Silver arrows finish 500 laps, well clear of all their rivals
Fears around new engines and regulations unfounded
Fears the swathe of new regulations and entirely new engines might be problematic on their first outing proved unfounded, after Formula One’s first pre-season test concluded in Barcelona on Friday. Mercedes put in an almost bulletproof performance in distance and reliability while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton grabbed the quickest lap of the week.
Held behind closed doors at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it is believed at least partly to minimise attention on the potential negative impressions of the new formula that might be formed by new engines going bang and cars struggling on track, as happened when turbo-hybrid engines were introduced in 2012, the running was overwhelmingly positive given the challenge of the biggest regulation change of the modern era.
Curry experienced right knee soreness and left the game late in the third quarter. It is the same knee that’s been nagging the star guard for the past week.
Curry was seen grimacing after an and-1 layup and limped down the tunnel and to the locker room.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was optimistic about Curry's status in the moments following the game.
"I think he's OK. I don't think it's anything major," Kerr told reporters during his postgame media availability.
Kerr indicated that there will be an update on Curry’s knee on Saturday.
Pat Spencer took over at point guard in place of Curry.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons shoots and scores over Al Horford #20 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on January 30, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You ever watch a building collapse in slow motion? That was the Warriors’ first quarter against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night….a structural failure so catastrophic that even Steph Curry’s brilliance couldn’t rebuild the foundation before his knee gave out and ultimately the Dubs were unable to overcome.
The final score reads 131-124, but that number doesn’t capture the chaos. The Pistons hung 45 points on the Warriors in the opening frame; the most points Golden State has surrendered in a single quarter all season. Not the most you want to surrender to a Pistons team that is the #1 seed in the East.
Detroit shot 62% from the field in the first half and built a 77-64 halftime lead that felt insurmountable. Cade Cunningham carved up the Warriors’ defense like a true All-Star, finishing with 29 points and 11 assists. Jalen Duren went 7-of-14 from the field with 21 points and 13 rebounds, looking every bit like the big man menace the Pistons hoped he’d become.
The Warriors clawed back in the second half because that’s what championship DNA refuses to die quietly. Buddy Hield knocked down a three-pointer with six minutes left to cut Detroit’s lead to 117-114, and for a moment, you could feel the comeback materializing. Steph had already dropped 23 points before exiting in the third quarter with a knee issue, and the building blocks were there for one of those vintage Warriors rallies that make you believe.
Steph Curry is headed to the locker room with a knee injury
Then Steph didn’t come back. Knee injury. No word yet on severity, but after watching Jimmy Butler’s season end with an ACL tear just days ago, Dub Nation is collectively holding its breath and praying to every deity that’ll listen. This team can’t afford another catastrophic injury. Not now. Not when the championship window is already showing cracks.
Draymond Green finished with 15 points and 7 assists in 33 minutes of the kind of gritty, veteran leadership that keeps this team afloat. De’Anthony Melton added 18 points off the bench on 7-of-13 shooting, one of the few bright spots in a game where Golden State shot just 44% from the field and 35% from three. Moses Moody? Quiet night with 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting. Brandin Podziemski contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists but couldn’t provide the late-game juice the Warriors desperately needed. Al Horford chipped in 13 points, but this wasn’t a night where veteran steadiness could overcome the Pistons’ early offensive explosion.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The Warriors gave up 62 points in the paint and allowed Detroit to control 90% of the game. The Pistons led by as many as 20 and never looked panicked, even when Golden State mounted its comeback.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the final seconds of their game aginst the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on January 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 29: Head coach Jordi Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 29, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming off seven straight losses, the Brooklyn Nets finally found the win column for the first time in 26 days while sliding past the Utah Jazz 109–99.
The win was rooted more in execution than shot-making. Even while shooting lower percentages from the field and from three for most of the game, Brooklyn stayed disciplined defensively and made the right plays at the right time.
Just four players reached double figures, with BYU product Egor Demin leading the way with a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds, recording his first career double-double in his return to Utah.
When asked about his thunderous return to the Beehive State, the rookie took a moment to reflect on his career night.
“It’s very special. Especially having these people that mean so much to me here. I’m feeling this BYU love,” Demin said. “It means a lot to me.”
Demin’s Homecoming
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 04: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets gestures during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center on January 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While knocking down three early triples in the first quarter, Demin became the second-fastest rookie in NBA history to reach 100 made three-pointers, while also setting an NBA rookie record with his 34th consecutive game with a made three.
As has been the case throughout his season, most of his damage came from beyond the arc, with all but two of his eight made field goals coming from deep.
He continues to shoot with an uncommon level of confidence for a rookie, reaching his 25 points efficiently by shooting 50 percent from both the field and from three while totaling just two turnovers.
“Very happy for him. Very efficient game. He was ready to shoot,” said Nets head coach Jordi Fernández. “There was a reason why we drafted him. That’s something we can not teach. He has that mentality, always even-keeled. Every time the ball goes up, I believe it’s going in. I’m proud of him.”
Rather than taking credit for the best night of his career during his homecoming, the rookie showed why his maturity and character have stood out so far by deflecting the praise to his teammates.
“Nothing new. My teammates being good teammates. It’s a new lineup, playing with Noah for the first time and I love it. His penetration has opened up so much for us. The way he’s aggressive makes everybody life easier.”
With 104 made three-pointers on the season, Demin currently ranks second among all rookies and is on pace to finish with 181 threes, surpassing Kerry Kittles’ rookie record of 158.
Defense Sets The Tone
They may not have kept up with Utah’s shooting percentage, but Brooklyn brought down 14 more rebounds than Utah.
According to Fernández, Utah’s switch-heavy approach created cross-matches that Brooklyn was able to exploit, particularly on the glass, and he credited his team for capitalizing on those opportunities.
“When you are cross-matched, you can go and attack the glass,” Fernandez said. “And I think our guys did a great job.”
Center Nic Claxton and rookie point guard Nolan Traoré each finished with two blocks, while rookie forward Danny Wolf added one of his own.
Beyond what showed up on the stat sheet, Brooklyn consistently clogged the paint with active hands, contested shots while making life difficult for any Utah player that ventured into the paint, holding an opponent under 100 points for the first time in over a month.
The Jazz may have shot more efficiently than Brooklyn through the first three quarters, but the Nets simply took more shots and converted at a high enough rate that Utah’s efficiency ultimately didn’t matter.
Rookies Step Up
Demin wasn’t the only rookie to make a difference, as all five of Brooklyn’s rookies scored for the first time this season and the first time since 1991, with Traoré and Wolf playing key roles in Friday night’s win.
Traoré continues to show how far he’s come from the rushed, panicked player who struggled in the G League just a few months ago. While he may not yet be the explosive scorer he was in France just yet, the 19-year-old was effective across 26 minutes, finishing with seven points, six assists, two blocks, and just one turnover while shooting 37.5 percent from the field.
As the lightest player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft Traoré wasn’t expected to make much of an impact defensively early on, but effort goes a long way. He consistently kept himself in the mix by contesting shots and chasing Utah’s guards around screens while helping anchor Brooklyn’s defensive effort.
While he may not be a noticeable contributor just yet, rookie Ben Saraf has averaged 18 minutes over the past four games since returning from the G League. During Friday’s win, he finished with two points while dishing out two assists and grabbing a steal through 21 minutes of action.
Milestone Watch
Demin picked the right time to steal the show in his return to Utah, setting an NBA rookie record with 34 consecutive games with a made three-pointer. The rookie also became the second-fastest first-year player to reach 100 made three-pointers in their career.
With two blocks during Friday’s win, Nic Claxton is just three blocks away from passing Mike Gminski for the fourth-most blocks in franchise history.
What’s Next?
Sunday, the Nets will head to Detroit to take on the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Led by All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 25.3 points per game, Detroit enters the matchup at 35–12, holding the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second-best mark in the NBA.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz works the balll against Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of their game at the Delta Center on January 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Jazz lost this one 109-99 to the Brooklyn Nets. They kept it close for the majority of this game, but in the end Cam Thomas and Egor Demin outgunned the Jazz. That pretty much sums this one up. I think the tanking this year has numbed my brain, but it will all be worth it if/when we land a top 3 pick in this upcoming draft.
Keyonte George- B+
Just your average Keyonte George game at this point. 26 points, 7 assists. I decided to knock his grade down a bit for missing three free throws. He had an awesome dunk off a lob from Cody Williams. Not his best night from deep however as he went 1/3. He appeared to tweak his ankle in the 4th quarter so this could be the last we see from Key in a while. I’m really hoping that it wasn’t anything too serious and Key will be back on the court soon.
Ace Bailey- C+
Ace had a monster jam in the third, and looked confident shooting from deep tonight. He shot 50% from the field, and had two steals. He could only secure two boards and didn’t log an assist on the night.
Cody Williams- C-
Not Cody’s finest night, as he had a horrible pass that sailed over everyone’s head and out of bounds, he also got swatted while driving to the hoop. He did have his once per game nice dunk though, and had a nice drive and score to open the game. I am Cody’s #1 fan, but only 2 boards and an assist in 28 minutes?! I have no doubt this was caused by the lingering symptoms of his illness, and that next game he’ll play better.
Svi Mykhailuik- D
Svi only had 3 points tonight, and didn’t shoot well at all. He went 1/6 from the field, and 1/4 from three point range. He’s a guy to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches.
Kyle Filipowski- A-
Flip had the best game I’ve seen him play in a while. He put up 14 points and 12 rebounds and also had a solid night on defense. Its games like this that really show just how valuable Flip could be as a backup big man for when the Jazz are competitive again.
Isaiah Collier- B-
As we’ve all come to expect Collier passed the ball well, and dished out 7 assists. He also added 10 points. Watching the games lately I’ve noticed that his lack of an outside shot has really capped his ceiling. The lone three he attempted was a tough miss, he also had 4 turnovers.
Brice Sensabaugh- B
Solid night for Brice, he had 18 points and 5 rebounds. He had a few really nice mid-range jumpers.
Kyle Anderson- C
Anderson had an extremely quiet game tonight. He made 1/2 shots, and had 4 assists.
Taylor Hendricks- C-
Hendricks continues to struggle in his limited playing time. He’s going through the necessary struggles as he works his way back from last year’s injury. It wasn’t all bad as he did have two and one opportunities tonight. He shot 1-4 from deep and missed both his free throws. It’s important to keep in mind that this year is about recovery for Hendricks. Patience is key for his development.
Walter Clayton- D
Clayton only played 13 minutes in this one. He only mustered up one point on 3 shots. I still believe in Clayton long term, and I think he should receive an increase in minutes because he is a much better shooter than Collier.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 30, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz were extremely successful tanking lost to the Brooklyn Nets 109-99. It was a battle of wills between two teams very interested in adding lottery talent to their teams. The Nets won but it was very much not he outcome they probably wanted. Don’t forget, the Jazz and Nets both had bad lottery luck last year, but the Jazz, because of better positioning, held their spot and came away with the 5th pick.
To start this one, both teams made sure it was their youth, and only youth, as the focus.
Utah made sure that they were without Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Kevin Love.
The Jazz ruled out Lauri Markkanen (Rest), Jusuf Nurkic (Illness), and Kevin Love (Illness) tonight vs. the Nets.
The Nets had a fantastic performance from former BYU guard, Egor Demin. Demin was 8/16 from the field and 6/12 from three for 25 points with 10 rebounds and 4 assists. He was vital in the win for Brooklyn and looks like a legit piece for them going forward. The Nets also had a great second quarter from Cam Thomas, who ended the game with 21 points. Thomas scores the ball and not much else, but sometimes that’s what you need most. His scoring was the real difference for the Nets tonight.
For Utah, they had some bright spots in this one, on top of inching closer to the top of the lottery standings.
Keyonte George was his usual self this game. He was an electric 9/11 from the field for 27 points with 7 assists. He was the best player on the floor when he played and continues to have a breakout year. He ended the game with a turned ankle and it will be interesting to see if he plays on the upcoming road trip for the Jazz.
Ace Bailey had just 12 points but showed some great flashes. This dunk driving to the basket showed just how much potential he has. What happens when he figures out that handle?
We finally got some signs of life from Taylor Hendricks. Hendricks has had a pretty terrible couple weeks but tonight showed some signs of life. He had some nice plays around the basket including two and-ones. Maybe this is a chance for him to turn things around.
Finally, we need to be excited about Cody Williams. He might not be a star, but he is looking more and more like a solid rotation player who contributes to winning. He will only get better, and he has a chance to be an important rotation player for years to come. The development of Williams is probably the second biggest story this season after the rise of Keyonte George.
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson throws to first base during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, Calif., Sept. 27, 2025.
The Athletics locked up a piece of their young core.
All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson and the A’s reached an agreement on a seven-year extension that includes a club option for a potential eighth year, the team announced on Friday.
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson throws to first base during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, Calif., Sept. 27, 2025. AP
Wilson, 23, is coming off a stellar rookie season where he put up a slash line of .311/.355/.444 with 26 doubles and 13 home runs.
Wilson’s .311 batting average was tied for second in the American League with Bo Bichette, trailing just Aaron Judge (.331).
His efforts earned him his first career All-Star appearance as he finished second for American League Rookie of the Year race fellow A’s teammate Nick Kurtz.
Wilson’s extension comes as the Athletics continue to build their young offensive core, with the team already having outfielders Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler under contract until at least 2030.
The Athletics selected Wilson with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and he quickly made his way to the big leagues, spending just 83 games in the minors before being called up at the end of 2024.
When speaking to reporters at the end of this past season, Wilson said that it was “an honor” to be in the AL batting title discussion alongside Judge.
“I’ve been trailing that guy all year,” Wilson said in September. “It’s definitely an honor to be in the same category as him with the year he’s had. It’s awesome just to be able to compete with him.
“I’m still a couple of points behind him, but I’m just going out there every day having fun playing baseball with these guys for the last time this season.”
SoxFest Live kicked off Friday night at the Ramova Theatre as the baseball offseason wraps up and pitchers and catchers prepare to report for Spring Training. The White Sox had a decent rebound season last year while sporting a very young team in 2025 and coming off a historically horrific 2024. However, the vibes were high all night on the South Side, as fans feel more optimistic about the organization’s future.
Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Kyle Teel all opened a gift bag on stage that featured their own bobbleheads, including a catcher’s duo bobblehead with Teel and his counterpart, Edgar Quero. While all of them are awesome, in my opinion, the real star of the show is the Bobby Jenks and A.J. Pierzynski bobblehead as they celebrate winning the 2005 World Series. A perfect tribute to the glue of the championship-winning team and to Bobby, who was lost way too soon last year.
Home opening weekend is full of fun giveaways, including the Bobby and A.J. bobble, an Opening Day t-shirt featuring Munetaka Murakami, a few jackets, and plenty of City Connect swag. I know I initially talked some smack about the new City Connect jerseys’ lack of creativity, but they do make some pretty epic gear. And let’s not forget the Mexican heritage items because every year these games are beyond fun with a sellout crowd, and the Los White Sox jersey is always a hit.
When chatting with several season ticket holders, the consensus is that they have more faith in the front office over the last year, and there is heightened positivity around the Rebuild 2.0 that GM Chris Getz has been forced to undertake. Many players seem to share the same sentiment, as every player we were able to speak with said they were “excited to get back together with the guys, and get back to playing and working on being consistent.”
There were 10 South Siders in the building on Friday night. The legendary Gene Honda began the evening by introducing everyone, with his smooth, iconic voice easily hyping up the crowd as if it were a Saturday night game at the Rate, and he’s announcing the starting lineup. A sort of frightening starting lineup considering there were just four position players and six pitchers, but perhaps Davis Martin or Shane Smith is a secret weapon at the plate, though I’m not sure I want to find out.
First up was the broadcast team, with in-game reporters Brooke Fletcher and Connor McKnight, followed by the TV and radio crew, featuring Chuck Garfein, Len Kasper, and John Schriffen. Getz and manager Will Venable repped the front office and coaching staff, followed by two minor league prospects who joined this year: infielder Sam Antonacci and righthander Tanner McDougal.
Last up were the major leaguers — the stars of the show. Grant Taylor, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, and Shane Smith represented the South Side pitching staff. Kay joined the team for the first time this offseason, signing out of the NPB in Japan, and is thrilled to be meeting some of the guys and looking forward to Spring Training and another chance in MLB.
Last but certainly not least: infielders Vargas, Meidroth, and Montgomery, and catcher Teel, who recently committed to playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic this March. There was, however, one player who was unable to attend, but Munetaka Murakami was there in spirit and shared a message to fans, earning a roar from the crowd upon hearing “Go White Sox!”
Fans were also able to ask questions to Getz and Venable in a segment called “Pardon the Pitch Clock”, which gave them four minutes to answer some questions from the crowd. The five categories before a final “lightning round” were: the 2026 outlook, offseason acquisitions and roster philosophy, players to watch, new initiatives and innovations, and clubhouse culture and leadership. This year was probably much easier to manage, considering they aren’t coming off of the worst season ever, but the positivity and buy-in from Getz and Venable seem to reinforce the fans’ hope for the future of the team.
Props to the White Sox for putting on a great event for the first day, and a big thank you to the players for being so welcoming and willing to talk with us and answer questions. We’ll be back with more coverage throughout the rest of the event!
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) steps back to shoot against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center.
Nets teen Egor Dëmin made his Utah homecoming a winning one Friday night.
The lottery pick — who played in-state at BYU — had the best night of his impressive rookie season, leading the Nets to a 109-99 win over the Jazz before a sellout crowd of 18,186 at Delta Center to snap a league-worst seven-game losing skid.
The Nets had been winless on the tail end of back-to-backs, and 0-8 without Michael Porter Jr. But Dëmin stepped into the breach with 25 points, 10 rebounds — career highs — and four assists.
Egor Dëmin, who scored 25 points, steps back to shoot during the Nets’ 109-99 win over the Jazz on Jan. 30, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Rob Gray-Imagn Images
He even drove the lane for a dunk and went 6-for-12 from deep, his 34th straight game with a 3, an NBA rookie record.
Dëmin, Wolf and Nolan Traore scored the last 14 points for the Nets to close out the victory.
“It means a lot,” said Dëmin in an on-court interview. “It’s the first second game of a back-to-back we’ve won, the first [win] without Mike. He’s a big, big, big part of our team, but we’ve got to be able to function without him, too. So that win means a lot, especially for me being back home I can say so. It’s pretty fun.”
Brooklyn snapped a league-worst seven-game losing skid, and youth led the way with Dëmin, Traore and Danny Wolf all in the lineup.
It was the first time the Nets started three rookies since Dec. 18, 2021, and the first time five rookies scored since March 23, 1991.
Wolf had 14 points and five boards, while the speedy Traore added seven points, six assists and downhill play. He blew to the basket for a late and-one that saw Keyonte George (26 points) injured on the play.
Danny Wolf looks to make a pass around Brice Sensabaugh during the second half of the Nets’ win over the Jazz. Rob Gray-Imagn Images
“We needed a win,” Wolf said.
Cam Thomas scored 21 off the bench, while Day’Ron Sharpe added 16 points and nine rebounds as the Nets hammered undersized Utah 47-33 on the glass.
Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkic were out for the Jazz, who’ve lost nine of 10. But the Nets won’t feel sorry in the least.
“It feels great to snap the losing streak,” Sharpe said. “Nobody likes losing.”
Egor Dëmin shoots over Svi Mykhailiuk during the first half of the Nets’ road win over the Jazz. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It was knotted at 83-all after an Ace Bailey score to open the fourth, but Brooklyn reeled off an 8-0 run. Thomas found Jalen Wilson for a corner 3 and a 91-83 lead they never surrendered.
A couple of late Demin 3s padded it to double digits at 100-90.
“Ever since he got here in the summer he’s gotten better every day. You see the confidence growing on him and I feel like the sky’s the limit for him,” Sharpe said. “He’s proven the doubters wrong, and I hope he just continues to do that.”
The Nets (13-34) are now fifth in the lottery race, a game behind Washington and one ahead of Utah.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Man, was this one an instant classic, as the Suns get their 30th win of the year and secure a nice revenge win for coach Jordan Ott against his former team. This one was once again a great team effort, as everyone stepped up to get this lead up to33 points, which was just astounding to see with no Devin Booker. Once again, you can always count out the Suns, but they will prove you wrong, and that was once again on full display tonight.
The Suns were once again led by Dillon Brooks, who had 27 points and was a big part of both ends of the court in tonight’s success. As I stated, it was a team effort, with guys like Jordan Goodwin hitting five threes and shutting down Donovan Mitchell on defense. You also cannot forget Royce O’Neale and Collin Gillespie, who each had 4 triples. A season-high 23 makes is what kept this team in the run from the start and never turned back.
The Cavs were led by DeAndre Hunter, who had 17 points, and had a good first half from Jaylon Tyson and Jarrett Allen. Unfortunately for them, though, Allen was basically played out with the Suns’ three-point dominance, something they lacked in the previous matchup on New Year’s Eve.
Game Flow
First Half
Things started hot for Phoenix as Grayson Allen got the scoring going, making his first triple of the night. This then led to both teams trading buckets, with Jarrett Allen for the Cavs starting to get hot on the other end early. He had eight of the first seventeen points, and if he scored easily inside. The Suns took a timeout to switch things up and get Jalen Green back on the floor to seek some redemption.
The Cavaliers had Jaylon Tyson, who also got into his flow early offensively, finding easy points. He has had double-digit points over the last ten games and looks to continue that streak at the beginning of this one.
Following that timeout and the Suns being down, Jordan Ott got to scheming and showed his best work finding different ways to slow down the Cavaliers. He first inserted Jordan Goodwin and then Oso Ighodaro to get the defense in check, and Oso returned that favor with a massive block on Thomas Bryant.
He also inserted Jalen Green, who returned after missing a few games, and made a nice midrange to try to get in rhythm.
We then saw Grayson Allen continue to be the offensive leader, making a nice steal and layup, then following it up with another triple, keeping the hot streak from last night. The Suns closed out the quarter up one, 26-25, after forcing the Cavaliers to have double their turnovers (8-4).
Just like they started the first quarter, the Suns hit a three to start the second, this time made by Jordan Goodwin. Someone who has been streaky and cold recently had a big first stint, making multiple threes and bringing back his signature celebration.
Even though Goodwin was making them for the Suns, the Cavaliers were matching those threes with big man Thomas Bryant making a pair before the first timeout of the quarter.
The Suns did have some nice ball movement on offense and continued to be pests on defense, totaling a bunch of steals that led to some significant momentum swings for the home crowd. This, added to the continued threes made by this team, keeps them afloat.
After trading buckets and keeping it a one-to two-point game, Royce O’Neale decided to get hot and hit back-to-back threes to take the lead to eight.
With a nice three made by Green and winning the first challenge, they continued to have this lead as the clock ended before halftime, 52-47.
In this half, the Suns were scrappy, forcing 15 turnovers and generating 21 points off of those. Having 10 steals and limiting Donovan Mitchell to only 5 points in the first without Devin Booker is a big bonus. That being said, Jarett Allen is dominating in the paint, and the Suns need to limit his presence to eliminate the Cavs hopes.
Second Half
To start the third, Dillon Brooks embraced his Villain mode and scored six of the Suns’ eleven points to start. Just like last night’s performance, he started getting to his spots and finding his offensive groove. Mark Williams also started to get going, getting a big block on Jarrett Allen and finding a nice dunk of his own.
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell found some baskets to will his team back in, but the Suns remained the fighting dogs they always are. They continued to pour onto this lead as the third went on, regardless of who the Cavs were using. With Mitchell trying to bring them back, guys like Jaylon Tyson (who I mentioned in the preview) and Sam Merrill struck some fire, but the Suns were trading points.
Big shots from Brooks and even one three-pointer from Jalen Green after having a scary fall that had everyone in the arena gasp for air brought this close game to a seventeen-point lead for the Suns. Overall, with Devin Booker out, this team is surging, showing why this is a team game: everyone needs to carry their load.
This is where the three-point barrage began, as both teams traded make after make after make. Some big shots from Mitchell, Hunter Goodwin, Green, and Brooks had everyone on their feet. In the middle of all this, though, the Cavaliers picked up their third technical foul of the game. Something that usually happens to the Suns was now happening to their opposition.
That being said, of course, there was a stoppage involving Brooks and Cavs forward Nae’Qwon Tomlin that led to a questionable verdict. After that, the quarter was basically over, as the Suns led by as many as 20 and were now in control heading into the fourth, up 97-89.
And the lead just continued to grow as the Suns continued surging into the fourth. This team continues to grind it out, and it’s what makes you love them so much. Jamaree Bouyea starts the quarter with a block, and the bench guard duo of Gillespie and Goodwin continues to strike from beyond the arc.
The Suns also benefitted when Kenny Atkinson saw an early exit, and this fourth technical foul on the Cavs put them in a corner, now down 30 to this Suns squad on a back-to-back. Unfortunately for the Cavs, it was not enough; even though they were able to crawl back into the lead, it was just too big. Both teams went deep into the bench in this one, as Suns fans got to see the wonderful rookies and two-ways get some shine, which is always fun.
At the end of the day, it was great for the Suns to get revenge against coach Ott and his former team. This is their 30th win of the year, which was impressive following yesterday’s big game, 126-113.
Up Next
The Suns have one more game on this homestand versus the Los Angeles Clippers, and then it’s back on the road once again!
New York Mets Francisco Lindor (12) hits a single in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Queens, NY.
One Mets star won’t be participating in the World Baseball Classic after all.
Francisco Lindor will not represent Team Puerto Rico this spring because of an elbow procedure he underwent in October and “insurance constraints” of the international tournament, according to a statement from the MLB Players Association.
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Lindor underwent debridement surgery to clean up his right elbow, and the Mets said in the fall that he would be ready for the start of spring training, a sentiment reiterated by the MLBPA.
“Francisco is obviously disappointed that he will be unable to participate,” the players’ association statement read. “However, because of WBC insurance constraints, he is ineligible to play in WBC games.
“He will participate fully in all spring training activities.”
Lindor was the captain of the Puerto Rican squad in 2023 and was picked last spring to reprise that role in 2026.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a single in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
He paced the team’s offense last time around with a .450 average, collecting a triple and five RBIs. Puerto Rico went 3-1 in the opening round but fell to Mexico in the quarterfinals.
It’s not clear who will replace Lindor as captain.
The debridement procedure marked Lindor’s third offseason surgery with the Mets after he had a bone spur removed from his right elbow in 2023 and an appendectomy the year before.
The Mets are expected to have some representation in the WBC, even with Lindor sitting this one out. Right-handed pitchers Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean have confirmed they will be on Team USA’s staff.
Francisco Lindor of Team Puerto Rico fields a hit against Team Mexico during the eighth inning in the World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game at loanDepot park on March 17, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images
Outfielder Juan Soto, who played for the Dominican Republic last tournament, said in May that he hoped to represent his country again but did not confirm his commitment.
Newly acquired third baseman Bo Bichette, fresh off signing a three-year deal worth $126 million with the Amazin’s, reportedly mulled an opportunity to play for Team Brazil but will not participate, according to ESPN Brasil.
All 20 rosters will be announced on Thursday during a live show on MLB Network at 7 p.m. ET.
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks pulls down a rebound in the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, Friday, January 30, 2026.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ scoring is down, but he’s filling up the box score in other ways.
He recorded 20 rebounds in the Knicks’ 127-97 win over the Trail Blazers on Friday night at Madison Square Garden — six on the offensive glass. Across his last two games, Towns has a whopping 42 rebounds — 13 of them offensive.
“To me, that’s what great players do,” coach Mike Brown said. “They impact the game in a lot of different ways. For him to have 22 [rebounds] against Toronto and 20 tonight, double-double, that was huge because six of those were offensive rebounds and we beat them [in second chance points], and they’re a very, very, very good offensive rebounding team.”
Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks pulls down a rebound in the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York on Friday, January 30, 2026. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Towns’ scoring production and efficiency are down across the board this year compared to last year. He’s been benched at the ends of games at times recently. He’s constantly in foul trouble.
But he continues to dominate the glass. He also made a point to look for quick outlets after rebounds, getting the Knicks going in transition.
“The rebounding, what he’s been doing these past couple of games has been great,” Jalen Brunson said. “We need that from him, that’s what he brings to the table. Offensively, when the ball’s not going in as much as it should be, he finds a way to impact the game. I think that’s really important for us. Big-time performance for him.”
Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks puts up a shot as Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers watches in the second half. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The Knicks were again without Miles McBride on Friday. He missed his second straight game.
They have listed it as left ankle injury management. Brown said it’s just precautionary after McBride missed eight games with a left ankle sprain earlier in the season.
He is averaging 12.9 points per game this year on 43.4 percent shooting from the field and 42.0 percent shooting from 3-point range.
That type of load management under Brown this year is a departure from Tom Thibodeau.
It has been most apparent with Mitchell Robinson, who has sat 14 games this year for load management. Brunson, Josh Hart, Towns and OG Anunoby have missed games for load management as well.
Jordan Clarkson was the only active Knick to not enter the game.
Brunson eclipsed 10,000 points Friday.
Dillon Jones, who the Knicks signed to a two-way contract Jan. 20, was available Friday for the first time. He began his Knicks tenure in the G-League.
He played the final four minutes and hit a 3-pointer.
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 06: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a steal against Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets during the game at American Airlines Center on December 06, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Finally, the Houston Rockets get to face the Dallas Mavericks in Houston again. They should also benefit from the presence of Alperen Sengun, who missed the first game in Dallas with an illness and left the second game after just a minute of action. Anthony Davis played in both of those games because he loves nothing more than actually playing against Houston in Dallas. Playing in other games? Not so much.
Dallas has benefitted greatly from the “Rando that goes off against the Rockets” corollary, with Brandon Williams having gone off in both games in the Ft. Worth area. Max Christie went 10-13 in the other game. One rando is allowed (and required by NBA law), but when Dallas gets two randos that go off? They’re spitting in the face of Adam Silver. Also, Klay Thompson already exists and has made more 3s against Houston than any other team in his career.
Cooper Flagg is coming off his best offensive game as a pro, dropping 49 points and grabbing 10 boards in a 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Houston’s best shot at winning will be finding a way to keep him in check.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 12: Pitcher David Robertson #30 of the New York Yankees points as he talks with teammates in the dugout during an MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on May 12, 2018 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees won 7-6. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MLB.com | Sweeny Murti: Two-time Yankees reliever David Robertson has announced his retirement at the age of 40 after 17 big league seasons. It marks the end of an era, as Robertson was the last remaining active player in MLB from the Yankees 2009 World Series winning roster. The Yankees drafted Robertson in 2006, and he played seven seasons in his first stint in the Bronx. After two-and-a-half years with the White Sox, the Yankees brought Robertson back near the 2017 trade deadline as part of a deal that also brought Todd Frazier and Tommy Kahnle to the Bronx. Robertson played six more seasons after departing the Yankees for a second time in 2018, and you can read a full tribute to his time in pinstripes here. Congratulations, D-Rob, on a fantastic career and best of luck with your future endeavors!
MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: Earlier this week, we reported on the Yankees’ interest in a reunion with Paul Goldschmidt, and it appears the Yankees have stepped up their engagement with his representatives. Goldschmidt slashed .274/.328/.403 with ten home runs and a 103 wRC+ in 146 games with the Yankees after signing a one-year, $12.5 million deal last offseason. Goldschmidt was far more productive against lefties (169 wRC+) and could be brought back as the short side of a first base platoon with Ben Rice. However, he’s entering his age-38 season, and would futher clog up a bench that already includes J.C. Escarra and Amed Rosario.
Goldschmidt isn’t the only player the Yankees have checked in with this week. They are rumored to have interest in swingman Nick Martinez, who could help cover in the rotation at the start of the season before transitioning to the bullpen as their injured starters get healthy. They’ve also been linked to reliever Michael Kopech, who won a World Series with the Dodgers two years ago before missing most of 2025 to injury. As for outfield depth, there are rumors of a reunion with Austin Slater and interest in Randal Grichuk.
New York Post | Greg Joyce: Brian Cashman believes that his new-look bullpen can emerge as a strength of the team in 2026. He acknowledged the subtractions of Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to the Mets in free agency, but held firm in his belief that they have the people in place to fill those voids. He cited Rule 5 draftee Cade Winquest and trade acquisition Angel Chivilli as a pair of examples of the guys who could step up, as well as younger pitchers they have developed including Carlos Lagrange and Brent Headrick.
SNY | Phillip Martinez: With the Yankees running it back with their 2025 outfield, Aaron Boone admitted that the outlook for Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones has changed. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are back in the fold, reducing the number of opportunities available to the Yankees’ pair of former top prospects. Rumors of the Yankees dangling either Domínguez or Jones in pursuit of pitching grew after Bellinger re-upped, though many of the top starting pitching trade candidates have already been dealt.
The Athletic | Chris Kirschner ($): Kirschner answers a handful of questions in his end-of-the-month mailbag, and Domínguez’s future features heavily, with Kirschner predicting that the Yankees will retain him as an option off the bench rather that trade him away. He also touches on the $42.5 million the Yankees will be paying Bellinger in each of the next two seasons and why the team did not allocate that money to a different player (mostly, Bellinger’s fit on the roster). Kirschner backs the front office’s decision to run it back with last year’s offense given the unit had the highest wRC+ (119) in MLB in 2025, though he also admits that it is impossible to know what version of Anthony Volpe the Yankees are going to get once he returns from his shoulder surgery rehab.
CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks returned home for the second half of a back-to-back on Friday night. Chicago hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets with a chance to quickly move past their bad loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins one night prior.
The first period looked like it was going to be scoreless as both goalies (especially Spencer Knight) were brilliant. In the final minute of the opening frame, however, the two teams exchanged goals.
Charlie Coyle scored a power play goal at 19:13 to give the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead. With less than three seconds remaining, Connor Bedard tied it up at 1. That 1-1 score held through the first intermission.
In the second period, Columbus dominated the first half. They scored two goals (Charlie Coyle again and Mathieu Olivier) and outshot Chicago 7-0 to begin the middle frame.
The second half of the period is where the Blackhawks took over. They ended up getting the second period shot counter to 9-8, and one of their shots went in via Frank Nazar. Nazar desperately needed a goal, and Connor Bedard set him up for a great chance that he didn't miss.
This 3-2 score went to the second intermission. In a game where the Blackhawks were being mostly outplayed, they were within one with one period to go.
In the third period, the Blackhawks were the better team, but the only goal was Charlie Coyle's hat-trick marker into an empty net. Both goalies were strong in the final frame, which favored the Blue Jackets because they came in with a lead and skated away with a 4-2 victory.
Once again, the power play was held off the board for Chicago. They are currently in a 0-26 drought as a unit after going 0/2 on Friday. One of their power plays came with under 6 minutes to go and down a goal, but they were unable get one to tie the game. It's getting to a back-breaking point of no production.
Before the game, the Blackhawks called up Sam Rinzel from AHL Rockford. Artyom Levshunov is going to take a seat for a while, so Rinzel's chance to prove he deserves to stay is staring him in the face.
It was a good start for Rinzel as he played a clean, safe, mistake-free game. He led all Blackhaws defensemen in time on ice with 22:18, earning ice time in all situations.
Chicago, as mentioned before, can make a claim that they were the better team in the second half of the game, but that isn't good enough when they can't find the tying and winning goal. It will take a full 60-minute effort to get back in the win column.
The Blackhawks are back in action on Monday night. Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks will be at the United Center for a battle of two young and exciting squads.
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