Marnus Labuschagne returned fire toward Sam Elliott on Friday after he was given a send-off amid the 17-wicket Sheffield Shield carnage at the MCG on day one.
Warriors vs. Suns player grades: Gui Santos and Pat Spencer put on a show
The shorthanded Golden State Warriors pulled off quite a win on Thursday night. Despite playing without Steph Curry, they ended the game on a 22-5 run to steal a 101-97 victory from the Phoenix Suns. It was satisfying and emotional, to say the least, given that the trade deadline had just passed. The beat reporters could hear the celebration from outside the locker room, with Steve Kerr saying it “felt like we won a championship.”
So let’s grade the players who pulled off the feel-good win. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.
Note: True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Thursday’s games, league-average TS was 57.9%.
Moses Moody
31 minutes, 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 2-for-7 shooting, 2-for-7 threes, 42.9% TS, +4
Moody had a slightly easier task than he usually has when facing the Suns, as Devin Booker was out with an injury. But even though he wasn’t having to guard an All-Star, Moody still found a way to strongly influence the game with his defense. It wasn’t a good offensive game, but the defense and rebounding were special … and his amazing hustle play in the final seconds just might have clinched the game. That play bumps him up a half-grade.
Grade: A-
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.
Gui Santos
36 minutes, 18 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-for-9 shooting, 3-for-6 threes, 3-for-5 free throws, 80.4% TS, +2
Jimmy Butler III is out for the year with an injury and Jonathan Kuminga has been traded. As a result, we’re going to see a lot of Santos. And if this game is any indication, that’s a pretty exciting thing. He was everywhere on the court. Absolutely everywhere.
Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists.
Draymond Green
24 minutes, 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1-for-3 shooting, 1-for-3 threes, 2-for-2 free throws, 64.4% TS, -1
This wasn’t Dray’s best game, but you could see in his energy and on his face that he was deeply relieved to still be on the team. It’s been a long career for Green, and this was his first time being on the block at the trade deadline … something he said he hopes to never experience again. He was pretty happy to defer to teammates in this game, and it worked out well. Awesome defense.
Grade: B
Pat Spencer
32 minutes, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-for-11 shooting, 6-for-10 threes, 2-for-2 free throws, 84.2% TS, -3
Spencer played his final game on a two-way contract, and will certainly be rewarded with a guaranteed deal now that the Warriors have cleared both cap and roster space. He celebrated by scoring a career-high, while running the offense well and making huge plays.
Under normal circumstances, he would get a good grade, brought down a little by the turnovers. But because of the situation, he gets a perfect one.
Grade: A+ for performance and feels
Post-game bonus: Led the team in points.
De’Anthony Melton
25 minutes, 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 6-for-14 shooting, 2-for-9 threes, 3-for-4 free throws, 53.9% TS, +21
Melton is playing out of his mind at the moment, and I’m so glad he stayed on the team through the deadline. That not only means that we get to watch him play this year, but that the Warriors likely think they can retain him next season, too.
The Warriors ended the game on the run of all runs, and I’d argue that Melton was the biggest reason for it. The stats may not be great (other than the plus/minus), but trust your eyes here: Melton was quite arguably the biggest reason they won.
Grade: A
Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team.
Gary Payton II
19 minutes, 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 6-for-11 shooting, 3-for-6 threes, 68.2% TS, +4
Just a sensational game from GPII in every area of the game. Despite usually being the smallest player on the court, he was second in the entire game in rebounds, behind only Phoenix center Mark Williams … and in less than 20 minutes of action! That included the biggest rebound of the game, on Dillon Brooks’ go-ahead three attempt in the waning seconds. His defense was as good as we’ve come to expect, and he had one of the best offensive games of his career. Safe to say, they don’t win that game without Payton.
Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.
Brandin Podziemski
12 minutes, 0 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 0-for-3 shooting, 0-for-3 threes, 0.0% TS, -21
Podz was awful in this game, but you can’t really blame him. He was so ill that he took himself out of the contest, which is saying something for someone who is such a gamer. He was sick enough that Kerr said his status is in doubt for Saturday.
Grade: Feel better!
Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team.
Al Horford
28 minutes, 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 4-for-10 shooting, 2-for-5 threes, 3-for-5 free throws, 53.3% TS, 0 plus/minus
It has been abundantly clear lately why the Warriors were so excited to bring in Horford this offseason. And I’m guessing they’re hoping like heck that he picks up his player option for next year.
Grade: B
Will Richard
27 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 fouls, 2-for-6 shooting, 1-for-4 threes, 2-for-2 free throws, 50.9% TS, +16
I’m guessing we see Richard get a bigger role as the season goes on, and I’m excited to watch that. His defense in this game was just … stunning, really. To quote Bob Fitzgerald, how did this guy fall to the second round? An absolute baller.
Grade: A-
Quinten Post
6 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 foul, 0-for-2 shooting, 0-for-2 threes, 0.0% TS, -2
I’m excited for Post to get to learn fromKristaps Porziņģis. Should be a great opportunity for him.
Grade: B-
Thursday’s DNP-CDs: Malevy Leons
Thursday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Kristaps Porziņģis
Four Goals In 5 Minutes Sinks The Kings To A 4-1 Loss To Vegas
The Los Angeles Kings (23-19-14) barely had time to breathe tonight at T-Mobile Arena before the Vegas Golden Knights (27-16-14) had already put the game out of reach.
Vegas already had four goals scored in the first period by the 5-minute mark of this game, riding their explosive start to a 4-1 victory over the Kings. Adin Hill made 32 saves, while Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, and Pavel Dorofoyev each notched a goal, which powered the Kings' offense.
Back-to-back losses for the Kings before entering the break are up there with their ugliest performances all season long after playing two crucial Western Conference opponents for a chance to move up in the Pacific Division.
Final from Las Vegas.#GoKingsGopic.twitter.com/BueMSb5ZmW
— LA Kings (@LAKings) February 6, 2026
First-period Collapse
The game turned quickly and painfully for Los Angeles.
Eichel opened the scoring at the 11:38 mark, followed by three other Golden Knights forwards scoring in a span of five minutes, extending their lead 4-0 just like that, with still more than 6 minutes remaining in the first period.
By the time, the Trevor Moore scored the lone goal for Los Angeles, the damage was already done and very difficult to dig out of.
Vegas was the more engaged team tonight and looked more focused on the ice, holding the Kings at bay in all three zones during a sloppy opening period that set the tone for the night.
More bad news for the Kings, Andre Kuzmenko exited the game in the first period after taking a shot to the side of the head after going to the front of the net, but was able to skate to the locker room with assistance.
Despite returning in the second period, Kuzmenko remained on the bench and didn't return for the rest of the night.
Forward Andrei Kuzmenko will not return to tonight's game due to an upper-body injury.
— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) February 6, 2026
Kopitar Reaches 1,300 Points
Despite the loss, the Kings had something to celebrate tonight after Anze Kopitar reached a major milestone, recording the 1,300th point of his NHL career with his assist to Moore's goal. Kopitar became the 39th skater in league history, and just the eighth born outside North America to hit the mark.
Captain Anze Kopitar recorded his 1,300th career point (446-854=1,300) with his assist on Trevor Moore’s goal in the first period tonight in Vegas. Kopitar is the 39th skater in NHL history to record 1,300 points and the eighth player born outside of North America to reach this… pic.twitter.com/FhBSUhK8h3
— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) February 6, 2026
Kings Struggle to Get Back
From that point on, both teams remained scoreless after that hot start from the Golden Knights in the first period, which seemed to demoralize the Kings early on. Despite outshooting Vegas 33-22, the Kings once again were awful on the power play, going 0/5, had turnover problems again, and, for the second straight game, the defense allowed four goals.
Tonight's loss puts the Kings 10 games under .500, and with 60 points in 56 games, Los Angeles has little room for nights like this moving forward, as chasing a wild-card spot is becoming increasingly unlikely with each loss.
Slow starts and clawing back just to lose in overtime or a shootout has become an ongoing trend for Los Angeles, and Thursday's first period may have been the most damaging example yet.
The Kings' next game will be on Wednesday, Feb. 25, against the Vegas Golden at 7:00 P.M. PT in Crypto.com Arena, which will start their six-game home stand after coming out of the Winter Olympics. We will most likely see Artemi Panarin make his Los Angeles Kings debut in this game, and the Kings will need to get as many reinforcements back as possible if they want a chance to at least make the playoffs at this point.
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Detroit hosts New York after Brunson's 42-point game
New York Knicks (33-18, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (37-13, first in the Eastern Conference)
Detroit; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Knicks -1.5; over/under is 224.5
BOTTOM LINE: New York visits the Detroit Pistons after Jalen Brunson scored 42 points in the Knicks' 134-127 overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets.
The Pistons are 23-7 in Eastern Conference games. Detroit is the top team in the Eastern Conference with 57.3 points in the paint led by Jalen Duren averaging 13.4.
The Knicks are 22-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York has a 14-14 record against opponents above .500.
The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 fewer makes per game than the Knicks give up (13.9). The Knicks are shooting 47.2% from the field, 2.9% higher than the 44.3% the Pistons' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Pistons won 121-90 in the last meeting on Jan. 6. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 29 points, and Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duren is averaging 17.6 points and 9.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Brunson is averaging 27.4 points and 6.1 assists for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 18.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 7-3, averaging 116.6 points, 43.0 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 11.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game.
Knicks: 8-2, averaging 115.5 points, 49.4 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.9 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: Dario Saric: day to day (not injury related), Jalen Duren: day to day (knee), Tobias Harris: day to day (hip).
Knicks: OG Anunoby: day to day (toe), Karl-Anthony Towns: day to day (eye), Josh Hart: day to day (undisclosed), Miles McBride: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Houston faces Oklahoma City, looks for 4th straight road win
Houston Rockets (31-19, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (40-12, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Houston hits the road against Oklahoma City looking to prolong its three-game road winning streak.
The Thunder are 30-8 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City averages 120.2 points and has outscored opponents by 12.3 points per game.
The Rockets have gone 17-15 against Western Conference opponents. Houston scores 115.2 points while outscoring opponents by 5.1 points per game.
The Thunder make 48.8% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.9 percentage points higher than the Rockets have allowed to their opponents (45.9%). The Rockets are shooting 47.2% from the field, 4.0% higher than the 43.2% the Thunder's opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Thunder won the last matchup 111-91 on Jan. 16. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points to help lead the Thunder to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and two blocks for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Kevin Durant is averaging 26 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 5-5, averaging 116.3 points, 43.0 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.
Rockets: 6-4, averaging 107.6 points, 48.1 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 10.2 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Luguentz Dort: day to day (knee), Ajay Mitchell: day to day (abdominal), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Alex Caruso: day to day (injury management), Jalen Williams: out (thigh), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (eye), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdominal), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: day to day (wrist), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Tari Eason: day to day (injury management), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Denver takes on Chicago, seeks to break 3-game skid
Denver Nuggets (33-19, third in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-28, 11th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Denver looks to end its three-game losing streak with a victory over Chicago.
The Bulls have gone 15-11 in home games. Chicago is third in the NBA with 34.9 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 7.4.
The Nuggets are 19-9 on the road. Denver is 14-13 against opponents over .500.
The Bulls score 117.0 points per game, 0.8 more points than the 116.2 the Nuggets allow. The Nuggets average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than the Bulls allow.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last meeting 130-127 on Nov. 18. Giddey scored 21 points to help lead the Bulls to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is averaging 15 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Bulls. Jalen Smith is averaging 10.7 points over the last 10 games.
Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 22.2 points and 6.9 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 4-6, averaging 115.1 points, 43.9 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 6.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.0 points per game.
Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 109.8 points, 41.9 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Collin Sexton: day to day (not injury related), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).
Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Spencer Jones: day to day (head), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Peyton Watson: day to day (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Orlando hosts Utah in non-conference action
Utah Jazz (16-36, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (26-24, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Orlando, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Orlando Magic host the Utah Jazz in non-conference action.
The Magic are 16-9 on their home court. Orlando is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16.1 fast break points per game led by Franz Wagner averaging 3.9.
The Jazz are 6-19 on the road. Utah ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 43.8 rebounds per game led by Jusuf Nurkic averaging 10.2.
The Magic average 115.0 points per game, 11.8 fewer points than the 126.8 the Jazz allow. The Jazz average 118.3 points per game, 2.8 more than the 115.5 the Magic give up.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Magic won 128-127 in overtime in the last matchup on Dec. 21.
TOP PERFORMERS: Desmond Bane is averaging 19.2 points and 4.3 assists for the Magic. Paolo Banchero is averaging 23.8 points over the last 10 games.
Nurkic is averaging 11.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Jazz. Ace Bailey is averaging 15.9 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 4-6, averaging 110.3 points, 39.7 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points per game.
Jazz: 2-8, averaging 113.8 points, 41.8 rebounds, 29.8 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.2 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: day to day (ankle), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Jazz: Kevin Love: day to day (illness), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), John Konchar: day to day (neck), Vince Williams Jr.: day to day (not injury related), Jaren Jackson Jr.: day to day (not injury related).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Hornets play the Hawks, seek 9th straight win
Charlotte Hornets (24-28, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (26-27, ninth in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte seeks to keep its eight-game win streak alive when the Hornets take on Atlanta.
The Hawks are 5-3 against the rest of their division. Atlanta has a 6-6 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Hornets are 6-4 against the rest of their division. Charlotte is 1-6 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Hawks average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 13.1 per game the Hornets give up. The Hornets average 15.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 more made shots on average than the 13.1 per game the Hawks give up.
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Hornets won 133-126 in the last matchup on Dec. 19. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 28 points, and Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 43 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Johnson is averaging 23.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Hawks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging 19.9 points over the last 10 games.
Ball is shooting 40.5% and averaging 19.1 points for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 6-4, averaging 115.7 points, 45.4 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.8 points per game.
Hornets: 9-1, averaging 112.7 points, 48.9 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.4 points.
INJURIES: Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu: day to day (dental), Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee), N'Faly Dante: out for season (knee).
Hornets: Coby White: out (calf), Tidjane Salaun: day to day (illness), KJ Simpson: day to day (hip), Xavier Tillman: out (personal).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
San Antonio plays Dallas, looks for 4th straight victory
Dallas Mavericks (19-32, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (35-16, second in the Western Conference)
San Antonio; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio is looking to extend its three-game win streak with a victory over Dallas.
The Spurs are 9-3 against division opponents. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference in rebounding averaging 46.5 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama paces the Spurs with 11.1 boards.
The Mavericks are 3-8 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas is 8-9 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.3 turnovers per game.
The Spurs are shooting 47.3% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point higher than the 46.3% the Mavericks allow to opponents. The Mavericks are shooting 47.1% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 45.6% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the third time this season. The Spurs won the last meeting 135-123 on Feb. 6, with Wembanyama scoring 29 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks for the Spurs. De'Aaron Fox is averaging 17.1 points over the last 10 games.
Cooper Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 7-3, averaging 115.6 points, 45.6 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.0 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points per game.
Mavericks: 4-6, averaging 118.5 points, 47.4 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: Luke Kornet: day to day (ankle), Lindy Waters III: day to day (knee), Jeremy Sochan: day to day (quad).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), P.J. Washington: day to day (concussion protocol), Brandon Williams: day to day (leg), Kyrie Irving: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles takes on conference rival Golden State
Golden State Warriors (28-24, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-19, fifth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Brandin Podziemski and the Golden State Warriors take on Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference action.
The Lakers are 4-6 against Pacific Division opponents. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.8 points per game in the paint led by Deandre Ayton averaging 11.8.
The Warriors have gone 18-14 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State is the NBA leader averaging 16.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.5% from downtown. Stephen Curry leads the team averaging 4.5 makes while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range.
The Lakers make 49.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.9 percentage points higher than the Warriors have allowed to their opponents (47.0%). The Warriors average 115.9 points per game, 0.3 fewer than the 116.2 the Lakers allow to opponents.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Warriors won 119-109 in the last meeting on Oct. 22. Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors with 31 points, and Doncic led the Lakers with 43 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.
Podziemski is averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 13.1 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-3, averaging 115.9 points, 42.6 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.6 points per game.
Warriors: 5-5, averaging 116.6 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.1 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Luka Doncic: day to day (leg), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (illness), LJ Cryer: day to day (hamstring), Stephen Curry: day to day (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
76ers take on the Suns, aim for 6th straight win
Philadelphia 76ers (29-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (31-21, seventh in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Saturday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia aims to keep its five-game win streak alive when the 76ers take on Phoenix.
The Suns are 17-8 on their home court. Phoenix is third in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 111.4 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.
The 76ers are 14-9 on the road. Philadelphia ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 12.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Charles Bassey averaging 3.5.
The Suns score 113.8 points per game, 1.6 fewer points than the 115.4 the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Suns allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Suns won 116-110 in the last matchup on Jan. 21.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mark Williams is scoring 12.3 points per game and averaging 8.1 rebounds for the Suns. Dillon Brooks is averaging 22.0 points and 4.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Joel Embiid is scoring 26.1 points per game and averaging 7.4 rebounds for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 20.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 6-4, averaging 111.3 points, 41.4 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.5 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points per game.
76ers: 6-3, averaging 117.2 points, 41.2 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.8 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Isaiah Livers: day to day (shoulder), Grayson Allen: day to day (knee), Jalen Green: day to day (hip), Devin Booker: day to day (ankle).
76ers: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Nets face the Wizards on 3-game skid
Washington Wizards (14-36, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (13-37, 14th in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn heads into the matchup with Washington as losers of three straight games.
The Nets are 9-21 in Eastern Conference games. Brooklyn is 1-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Wizards are 9-20 in Eastern Conference play. Washington has a 4-25 record against opponents above .500.
The Nets' 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.1 more made shots on average than the 13.7 per game the Wizards give up. The Wizards average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Nets allow.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Wizards won the last meeting 119-99 on Jan. 3, with Justin Champagnie scoring 20 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 25.1 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Egor Demin is averaging 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 43.2% over the past 10 games.
Alex Sarr is averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks for the Wizards. Bub Carrington is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 1-9, averaging 99.6 points, 40.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.7 points per game.
Wizards: 4-6, averaging 111.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 9.8 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.0 points.
INJURIES: Nets: Ochai Agbaji: day to day (not injury related).
Wizards: Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: out (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (illness), Tre Johnson: day to day (ankle), Trae Young: out (quad).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Rockets stung by Hornets 109-99
All of us have a player we like more than others on the team. All of us probably have a player we don’t like as much on the team. Tonight’s game pretty much united both, as with the exception of the deep bench, and maybe, Durant’s night, everyone on the Rockets was fairly dismal. It was a dismal loss, coming back to back on a another dismal loss.
You might look at Kevin Durant’s 31pt 11-21 shooting night and conclude he had a good outing. He didn’t, in my opinion. It wasn’t that he lacked effort, and didn’t make the typically very difficult looks he often gets, he did for the most part. But the fact that Durant is getting mostly tough looks is a deeper problem in itself, whether he can make them most nights or not. The bad part was that KD had 6 liveball turnovers (and a couple of bad plays that weren’t ruled as turn overs but sort of were) to one assist. I’m not a great turnover worrier, but these were almost all back breaking, progress killers. They were almost all of the “pressing to make a pass, to make it happen, to be a hero” sorts, but that pass rarely seemed to connect with anyone but a Hornet. Durant and Amen Thompson recorded 12 of their 18 turnovers.
Charlotte scored 17pts off those turnovers. The Hornets have been, contrary to expectation, rather good lately. They’re 9-1 in their last 10 games, compared to the Rockets 6-4. Since getting a taste of success, the Hornets have seemed hungry for more, and are playing hard. Playing with much more energy tonight than the Rockets, anyway. The Rockets were playing back to back, and the Hornets had rested three days, but if a team fancies itself as one that might go far in the playoffs, that excuse just doesn’t play. The Hornets themselves had 20 turnovers, but it didn’t hurt them as much, it seems. About midway through the third quarter it was clear to me that the Rockets flaccid offense wasn’t going to get the job done.
You might look at Kevin Durant’s night as a good one, turnovers aside. Well, then, that is arguably worse, because earlier in the season the Rockets would generally win games where Durant had a good offensive night. Tonight, despite that, it wasn’t close. The ten point margin was due to the deep bench crew, lead by Uncle Jeff, narrowing the gap, and forcing the Hornets to play their starters late. While that was the most enjoyable Rockets stretch of the game, the outcome never seemed in the balance.
Every Rocket starter besides Jabari Smith Jr, had a pretty bad game. Jabari might have bad nights, but I will say I rarely can fault his effort. I suppose Josh Okogie didn’t stink, but after scoring the opening five points for the Rockets, went on to score one point more all evening. Amen was 3-7 with 7ast against 5 To. Sengun was 3-11, but with 9 boards and 5 assists. Reed was bad, too. The exceptional lift he used to get on his threes is gone right now, and he’s shooting some almost as a set shot. They aren’t going in that way.
The Rockets, despite having less energy than the Hornets tonight, did try. They were all clearly trying. But the most recent Spurs game saw the move of attacking Sengun, and teams that are awake, and the Hornets and Boston are in that group, have been doing it, too. (Hat tip to AK.) We’re seeing tons of offenses call up Sengun in pick and roll actions, and then use a guard or small forward to beat him to the rim. If help comes at the rim, the pass goes to the corner, over and over. Or it doesn’t come, and it’s an easy basket. The reaction to counter this by the Rockets has been impossible to detect, by me, anyway.
Meanwhile, on offense, I counted very few moments when Sengun didn’t have four defenders around him in the paint. Clint Capela was the single Rockets player with a positive game +/-. Sengun was the only regular whose – wasn’t double digits. The deep bench was +12 against starters in garbage time, though!
What I’m seeing is a team with no answers on defense, or offense, other than, you guessed it, try harder. That’s an answer that can work sometimes, but it’s also exhausting if that’s appears to be a coach’s sole response to adversity. The Rockets look like a team for whom the stimulant blast of “TriHrdR” brand energy drink has flatlined.
If the defense is lacking answers, though, the offense doesn’t even know the questions. The Rockets totaled fewer than 200 points in two nights. Their opponents, in those two nights, did not score more than the average for NBA teams, and below their own season average. The Rockets weren’t close to winning either one, because the offense, when it loses the rebounding battle, as it did the last two nights, shows just how weak, inept, and fundamentally outmoded it is. Over the past two nights the Rockets, who trail only the Sacramento Kings in lowest number of 3pt shots attempted, shot around 40 fewer threes than the opposition, and in equal portions.
Let’s look at KD’s night one more time through the three point lens. He went 3-4. That’s nice, but the volume is nothing much. That means, though, he shot 8-17 from two, and that’s just not quite efficient enough to justify that many shots for two points. Not quite breaking even analytically isn’t good enough. Neither is Sengun going 3-11. Jabari Smith’s 6-9 from two is fine, but unusual. Simply said, to compete with that high a three point attempt margin against them, the team has to do something else exceptionally well. Score from two point range. Shooting a ton of free throws well. Having the sort of massive rebounding edges the Rockets enjoyed early on, (once again, opponents have adjusted to this by devoting the same amount of effort to the boards, to blunt that edge). The Rockets had none of these.
Bluntly, the Rockets do not run an offensive system in the sense of players knowing what to do and when to do it. Watch their organization on offense, and their lack of reaction to what teammates are doing. Nobody seems to know what actions they should run with what teammates, or what they should be doing except “spacing” around the arc for an offense that hardly shoots any threes by modern standards. I could go on, but simply put, the offense barely exists, and what does exist is outmoded and inadequate.
The average number of points scored in an NBA game this season is around 114. The Rockets lost decisively not breaking 100 points in two games. Their opponents scored fewer than average points, and yet the Rockets had no viable chance of winning either game.
The answer isn’t more defense when the team holds an opponent to under NBA average points. How much additional effort would equalize 40 fewer three point attempts in two nights?
The schedule features OKC in OKC on Saturday. I don’t see things improving immediately.
Player Grades: Lakers vs. Sixers
For the better part of three quarters of this game, it felt like the typical “first home game after a long road trip” performance from the Lakers. They lacked energy, focus and their superstar as Luka Dončić left the game late in the first half due to injury.
Then, everything flipped in the third quarter as the Lakers not only got back into the game but took control. A chaotic ending made things hairy at the end but the result was as unexpected a win as the Lakers have had in some time.
While Austin Reaves is going to take home lots of plaudits in this one, a lot of guys had their hands all over this victory.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron James
37 minutes, 17 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block, 8 turnovers, 1 foul, 7-17 FG, 0-3 3PT, 3-3 FT, -5
This was a very rough showing from LeBron. He felt out of rhythm throughout and while he had a couple of highlight reel dunks, he also had some really frustrating turnovers, including one that nearly sparked a miracle comeback late.
Grade: C-
Jake LaRavia
23 minutes, 14 points, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 5-7 FG, 0-2 3PT, 4-5 FT, -1
LaRavia didn’t do much wrong in this. The main reason he didn’t play more was because head coach JJ Redick rode a lineup predominantly of bench players in the fourth quarter.
Grade; B+
Deandre Ayton
20 minutes, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 fouls, 4-5 FG, 2-2 FT, -13
You can look at Ayton’s game in two ways. He was either a player who was fine in his minutes before Redick stuck with Maxi Kleber on a night he was incredible or he was a starting center who just got benched for the third-string center.
Grade: B-
Marcus Smart
31 minutes, 7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 fouls, 2-5 FG, 2-3 3PT, 1-4 FT, -15
There was a lot of Marcus Smart in this one. In another game, he probably fouls out of the game. But the officials were certainly letting him play in this one, so he was up to his old Marcus Smart tricks.
Still, he missed some late free throws and also had a part in the crazy turnover late that nearly let the Sixers steal the game back.
Grade: B
Luka Dončić
16 minutes, 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 turnovers, 3-10 FG, 0-4 3PT, 4-4 FT, -10
We were well on track to a disappointing Luka game before he left with an injury. He was a pretty big part in the lethargic and lackluster first half from the Lakers in this one.
Grade: D+
Maxi Kleber
26 minutes, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 2-3 FG, +23
Put this one up there with his outing in Utah earlier this season as wins Maxi Kleber had a huge hand in. The stats don’t tell the whole story in this one, but each one of his rebounds came on the offensive end and it felt like all four led to a bucket.
An enormous effort on a night when they needed him with Jaxson Hayes suspended.
Grade: A
Rui Hachimura
35 minutes, 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 fouls, 5-7 FG, 2-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, +16
Another solid night off the bench for Rui, who started in place of Luka in the second half. He had some really big baskets late in the third quarter as part of a run that really flipped the tide.
Grade: A-
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Jarred Vanderbilt
23 minutes, 6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, 5 fouls, 3-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, +16
A truly chaotic Vando game, especially in the fourth quarter. He was a big part of the second half comeback, especially defensively. But if I never see another corner three from Vando, that’ll be too soon.
Grade: B+
Austin Reaves
25 minutes, 35 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 turnovers, 12-17 FG, 5-8 3PT, 6-7 FT, +5
Saving the best for one of the last, it’s hard to describe just how good Reaves was in this one. He only returned to the court days ago after over a month and just had one of his best games of the season. He was everything the Lakers needed both with and without Luka, including a pair of huge 3-pointers to start the fourth quarter.
Grade: A+
Dalton Knecht
He had one shift, made multiple mistakes defensively and then didn’t play again. The only surprise of the day for Knecht is that he wasn’t traded.
JJ Redick
I had some questions about the zone and how ineffective the team was defensively, but there’s only so much he can do on that end. I always appreciate when a coach rides the hot hands, which he certainly did in the second half. He also managed Reaves well to keep him under his minutes restriction while keeping him on the floor for the end of the game.
Grade: B+
Thursday’s DNPs: Bronny James, Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme
Thursday’s inactives: Jaxson Hayes, Adou Thiero
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
Spurs Close Strong in Dallas, Outlast Mavericks 135-123
For three quarters Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks traded punches beneath the bright lights of the American Airlines Center, neither willing to blink. When the moment finally demanded composure, the Spurs found it — in their stars, in their depth and in a closing burst that turned a tight contest into a statement road victory.
Behind a sharp finish in the final minutes, San Antonio pulled away for a 135-123 win, silencing a raucous Dallas crowd and capping one of the Spurs’ most complete offensive performances of the season.
“We did a little bit better in our game plan and execution,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “We were wanting to be perfect, but we did a good job. Especially at the end of shoring it up.”
The Spurs let their intentions be known early. The ball zipped from side to side, shooters stepped confidently into open looks, and Victor Wembanyama wasted little time making his presence felt. The 7-foot-4 franchise piece stretched the floor with early three-pointers and punished switches inside, setting the tone for a night in which San Antonio’s offense rarely stalled.
Dallas answered with its own firepower. Each Spurs run seemed to be met by a Mavericks response, and by halftime the game had settled into a rhythm — fast, physical and unrelenting. The Mavericks leaned on their young talent to keep pace, repeatedly attacking the rim and refusing to let the visitors create separation.
“Vic’s energy, especially lately, has just been setting the tone for us, anchoring us defensively. Offensively, it’s obviously great to make shots, but his ability to just draw so much attention, make plays, being a willing passer, that’s just allowed us to get into a flow,” Spurs forward Harrison Barnes said.
That resistance peaked in the third quarter. San Antonio’s lead shrank as Dallas chipped away possession by possession, briefly turning the game into a one-score affair. The building stirred, and momentum threatened to swing.
Instead, the Spurs steadied themselves.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, San Antonio leaned on patience and execution. De’Aaron Fox, quiet for stretches, found his rhythm when it mattered most, burying a pair of critical three-pointers that pushed the Spurs back in front. Wembanyama continued to draw defensive attention, creating space for teammates and anchoring the offense during the game’s defining stretch.
With the Mavericks pressing, the Spurs answered nearly every challenge. A timely basket here, a defensive stop there — and suddenly the margin grew. A late emphatic finish at the rim punctuated a decisive closing run, draining the remaining hope from Dallas’ comeback bid.
By night’s end, balance told the story. Seven Spurs reached double figures, a reflection of an offense that never relied on a single answer and a roster that proved capable of closing on the road.
For San Antonio, Thursday was a confident road win forged in pressure, sealed by poise, and carried home with the quiet satisfaction that comes from finishing the job when it mattered most.
“If there’s one message to take away, it’s that we trust ourselves,” Wembanyama said. “We trust the process. And what I appreciate is that the leadership trusts those guys, just as I do. So we’re all on the same wavelength.”
Game Notes
- With the win, the Spurs are now at 35 wins, surpassing their win total from a year ago.
- The victory marked another confidence-building road performance for a young Spurs roster learning how to finish games away from home.
- Victor Wembanyama set the tone early, stretching the floor and drawing defensive attention that opened looks for teammates. He finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. In two games against Dallas this season, Wemby is averaging 34.5 points per game.
- 3 point shooting was won by the good guys: Spurs 41.5 % (17-41); Mavericks 38.7 % (12-31).