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Game Recap: Suns Stun Magic with a Double OT Buzzer Beater

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: Jalen Green #4 hugs Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns after shooting the game winning basket against the Orlando Magic on February 21, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Wow, what a crazy turn of events on this Saturday afternoon. A game that was supposed to end early ended up being three hours long with two overtime periods and three buzzer beaters for the Phoenix Suns. They ended up beating the Orlando Magic 113-110 after a game-winning three from Jalen Green.

That being said, this game was not all sunshine and rainbows, as the Suns struggled on offense without Devin Booker leading the charge. With Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin also getting hurt and not returning in this contest, it really put the game in the hands of Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, and Grayson Allen.

For the Magic, they were an all-out threat in the beginning, being led by Desmond Bane, who could not miss for the first quarter. He eventually fouled out, leading to Paolo Banchero and Jevon Carter trying to save the day on the road, but it was just not enough. Even with his shooting struggles today, Jalen Green made two big shots in double OT when it mattered most, and that was enough to secure a much-needed win for the Suns.

Game Flow

First Half

The Suns fans sadly opened up this game on their feet for a couple of minutes, awaiting a basket, until Dillon Brooks drained a three-pointer. This then led them down 9-3 early, as Tristan Da Silva matched Brooks’ points. Orlando’s offense started hot, getting to the basket, with Desmond Bane taking command. Phoenix, on the other hand, could not buy a bucket for the first six minutes of the game.

Threes were not falling, and at one point, they were 4/16 from the field. Added to that, Dillon Brooks unfortunately hurt his hand and then went back to the locker room.

With him out, though, Jordan Goodwin made some big rebounds and helped raise the defensive tenacity. This led the Suns to climb back into the game, even though they were down by double digits at one point.

Even with this, though, Bane was just on a tear and shot a perfect 5/5 from the field in the quarter and finished with 14 points. This allowed them to take a 25-21 lead into the quarter break.

To start the second quarter, the Suns were rusty, but then they completely silenced that downhill experience. After a Jevon Carter three-pointer to make it an eight-point game, the Suns registered seven straight points and made it a one-point game.

That is where Bane started to get the ball back from Orlando and continue his heater, but Collin Gillespie was ready to match that. Gillespie took the lead back for the Suns after scoring five straight and scoring from all three levels.

That is where the game plan switched for both teams, as Phoenix dominated the paint in the first quarter. Now, Orlando was showing they could match those points, as Paolo Banchero and Jevon Carter started finding ways to attack the Suns’ basket. This blew the lead back to double digits, as the former fan favorite Jevon Carter proved the Bulls wrong for waiving him.

Before the close of the first half, though, Grayson Allen snuck in a buzzer-beater layup to drop the Magic’s lead to eight, 51-43.

Second Half

Unfortunately for the Suns, they had to play the rest of this game without Dillon Brooks.

The third quarter started with Orlando still playing through their hot hand in Bane, who hit another three. That said, the Suns went on an 11-0 run to tie the game. Mark Williams finally started getting involved in the offense, scoring back-to-back baskets in the paint. Add that with a three from O’Neale and Gillespie, and the Magic are forced to take a timeout.

Out of that timeout, the Suns took the lead back with a nice three from Green. That is where their offense started delivering with Williams once again. The stellar Suns’ defense continued as well to keep them alive, forcing some big turnovers. The Magic did try to match by going inside with their own bigs, Goga Bitadze and Mo Wagner. That was not enough, though, for one Sun who made his presence known.

Jordan Goodwin also made himself a major X-factor in this quarter on both ends. With two steals already and hitting a buzzer-beater three, the Suns now lead the Magic by four, 77-73, heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth, the Suns returned to what had been their strength: scoring inside. With Oso Ighodaro having a great night, he attacked Mo Wagner and got some offense going for the Suns. Not only was he solid on the glass, but he was solid on the glass.

The Suns continued to press on the gas pedal and expand this lead. Even with Carter and Bane trying to score, it is not enough with the team basketball taking place. Gillespie and Goodwin have a combined 36 points, shooting 6/10 from three-point range, and continue to deliver on offense.

That being said, as we know, the Suns will always be in a close one, as the Magic scored six straight points, forcing the Suns to take a timeout. With them struggling from three, the Magic were able to take that eleven-point lead down to three. The Suns also lost Jordan Goodwin. He appeared to be grabbing his calf and ran into the locker room.

With a tough offense stretch for Phoenix in the fourth, the Magic tied the game up at 96 from a dunk by Anthony Black. The Suns, who were prioritizing making some threes late, missed the game-winner in regulation. Collin Gillespie, who tried to get the Suns their third buzzer-beater tonight, was unfortunately unsuccessful in that regard.

OT

To kick off OT, the Suns got a blessing with a big steal from Jalen Green that led to Desmond Bane fouling out of the game. Sadly, Green missed both free throws, and on the other end, Wendell Carter Jr. converted a three-point play to take the lead. With no Bane, the Magic ran their offense through Banchero, who was effective for them. The Suns, though, had Grayson Allen, who scored seven straight to take the lead back with a minute left. Of course, though, Banchero tied it back up, and after a nice try from Mark Williams to tie the game, it now heads to double overtime.

Double OT

With both teams hungrier than ever, to secure this win, the physicality on the defensive end continues to intensify. After missing a pair of free throws, Jalen Green splits his next pair, but once again, Banchero makes another shot to take the lead. That said, the Suns had Grayson Allen continue to come up big, making another shot to take the lead. With the Suns attacking the basket, they forced Wendell Carter Jr. to foul out, just as Bane did. Green once again then split his pair of free throws.

Since the Suns forced multiple steals late in the game, they limited the Magic’s shot attempts, helping address their struggle to score late. Multiple times, both teams have gone silent on offense for consecutive minutes, making this dogfight keep dragging on. The physicality on the defensive end is also very prevalent right now.

With the Suns up three, Isaac missed two free throws, but then Jevon Carter tied it up. That was all until the man who needed it most, Jalen Green, hit the third buzzer-beater for the Suns and won the game 113-110.

Up Next

The Suns gear up for another home game tomorrow, taking on the Portland Trail Blazers in a fun back-to-back homestand. The team will need some much-needed rest after this long duel with the Orlando Magic.

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White Sox report card is all A’s, 11-2

Quero the hero strikes a pose. | Getty Images

Still undefeated!!! The Sox are a mighty 2-0, with total runs of 19-3. Can we call it a season now?

The A’s decided not to play any major league regulars in their Cactus League opener and the White Sox took advantage, scoring five runs in the first three innings, mainly thanks to Edgar Quero having an excellent sense of direction. He came up with the bases loaded in the first, thanks to a Chase Meidroth double and two walks, and hit a little looper to left:

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That was good for two runs, then he came up in the third with runners on second and third and decided if one blooper is good, two are even better:

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Hence, four RBIs on two bloops that were barely 83 mph but, as coaches teach kids, you put the ball in play and good things can happen. Quero did have one solid knock, a 98 mph double, but that was with the bases empty. He also threw out a would-be base thief and correctly challenged a ball-strike call. OK, so he maybe misplayed a pitch that led to a A’s run, but let us not quibble when he has a day like this.

The only other Sox run thanks to a player apt to be in the majors this year came via Brooks Baldwin flexing his mighty power in the second:

John Schriffen, brilliant as always, repeatedly referred to it as Baldwin’s first homer of the spring; that was pretty inevitable, because it was Baldwin’s first at-bat of the spring.

Luisangel Acuña struck out looking his first time up as a member of the White Sox, but later slashed a double. There were no plays in center that could determine whether he can play there, the only one being a double to the wall there was no way to get to.

Chicago’s other six runs came late, when Sox hitters who will mostly play Double-A to start the season faced A’s pitchers who will be lucky to make Single-A. The minor-leaguers got half of the club’s 14 hits, with William Bergolla Jr. and Dru Baker knocking two apiece. The A’s also tossed in some lousy fielding and bad base running to keep the score well spread.

On the pitching side, Chris Murphy was the first of seven Sox hurlers who got out of the game with just two runs, only one earned, despite giving up 11 hits and walking four. That was no doubt helped by the total lack of major league opposition, and very little upper minors opposition. Plus the aforementioned bad base running.

The White Sox stay at Camelback Ranch tomorrow to host Milwaukee. That game will also be televised, giving fans the first chance to watch Munetaka Murakami. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. Central.

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Game Thread: Knicks vs Rockets, February 21, 2026

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 3: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 3, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The New York Knicks (35*-21) host the Houston Rockets (34-20) tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks hope to bounce back from a bad showing on Thursday against the Pistons. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant and the Rockets just squeaked by Charlotte, winning by four.

Tip off is 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC. This is your game thread. This is The Dream Shake. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Take it easy, easy like Sunday morning. And go Knicks!

* You imagined that NBA Cup Final victory.

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‘Incredible’ Connor Hellebuyck not letting NHL playoff woes get to him in Olympics

Slovakia's Adam Liska (23) battles with United States' Brock Faber, center, for the puck in front of United States goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the third period of a men's ice hockey semifinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
Slovakia's Adam Liska (23) battles with United States' Brock Faber, center, for the puck in front of United States goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the third period of a men's ice hockey semifinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

MILAN — Having played between the pipes for the Winnipeg Jets in seven of the past eight NHL postseasons, goalie Connor Hellebuyck has seen his fair share of big moments. 

Not the kind with a Stanley Cup on the line, but the ones that are a byproduct of circumstances.

The Jets have failed to make it out of the first round — or qualifier — in four of those aforementioned playoff runs, and Hellebuyck has assumed a significant portion of the blame as the franchise’s longtime No. 1 netminder. 

Hellebuyck has a shocking 1-9 record in his past 10 road playoff games dating back to 2021. His .917 save percentage from 2022 through this current NHL regular season leads the NHL, but it dropped to .872 in the postseason over that span. 

Connor Hellebuyck saves the puck during the men’s play-off semi-final ice hockey match between USA and Slovakia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 20, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

One of the more recent lasting images of Hellebuyck is from Game 6 of the Jets’ first-round playoff series against the Blues last year.

He had already been pulled in Game 4, and after giving up five goals on 23 shots across 40 minutes of play — including four goals in 5:23 — Hellebuyck was on the bench at the start of the third. 

In the NHL, Hellebuyck hasn’t been able to rise to the occasion. 

Since rejoining international play, however, the Michigan native has left little doubt as to who the top American goaltender is. Team USA will need that to continue if it is going to top Canada for a gold medal Sunday. 

Asked about his confidence level five games into his first Olympic tournament — during which he stopped 90 of the 95 shots he faced — Hellebuyck’s usual stoic demeanor completely changed. 

“Oh, all-time high,” he said, cracking a smile for the first time in the scrum with reporters after his 22-save performance against Slovakia on Friday night. “You know, I’m really enjoying this. This is fun. You don’t get to be part of this so much. I’m going to enjoy every second out here.” 

The 32-year-old is leading the Olympic tournament with a .947 save percentage and a 1.23 goals-against average. Up until this point, Hellebuyck has been sharp, steady and stingy. 

After allowing a couple third-period goals to Slovakia in a blowout quarterfinal victory, Hellebuyck poked fun at himself, saying he “got a little bored in there, and it cost me a goal.” It was indicative of just how light Hellebuyck looks and presumably feels going into this gold medal clash with Canada. 

Slovakia’s Adam Liska (23) battles with United States’ Brock Faber, center, for the puck in front of United States goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the third period of a men’s ice hockey semifinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. AP

His USA teammates have lauded the calmness that exudes from Hellebuyck behind them.

That kind of presence is exactly what the U.S. men’s hockey team will need to win this whole thing. 

“He’s incredible,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “He’s been incredible year after year. And it seems like in this short tournament, even going back to last year at 4 Nations, he’s been a brick wall. He’s been awesome. He plays the puck very well. Seems like everything that’s hitting him, sticks. He’s so good. He’s so steady. Probably the greatest asset is just the confidence he gives us. We are very excited to have him behind us for the gold medal game.” 

2026 WINTER OLYMPICS

Hellebuyck is one of just 13 goalies in NHL history with three Vezina trophies — tying him with the likes of Patrick Roy, Glenn Hall and Tony Esposito. Just eight goalies have won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player, and he is one of just three in this century. 

It is Hellebuyck’s playoff failures, however, that have dominated his story through his 11-year NHL career. This game has the magnitude to change the narrative.

It’s been 46 years since the Miracle on Ice, the last time the Americans won gold in men’s hockey. 

Canada holds a 4-1 record against the United States in Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players. Team USA has never beaten the Canadians when it mattered. 

Hellebuyck, as the last line of defense, has an opportunity to become an American hero. 

Suddenly, the NHL playoff stage wouldn’t look so big.

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Dynasty Dodgers flash juggernaut form in Cactus League opener

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani during 2026 Cactus League opener

TEMPE, Ariz. –– Saturday might have only been a symbolic first step in their quest for a third straight World Series title.

But the dynasty Dodgers already looked like a juggernaut. 

Even in a meaningless spring training contest that included only a few of their big-name stars, the Dodgers kicked off their 2026 campaign with a 15-2 rout of the Angels in their Cactus League opener, hanging nine runs on the Tempe Diablo Stadium scoreboard before nine outs had even been recorded in the game.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“It was a very good overall day for us,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Scored a lot of runs and got a lot of guys at-bats.”

The last time the Dodgers were in action, they were lifting the Commissioner’s Trophy after their Game 7 win in the World Series against the Blue Jays.

In 112 days since then, expectations have only been raised.

The team once again boasts a $400 million payroll, easily leading the sport and raising the spectre of a lockout next season. It added Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz to its collection of superstar talent over the winter, making anything less than another World Series this year a failure for the two-time defending champions.

For now, however, the Dodgers’ task is simple: try to get their aging, but also rejuvenated, roster through this spring unscathed.

And on a sunny Arizona afternoon Saturday, they made a positive first impression in their return to the diamond.

While Tucker, Díaz and most of the team’s other stars weren’t in the lineup, Shohei Ohtani was still leading off as designated hitter, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto was back on the mound after a quick offseason turnaround.

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Ohtani began the game by chopping an infield single to third base, his lone hit in three at-bats. That sparked a three-run first inning, which was also keyed by a single from Teoscar Hernández (who went 3 for 3), walks from Santiago Espinal and Alex Freeland, and a two-run bases-loaded knock from Hyeseong Kim at the end of an eight-pitch battle.

Yamamoto then retired the side in order with two strikeouts in the bottom of the first, before the Dodgers struck for six more runs while batting around in the top of the second. That rally was highlighted by another RBI single from Kim, whose swing has looked improved in the early days of camp this spring, and a two-run double from outfield prospect Zach Ehrhard.

When Yamamoto returned to the mound for the second inning after a long break in the dugout, he didn’t look as sharp, allowing two runs on three hits and a dropped ball from Hernández at the wall in left field that got lost in the sun.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yamamoto said the layoff between innings affected him but still came away pleased with how he felt over his 30-pitch performance –– a good sign for a pitcher who led the team in innings last year and was pushed especially hard during their elongated postseason run.

“I thought he looked good,” said Roberts, who pulled Yamamoto with two outs in the second. “Thirty pitches was enough. I didn’t feel like we needed to push him today.”

Afterward, Yamamoto also noted that he’ll have one more spring outing with the Dodgers next Friday before leaving camp to join Team Japan for next month’s World Baseball Classic. 

That evidently came as news to Roberts, who told reporters this week that Yamamoto would only make Saturday’s start before departing –– and even wished his pitcher luck in the WBC as he took him out of the game.

“At first, I didn’t know what he was talking about,” Yamamoto said with a laugh in Japanese afterward. “But as I was coming off the mound, I thought, ‘He must think this is my last game.’”

So go things for the Dodgers right now, balancing ever-changing workloads and ramp-up schedules in preparation for the regular season.

It’s still early days, and there remains a long way to go this spring. But they’re officially off and running, looking dominant as ever just one game in.

Dodgers make claim

The Dodgers added to their outfield depth Saturday, claiming 27-year-old Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pirates. Suwinski is only a .199 career hitter in four MLB seasons, but he hit 26 home runs in 2023. He has also been a surprise Dodgers killer, batting .314 with five home runs in 15 games against the team.

Suwinski joins Ryan Ward and Michael Siani as left-handed-hitting outfield options on the 40-man roster. In a corresponding move, the team placed Kiké Hernández on the 60-day injured list.

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Cavs at Thunder: How to watch, odds, and injury report

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to drive past Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on January 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This was supposed to be a measuring stick game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They only play the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder twice. Even though this will be a good test, Oklahoma City’s injuries keep this from being a marquee matchup

The Thunder will be without their two best players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ab strain) and Jaylin Williams (hamstring). They’ll also be missing a great perimeter defender in Alex Caruso (ankle). That will take some of the luster off this contest.

The Thunder have really struggled offensively this season in lineups without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Caruso. In those configurations, the Thunder have posted a 106.1 offensive rating (4th percentile). The defense is still formidable with a 107.9 defensive rating (93rd percentile), which has helped keep them afloat.

This will be a good test for Cleveland’s new-look offense with James Harden. The Thunder have still been elite on that end, thanks to their front court of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. However, they aren’t the same team on offense. We’ll see if the Cavs can take advantage.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14)

Where: Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK

When: Sun., Feb. 22 at 1 PM

TV: ABC

Point spread: Cavs -2

Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)

Thunder injury report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OUT (ab strain), Jalen Williams – OUT (hamstring), Alex Caruso – OUT (ankle), Jay Mitchell – OUT (ankle), Thomas Sorber – OUT (knee)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Thunder expected starting lineup: Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein

Previous matchup: Thunder defeat Cavs by 32 on Jan. 19.

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs118.3 (7th)113.9 (9th)+4.4 (8th)
Thunder119.2 (4th)107 (1st)+12.2 (1st)

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Warren Schaeffer’s postgame comments on Rockies 11-6 win

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: A young fan holds a sign during game two of the 2026 Colorado Rockies spring training at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 21, 2026. The Colorado Rockies took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images

After losing their spring training home opener, the Colorado Rockies came back to soundly defeat their Salt River Fields roomies, the Arizona Diamondbacks, 11-6. For more details, go here.

We’re not yet to the point in the season where we’re doing game recaps, but we wanted to share manager Warren Schaeffer’s postgame comments and some other Rockies comments.

First, here’s Schaeffer:

And here’s Tanner Gordon on his outing today as well as his evolving pitch arsenal:

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

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Xavier Edmonds adds to double-double streak and TCU rallies to beat West Virginia 60-54

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Xavier Edmonds had 14 points and 13 rebounds and TCU closed the game with a 17-5 run, defeating West Virginia 60-54 on Saturday.

It was the third straight double-double for Edmonds and his eighth in the last nine games, raising his season averages to 12.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

TCU missed eight of nine shots to open the second half and later missed eight in a row. West Virginia led 49-43 with eight minutes remaining before the Horned Frogs cut it to one when David Punch finally hit a jumper. Brock Harding and Punch each made two layups two give TCU a 56-52 lead with 1:36 to go and the Horned Frogs made four free throws in the final seconds to wrap up the win.

West Virginia scored only two points in the final four minutes, finishing the game in a 1-for-6 shooting slump.

West Virginia shot 41% for the game compared to 34% for TCU.

Liutauras Lelevicius scored 14 points off the bench, Punch added 12 and Harding scored 11 for TCU (17-10, 7-7 Big 12).

Honor Huff scored 13 and Brenen Lorient 10 for West Virginia (16-11, 7-7).

TCU missed seven of nine shots in the first eight minutes but trailed only 9-4. The Horned Frogs regrouped and a 14-2 run late in the half led to a 30-25 lead at halftime. Lelevicius hit three 3-pointers and scored 14 points in the half.

TCU improved to 12-5 at home.

Up next

West Virginia: at Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

TCU: Arizona State visits on Tuesday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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Pistons vs. Bulls Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 07: Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons tries to drive around Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on January 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jalen Duren is back, but Jaden Ivey is not. The Detroit Pistons face the Chicago Bulls tonight, and they will see the return of their All-Star big man after serving a two-game suspension for an on-court altercation. Ivey, meanwhile, is out tonight due to knee soreness. It’s a bummer not to see Ivey suit up and play 30-plus minutes, but it is no easy road coming back from a major knee injury. I hope we can see the old, explosive Ivey again soon.

The Pistons are on quite a roll, and star point guard Cade Cunningham is finally getting some legitimate MVP buzz. All it takes is for his 3-pointer to start falling and one stellar showing on the grand stage of Madison Square Garden. Cunningham scored 42 points and hit five 3-pointers in a 126-111 win over the Knicks. It would be fabulous if he didn’t follow that up with a stinker against the Bulls, who have lost 10 of their last 11 games.

Game Vitals

When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -10.5

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (41-13)

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Chicago Bulls (24-32)

Josh Giddey, Anfernee Simons, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith

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Jayson Tatum addresses speculation over set return date

LOS ANGELES — Jayson Tatum appeared on the floor moments before Celtics practice on Saturday and addressed photos showing him seemingly taking part in team activities in San Francisco. He clarified that he didn’t take part in a practice, and rather participated in an optional workout with several Celtics teammates, including Luka Garza.

Joe Mazzulla would not say whether Tatum, who added that he hasn’t practiced since his Maine session, would practice with the team on Saturday as he continues to progress in his on-court work and overall recovery process.

“He’s just continuing to get better,” Mazzulla said. “Working on his reads and then continuing to hit his checkmarks in the weight room and then in the treatment room as well. The main goal is just making sure he gets 100% healthy and continues to get better and better.”

“It’s just trusting the group that we have around him,” he continued. “And taking it step-by-step. So, just making sure we stick to that as much as we can. He came out of the Maine practice pretty well, and so we’ll continue to see it from there. It just depends as he continues to hit those check marks, whatever they may be.”

The latest comments from Tatum and Mazzulla maintain the secrecy the Celtics and Tatum’s team have operated with through the final stages of his Achilles recovery. Several reports indicated over the past week that Tatum’s still uncertain whether he’ll return or not this year, and despite speculation around an NBC-flexed Celtics start time on March 1 against the Sixers, he said that he does not have a return date in mind at the moment.

Mazzulla said the Celtics hadn’t practiced since Tatum’s Maine Celtics session, which went well. Boston doesn’t have a plan for him to join their actual practice activity other than continuing along his normal progression. That would seemingly indicate that there’s no imminent return expected for the Celtics star in the near future.

“Work out, see how you recover the next day and then you just make a plan from there,” Tatum said. “It was a little five-on-five (on Wednesday). It’s tough to go into detail on every single thing I’m doing every day, but I will say I’m just getting acclimated more and doing little things with some of the guys out there, but it’s all part of rehab and just going with the plan.”

Tatum added that he feels better than he did the previous day, and that’s all he’s focused on at the moment rather than a specific return date. He stressed that it’s important that he put himself in position to have a return be a conversation, and continued stressing he won’t play until he’s 100% and he wouldn’t indicate what percent he’s currently at.

The Celtics arrived at Santa Barbara Prep for practice alongside Tatum, who took some light shots on the court before the session began. He sported a team-issued shirt and sweatpants, put on his sneakers and spoke to the media before the practice closed once it began.

“I feel like I’m beating a dead horse,” Tatum said. “I’m taking it one day at a time. This is something that’s very serious. The injury that I had is just a long journey. For me, it’s just easier to take it one day at a time and see how I progress from there.”

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It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 16: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs and DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings embrace at the end of the game at Frost Bank Center on November 16, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.

The Spurs have never won both games in the Moody Center series that’s been played in Austin the last four years, and they have a great chance to do it tonight, after blowing out the Suns on Thursday night 121-94. The Suns were without their emotional leader Dillon Brooks due to a league suspension and lost Devin Booker in the first half with hip soreness, and the Spurs took advantage, taking a huge lead in the second half and resting their starters for most of the fourth quarter. The Kings have the worst record in the NBA, and shut down Damontas Sabonis for the rest of the season as he’s getting surgery on his knee for a meniscus tear that wouldn’t heal on its own. Zach Levine and new acquisition De’Andre Hunter are also out for the season, and ethical tanking seems to be fully deployed in central California. The roster for the Kings is now Demar DeRozan, Russ Westbrook, and a bunch of young guys. Two of those guys are Maxime Raynaud, who has been playing well recently, and Keegan Murray, who is turning into a very effective power forward in the league. Westbrook and DeRozan will definitely be in the hall of fame, but they’re a bit past their prime as players. The thing is that they’re still good enough to cause the Spurs issues if they do not play with the kind of effort and commitment that they brought against the Suns. It would be advantageous for the Silver and Black to put this game away early so they could rest players late in the game, because the Spurs will be heading out on the road again for a key contest against Cade Cunningham and the Eastern Conference leading Pistons on Monday night.

The Spurs can make this game less stressful if they take control early and take a big lead at the half. Neither DeRozan or Westbrook are great three point shooters, and Victor should be able to limit their offense when he’s in the game by creating a no-shooting zone in the paint. The team needs to be focused and not look forward to Monday night, because that kind of thinking can lead to a bad Saturday night. It will be interesting to see whether Castle ends up defending DeMar or Russ, because either matchup will be fun to watch. It will be either DeMar’s crafty moves or Russell’s quickness and strength, and each one will provide unique challenges for Castle as he prepares his game for playoff basketball. It’s going to be fun to watch, let’s GOO SPURS!!

Game Prediction:

Matthew McConaughey will show up in the announcer booth, and will make the call of the game as he screams “alright, alright, alright!” as Victor Wembanyama dunks the ball.

San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings (Austin)
February 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: KENS5
Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.

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Aaron Judge hits two home runs in spring debut, 'excited' for World Baseball Classic

TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit two homers in his spring debut as he prepares for the World Baseball Classic next month.

The three-time Most Valuable Player hit a pair of two-run shots, one in the third inning and another in the fourth against the Detroit Tigers. He finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs.

The 33-year-old has won the MVP in three of the past four seasons, including last year when he hit .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs.

“We’ve got the WBC coming up, which I’m excited about, and an exciting Yankees season,” Judge said after his performance. “We’ve got a lot of unfinished business from last season, especially the way it ended for us. I’m just trying to put myself in the best position to help this team win a lot of ballgames.”

Judge will be part of what looks like a loaded Team USA lineup in the WBC. The position player group also includes Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber.

The WBC’s pool play round runs from March 5-11 at four sites in Tokyo, Houston, Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The championship game will be on March 17 in Miami.

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Lenni Hameenaho Recalled To Devils; Keefe Shares Progress Report

Lenni Hameenaho was recalled to the New Jersey Devils from the American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets on Tuesday, February 17.​

The forward was recalled by the Devils on February 17, just before the end of the Olympic break. Earlier this season, he made his NHL debut on January 19. ​The 2023 second-round selection for the Devils played in nine games with the team this season. ​Hameenaho earned four points in nine games, two goals and two assists. ​

At just 21 years old, Hameenaho has transitioned to the NHL well. Head coach Sheldon Keefe spoke about his adjustment to the big leagues on NJD.tv on Thursday.  

"​It's been obvious that he belongs here,” Keefe said. “He’s a young player who has the ability to go up and down without requiring waivers. You don’t really know what it’s going to be like day-to-day, but his play before the break showed that he can help our team and play in the NHL."

Despite his easy adaptation to the NHL, there is still just under half the season to play. Keefe acknowledged that it will be a long road for Hameenaho.

“We’ve got to keep working with him as a coaching staff to keep adapting to the league as the sort of honeymoon phase wears off, there’s a long list of guys that come up to the NHL for a short period of time and have success, but can’t really sustain it. It’s a reason why you want to keep guys in the American League longer, especially prospects, so that when they come up, they show that they’re ready and they don’t have to go back,” Keefe said. “That’s what we hope to be the case, and from what we saw before the break, there’s no reason to believe otherwise.”​

Hammehao will re-join the Devils after logging one game with the Comets. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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A’s Drop Spring Opener To White Sox 11-2

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 29: Oakland Athletics hat sitting on top of a glove in the dugout before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 29, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well we got baseball. Some ugly baseball for A’s fans but baseball nonetheless. The Athletics dropped their first game of the 2026 season this afternoon, dropping the first Cactus League game to the Chicago White Sox 11-2 to kick things off down in Arizona.

Right-hander Jack Perkins was on the bump this afternoon, hoping to impress the coaching staff and put himself into real consideration for a rotation job. He was already facing an uphill battle in that regard and didn’t really help himself today. He allowed a leadoff double and a pair of walks to load the bases, then gave up a two-run single that actually chased him from today’s contest. He got to 26 pitches which is where the team probably wanted him to reach this afternoon but it was a lot of work to get there and he didn’t even finish the frame. Shaky spring debut for Perkins to be sure.

Right-hander Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang came next and only made one mistake in his outing, allowing a solo home run to give the White Sox a lead they wouldn’t relinquish all day. Top prospect Wei-En Lin came on next and pitched a full inning but not before allowing a pair of runs himself. The game was already getting out of hand at this point and it’d only get worse as the day went on.

Relievers Eduarneil Nunez and Nick Anderson pitched an inning apiece, with Nunez collecting a pair of punchouts and Anderson one. Nunez has a high ceiling but he’ll need to really learn how to harness his stuff if he wants to reach those heights.

On the offensive side of things, the A’s didn’t have much going for them today. They were able to push across their first run of the game in the second thanks to a pair of singles, a productive out and a wild pitch. Not exactly small ball but a run is a run.

The team scored their second and final run in the top of the fifth thanks to some more poor White Sox defense, but that was it from the A’s offense today. The Sox ended up scoring five more times over the final few frames against some depth arms trying to crack the bullpen to push the score to the eventual final of 11-2. Not a great day in the runs department but wins are meaningless this time of year anyway.

Here’s a wrap up of some of the most notable lines from today’s contest:

Third-string catcher is one of the camp battles going on this spring thanks to the departure of former first-round pick Daniel Susac, but glove-first backstop BrianServen is fighting for that spot and had himself a day at the plate, collecting a pair of doubles to cap a 3-for-3 day in the batter’s box.

And third base. Man, this could be a spring-long battle we have on our hands. Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz, and Brett Harris, all of whom are fighting for that job, all collected hits today. No one seperated themselves from the pack but we are off to a good start at that positional battle.

Elsewhere outfield prospect Junior Perez collected a single this afternoon while fellow outfielders Henry Bolte and Colby Thomas went hitless. It’d take a massive camp for Perez to sneak his way onto the Opening Day roster but if he’s going to do it then today was a good start.

That’s about it folks. The A’s got their butt handed to them today but we do it all again tomorrow! The Cleveland Guardians roll into town for the A’s first home game of Spring Training tomorrow. The club plans to go with veteran Luis Severino for tomorrow’s contest, likely following Perkins in only doing one inning or so. Sevy will be followed by fellow starter Luis Morales, relievers Brady Basso and Michael Kelly, and at some point we’ll also get to see prospect Kade Morris on the bump. Hopefully tomorrow goes much better than today’s game! Baseball is back and everything is right in the world again.

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Reds drop Cactus League opener to Guardians, 4-2

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) addresses media at the Conclusion of a Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. Guardians won 2-4. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chase Burns got the start in Saturday afternoon’s contest between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians in the two teams’ combined complex in Goodyear, Arizona, and in doing so officially began their Cactus League campaign.

Burns kept the Guardians off the board in a pair of scoreless frames, doing so without so much as allowing a hit. He did walk a trio against a pair of strikeouts before handing the ball over to Rhett Lowder, a fellow Wake Forest product who’s also very much in the mix for a spot in the team’s Opening Day rotation. Lowder fanned 4 in his pair of IP, though he did get dinged for a pair of hits, a walk, and a run allowed. Julian Aguiar, himself an outside candidate for the team’s starting rotation, similarly allowed a run in a pair of IP.

On the offensive side of things, it was once again Will Benson haunting his former club. Cleveland’s former 1st round pick slugged a 2-run homer off righty Colin Holderman after lefty Logan Allen – Cleveland’s starter on the day – departed after a pair of scoreless frames. in a battle for a spot on the Opening Day roster himself alongside the likes of JJ Bleday and Nathaniel Lowe as one of the team’s lefty bats with some pop, it was once again a reminder that Benson still owns a wealth of yet-to-be-tapped potential that he showed, at times, in 2025 during a horribly unlucky campaign on the surface.

Edwin Arroyo chipped in with a double and a run scored for the lone other extra-base hit on the day for Cincinnati, while Hagen Danner – a former 2nd round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays – was tagged for a pair of ER in a lone IP out of the bullpen to wrap up the pertinent portions of Cincinnati’s box score.

Jose Franco will take the ball to start tomorrow’s game against the Seattle Mariners as the Reds play host at Goodyear for the first time (they were the road team against Cleveland on Saturday). First pitch in that one is set for 3:05 PM ET, though it will only be able to be perceived with your ears via 700 WLW and the MLB At-Bat app.