was having fun in the Frost Bank Center, which is understandable, since the Frost Bank Center logo was on the playing surface, which was transported from San Antonio and installed into the Moody Center for the game.
The Kings came out of the locker room on a mission, and that mission was to end their 15 game losing streak with a road victory against one of the best teams in the league. Russ Westbrook got a little chippy and earned himself a tech early, and that energy infected his teammates, as they fought hard against the complacent Spurs. The sharpness that the Spurs exhibited at the start of the contest was gone, and this was going to be a test of wills. The Spurs were going to have to fight hard to win this game. The refs were allowing a lot of contact, so the Silver and Black was going to need to match the physicality of the Kings to win the game.
After a back-and forth third quarter, the Spurs finished on a 7-0 run to lead 105-94. They scored the first 5 of the fourth, and the Kings, who had been resolute all game, seemed to finally break. When the Spurs took a 26 point lead halfway through the final quarter, the white flag was up, and the Spurs put in Olynyk and Bryant, as the Spurs rested Wemby and most of the starters. Stanley Umude got some run, and it was a treat for the Austin crowd as the Spurs won 139-122 to win both games of the Austin series, with Dylan Harper banging the drum for the Silver and Black after the game.
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The Spurs are headed to Detroit to face the Pistons, who are currently leading the Eastern Conference standings and are in a virtual tie with the Thunder for the best record in the league, with one few loss and two fewer wins. The Spurs have played well against the top team in the west, with a 4-1 record against OKC, and Monday they’ll get a chance to see how well they do against the east’s best.
WACO, Texas (AP) — Taliah Scott made all 11 of her foul shots and scored 22, reserve Marcayla Johnson added 12 points and 15th-ranked Baylor beat Arizona 74-60 on Saturday.
Johnson scored 10 of her points in the first half, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs scored 10 and Bella Fontleroy grabbed 10 rebounds for the Bears (23-6, 12-4 Big 12), who were coming off a 31-point road loss against No. 20 Texas Tech on Wednesday.
Reserve Noelani Cornfield and Daniah Trammell each scored 11 points and Molly Ladwig 10 for Arizona (11-16, 2-14).
The Wildcats entered with a four-game losing streak and had dropped 10 of 11. Despite their struggles, they turned a 10-8 lead just past the midway mark of the first quarter into a 10-point lead with a 12-4 run in less than three minutes.
Arizona led 22-15 after the first period and had eight players enter the scoring column before halftime.
Baylor responded in the second quarter,outscoring Arizona 23-8. Scott's 3-pointer with 3:08 before halftime put Baylor up 31-28 and the Bears went to the break up 38-30.
Fontleroy's jumper with 8:56 made it 42-31 and Arizona led by double digits for nearly all the second half.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Teenager Julian Hall scored two goals in the first half and 30-year-old rookie goalkeeper Kevin Horvath made them stand up as the New York Red Bulls beat Orlando City 2-1 in a season opener on Saturday night.
Cade Cowell passed to Emil Forsberg, who maintained possession through traffic before setting up Hall for a tap-in in the 8th minute. Hall took a pass from 16-year-old rookie Adri Mehmeti and scored in the 40th minute to give New York a 2-0 lead at halftime.
It was the fifth career goal for Hall, who won't turn 18 until March 24. He scored once in 26 appearances last season and twice in 11 appearances in 2024.
Horvath, a member of the U.S. men's national team, totaled six saves and lost his clean sheet in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time on a goal by Tiago Souza. Horvath replaces Carlos Coronel, who left to play in Brazil after five seasons with the Red Bulls. Souza subbed in for Tyrese Spicer in the 76th minute of his MLS debut.
Maxime Crépeau finished with 11 saves in his first start in goal for Orlando City after two seasons with the Portland Timbers. Crépeau, who made his 200th career start, replaces longtime starter Pedro Gallese — who signed with Colombia’s Deportivo Cali after his contract expired.
Orlando City’s Wilder Cartagena hobbled off and was replaced by 19-year-old Colin Guske in the 14th minute. Guske played 13 minutes in five appearances last season.
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New York: Hosts the New England Revolution on Saturday.
Former Perth Glory winger blasts debut goal for Queens Park Rangers
‘It’s the best feeling in the world,’ 19-year-old says
A stunning first goal in the English Championship by Australian youth international Daniel Bennie has helped Queens Park Rangers to a vital win in their push for a Premier League return.
Bennie, a former Perth Glory winger who helped Australia’s Young Socceroos to U20 Asian Cup glory in February 2025, blasted home a shot from outside the box in the 84th minute to see off fellow promotion hopefuls Hull City 3-1 on Saturday.
