The San Jose Sharks have assigned forward Filip Bystedt to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. This comes after Bystedt was called up to the Sharks' roster earlier this week.
Bystedt was selected by San Jose with the 27th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The first-round pick is having a strong 2025-26 season with the Barracuda, as he has recorded 13 goals, 23 assists, 36 points, and a plus-3 rating in 40 games.
Bystedt has yet to make his NHL debut with the Sharks, but that very well could change before the end of the 2025-26 season. The young forward has a lot of potential and could be a nice part of the Sharks' roster in the near future.
Feb 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Man, oh, man, not only did they need this win, but this performance from Tyrese Maxey as well.
The Sixers snapped their four-game losing streak, blowing out the Minnesota Timberwolves 135-108 Sunday night.
Maxey, in his best game of the month, put up a game-high 39 points going 16-of-28 from the field along with eight assists. VJ Edgecombe was feeling his three-point shot, putting up 24 points with seven boards shooting 8-of-18 from the floor and a career-high six three-pointers made on seven attempts.
Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. dropped 19 and 18, respectively, while Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 28.
Joel Embiid (shin soreness) missed his fifth straight game while the Timberwolves were down Rudy Gobert (flagrant foul limit suspension) and Naz Reid (shoulder soreness.)
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
This one started even uglier, with both teams combining to miss the first three free-throw attempts of the night. It took the Sixers nearly three minutes to record their first field goal, throwing two lazy passes that were easily intercepted.
Oubre’ three did seem get the ball rolling a little bit. Edgecombe had a couple successful drives, getting the Wolves’ depleted bigs in foul trouble in the process. Dominick Barlow made some hustle plays early with a transition and-1 along with an offensive board that led to Maxey’s first field goal of the night.
Edwards was truly a one-man wrecking crew to start the night, scoring or assisting 13 of Minnesota’s first 19 points of the game. The Sixers’ shooting got hot enough to keep pace though. Grimes had a hot start for the second straight game, making two of his first threes. Maxey and Edgecombe each got another to fall as well as they got out to a nine-point lead after the first.
Back-to-back-to-back triples from the Sixers courtesy of Quentin Grimes with two and one from VJ Edgecombe! pic.twitter.com/zVoTSSLlZt
Strong play from Grimes kept the Sixers in a rhythm across quarters. He found Adem Bona wide open at the rim two more times after doing so once late in the first, and got a couple buckets on cuts himself. After Cam Payne set him up for the second, he got a backcourt steal and buried a three, forcing a Minnesota timeout amidst a 13-3 run.
Five quick ones for the Sixers! Quentin Grimes scores again, and Cam Payne adds the steal and triple 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YpsBqPMimZ
That timeout did stop the Sixers’ flow. It took the Timberwolves a couple minutes and Edwards returning to the game, but they strung enough baskets together to have Nick Nurse call a timeout of his own. That also seemed to work as Maxey hit a gorgeous layup before Barlow got to the line.
Minnesota was able to get someone else going as Donte DiVencenzio hit four of his first five shots. While he caught fire from behind the arc, Edwards and Julius Randle had a lot of success driving to the basket. On the other end, Maxey began to have success off the dribble as well, though he smoked both free throws as well after one of his drives was overturned from a charge to a block. Another Edgecombe three proceeded a Maxey and-1, this time converted to keep the Sixers up by 10 at the break.
Third Quarter
Just like the night before, the Sixers showed some pretty concerning signs coming out of the half. They only scored three points for the first four and a half minutes — just one make from Edgecombe from behind the arc. That was loudly interrupted though when Maxey had his second ferocious dunk of the week, throwing one down with Edwards and Jayden McDaniels in the area.
Exactly the kind of sequence the Sixers needed! The absolute poster from Tyrese Maxey, a quick turnover, and another bucket from Andre Drummond 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oTYY14byda
That dunk started with a steal Maxey turned into a fast break, and the Sixers followed that up with two more steals, both leading to baskets as well. Maxey in particular seemed to run with that shot in the arm, finding Andre Drummond on an open roll off of one of those steals before a couple more baskets off the dribble.
He felt less aggressive than his six attempts would suggest, but Edgecombe was deadly from beyond the arc in this one. He sunk five of those, his first game making at least five threes since early January. Maxey wasn’t at that pace but was still putting together a solid night from deep as well, knocking down a pull-up a few possessions later. Maxey put the bow on the third, sinking a floater before the buzzer sounded to put the Sixers up by 16.
Fourth Quarter
After starting the quarter by finishing off an alley-oop, Edgecombe notched his career-high in three-pointers made in exciting fashion. He drilled a grenade to beat the shotclock despite being unable to shake Ayo Dosunmu.
What a way to set a new career-high for triples! VJ Edgecombe now with SIX from long range 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9CFYcP9kpE
A quick 6-0 run made it very clear that there was still plenty of time for the Timberwolves to get back into this. As he had all night, Maxey responded out of the timeout, getting to the rim for a basket before stealing the inbound for another layup T.J. McConnell style. Both he and Oubre kept the Sixers lead in comfortable territory knocking down more threes. Oubre and Edgecombe both tried to posterize poor Joan Beringer. Neither were successful but Oubre’s attempt not only drew a foul, but it was Beringer’s sixth.
As has become a recurring theme as of late, the last few minutes of these game didn’t matter, but this time it was a positive for the Sixers. This game was absolutely a must-win and credit it to the Sixers, they gave one of their best efforts all season.
Jaylen Brown drives past Jake LaRavia of the Lakers en route to a game-high 32 points. (Katie Chin / Associated Press)
All of the current Lakers realized that playing against the Boston Celtics on national television really was more than just one of 82 games on the schedule.
It was crystallized even more because iconic former Lakers coach Pat Riley sat courtside after a celebration for the unveiling of his statue on the Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. He was the first Lakers coach to beat the hated Celtics for an NBA championship after eight failed attempts.
So, yes, on this Sunday afternoon, this game meant more if only because it was another game in the long rivalry, a game the Lakers lost, 111-89.
Luka Doncic had 25 points for the Lakers but he was just nine for 22 from the field. LeBron James had 20 points but was just nine for 21 from the field.
It was the second time this season the Lakers scored in the 80s, and that also was a loss.
For a team that entered the game shooting a league-best 50% from the field, it was not a good sign for the Lakers’ offense when their shooting slipped to 36.8% in the second quarter. They shot 39.1% for the game and 30% (nine for 30) from three-point range.
“We had some really good looks,” James said. “I think they had a good game plan defensively, forcing us to take some shots … I mean listen, sometimes you got to make shots. And they made timely shots and we didn't. We didn’t give ourselves a good chance on the offensive end. I think defensively, we held serve as long as we could. But offensively, we didn't give ourselves a good chance.”
It was obvious the Lakers felt the intensity of the rivalry when Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart received technical fouls in the second quarter and coach JJ Redick got one in the third.
They were unhappy with the officiating that didn’t go their way against an aggressive Celtics defense.
Perhaps, it was posed to Doncic, the Lakers lost some focus on offense because of the complaints that led to the T's.
"Maybe. ...You’re surprised it wasn’t me, huh?" he said. "Then you know it’s bad.”
Doncic laughed.
But what was of real concern for the Lakers was trying to deal with the Celtics and their three-point shooters.
The Celtics (37-19) entered the game tossing up 42.4 threes per game, the third-highest output in the NBA, and making 15.4 of them, also the third-highest.
On cue, the Celtics shot 14 for 36 from three-point range.
The Lakers (34-22) fell behind by 18 points with 4:46 left in the fourth quarter after Jaylen Brown was fouled while scoring. He made the free throw and then followed that with a three-pointer to put the Lakers in a 21-point hole.
Brown finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
But the real problem for the Lakers was not being able to slow down Payton Pritchard. He had 30 points off the bench, making 10 of 14 shots and six of nine three-pointers.
His three-pointer gave the Celtics a 22-point lead and forced Redick to call a timeout with 3:22 left. Redick pulled his starters, knowing it was over.
“You talk about the personnel and how good Jaylen Brown has been and how good Payton Pritchard has been,” Redick said. “Really where this team kills you is when they can get you in the blender and take catch-and-shoot threes. They can shoot 51 of them and they're going to make 20. They're that good. Trying to limit that is the biggest thing when you play these guys. And you have to be willing to live with contested off-the-dribble jumpers. Pritchard made a lot of them tonight. He played a great game."
James said he watched some of the Riley ceremony that took place at halftime.
James played for the Miami Heat for four years under the watchful eye of Riley. The Heat went to four NBA Finals and won two championships.
Riley left an indelible impression on James.
“I got out there for a little bit, sat on the bench during halftime before our meeting,” James said. “Listen, he’s one of the all-time greats to ever have been a part of this league. Not only player — coach, executive, front office, everything. Obviously what he did here for the Lakers organization in the ‘80s goes without saying and rightfully so, him having a statue outside his building. Obviously I spent four years with him. I have the utmost respect for him, for his family and everything. So, it's pretty cool.”
CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Nicolás Fernández scored on a penalty kick in the second half and New York City FC tied the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-1 in a season opener on Sunday before a sellout crowd of 30,510 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Newcomer João Klauss needed 90 seconds to win the hearts of Galaxy fans, scoring with assists from Marco Reus and Joseph Paintsil for a 1-0 lead. LA worked a cash-for-player trade with St. Louis City to acquire Klauss on a 1-year deal, hoping he'll ease the loss of superstar Riqui Puig for a second straight season after complications from a torn ACL.
Los Angeles maintained the lead until Emiro Garces was sent off the field for a second yellow card, setting up a successful PK for Fernández that tied it in the 66th minute and left the Galaxy a man short. Fernández scored five goals in 19 appearances with L.A. last season.
Novak Micovic did not have a save in his 25th career start for the Galaxy — 20 of them coming last season when the 24-year-old allowed 37 goals.
Matt Freese, the reigning goalkeeper of the year, saved six shots for NYCFC — four in the first half. Freese had eight clean sheets in 31 starts last season on his way to the award.
NYCFC is coming off a loss to eventual MLS Cup champion Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Final last season.
The Galaxy are hoping to rebound from a disastrous season that saw them endure a league-record 16-match winless streak — one year after beating the New York Red Bulls to win the MLS Cup.
Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks for the basket ahead of Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics continued their four-game road trip with a visit to Los Angeles to play the Lakers Sunday night. Boston rolled to a seventh victory of the month of February as they log a wire to wire win, 111-89 against their rival franchise. Jaylen Brown once again led Boston in scoring with 32 points, Payton Pritchard was unstoppable with 30 points of his own, including a mixtape of tough shots all night, as no Laker could match the former sixth man of the year.
The Lakers started Marcus Smart, Austin Reeves, DeAndre Ayton, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James. Boston started the game with Brown, White, Queta, Hauser, and Scheierman. Boston started off the game a tad sluggish as the Lakers scored the first four points of the game. Scheierman hit a corner three to finally get the C’s on the board at the ten-minute mark of the first quarter.
Big men Nemias Queta and DeAndre Ayton traded baskets as both teams settled into the game flow. Luka got in on the scoring for LA, and Hauser drained a pair of open triples for Boston as the scores were tied at 15 apiece in an entertaining start to the first quarter. Pritchard and Vooch entered the game for Boston at the six-minute mark, and they were spectators to a Jaylen Brown steal and loud two-handed jam.
Brown laced a pretty baseline jumper for his sixth point on 3-7 from the field early. Vooch sealed Doncic on the low block, and Brown fed him in the key with a sweet mini hook shot for his first points of the game. Kennard hit his first shot of the game with LeBron looking on from the bench as the Lakers took an early 25-21 lead. Derrick White got into the key and hit a push shot floater to tie the game at 25 points.
Hugo Gonzalez was tasked with sticking on Luka Doncic late in the first and held his own against the former Real Madrid star. Doncic rushed a step back, and Hugo stayed draped all over the Slovenian All-Star. Derrick White had a brilliant steal on Vanderbilt and fed the neat alley-oop dunk to Vucevic.
In a hectic end to the quarter, Jordan Walsh had a massive block from behind and an unfortunate turnover with an errand pass to Pritchard. LeBron missed his layup, and Walsh was whistled with a foul for leaping over Reaves for a tip-in attempt. Gonzalez had a horrible foul on Reaves with under a second to go as he hit his three free throws to get the Lakers back even at 28-28 to end the first quarter.
Payton Pritchard scored Boston’s first 6 points of the second quarter, including a nasty stepback triple over Vanderbilt, as the pace was extremely hectic. Brown inadvertently kicked Queta in the face on a loose ball play. Brown had a jumper and connected with Smart’s chin. Austin Reaves was whistled for a tech for clapping at the refs as Brown drained the technical free throw. Former Celtic Marcus Smart kept chirping at the refs, and he was then teed up as things got heated.
Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Scheierman and Brown ran a perfect fast break play off another steal, their sixth of the contest. The C’s were up 38-33 with the Lakers calling a timeout to stop the bleeding. The Lakers came out of the timeout with a play called for Luka Doncic, who calmly hit a bucket in the lane over rookie Hugo Gonzalez.
Doncic hit a triple and argued he was fouled whilst seated on the court. Gonzalez ran the length of the floor for a wide-open layup. Boston was up 44-41 as Luka was getting settled into the contest. Derrick White had a gorgeous catch-and-shoot triple from the corner, off a Pritchard assist in front of the C’s bench, to get Boston’s lead back out to 6 points.
Queta blocked and pinned a LeBron James turnaround into the backboard as the Lakers bench went ballistic as the replay showed a clear goaltend. Brown stripped Doncic as he tried to get into the lane. Boston was super active on the defensive side of things, turning over the Lakers seven times in the first half. White scored his tenth point of the game on another three-pointer, but it was Payton Pritchard who stole the show once more, on a buzzer-beating triple over Doncic to end the half, Boston up 60-50.
Pat Reilly would be honored at half time alongside other Laker legends, as the coaching legend had his statue revealed prior to the game. The second half started as Ayton was whistled for his fourth in the first minute of the second half. Brown hit a three-pointer to open the scoring for Boston, his sixteenth point of the game. Doncic hit a wide open three for his 21st point of the game. Queta got away with placing his hand inside the rim on a defensive play, Reddick was whistled for the team’s third technical as the Lakers were on the wrong side of the whistle.
Pritchard hit his third triple on a deep step back, JB hit a step back jumper over Austin Reaves, Scheierman kept the ball alive with a tip away over three flat footed Lakers. Payton Pritchard grabbed the loose ball and calmly drained his fourth three of the night, Boston still in control 77-65 with three minutes to go in the third.
Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Reddick and the Lakers successfully challenged a foul call as Brown drove through three white Laker uniforms. However Boston regained possession, and Hugo Gonzalez scored on a cutting layup as the Lakers defenders were caught napping, Boston by 14 points.
Laravia drove and dunked on a broken play, he would becoming the first Laker, not named James or Doncic to score in the third. Jaylen Brown rattled home his second triple to end the second quarter, he had 24 points as Boston led 84-71 with a quarter of play to go.
Joe Mazzulla rolled with Walsh, White, Vucevic, Pritchard and Hauser to start the fourth, that group gave up 5 points to the Lakers, before Boston called a quick timeout to talk about things. Payton Pritchard’s eyes lit up as Lavaria was switched onto him, nailing a step back jumper. Pritchard’s next trip down the floor resulted in another score, his 23rd point over an outstretched Austin Reaves, Boston up 92-77.
A Jaylen Brown mid range step back bucket at the six minute mark, felt like it was all over for the Lakers as the points had dried up, Boston in complete control. LeBron went to the bench with six and half remaining, Luka whistled for an offensive foul on Scheierman, things were going from bad to worse for LA.
JB’s tough and1 drive and fnish on Luka Doncic, saw the Laker faithful head to the carpark early. Lakers went to the deep bench with the white flag flying with three minutes to go in the game. Boston win big time in La La Land by 21 points.
The Celtics next face the Pheonix Suns on Tuesday night.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of their game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 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. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hours after unveiling Pat Riley’s statue, the Lakers hit a new low this season as they were run off the floor by the Celtics on Sunday, 111-89.
After a back-and-forth game for most of the contest, the Lakers put up a pathetic display in the fourth to allow Boston to blow the game open. The Celtics set the tone physically from the start and the officials allowed the teams to play.
The result was LA being bullied for much of the night as Boston was the aggressor. LA finished the night shooting 39.1% from the field and 30% from three.
LeBron James opened the game on a personal 4-0 run, giving the Lakers an early edge. Boston started cold, missing their first three shot attempts. Baylor Scheierman jump-started the Celtics’ offense with a 3-pointer. Luka Dončić also started heating up, scoring six points for LA.
Sam Hauser knocked down two 3-pointers that helped tie the game and also led to a Lakers timeout.
Out of the break, a turnover by Los Angeles ended in a Jaylen Brown dunk. Jaxson Hayes returned the favor with a dunk of his own. The Lakers eventually went up by four after triples from Luka and Luke Kennard.
Boston had snatched the lead back, going up by three, before Austin Reaves knocked down three free throws to tie the game at the end of the first quarter.
Neither team could score early in the second period until Payton Pritchard drained a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired. Deandre Ayton scored on a hook shot to jumpstart the offense for LA. A 7-0 Celtics run, which included two technical fouls assessed to Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart, shifted the momentum in favor of the green.
Lots of frustration from the Lakers amidst a 7-0 Boston run in the 2nd Q, with both Reaves and Smart being called for technical fouls.
Luka converted on a floater to stop some of the bleeding.
Boston’s defense was making LA stumble, forcing seven turnovers. The Celtics ended the half with Pritchard scoring five points, three of which came at the buzzer, yet again..
At halftime, the purple and gold were down by 10. Hayes was also ruled out for the rest of the game with a right ankle injury.
A buzzer-beating three by Payton Pritchard puts the Celtics ahead of the Lakers 60-50 at the half. LA is struggling offensively, shooting 42% from the field. Luka Dončić is the only Laker in double figures. He has 18 points.
After both teams missed a few buckets, Brown converted on a 3-pointer for the Celtics to start the scoring in the third period. LeBron responded with a triple on the other end for Los Angeles. Emotions remained high as the officiating frustrated the Lakers, leading to more free throws for Boston.
At the 6:53 mark, the Celtics were up by 11.
The third technical on the Lakers today, this one on JJ Redick, came after what LA thought was the second missed goaltending call of the evening on Boston.
LA did not know how to defend Pritchard, who was now shooting 71% from behind the arc. He knocked down two more triples before finally missing his eighth attempt.
Aside from Luka and LeBron, no other Laker was in double figures. The closest was Reaves with nine points. The offensive struggles made it difficult for the team to string together a meaningful run.
Going into the fourth, Los Angeles was down by 13.
The final frame began with LA trying to make a push, cutting the deficit to single digits. Reaves, LeBron and Rui Hachimura combined for a quick six points. Pritchard then scored six in a row, putting a dent in Los Angeles comeback attempt.
LA continued to struggle throughout the quarter on both ends of the floor while Boston certainly did not. The Celtics blew the game open on the backs of Pritchard and Brown, who combined for 62 points, to run the Lakers off their home court.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists. LeBron notched 20 points with four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Reaves had 15 points with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at 7:30 PM PT.
“I’m excited to watch him play for the first time — other than on video,” the manager said before Benge made his Grapefruit League debut for the Mets in a 6-4 win over the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field.
There were no highlights from the 23-year-old, who started in right field and led off, but that’s not what the Mets are looking for.
After their 2024 first-round draft pick shot up the minor league system last year — his first full season in professional baseball— expectations were only heightened when president of baseball operations David Stearns said in November that Benge “is going to come into spring training with a chance to make our team.”
Carson Benge (l.) runs to first base during the Mets’ Feb. 22 Grapefruit League game. Charles Wenzelberg
“At the end of the day, I’m gonna try and be me — and nothing else,” Benge said before the game. “And let things work out for themselves.”
The lefty-swinging Benge opened with a pair of rough at-bats against Yankees right-hander Luis Gil before facing left-handed sidearmer Tim Hill.
For Benge, who’s played just 131 games in the minors after two seasons at Oklahoma State as a two-way player, the argument could be made that he needs more experience before he’s ready for Queens.
Carson Benge participates in a fielding drill during the Mets’ Feb. 19 session during spring training. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
Whether that can be accomplished in time for Opening Day remains to be seen, but the skill set has impressed scouts, who nearly universally believe Benge has a shot at success in the majors soon — if not by the end of March.
“It’s Day 1 and we want him to be himself, compete, play [his] game and don’t try to do too much,” Mendoza said.
And instead of focusing on results, the manager pointed to “quality of at-bats, laying off pitches, baserunning [and] defense.”
Benge struggled for stretches after his mid-August call-up to Triple-A Syracuse and endured an 0-for-24 stretch before finishing the season better.
Carson Benge makes a throw from the outfield during the Mets’ Feb. 19 session at spring training. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Still, it’s unusual for a player to jump to the majors after just 24 games at Triple-A.
But his mind is on making the Opening Day roster.
“Definitely,” Benge said. “I want to come in here, do my best, be myself, and whatever happens, happens.”
And whatever happens, the spotlight will remain on Benge, and Mendoza will be watching to see how he handles it.
“I like to see how he handles adversity,” Mendoza said of the outfielder, who began last season at High-A Brooklyn. “He’s gonna go through it. It’s always tough, especially when there’s so much out there. There could be a lot of noise — good or bad. It’s part of the process. You could have a great camp or you could go out there and it’s hard for you. But one thing we told him is to control what you control and let the people that make the decisions make the decisions.”
Benge said he’s aware of the organization’s stated confidence in him — and also knows that will only get him so far.
“It’s pretty cool,” Benge said. “No matter what, I’ll still try to be myself and play the game like I’ve always played it.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Khris Middleton #20 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
At long last, the Dallas Mavericks have won a basketball game.
The Mavericks (20-36) won their first game in a calendar month with a 134-130 decision over the Indiana Pacers (15-43) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday. Dallas got a season-high 25 points from Khris Middleton to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists in the win. Andrew Nembhard led the listless and even more shorthanded Pacers with 22 points and 11 assists in the loss.
Hey, you can’t lose them all. Here are five stats that tell the tale of the streak-busting win for the Mavs.
9: Players unavailable due to injury
In a game featuring two teams doing everything they can to avoid the dreaded win column, Sunday’s game between the Mavericks and the Pacers featured 13 players on both rosters who were unavailable due to injury. Indiana and Dallas came into the game at fourth and fifth, respectively, in man games missed due to injury, illness and suspension in the NBA this season.
Cooper Flagg missed his third straight game for the Mavs with a foot sprain, while T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Aaron Nesmith (ankle), Obi Toppin (foot) and Ivica Zubac (ankle) all missed the game for the Pacers.
36-33: Mavericks’ first lead after one quarter since Jan. 19
Sunday marked exactly one month since the Mavs’ last win, a 123-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 22 at American Airlines Center. But did you know that it had been even longer since the Mavericks led a basketball game at the end of the first quarter? Dallas had trailed after one quarter in every game of the team’s 10-game losing streak, and trailed the Warriors after one in their last win, 27-24.
Despite their short benches, both teams came out with a hot hand from 3-point range. The Mavericks made seven of their 13 first-half 3-point attempts, while the Pacers shot 10-of-19 from deep. Indiana’s tried-and-true three-headed beast from the outside featured Jarace Walker (3-of-3), Quenton Jackson (2-of-2) and Ben Sheppard (2-of-3), who combined to shoot 7-for-8 from beyond the arc.
P.J. Washington led all scorers with 16 points at the break and made his only 3-point attempt of the first half, while Pascal Siakam led Indy with 14 and made 1-of-2 from 3-point land. Dallas led 71-66 at intermission. And then, like clockwork, the two teams combined to go 1-of-6 from long range to start the second half.
48: Combined scoring from P.J. Washington and Khris Middleton
Sunday’s win was Washington’s best game since Dec. 15, when he scored 25 points and pulled down 14 boards in a 140-133 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz. Any sign of life from Washington, who has hibernated through the rougher stretches of the 2025-26 season, is a good sign.
If Washington and Khris Middleton were the story for the Mavericks in the first half, Naji Marshall was the story in the third quarter. He shot 4-of-5 from the field in the third as the Mavs extended their modest five-point lead at the half to eight entering the fourth quarter. Gafford found him with a little room in the lane in the final minute of the third to give Dallas a 98-93 advantage, before late buckets by Caleb Martin and Klay Thompson gave the Mavs some momentum going into the fourth.
Then Washington and Middleton, who paced the Mavs in the first half, reemerged to lead the team to its first win in a month down the stretch. Middleton scored nine points in the fourth quarter, heating up from the mid-range and answering the bell each time Indiana crept to within two possessions of the lead. He banked one in from 12 feet out with 4:41 left in the game to give the Mavericks a 123-116 lead, before knocking down his third 3-ball of the game the next time down to answer an Andrew Nembhard 3-pointer on the other end and make it 126-119.
12/11: Marvin Bagley’s third double-double as a Maverick
More to come on this in the coming days, but Marvin Bagley III notched his third double-double in his first five games as a Dallas Maverick on Sunday with 12 points and 11 rebounds. It remains to be seen if the Mavericks can fix Bagley, who was drafted second overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018, ahead of both Luka Dončić and Trae Young, or if they even have any interest in taking on the project. Bagley’s current contract is up at the end of this season, but he seems to be playing with a spring in his step since coming to the Mavs from the Washington Wizards in the Anthony Davis trade.
PHOENIX (AP) — Portland All-Star guard Deni Avdija left the Trail Blazers' game Sunday against the Phoenix Suns because of a lower back injury and the team said he won't return to the game.
Avdija was listed as questionable coming into the game, but decided to play. He lasted just one minute before leaving the court and going back to the locker room.
Avdija — who has been battling lower back issues for weeks — came into the night averaging 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 22: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 22, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night, 129-112 at Capital One Arena.
LaMelo Ball went off in the first half, scoring 19 of his 37 points in the first half for Charlotte. Bilal Coulibaly scored 15 of his 17 for Washington to counter Ball. Ultimately, the Wizards headed into halftime with a 61-56 deficit. Still, the Hornets were in control throughout the half, and Washington was in danger of letting the game break wide open.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened in the second half as the Hornets expanded their lead by outscoring the Wizards 44-28 in the third quarter. Ball scored the rest of his points in that quarter alone. By then, the rest of the game was garbage time.
Coulibaly led Washington in scoring, but Jaden Hardy added 16 more points off the bench.
The Wizards’ next game is on Tuesday when they head on the road to play the Atlanta Hawks. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then and stay safe from the snowstorm.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jalyn Brown had 20 points, Kennedy Blair scored 18 and No. 18 Michigan State put an end to No. 23 Minnesota's nine-game winning streak with a 75-61 victory on Sunday night.
Brown made 8 of 14 shots with two 3-pointers and both of her free throws for the Spartans (22-6, 11-6 Big Ten Conference). Blair made 6 of 9 shots and went 6 for 6 at the foul line, adding eight rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Freshman reserve Amy Terrian sank three 3-pointers and scored 11 for Michigan State. Grace VanSlooten had 10 points and six rebounds.
Tori McKinney made five 3-pointers and scored a career-high 29 for the Golden Gophers (21-7, 12-5). Amaya Battle totaled 11 points and seven rebounds. Sophie Hart pitched in with 10 points and nine rebounds.
McKinney hit two 3-pointers and scored eight by the end of the first quarter to help Minnesota build a 16-10 lead. McKinney had half of Minnesota's 36 points by halftime and the Golden Gophers saw a 10-point lead shrink to two.
The Spartans trailed by eight after a McKinney 3-pointer early in the third quarter, but Terrian and Brown had 3-pointers in a 12-1 run over the final four minutes and Michigan State took a 58-49 lead into the final period. Minnesota got no closer than six over the final 10 minutes.
Michigan State shot 55.6% from the floor to Minnesota's 33.3%. The Spartans bench outscored the Golden Gophers reserves 24-2.
Up next
Minnesota: At Illinois on Sunday in a regular-season finale.
Michigan State: Hosts No. 10 Ohio State on Sunday to close out the regular season.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on February 22, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (20-36) finally won what turned out to be a fun, competitive NBA game, even if it featured two bad teams. Dallas beat the Indiana Pacers (15-43), 134-130, behind a full team effort. The Mavs had six scorers finish in double figures, including a monster 25 points on 11-for-15 shooting night from Khris Middleton. Naji Marshall had 17, PJ Washington had 23, and Max Christie had 16. For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam finished with 30 points while Andrew Nembhard had 22 points and 11 assists. The Pacers made a season high 20 3-pointers, and the Mavs still found a way to win.
The first half was all offense from the jump. Middleton and Marshall traded buckets with Siakam and Nembhard before Washington scored eight of Dallas’ first 22 points to help fuel a 36-point opening quarter, despite sloppy live-ball turnovers on both sides. The second quarter brought even less resistance, with five different players scoring early and clean looks everywhere as the Mavs took a 71-66 halftime lead. Dallas shot 55.3 percent from the field and 7-of-13 from distance, led by Washington’s 16 and Middleton’s 12, while Indiana matched efficiency at 54.3 percent shooting (10-of-17 from deep) to keep it tight.
The third quarter remained competitive, ending 103-95, as Marshall made four of his five attempts in the frame, Williams drew fouls and made free throws, and Middleton added timely buckets. At the same time, Indiana answered through Siakam’s timely 3-point shooting. The fourth quarter turned into another shootout, with Indiana finishing with a season-high 20 3-balls and no defense being played on either end. Middleton went unconscious in the midrange, and Washington added key finishes and offensive rebounds. In a game defined by shot-making and momentum swings, Dallas made just enough winning plays late to close out an exciting win.
Is PJ Washington back?
P.J. Washington delivered one of his most complete performances of the season in this one. In 36 minutes, he finished with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-8 from the free-throw line, while adding nine rebounds. He was decisive offensively, attacking mismatches instead of settling, and his efficiency stood out in a game where shot selection mattered. Washington also chipped in across the board with two assists, a steal and a blocked shot, impacting possessions beyond just scoring. When Dallas needed steady production and physicality, Washington delivered.
More importantly, this game fits a recent trend. Over the last few outings, Washington has started to look more decisive and more engaged defensively, crashing the boards with purpose and taking 3-pointers in rhythm instead of hesitating. The scoring efficiency has fluctuated, but the aggression and activity have returned. When Washington is rebounding at that level and confidently stepping into shots, he looks a lot more like the version Dallas relied on during the team’s NBA Finals run. It may be too early to declare anything definitive, but if this stretch continues, it is fair to at least float the idea that Washington might be back.
Marvin Bagley III deserves a look next season
Marvin Bagley III gave Dallas meaningful frontcourt production in this one. In 26 minutes, he finished with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and pulled down 11 rebounds, including nine on the defensive glass. He was efficient around the rim, ran the floor well, and consistently cleaned up possessions that could have turned into second chances for the opponent. His activity on the boards helped Dallas control stretches of the game, and his ability to convert inside kept the offense balanced when perimeter shots weren’t falling.
This was not a one-game flash. Over the last few outings, Bagley has quietly been efficient in limited minutes, rebounding consistently and staying within the flow of the offense instead of forcing shots. The production has been steady, not loud, but meaningful. If this stretch continues, he has absolutely earned a real look in training camp next season. Dallas is always searching for dependable frontcourt depth, and Bagley has shown he can provide energy, rebounding, and efficient interior scoring without needing touches drawn up for him.
Turnovers are everything
The Mavericks finished with just 11 turnovers total, and that alone changed the entire texture of the game. Based on the play-by-play, the giveaways were controlled in both halves rather than coming in damaging clusters, as has hurt them in other losses. Dallas avoided the dreaded live-ball turnover runs and four-possession spirals that fueled opponent transition waves. Instead, the Mavs valued possessions, even without a traditional guard-heavy rotation stabilizing things. For a roster that has struggled at times with ball security, especially when shorthanded in the backcourt, an 11-turnover night is not just a stat — it needs to be an identity shift. When they protect the ball like that, they give themselves a chance against anyone.
England captain Harry Brook has commented on reports that four franchises will boycott Pakistan players at the upcoming Hundred Auction, while Ashes icon Michael Vaughan warned it could “make a mockery” of the competition.
Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres
PEORIA, Ariz. –– As each of the Dodgers’ first three batters came to the plate at the start of Sunday’s spring training game against the Padres, the blue-clad portions of Peoria Sports Complex erupted in cheers.
The first ovation for one of the club’s returning World Series heroes, infielder Miguel Rojas. The last was for another, catcher Will Smith.
Kyle Tucker celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“It’s been pretty easy to feel welcomed and everything,” the four-time All-Star and $240 million offseason signing said after the Dodgers’ 5-1 win over the Padres, in which he made his spring training debut with the club. “Everyone from the front office to the players and coaching staff and everyone, they make it easy to just come in here and kind of do your thing.”
Here are four takeaways from Sunday’s game, starting with Tucker’s debut:
King Tuck takes the field: Though Tucker only took two at-bats Sunday, he said he felt good about both. In the first inning, he smoked a 108.6 mph grounder, albeit right to a fielder at second for an out. In the third inning, he worked a four-pitch walk (one of the balls was via a pitch clock violation) to help spur a four-run rally.
“Saw the ball decently well, hit it decently well, just kind of on the ground,” said Tucker, who joked that his goal this spring is to improve on his 3-for-30 showing in Cactus League play last year.
Kyle Tucker rounds the bases against the San Diego Padres. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Call taking it slow: One Dodgers outfielder who has not yet appeared in Cactus League play, and likely won’t for at least a little while longer, is Alex Call. Though last year’s trade deadline acquisition has been participating in team workouts this week, he is also nursing a minor foot issue that has put him on a slightly slower progression this spring.
“Just woke up one morning and my foot hurt, which was weird,” Call said. “But didn’t do anything (specifically to hurt it). Not too concerned about it.”
Caught my eye: While Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland are the leading candidates to help fill in for Tommy Edman while he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, several non-roster invites are in camp competing for an infield spot. That includes six-year MLB veteran Nick Senzel, who impressed Sunday with a pair of hard-hit doubles and a nice play charging in on a ball at third base. Senzel was a minor-league signing this offseason.
Up next: The Dodgers will have their home opener in Cactus League play on Monday when they face the Mariners at Camelback Ranch. Landon Knack is scheduled to start on the mound.
Mendoza has pointed to both the right-handed Vientos and lefty-swinging Brett Baty as something of a backup platoon, and Vientos got his first game action at first on Sunday.
“It’s good to get my feet wet in the first game,” said Vientos, who’s been working with infield coach Tim Leiper and bench coach Kai Correa. “Getting everyday reps over there [will] for sure get me a lot more comfortable.”
There are some scouts who believe Vientos fits better at first than he does at third, where his defensive issues have been clear throughout his career.
“I think sometimes he tries to do too much at third,” one National League scout said. “That could be less of an issue at first.”
Mark Vientos is pictured at first base during the Mets’ Feb. 22 Grapefruit League game. Charles Wenzelberg
Mendoza said he’s confident in Vientos’ ability to receive the ball at first and is more focused on his work around the bag.
Mark Vientos is pictured during a drill at first base during the Mets’ Feb. 19 session at spring training. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
“We know he’s got really good hands, but I think his ability to use the whole bag — corner to corner — when he’s going to stretch for throws [is important],” Mendoza said.
If Ryan Clifford makes it to the majors, it will likely be due to his bat.
He hit a combined 29 homers in 579 plate appearances last season split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse.
But he’s also working to become a more versatile player on defense, as evidenced by starting 66 games at first base, 27 in left field and 24 in right last season.
On Sunday, he was in left in his Grapefruit League debut as he works on his technique in the outfield.
“I try to be quick laterally and make sure my feet are moving and I’m putting myself in the right direction, getting to top speed as quick as I can,” Clifford said.
He’s also trying to be more aggressive at the plate in order not to miss the best pitch of an at-bat.
Mendoza believes Clifford could be a potential option in the outfield at some point and is looking for more consistent contact at the plate.
The 22-year-old’s strikeout rate decreased at Double-A from 2024 to 2025 and then dipped a bit lower when Clifford was promoted to Syracuse last season.
“We know the power and the ability to control the strike zone [is there],” Mendoza said. “It just comes down to him making contact on a consistent basis. He did that in Triple-A.”
Cristian Pache hasn’t played in the majors since 2024 and spent all of last season with Arizona’s Triple-A Reno affiliate.
The 27-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Mets in the offseason in an effort to win an outfield job with the organization.
He was in the lineup in center field on Sunday and had a pair of hits.
Justin Hagenman, a 29-year-old right-hander who pitched nine games for the Mets last season, including one start, gave up one run on a pair of hits and three walks in 2 ¹/₃ innings in his start against the Yankees.
