Feb 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley III (35) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 124-104 on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena behind a vintage effort from LeBron James.
It was the Mavs’ final game before the All-Star break, and they didn’t exactly go out with a bang. The game in LA was lacking a certain amount of star power with both Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic out with injuries. LeBron James continued his streak of great play, however. He scored 28 points and managed his first triple-double of the season at age 41 with a 28/12/10 night.
For Dallas, Naji Marshall and Max Christie continued to shoulder the bulk of the Mavs scoring, putting up 19 apiece in the loss.
Group effort
Four of Dallas’ five starters put up double-digit points. It’s become something of an expectation when the Mavs are without their offensive center point. Brandon Williams got the start at the point and not only contributed 17 points, but looked the part of a solid distributor, finishing with 7 assists.
Even with the addition of Tyus Jones — allegedly Dallas’ original free agent target before they signed D’Angelo Russel — Williams remains hard to keep off the floor. His speed towards the rim can really cause fits for some teams, and it’s something the Lakers have had trouble defending all season. Williams hit 1-of-3 from deep, but did most of his damage driving into the paint to power his 6-of-11 night from the floor.
Third time, not the charm
There were a couple of times in the game where it seemed like the Mavs were letting the rope slip out of their hand early. Right from the jump, LeBron kicked things off with a 14-point first quarter and built a double digit Laker lead barely halfway through the first. Dallas woke up and went on a run of their own to even things out by the end of the frame. Then, the Lakers turned around and built a 13-point lead in the second quarter. Still, Dallas came back and even took a small lead early in the third.
But when LA pushed the lead back over 10 by the close of that quarter, Dallas just didn’t have the gas for another run. Especially with Naji and Daniel Gafford leaving the game midway through the fourth with a couple of injuries.
Khris Middleton, Dallas Maverick
it’s always fun to see a new face in a Dallas uniform. Middleton is not so new to coach Jason Kidd, who coached him in Milwaukee. There was some question as to whether Dallas would release Middleton to allow him to find a team of his choosing, but at least for now, he laced ‘em up for Dallas and went out and scored 8 points in 21 minutes.
LeBron James scores against Dallas forward Daniel Gafford in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
LeBron James was full of joy before the Lakers faced the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, dancing, laughing, running around, his infectious energy the driving force behind his team’s easy win and yet another NBA record for a man who owns so many already.
James produced a triple-double of 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in leading the Lakers to a 124-104 win over the Mavericks, making him at age 41 the oldest player in league history to post a triple-double, surpassing Karl Malone.
James explained why he was so full of glee before the game that left the Lakers 33-21 and in fifth place in the super-tough Western Conference.
“That's always me. I'm a goofy-ass 41-year-old kid,” James said, laughing. “I think people should know that by now, right? That's just me. I get to play basketball. They pay me to play basketball. Why wouldn't I be happy? I get to be with my son (Bronny James) and my teammates and all these unbelievable fans that watched me throughout my career and they give me all the support and love. I enjoy what I do. Have fun. You see me on the court, see me in the back. I just love what I do. It's pretty cool.”
James now has 123 triple-doubles in his career, tying him for the fifth-most in league history during the regular season.
LeBron James scores two of his 28 points. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
“The win. That’s the most important [thing],” James said. “And to be able to do it and get the win is, that means more to me than anything. But I’m very blessed to play this game, play it at a high level and I was able to do it again tonight.”
James began the game playing with a purpose.
Luka Doncic missed his fourth straight game with left leg soreness, leaving the Lakers shorthanded again.
So James took the controls, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and handing out six assists. He wanted to make sure the Lakers head into the All-Star break this weekend on a winning note.
“I think that was my only mindset was, how can we go into the break on a high note,” James said. “And obviously, that (Dallas) team is, no matter who's out on the floor for them, they are well-coached and they're going to play hard. And they did that for the majority of the game tonight. But just tried to set the tone and end the first half of the season on a high note.”
James is still playing at a high level in his NBA-record 23rd season and has given no indication on when he will retire.
He was reminded of his comments from a few years ago, when James said he could play another four or five years.
Does he feel the same way now?
“Could I? Yeah, I could. But I don't know,” James said. “It's not like my game…My game is not going anywhere. It's just my body. It's so many more factors that come with how long will I play the game. I don't think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is.
LeBron James reacts after sinking a three-pointer against the Mavericks in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
"I just think it has to be here (points to mind). How long can I stay in love with the process? Because that's always been my thing. If I can't continue to stay in love with the process, then if this goes, then my body's gonna go. And once my body goes then it's a wrap. Then the love goes, and then the fun and all that stuff goes.
“So that's what it is. It's not my game is deteriorating. Obviously there's things I could have done when I was 25 compared to 35, and 35 to 41 or 21 to 31 or 41. But I have so much knowledge of the game that I know how to still continue to make an impact even if I'm not a 45, 43, 41 vertical. I can still do so many things on the floor.”
James missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica. It meant he was unable to train during the summer and he couldn’t practice during training camp.
James admitted that because his season started so slow that he had some doubts about whether or not he could still compete at his same high level.
“Yeah, of course. That's human nature. For sure. For sure,” James said. “I've never not been able to work on my game and tune my game and detail my game for quite a while in the offseason. And I don't like coming into the season not in the best possible tune I could be in, the best possible shape I could possibly be in.
"I didn't have that opportunity. Didn't have the opportunity to be in the preseason, didn't have the opportunity to have a training camp, didn't have the opportunity to have the first part of the regular season, missing the first 14 games.
“So, absolutely. Doubt creeps into your mind to see if you can get back to form and get back to making an impact. But as the weeks started going on and my body started to feel a lot better, and it was always the second day or third day after a hard workout how I was bouncing back from that, I started to realize that it's gonna take me a while to get back in rhythm. As you've seen, probably the first few games when I came back how out of rhythm I was, but I knew it wouldn't be too long.”
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Zimbabwe caused the first major upset at the T20 Cricket World Cup with a surprise 23-run win against Australia on Friday.
Blessing Muzarabani grabbed 4-17 and Brad Evans picked up 3-23 as Australia was bowled out for just 146 in 19.3 overs, suffering a first loss in Group B that also features co-host Sri Lanka.
Matt Renshaw, playing in his first T20 World Cup, scored a fighting 65 off 44 balls and Glenn Maxwell hit 31 off 32 deliveries, but Muzarabani and Evans did enough damage up front by claiming four wickets inside the power play to steer Zimbabwe to a second successive victory in Group B.
Opening batter Brian Bennett had earlier anchored Zimbabwe’s 169-2 with an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls. Tadiwanashe Marumani (35) and Ryan Burl (35) also made handy contributions while captain Sikandar Raza’s late acceleration (25 off 13 deliveries) was crucial.
“I was bowling to some of the best players in the world, so I am really happy it came off really nice,” said Muzarabani, who also completed 100 wickets in T20s. “Really good to beat Australia, but also (will be) nice to qualify, so looking forward to the next game now.”
In the only other previous T20 World Cup game between the two nations, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by five wickets in 2007.
Australia was without captain Mitchell Marsh, sidelined for the second successive game due to a testicular injury he picked up on the eve of the first game against Ireland.
Makeshift opener Josh Inglis was caught off Muzarabani at deep backward square leg before big-hitters Cameron Green and Tim David went for ducks.
Evans found the under edge of Green's bat and had him caught behind while David — playing his first game since a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Big Bash League in late December — pulled Muzarabani’s short ball straight to short fine leg.
Evans then got the prized wicket of stand-in captain Travis Head for 17, the ball rolling back onto his stumps after deflecting off his pads when he tried to drive a full-length delivery.
On a slow wicket where stroke-making was difficult, Maxwell and Renshaw rebuilt Australia's chase with a 77-run partnership, but Zimbabwe didn’t allow the batters to break free and the asking rate soared.
With the pressure mounting, Maxwell played spinner Burl onto his leg stump in the 15th over and Marcus Stoinis holed out in the outfield of Wellington Masakadza before Muzarabani and Evans returned in the death overs to seal a dream win.
Earlier, Marumani replaced the injured Brendan Taylor as opener and made an aggressive start by hitting seven boundaries to help take Zimbabwe to 61-0 with Bennett.
Stoinis broke through in the eighth over when Marumani was caught behind, as he attempted another expansive cut, before Burl shared another 60-run stand with Bennett.
Burl then top-edged Green to short third man after he stood in for Stoinis, who had to go off after injuring his left hand while trying to hold onto a difficult return catch off the same batter.
Raza hit the last ball for six over deep fine leg.
Later Friday
Four associate nations will be involved in the two other games on Friday. Canada won the toss and chose to bat against United Arab Emirates in a Group D game in Delhi.
The United States, which has already lost to India and Pakistan in Group A, will meet the Netherlands in Chennai.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 12, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A strong third quarter and a triple-double from LeBron James saw the Lakers head into the All-Star break on a high with a comfortable 124-104 win over the Mavs on Thursday.
LA won the third period 32-19 and the second half 60-41, blowing the game open and putting away a Dallas team all-too-happy to lose.
Both teams started perfectly from the field, each converting on their first two shots. The Lakers then scored 10 straight points to take a double-digit lead with LeBron James leading the way with eight points. Naji Marshall stopped some of the bleeding for Dallas with a layup that sparked a 12-0 run to give them the lead.
Rui Hachimura had a good quarter for Los Angeles, scoring nine points.
Max Christie had a perfect quarter, going 3-3 from the field, helping keep the Mavericks momentum. LeBron’s dominant start continued as he was now up to 14 points. At the end of the first, the Lakers were up by five.
To start the second period, the Mavericks tied the game with a quick five points. LA was shooting a rough 23% from behind the arc. They were missing quite a few good looks. Jake LaRavia stepped up offensively, scoring seven points. Los Angeles built a 12-point lead thanks to a 13-2 scoring run.
Hachimura was the second Laker in double figures with 11 points.
Austin Reaves was having a great quarter to push his point total to 11 off the bench. The three ball was still a sour point for the Lakers as they were shooting 25%. LA once again allowed the Mavericks to go on a run, giving up 12 points.
As a result of the late surge, it was just a one-point lead for the purple and gold at halftime.
A strong finish by Dallas reduced LA's lead to one at the half. LeBron James has 18 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists, and Rui Hachimura has 14 points on 60% shooting.
Marshall converted a three-point play to put Dallas ahead to start the third period. The Lakers then scored four straight to retake the lead. Both teams were battling hard, exchanging the lead back and forth. LA started putting cushion on their lead, forcing a timeout from the Mavericks.
Out of the break, Brandon Williams scored on a jumper for Dallas.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber both drained triples, helping put Los Angeles up by nine. Kleber also converted on a layup, giving him five much-needed points off the bench.
While he didn’t shoot much, Luke Kennard did grab seven rebounds, leading the team. He then knocked down a 3-pointer, his only long-distance make of the game.
At the end of the third, the Lakers were up by 14. When leading after the third period, they are 23-0 this season.
The Lakers outscored the Mavs 32-19 in the third and now lead 96-82. LeBron James is leading the charge with Luka Dončić out. He has 22 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.
Los Angeles scored four straight to start the final frame. The lead had gone to 18 until LA started fouling Dallas, sending them to the free-throw line three times in a row. The Mavericks then returned the favor, fouling Reaves, who converted on the three-point play.
Reaves finally saw an attempt from behind the arc go in, and it helped put the Lakers up by 16 with 7:17 left in the quarter.
After what felt like 400 free throws between the team, Jaxson Hayes scored on a layup. Christie then dunked the ball on the other end. At the 3:18 mark, LA had a comfortable 16-point lead.
LeBron picked up his 10th rebound in the closing minutes, which secured his first triple-double of the season. It also made him the oldest player in Lakers history to record a triple-double, passing Karl Malone.
Hachimura also knocked down his third triple of the game. A slam by dunk contest participant Hayes put the finishing touches on the win, sealing the win and leading to the bench emptying for LA.
Key Player Stats
LeBron finished with his first triple-double of the season, notching 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Reaves ended with 18 points, four rebounds and six assists off the bench. Hachimura pitched in with 21 points, going 9-13 from the field and 3-4 from three.
LaRavia had 11 points with three rebounds. Hayes notched 16 points with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Marcus Smart scored nine points with two assists.
Kleber had five points off the bench. Vanderbilt scored five points with six rebounds and two steals. Kennard ended with nine points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, February 20th, at 7:00 PM PT.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 12: Brice Sensabaugh #28 of the Utah Jazz drives past Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of a game at Delta Center on February 12, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a feisty and generally entertaining 48 minutes of basketball, the Utah Jazz ultimately fell to the Portland Trailblazers, 119-135. But hey! This loss with zero minutes of Lauri Markkanen will allow us to dodge the $500,000 anti-tank hammer viciously swung down on the… win with 25 minutes of Lauri Markkanen. Adds up.
Brice Sensabaugh was the teams leading scorer tonight, dropping a calm, cool, and collected 28 points. His ability to operate on and off the ball will be key for Utah’s offense next year – every bit of off-the-dribble creation will be valued when paired up with the off-ball scoring of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. For that reason, I’m all for continued experimentation from Brice to close out the year, as long as he understands that some of the early shot clock isolations will have to dialed back as the team gets ready for some serious, competitive basketball.
The rest of the team showed the flashes that we have come to expect; Ace exploded for some startling dunks, Collier continues to fear no man when he has a head of steam, and Filipowski displayed the fascinating versatility of agility and strength that makes him a fun long term option in the front court. The youth of the team really started to show, however, in the 3rd quarter. The Trailblazers threw out a lineup featuring Jrue Holiday, Sidy Cissoko, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, and Donovan Clingan – that groups size and defensive intensity really threw a wrench into the offensive flow the Jazz had built in the 2nd quarter. Jrue Holiday, in particular, was the Jazz-killer of the night, with a stat line of 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists – it was clear that his 17 years of NBA experience gave him a significant leg-up compared to the 10 combined years of experience of the Jazz starting lineup.
A moment for the newcomers – each of Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar, and new signee Blake Hinson had moments to show their value tonight. Vince Williams has a way of shifting the tone from the second he checks in. It seems that constantly he is trying his best to do a convincing Kris Dunn impersonation, a Jazzman who fans have remembered fondly for his sturdy defense and heady plays. Perhaps he took that impersonation too far, however – he was (oddly quickly) ejected after arguing over a call in the 2nd quarter, which, according to Andy Larsen, is the first Jazz ejection since the aforementioned Dunn. Still, the energy is much appreciated. Konchar provided some energy of his own, constantly finding ways to make his presence felt on the court. Blake Hinson, a recent signee from the G-League, played some key minutes, hit some nice threes, and really tried his best guarding 7’2 behemoth Donovan Clingan. I’d like to see more Hinson as the season goes on.
The race to the bottom continues! The Jazz currently have a bit of a cushion on both sides of the standings: 1.5 games behind the Nets, and 2.5 in front of the Mavericks, leaving them solidly with the 6th best lottery odds. They will have the opportunity to improve those odds after the All-Star Break; next time we see the Jazz play will be February 20th in Memphis at 5 P.M.
Nikola Topic drives with the ball during the Thunder's Feb. 12 game against the Bucks.
The reaction that Nikola Topić received — a standing ovation from Thunder fans inside Paycom Center on Thursday, when he checked in for the first time late in the first quarter — captured the magnitude of the moment.
Topić, Oklahoma City’s first-round pick at No. 12 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, was about to make a debut more than a year in the making.
First, there was the torn ACL that sidelined him for all of last season, forcing him to miss the entirety of the Thunder’s championship run.
A standing ovation for Nikola Topić
The 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is making his NBA debut for the @okcthunder tonight!
Nikola Topić drives with the ball during the Thunder’s 110-93 loss to the Bucks on Feb. 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City. AP
And then there was the testicular procedure in October, the testicular cancer diagnosis and the chemotherapy that upended the point guard’s career and kept him out of the lineup for the first 55 games of the season, too.
But during the Thunder’s 110-93 loss to the Bucks, Topić stepped onto the court for the first time as an NBA player in a heartwarming scene and contributed two points, one assist and one rebound across 12 minutes.
“He could’ve made 100 shots, missed 100 shots,” Thunder teammate Chet Holmgren said postgame. “Tonight’s an amazing game for him.”
After checking into the game, as Thunder fans cheered around him, Topić patted his chest while standing under the basket before collecting the ball, inbounding it and receiving a return pass to bring it up the court.
It served as a small step for Topić in his return, as head coach Mark Daigneault described the 20-year-old as still being in the “infant stages” of returning to full game shape in terms of his conditioning, athleticism and strength.
Nikola Topic looks to move the ball during the Thunder’s loss to the Bucks on Feb. 12, 2026. Imagn Images
He appeared in one preseason game for the Thunder in October before his absence, and then played in two games for their G League team this week before returning.
“Anybody who’s battling cancer is fighting for their life,” Holmgren said. “I could never begin to understand what that’s like, and it just speaks to the strength of [Topić] and who he is as a person. It would’ve been very justified for him to weigh everybody around him down and sulk and be mad at the world because the kid he is, he doesn’t deserve that. We’re all just so happy that he was able to battle through that and get back to hooping.”
The Thunder, despite the loss, entered the All-Star break as the top seed in the Western Conference with a 42-14 record.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 12: Svi Mykhailiuk #10 of the Utah Jazz drives against Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of a game at Delta Center on February 12, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Jazz lose a sloppy game 135-119 to the Portland Trail Blazers. Svi kept it close in the 4th quarter for a while, but Portland proved to be too good, and cruised to a comfortable win.
Ace Bailey – B
Bailey had a ridiculous dunk tonight, where he faked a shot, lobbed it off the backboard to himself, and slammed it down. His athleticism just jumps off the screen every game, and he has the makings of a really really good player. His rebounding continues to impress, as he had 8 tonight. Unfortunately he did struggle from deep tonight, going 1/5, but he still finished with 15 points.
Cody Williams –C-
Yes Cody went 0/3 from deep tonight, and yes one of those misses was a horrible air ball, but he still found ways to contribute. He had two steals, and had a nice block as well. He continues to be a menace in passing lanes for opposing teams. His passing has also improved this year, as he had 3 assists tonight. Cody finished with 9 points going 4/9 from the field.
Isaiah Collier –B
Collier fouled out late into the fourth quarter, but we’ll give him a pass as he probably just wanted some rest since he has been playing so much while Keyonte is out. Collier plays at 100 miles per hour every night. He hit some tough mid-range jumpers, to finish with 15 points while dishing out 9 assists, and notching 3 steals. He also shot a team high 12 free throws. Defenders just can’t keep up with him in transition, and have to foul him to stop him from scoring.
Brice Sensabaugh –A–
Brice lead the team in scoring tonight with 28. Simply put he’s a walking bucket and should serve this team really well coming off the bench next season.
Kyle Filipowski –B+
Whatever Clingan said or did to Flip tonight unlocked something in him, as I don’t think I’ve seen Kyle this aggressive since Summer League. He rebounded well tonight, grabbing 9, and had a team high 6 steals. Hopefully we can see more of this version of Filipowski going forward.
John Konchar –C
Konchar continues to struggle from deep, as he has not hit a three for the Jazz yet. He didn’t shoot particularly well from the field either tonight. But he made up for it with his hustle on defense, and his rebounding. He had 3 steals and 7 rebounds tonight. He is definitely a depth piece worth keeping going into next season.
Oscar Tshiebwe –Incomplete
We were robbed of watching an Oscar Tshiebwe masterclass tonight, as he was ruled out at halftime with a possible concussion. He may have only played 5 minutes, but he did have some impressive passes, logging 3 assists, and grabbing one board.
Vince Williams Jr. –A
Vince got ejected in the second quarter of this game after arguing a call, and tossing the ref the ball too aggressively. He reminds me a lot of Jae Crowder, high intensity, high effort player. He only logged 7 minutes in this game, but they were certainly memorable. He would finish with 6 points and 3 rebounds.
Blake Hinson –B
Welcome to the NBA Blake Hinson! In his first action in an NBA game he logged a rebound an assist and 11 points. He looked like he belonged out there, and he might prove to be a piece the Jazz, (or another team) may want to keep around.
SviMykhailiuk –A+
Long time no Svi! This marked his first action since February 5th against the Hawks. He had a clutch steal and bucket to cut the lead to 6 in the fourth quarter. His monster 4th quarter would continue as he went 4/5 from deep and gave the Jazz life for a second there. He would score all his 14 points in the 4th while adding 3 assists.
Adam Silver – F-
Good commissioner Silver fined the Jazz $500,000 dollars for the “management of their roster” in recent games. I must have missed the news that he was apart of the Jazz’s coaching staff. Maybe if the Jazz had announced that they would rest their two best players for the rest of the season, (like a certain other team) we could’ve avoided the fine! Oh well, maybe the extra half million will help Commissioner Silver make the All-Star game watchable this year.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 05: Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith looks on during the second half of a game against the Golden State Warriors at Delta Center on February 05, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Adam Silver fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 today for decisions prioritizing draft position over winning.
Adam Silver’s full statement states, “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition, and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games.”
It’s interesting that Silver decides to punish the Jazz for $500k, considering he didn’t fine the Toronto Raptors last season for doing the same things.
But Adam Silver hasn’t made a good decision for the on-court product in a long time. Everything makes the game worse, and there’s no consistency with anything he does. Utah has entered the rebuild, dealing with Silver’s latest idiotic change, flattening the lottery odds. All it did was increase the number of tanking teams and keep the bad teams from having any shot at improving.
Now it looks like the worst commissioner in sports has another way of removing hope from the bottom of the league. He wants to have some sort of tournament to play for draft position.
DEVELOPING: The NBA is discussing creating a tournament among lottery teams to determine draft order in order to stop tanking.
Oh great, just another way that the worst teams in the league will have no shot of beating the teams at or near the playoffs. And you can just count on one of these borderline play-in teams taking advantage of the opportunity.
The reality is that going to the former odds mostly fixes the problem. Would it be perfect? No. But it would improve on the current situation and go back to having fewer teams tanking at the end of the season again. The reality is, getting a top player in the draft is one of the only ways to build a team. If you don’t have that possibility, there’s little to no chance of ever improving.
After the news broke, Ryan Smith, owner of the Jazz, had some strong comments on Twitter.
🙄 agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense … https://t.co/sHQrggB2Xa
That’s the funniest part of this, that Utah won one of the two games this was all stemming from. Ryan Smith is completely right. He’s also right to call out Bobby Marks and his faux outrage at the integrity of the game being “compromised.”
Hey Bobby… maybe sit this one out. You have no clue what paying this is like and your amnesia this week is comical. https://t.co/NTFHgaPr7F
First thing to point out is the same use of the word “integrity.” Pretty clear that Adam Silver was pushing this line to all his media friends and outlets.
It’s a stupid decision from a bad commissioner who consistently handles things with incompetence. All Utah can do now is work within the rules Silver has set, which is apparently just making up injuries or flat-out shutting down players for the season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SNY | Alex Smith: Cam Schlittler is dealing with inflammation in his mid-back, manager Aaron Boone told the press on Thursday. The issue is considered minor and, after taking a few days off the mound, the right-hander is expected to return to his throwing program. “Zero, I’d say,” Schlittler said with regard to his likelihood of starting the season on the IL. “It’s early and I’ve been dealing with it for a little bit, so just want to make sure I’m on top of it and ready for Opening Day and that week in San Fran.”
The starter also clarified that there is a minor lat issue he’s been dealing with. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt all expected to begin the season on the shelf, Schlittler figures to have a prominent role in the Yankees rotation to start the season.
SNY | Phillip Martinez: The Yankees signed right-hander Rafael Montero to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. He’ll be on a $1.85 million salary if he makes the majors, per Joel Sherman. The reliever, 35, struggled in the first half with the Astros and Braves but had a more encouraging run with the Tigers down the stretch, pitching to a 2.86 ERA in 20 appearances. A 10-year veteran and 2022 World Series champion with Houston, Montero came up as a Mets starter in the mid-2010s before finding his niche in a bullpen role elsewhere.
New York Post | Dylan Svoboda: The Yankees considered pursuing a trade for now-former Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos earlier this offseason but were talked out of the move by several people who gave him mixed reviews, per Jon Heyman. It’s unclear from whom these reviews came and what their nature was, though the veteran endured some controversy this past season as he was benched Phillies manager (and former longtime Yankees coach) Rob Thomson for an “inappropriate comment” and bringing a beer into the Phillies dugout after he was removed from a mid-June for defense. New York reportedly also considered Austin Slater, Randal Grichuk, and Ty France to add right-handed depth before re-signing Paul Goldschmidt. Castellanos was released by Philadelphia on Thursday and could be in play for multiple teams, per Heyman.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: The Yankees are planning to give Giancarlo Stanton regular rest as he embarks on his age-36 season, per Aaron Boone. “Obviously, the big thing with G is keep him healthy,” the Yankees manager said. “In a perfect world, we don’t have any interruption with an injury or anything, but I want to protect him. Get into that role where you’re playing three out of four, four out of five I think is a good thing for him.”
The DH was exceptionally productive last season when healthy but has of course struggled to stay on the field during his tenure in New York, landing on the IL nine times in eight seasons. Boone also did not rule out the veteran playing the outfield this year—as he did in a pinch late last year to keep his bat in the lineup with Aaron Judge briefly restricted to DH duty—noting that “the biggest thing is keeping it available so that when things do come up we’re in a position to pop him out there if we have to.”
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Max Fried has been using his implosion in Game 2 of the ALDS as fuel for what will be his sophomore season in pinstripes. “Every time that I get to the gym or I pick up a ball, anything I have to do with baseball, it’s definitely a motivating factor,” the starter said. “You want to always keep getting better, learn from your mistakes and make sure that you’re not making the same mistakes again. I’m just trying to remember that feeling.”
Fried was an All-Star in his Yankees debut and pitched 6.1 scoreless innings against the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, but was chased after allowing seven runs in three innings against Toronto the following series.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 27: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Delta Center on January 27, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA announced that Ace Bailey will be added to the Rising Stars game over All-Star Weekend.
Jazz forward Ace Bailey will replace fellow rookie Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks on Team Melo in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars (2/13, 9 PM ET, Peacock).
Bailey has been selected to replace Cooper Flagg who is out with a foot sprain. It’s a big honor for Bailey, who deserved a right to be on the team before the injury to Flagg.
For the season, Bailey is averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 44.9% frrom the field and 34.3% from three.
With Bailey’s addition to the team, he will be the sole representative from this Utah Jazz team. Things were going to be pretty quiet for Jazz fans this All-Star week (before Adam Silver decided to obsess over the Jazz tanking). Now, the young wing gets a chance to represent the team and show what he can do. Night after night, Bailey makes an exciting play that hints at a bright future. Now, the entire NBA gets to see it.
PHILADELPHIA - FEBRUARY 9: Jason Richardson #23 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a dunk during the 2002 Slam Dunk Contest on February 9, 2002 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 2002 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to February Daily Topics at Golden State of Mind. A question (almost) every day this month to give the community a prompt to talk about!
The All-Star break is mercifully here. The Golden State Warriors limped to the break — both literally and figuratively — with a team in dire need of a rest and a reset. They’re in eighth place in the Western Conference and very comfortably in a play-in spot, but they’re just 4-7 since Jimmy Butler III suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Steph Curry hasn’t played in a while, and Kristaps Porziņģis has yet to play for the team following a deadline-deal trade.
So the All-Star break — and the week off from playing basketball — is certainly well timed for a Warriors squad that hopes to get Curry and Porziņģis back for Thursday’s return to action against the Boston Celtics.
In the meantime, we get non-Warriors basketball, in the form of the All-Star Game, and all the All-Star festivities.
The Warriors, however, won’t be partaking in the fun.
Golden State has no participants in Friday’s Castrol Rising Stars game, as neither Quinten Post nor Will Richard were selected for the annual rookie-sophomore showdown. Despite being the team that everyone associates with shooting (and for good reason), the Warriors won’t have a representative at Saturday’s State Farm 3-Point Contest, which features the surprising inclusion of Oakland’s own Damian Lillard. They also won’t have a player at the return of the Kia Shooting Stars competition, though former Warrior Corey Maggette will be coming out of retirement for the event. They won’t be included in Saturday’s concluding event, the AT&T Slam Dunk contest, though the mostly no-name field is highlighted, in my eyes at least, by Jace Richardson, the son of a Warriors legend.
And they won’t even have a player on Sunday, as Curry was selected to his 12th All-Star Game (as a starter, no less), but will miss the exhibition while he rehabs his runner’s knee and gears up for a stretch run.
So when it comes to Warriors this weekend, we’re stuck with memories and old highlights. Which got me thinking … what is your favorite Warriors All-Star weekend?
Mine is easy: watching the aforementioned father of Jace, Jason Richardson, who is, in my eyes, the most underrated dunker in basketball history. And what the hell, let’s relive those sensational contests.
Oh yeah. That’s the good stuff.
What are your favorite Warriors All-Star memories?
The NBA slammed the Jazz ($500,000) and Pacers ($100,000) with substantive fines, saying both teams sat healthy players in recent games in violation of the league’s player participation policy.
Both teams are near the bottom of the league, and the decision comes after the Jazz were fined for a similar reason last season.
“Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Additionally, we are working with our Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. attempts a shot during Utah’s Feb. 11 game. NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA hit the Jazz with a fine due to instances on Feb. 7 and 9, against the Magic and Heat, respectively, when the league said Utah took out Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. before the start of the fourth quarter and did not have them play the rest of the night.
The games, respectively, and the league said that “these players were otherwise able to continue to play and the outcomes of the games were thereafter in doubt.”
Jazz owner Ryan Smith did not seem to agree with the NBA’s decision and took to social media to voice his opinion.
“Agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense,” Smith wrote.
Pascal Siakam is pictured during the Pacers’ Feb. 10 game against the Knicks. Imagn Images
The Pacers’ fine stemmed from a Feb. 3 game, ironically, against the Jazz, when Pascal Siakam and two other Indiana starters “could have played under the medical standard in the Policy, including by playing reduced minutes. Alternatively, the team could have held the players out of other games in a way that would have better promoted compliance with the Policy.”
The fines were handed out just before the start of the All-Star break.
Apr 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) celebrates with center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) and outfielder Mickey Moniak (22) after the game against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“The Rockies are in the midst of changing everything, and that’ll take time. The projections adore both center fielder Brenton Doyle and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, despite relative down seasons for each, and Hunter Goodman provided roughly average catcher defense, which is harder than it sounds. The expected improvement comes from the departure of first baseman Michael Toglia, who rated as among baseball’s weakest defenders, and the expectation that new outfielder and elite speedster Jake McCarthy might help shift Mickey Moniak into more of a DH role. Keep an eye out for third baseman Kyle Karros, who rated well in limited time last year and should get a larger opportunity this season.
So, the Rockies improved by subtraction.
I’ll turn the floor over to the Purple Row night owls: Will the Rockies see improved defensive numbers in 2026, and where will those improvements come from?
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Cotie McMahon racked up 21 points and dished five assists as No. 14 Mississippi cruised by Arkansas 80-57 on Thursday night to reach 20 wins for the fifth straight season.
McMahon scored 20 or more points for the fourth straight game and has scored double figures in all but one outing this season.
The Rebels (20-5, 7-3 Southeastern Conference) bounced back from a 64-63 loss at then-No. 21 Alabama last Thursday to comfortably get back into the win column in their first home game in over a month.
Latasha Lattimore added 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season, and Denim DeShields tacked on 12 points for Ole Miss.
Ole Miss took the lead for good just 2:25 into the first quarter on a Lattimore layup and built a double-digit lead before the end of the first frame. They kept the lead the rest of the way, with a 40-27 lead at the half stretching to 20 points after a 7-0 run to open the second half.
For the Razorbacks (11-15, 0-11), Taleyah Jones led in scoring with 16 points, and Bonnie Deas had 14 with eight rebounds. Arkansas struggled at 34% and 19% shooting from the field and beyond the arc, respectively.
"It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face, a beloved member of the Pirates family," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. “I was fortunate to get to know Elroy personally, and I will always be proud that we had the chance to honor him with his induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame."
Nicknamed "The Baron of the Bullpen," Face was a groundbreaking pitcher, performing in a role that evolved into the modern-day closer. Face holds the National League record for wins in relief (96). Face also holds Pirates franchise records for appearances (802) and saves (188). His NL record for saves was not broken until 1982, when Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter surpassed Face's total.
It was Face's 1959 season that was his finest. He went 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA over 57 appearances, finishing seventh in NL MVP voting. During his career, he was a three-time league leader in saves and twice led the league in games pitched.
Face spent 15 seasons with the Pirates before pitching briefly with the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos to close out his storied career.
