Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Angel Martinez (1) steals second base against Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Looking to keep their undefeated season alive, the Dodgers couldn’t get anything going until the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians as the offense fell mostly silent in a 4-2 defeat.
Roki Sasaki made his first big league start since May of last year, looking to turn the page after a rough spring training where he walked 15 hitters and allowed 15 earned runs over 8 2/3 innings. Sasaki couldn’t get an out after tossing 30 pitches in his final spring tune-up against the Angels, but against his first batter of the regular season, he struck out Steven Kwan looking. He eventually allowed just one hit to Jose Ramírez in a scoreless first inning on 21 pitches. Sasaki continued to impress in the top of the second inning, facing the minimum and striking out a hitter on just 13 pitches.
Sasaki faced immediate pressure in the top of the third inning, as he allowed a leadoff double to Austin Hedges. Kwan traded places at second with Hedges, marking the fourth straight game that the Dodgers would have to play from behind. Miguel Rojas started the bottom of the third inning in the same manner as Hedges against left-hander Parker Messick, and the Dodgers had two men on with nobody out with Shohei Ohtani at the plate. On a 3-2 count, Messick picked off Rojas at second base, got Ohtani to line out and then struck out Kyle Tucker to keep the Dodgers scoreless.
Compared to his counterpart, Sasaki’s pitch count was noticeably high, and although he posted good results in his first start, he was pulled after allowing a leadoff single to Angel Martínez in the top of the fifth. Over 4+ innings of work, Sasaki allowed just one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four. Tanner Scott came in relief of Sasaki, and although he put another man on, he was able to leave runners on second and third by striking out pinch-hitter Rhys Hoskins. Max Muncy reached on a single to put the tying run on base with one out, but Messick got Miguel Rojas to ground to third and the left-hander got bailed out on a tremendous pick by Ramírez, igniting a 5-4-3 double play to end the threat.
Justin Wrobleski made his season debut, and although he had a quick and easy nine pitch inning in the sixth, he loaded the bases with nobody out to begin the seventh inning. He managed to get two outs, but walked Hoskins to bring in the second run for Cleveland. Daniel Schneeman thanked Wrobleski for keeping the bases loaded by lining a two-run double to left-center field to put Cleveland up by four.
The Dodgers began to rally against Shawn Armstrong in the bottom of the seventh inning, with Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages both reaching on singles, but Max Muncy failed to give the Dodgers hope as he struck out swinging with to end the inning. The Dodgers were nearly shut out on Monday, but Mookie Betts put the Dodgers on the board in the bottom of the ninth inning with an RBI double. Freddie Freeman knocked in Betts on an RBI groundout to cut the deficit in half, but the comeback attempt ultimately fell flat.
The Dodgers look to bounce back after their first loss of the season as they host the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday (7:10 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Shohei Ohtani makes his first start of the season against right-hander Tanner Bibee.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Petco Park on March 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres recorded just three hits against San Francisco Giants pitching, but the last hit was the most exciting. Jackson Merrill strode to the plate with one on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning with the Padres trailing 3-0. He worked the count full and then belted a two-run home run to right field that pulled the Padres within a run. Giants reliever Ryan Walker was able to end the game and help San Francisco get its first win of the season one batter later when Xander Bogaerts grounded to short for the final out of the 3-2 loss for the Padres.
Merrill was the last San Diego batter to record a hit in the game, but the list of players to record hits in the game only had two more names on it. Bogaerts recorded the first Padres hit in the bottom of the second inning with a one-out single to right field. The second hit of the game for San Diego belonged to Fernando Tatis Jr. who also had a one-out single to right field, which came in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Padres did not have an answer for Giants starter Landon Roupp and his changeup. He threw six innings, allowing two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. Roupp kept the Padres hitters off balance throughout the game, resulting in ugly at-bats that often involved changeups being smashed into the ground or hit softly on the infield.
The Giants crawled into the series with the Padres after getting swept by the New York Yankees to open the season. San Francisco allowed 13 runs over three games and scored just one run in that span. That changed against Padres starter Walker Buehler. The Giants were able to get to Buehler for three runs in four innings. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out three on 72 pitches.
The San Diego bullpen was asked to cover the final five innings of the game and Wandy Peralta, David Morgan and Ron Marinaccio did so with a great deal of success. The three relievers combined to allow just one hit and one walk with four strikeouts.
Craig Stammen gave his perspective on Walker Buehler's debut and the Padres' offensive struggles tonight and thus far this season: pic.twitter.com/t64zRDNeQd
Lakers star LeBron James passes to his son, guard Bronny James during a 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers followed the lead of their oldest member, the triple-double producing LeBron James, in dispatching the Wizards 120-101 at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night.
Two days off between games left James looking spry, with lob dunks and dunks on the fast break contributing to his 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. James was eight for 16 from the field in notching his third triple-double of the season and the 125th of his 23-year NBA career, ranking him fifth all time.
At 41 years and 90 days old, James once again became the oldest player in league history to record a triple-double, passing his previous mark (41 years, 79 days).
Lakers star LeBron James dunks against Washington at Crypto.com Arena on Monday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
For James and his teammates, Sunday’s practice had “value” because it allowed them to clean up some things, do some “teaching” and get some “reps” that will pay off with the playoffs approaching.
They put that into action against the Wizards, but the Lakers did so without star guard Luka Doncic, who did not play after being given a one-game suspension by the NBA for his 16th technical foul.
Austin Reaves took over the primarily ballhandling duties with Doncic out, running the show in delivering a near double-double with 19 points and nine assists. Reaves was just four for 11 from the field and he missed all four of his three-point attempts, but he was 11 for 12 from the line.
Backup center Jaxson Hayes was outstanding in scoring 19 points on eight-for-eight shooting, including a three-pointer with six minutes and 41 seconds left.
Luke Kennard had 19 points off the bench, knocking down four of five from three-point range.
Deandre Ayton was a force for the Lakers, his efficient five-for-five shooting leading to 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
Each of them played their part to help the Lakers win for the 12th time in 13 games and limit the effect of Doncic's absence.
Doncic leads the NBA in scoring (33.7 points per game), is fourth in assists (8.2), second three-pointers made (4.0) and first in points scored in the first quarter (12.0).
He’ll return against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Although the Lakers won handily, it was against a Wizards team tied for the worst record in the NBA (17-58). Washington has lost 18 of its past 19 games.
For the Lakers (49-26), the game was about making strides from a practice they rarely get to have.
“The value is being able to continue to improve,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game. “And again, I said this, we've placed a heavy emphasis on what we're teaching in film and what we're cleaning up in film, because we haven't had court time to do that. So [Sunday], it was some of the game clean-up stuff. All the guys got some reps doing some things that they probably won't do during a real game."
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, Austin Reaves added 19 points and nine assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night.
It was James’ 1,228th career victory, including the playoffs, to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most in NBA history.
With Luka Doncic serving a one-game suspension after getting called for his 16th technical foul of the season against Brooklyn on Friday, an energized James led the Lakers to their 12th win in the past 13 games, attacking the rim from the start including throwing down two emphatic two-handed dunks set up by Reaves in the first quarter.
Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes each had 19 points off the bench, Deandre Ayton chipped in with 12, and the Lakers improved to 7-6 without Doncic in the lineup this season.
Los Angeles would have clinched a playoff berth and the Pacific Division title with the win and a Phoenix loss, but the Suns’ 131-105 victory over Memphis delayed the formality of securing a fourth straight trip to the postseason.
Will Riley led the Wizards with 20 points and Justin Champagnie had 18 as they lost for the 19th time in 20 games.
Washington was actually ahead by one point after the first quarter, but Hayes had the final five in an 11-0 flurry early that gave Los Angeles a lead they would not relinquish again. The Lakers closed the half on a 38-13 run and took a 21-point lead back to the locker room.
James helped quiet the Wizards for good after they cut the deficit to 10 late in the third, finishing with his third triple-double of the season and 125th in the regular season of his 23-year career.
The Yankees were walked off by the Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Monday night at T-Mobile Park.
Here are some takeaways...
-- Ryan Weathers endured a bit of an up-and-down Yankee debut. The young lefty worked around a leadoff walk in the bottom of the first, but Seattle made him pay for putting a pair on in the second, scratching across the first run of the game on a Cole Young two out RBI single.
Weathers retired the next seven batters he faced before allowing back-to-back knocks leading off the fifth. He forced a groundout then was pulled, turning things over to righty Fernando Cruz, who bailed him out with a pair of huge punchouts to keep it a one-run ballgame.
Weathers closed his line allowing just the one run on four hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings.
-- Unfortunately for him, the Yankees' offense couldn't get much of anything going against Luis Castillo. Their lone two hits against the righty in six innings were erased on the bases, as Giancarlo Stanton was gunned down trying to stretch a single into a double and Jose Caballero was picked off first after singling in the fifth.
Castillo allowed just those two hits and a pair of walks while striking out seven over his six scoreless frames.
-- New York was finally able to create some traffic with Castillo out of the game. Ben Rice led off the top of the seventh with a single, and after advancing his way into scoring position, he came in to score the game-tying run on an Amed Rosario pinch-hit sacrifice fly to center.
-- Seattle immediately threatened to answer back in the bottom-half of the inning, as a double and single put a man on third with just one out, but Brent Headrick struck out Cal Raleigh before Camilo Doval got Julio Rodriguez to groundout end the threat and keep the Yanks' bullpen scoreless for the season.
-- Stanton laced a one out double to left in the top of the ninth, giving him his fourth consecutive multi-hit game to start the year. New York was able to push him to third on a Jazz Chisholm Jr. groundout, but then Rosario struck out on just three pitches to end the threat.
-- The Mariners rallied against Paul Blackburn in the bottom of the ninth, eventually walking it off and handing the Yanks their first loss of the season on Raleigh's one out single. The backstop has gotten off to a slow start this season, so you knew he was due to deliver in the big spot.
-- The Yankees had a field day with home plate ump Mike Estabrook, going 5-for-5 on ABS challenges.
Game MVP: Cal Raleigh
Raleigh didn't get the start, but came off the bench and delivered when Seattle needed it.
Mar 30, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Mariners 2, Yankees 1
Cold baseball because it’s March: Julio Rodríguez, -.18 WPA Cold baseball because it’s October: Luis Castillo, +.35 WPA
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 30: Khris Middleton #20 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on March 30, 2026 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks kicked off the first game of a back-to-back Monday night, with their first opponent being the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves got the better end of a 124-94 decision.
Let’s get to the grades!
Ryan Nembhard: C+
8 PTS / 3 REB / 5 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 20 MIN
Like so many other Mavs not named Daniel Gafford, Nembhard could not find the range, connecting on only 3-for-10 shots overall. He had one of those magical assist nights relative to minutes played and turnovers (zero), but nothing special was happening for him tonight.
Max Christie: C-
3 PTS / 4 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 28 MIN
About the only thing going for Christie Monday night was his rebounding. Getting four boards from the guard spot isn’t too shabby, but it still wasn’t enough to pretty up a 1-for-5 shooting night and not much else.
Cooper Flagg: C
12 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 2 BLK – 31 MIN
Flagg will likely be happy the Mavs are on the first night of a back-to-back, so he can forget this one and move on. Connecting on only 5-for-19 overall, Flagg had a shocking plus/minus of minus-35. It just simply was not his night.
Khris Middleton: C+
9 PTS / 6 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 23 MIN
Middleton struggled with his shot (4-for-10) and had an insane five turnovers. He managed to chip in a bit just about everywhere else, but this wasn’t his best night by any stretch of the imagination.
Daniel Gafford: B+
21 PTS / 8 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 24 MIN
Gafford has been playing well over the last month or so, and tonight was no exception. Despite sitting out the last two games, Gafford looked like he was in peak form and was by far the best player for Dallas Monday night. He picked up a nice handful of fouls (four), and bricked a staggering number of free throws (3-for-8 from the charity stripe) but otherwise played well on 9-for-11 shooting, coming just short of a double-double.
Dwight Powell: B
9 PTS / 8 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 23 MIN
Powell had himself a solid night, tying for the team lead in rebounds. He brought the energy he is well known for at this point in his career and even played solid defense at points. The most noteworthy part of his night is how he got his points. 9-for-10 from the free throw line and zero shot attempts may be an NBA first. If not, it’s certainly a bizarrely anomalous night.
Brandon Williams: B
15 PTS / 6 REB / 7 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 28 MIN
His 4-for-10 shooting may have stood out as sub-par if nearly everyone else on the team wasn’t worse. Despite iffy shooting, Williams hit all six of his free throw attempts and dished a team-high assist total.
Final thoughts
The Mavs hung around for a fair bit of the game, but things really came unglued in the third quarter where a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it span resulted in the Mavs looking at a 24-point deficit by the midway point of the quarter. Things only got worse from there. The three ball and fast breaks really did them in and the thin lineup (missing P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall) didn’t give the Mavs much chance to stem the tide.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 30, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a sloppy first quarter, the Lakers pulled away for a comfortable win against the Wizards without Luka Dončić on Monday, 120-101.
With Luka serving his one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul, Austin Reaves and LeBron James stepped up, along with the Lakers’ centers. LA also crushed the Wizards in transition, outscoring them 21-6 in fastbreak points.
The game began with the Lakers going on a 6-0 scoring run, led by LeBron James. Tristan Vukcevic was the hot hand for the Wizards with seven points in response. Austin Reaves hadn’t scored yet but had three assists, including a ridiculous tapped alley-oop pass to LeBron for a dunk.
LeBron slammed yet another dunk off an assist from Reaves for his eighth point. Justin Champagnie logged a quick five points for the Wizards. At the 2:53 mark, LA was up by four.
Luke Kennard provided a nice spark off the bench with four points. Los Angeles played a lot of unserious basketball in the quarter, though, with zero defense. As a result, at the end of the first, the purple and gold were down by one.
Admirable job by the Lakers to make one last very compelling argument for Luka's MVP case https://t.co/n9a432nGFV
The second period began with Will Riley scoring on a layup for Washington. Jaxson Hayes, who had eight points in this quarter, followed up a missed 3-pointer from Bronny James with a putback dunk.
That jump-started a big 11-0 scoring run to retake the lead.
Jaxson Hayes has been dominant since entering, with 9 points and 4 rebounds in just 7 minutes, helping the Lakers take a 38-31 lead with 7:09 left in the 2nd Q.
Out of a timeout, Jamir Watkins stopped some of Washington’s bleeding with a layup. Reaves finally saw the ball go into the basket with a jumper. LeBron then slammed home what felt like the 50th dunk of the half.
At the 5:30 mark, Los Angeles was up by 10.
Rui Hachimura scored a quick five points. Reaves was now up to nine assists in the half. The Lakers were shooting 59% from the field and led by 21 at halftime.
The third period began with Champagnie converting on a floater off the glass for the Wizards. On the other end, Ayton responded with a dunk. LA maintained a big lead, but Washington started to chip away at the deficit thanks to a few defensive breakdowns by Los Angeles.
Washington was chipping away at the deficit, going on a 12-2 scoring run. The Lakers found themselves nursing a 10-point lead with 2:43 left in the quarter.
Kennard drained two much-needed triples for LA. At the end of the third, Los Angeles was up by 14.
Luke Kennard's 3rd 3 in 3 attempts tonight has LA up 91-75 with 29.1 seconds to play.
The final frame started with a turnover and a few missed shots, until Hayes converted on a three-point play. The Lakers regained a 20-point lead.
LA’s two bigs were a combined perfect 12-for-12 from the field. Hayes drained a 3-pointer, his third 3-pointer of the season. Kennard then scored six in a row to seal the win with 5:49 left and empty the bench for LA.
Key Player Stats
LeBron finished with a triple-double of 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Reaves ended with 19 points and nine assists. Deandre Ayton scored 12 points with seven rebounds and three blocks.
Hachimura pitched in with 14 points and six rebounds. Hayes logged 19 points with seven rebounds and two blocks. Kennard had 19 points off the bench. LaRavia did the dirty work with three rebounds, two assists and three steals and one block.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at 7:30 PM PT.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Jaden Hardy #8 of the Washington Wizards controls the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you were hoping for an upset tonight by the Washington Wizards tonight, you would be disappointed. They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier tonight, 120-101.
Though Washington was able to head out of the first quarter with a 26-25 lead, they allowed the Lakers to outscored them 40-18 in the second quarter, which was more than enough to make the difference in this one.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the Wizards, Will Riley led with 20 points while Justin Champagnie added 18 more.
The Wizards’ next game is on Wednesday when they head back home to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then.
Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) reacts after defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) scores a goal past New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25).
In a season of lows and rock bottoms, the Rangers are in danger of hitting another one.
With a loss to the Devils on Tuesday in the Battle of the Hudson, it would mark the first time that the Blueshirts were swept by both New Jersey and the Islanders in the same season — a brutal indictment of the hockey hierarchy in New York City. The Rangers and Islanders met in the Battle of New York for the first time in October 1972. The Blueshirts and the Devils started their rivalry a decade later, when New Jersey joined the league.
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They were already swept by the Islanders before February and the trade deadline even arrived, failing to manage a goal during their first pair of matchups before dropping a back-to-back at the end of January. That’s when the Islanders — revived by rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer — secured the sweep for the first time since 2017-18, which doubled as a campaign when the Rangers managed just one win against the Devils.
Tuesday’s match at the Garden will mark their third game against the Devils this month, and both of their previous losses, as has been the case in the Jack Hughes era, were shaped by Team USA’s Winter Olympics hero. He collected a hat trick during New Jersey’s 6-3 win March 7. He added another goal — one that ruined any comeback attempt by the Rangers in the third period — and a pair of assists 11 days later, giving him 20 goals and 35 points in just 25 career games against the Blueshirts.
Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) reacts after New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) scores a goal pass New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during the first period when the New York Rangers played the New Jersey Devils Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Sometimes, especially this time of year, these rivalry games have stakes attached to them. Ramifications in the divisional standings. But the Devils are well outside the postseason picture. The Rangers, even after their consecutive wins entering Tuesday, are still in the basement of the Eastern Conference. If there’s a representative from the New York City area in the postseason tournament, it’ll be Patrick Roy’s group on Long Island.
But for one night, the Rangers are trying to avoid an ignominious conclusion to their local slate.
After managing just one goal through his first 43 games of the season, Conor Sheary has collected four across his last 11 — including one Sunday while the Rangers were short-handed.
It hasn’t been anything close to the season Sheary was supposed to have after making the roster out of training camp, as he turned a professional tryout contract into a full-time spot. He missed 15 games while on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
“It helps when the puck goes in I think,” Sheary said. “I thought early in my season it was just bad puck luck here and there, and the chances I was getting, I was either missing or getting a big save against. Obviously, with my line, I’ve been getting a little bit more opportunity and a few more chances, and like I said, the puck started to go in for me.”
The Rangers have scored 55 goals since March 2, which is tied for the most in the NHL across that stretch, according to the team.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 30: Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz drives against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Delta Center on March 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In another matchup where the Utah Jazz had to do everything they could to lose, Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs pulled away late to win 122-113.
It’s another example of the Utah Jazz having to manipulate games to make sure they lose. What’s incredible is that this is against Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and a Cavaliers team that’s 4th in the East. What’s interesting about watching this game is that there wasn’t a lot of emotion watching Donovan Mitchell. There have been players in the past that Jazz fans have hated and felt residual emotion about after they left. A good example is Gordon Hayward, who left in a very cowardly fashion. The difference with Donovan Mitchell, and maybe it’s because Mitchell did give the Jazz an opportunity to get assets back for him, isn’t getting a lot of emotion from fans, almost nothing at all. Utah seems to be completely over their Ex… player, and it’s because they’re in a much better situation than before.
The time with Donovan Mitchell, even though it had some really fun moments, was like a toxic relationship. It’s now nearly four years later, and it feels like the Jazz have spent the last four years working on themselves, finding out who they are. The best part? They’re better for it and will be better than they ever were with Mitchell and Gobert. The core the Jazz have now is deeper, more talented, and more well-rounded than they ever had in the previous iteration. Oh, and they’re better coached as well. Keyonte George and Walker Kessler came in the Gobert trade, and you can bet the Jazz wouldn’t take that trade back. In the Cleveland trade, Utah received Lauri Markkanen and have picks to come down the road that’ll be helping the depth as the Jazz compete for the title. In the absence of Mitchell, they were able to draft players they traded for Jaren Jackson Jr., and one of their own picks became Ace Bailey. It’s a core that should be really good next year and for years to come.
Tonight, just like every game with the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell got his points (34), but it was not a victory that felt dominant, it felt like a soft win. It’s not the type of win I’d be excited about if I’m a Cavs fan.
For Utah, there’s a lot to be excited about. It’s a loss that will help lead the Jazz to keep their pick while also showcasing some of their young talent that will contribute to wins next year. Ace Bailey continues to show more and more consistent flashes of solid play. Tonight, he had 19 points on 8/15 shooting from the field and 3/6 from three. He also showed more ability playmaking with 5 assists. More and more, you see him being comfortable handling the ball. Bailey is never going to be Kyrie Irving handling the ball, but he is learning more and more how to handle the ball in situations, so he’s not turning it over or wasting possessions. Cody Williams had another impressive outing with 26 points on 11/22 shooting, with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. He’s also proving to be yet another nice young piece that is developing nicely with the team. Utah also has some pieces in Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski, who are putting up consistently good numbers. Filipowski is showing some great late-season signs, and Sensabaugh has found a real groove lately, scoring at a high level in these games. That consistency from Filipowski and Sensabaugh is a fantastic sign and will make them invaluable next year, even if they may be doing more spot minutes.
All in all, it’s a nice night for the Jazz. Maybe the nicest thing was seeing Donovan Mitchell. Not because he was missed, but because he’s not missed, maybe at all. It’s a great feeling to feel free of all the baggage of the past and enter a new chapter that feels like it’s been done the right way.
The right-hander’s velocity reached new heights, and his secondary pitches were sharp. Optimism now flows that the Mets will unveil an ace at the back end of their new rotation.
On Tuesday he will return to a major league mound in a game that matters for the first time since Aug. 31, after which his second-half struggles prompted the Mets to ask Senga if he would agree to a minor league assignment. Senga accepted the demotion and pitched the final month for Triple-A Syracuse.
This spring he pitched to a 1.86 ERA in his three Grapefruit League appearances with 11 strikeouts in 9 ²/₃ innings. His only runs allowed were on two solo homers in his first start.
“The results are the results and I take them with a grain of salt,” Senga said through his interpreter before departing camp. “But if you look at the metrics of the pitches that I am throwing, I think that does translate into the season. Some are good and some are not as good, but compared to the previous years I feel I am performing at a higher level, so I have just got to keep it up in the season.”
Senga’s fastball touched 99 mph during spring training and Mets officials were encouraged by the manner in which he carried himself. Last season Senga averaged 94.7 mph with his four-seam fastball.
Mets Pitcher Kodai Senga throws live batting practice during Spring Training at Clover Field, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“The way he came, the treat early on — how built-up he was and how physical he was and how his body felt was really exciting,” pitching coach Justin Willard said. “And then to kind of carry that into spring training and continue to put up big velocities, really good shapes and pound the strike zone was really good to see.”
Senga was rolling in mid-June, pitching to a 1.47 ERA when he hit the injured list with a strained right hamstring on a coverage play at first base. Senga missed a month, and after one strong performance in Kansas City began his nosedive.
Overall he pitched to a 13.73 ERA in the second half before accepting his minor league assignment.
“As long as I am healthy and can pitch my pitches, pitch to my ability, I think the results come along with that,” Senga said. “So, I am striving for that and that is what I’m here to do. I came from Japan to the States to do that. Things aren’t always going to go my way, but if that happens, I will grind out there and hopefully the results come.”
Kodai Senga works on pick off drills without a ball during Spring Training at Clover Field, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The Mets saw the best of Senga in his rookie 2023 season, when he pitched to a 2.98 ERA and struck out 202 batters in 166 ¹/₃ innings. But injuries limited Senga to one regular-season start the next year, although he started twice during the playoffs.
Senga, before he left camp, was asked what he was still perfecting.
“The forkball, making sure it’s down,” Senga said of his signature ghost fork. “I don’t want to leave it up. It’s still happening a little bit and … hopefully I can bury it in the dirt.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza has been consistent in his praise of Senga since the pitcher’s first start this spring.
“I am excited because of what he’s shown in spring training,” Mendoza said. “The way he threw the ball, how he bounced back, just the smile on his face, the interaction that I’m having with him.”
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
Jaden Ivey called the Bulls “liars” after the team waived him on Monday for “conduct detrimental to the team” following an Instagram livestream where he criticized the NBA’s support of Pride Month.
Ivey has hosted several livestreams recently where he has gone on lengthy tangents about religion and has made inflammatory remarks, including calling Catholicism a “false religion.”
He took to the familiar platform on Monday night to address the Bulls’ decision, along with a winding diatribe about religion and calling out other NBA players.
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. AP
“They’re liars, bro. This is lying,” Ivey said during the Instagram Live, which appeared to be taking place while he was boarding a flight. “They’re lying saying my conduct is detrimental to the team. That’s a lie. Ask any one of them coaches in there, ‘Was I a good teammate?’ All I’m preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me. They say I’m crazy, right? I’m psycho.”
He added that he was “doing what was required of my job” by being in the gym and rehabbing when the Bulls decided to waive him.
Ivey had his season shut down last Thursday while he deals with left knee pain.
Ivey also questioned why the Bulls didn’t outright say that the organization did not agree with his stance on LGBTQ issues, while continuing to insist that he had been a good teammate.
The former Bulls guard later appeared to question Steph Curry’s Christianity.
“He don’t know Jesus and I pray he comes to the truth,” Ivey said. “All that stuff isn’t going to matter on Judgement Day. All them rings he got. All them rings LeBron [James] got. All them rings Michael Jordan got.”
Jaden Ivey #31 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Word of Ivey’s release broke on Monday afternoon, hours after the latest livestream, his third in roughly a week.
Ivey’s behavior had started to raise some concerns among basketball fans.
Asked about the decision to waive Ivey, Bulls head coach Bill Donovan said that “there’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here.”
“I mean, we have people from all different walks of life working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right?” he said. “So, the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. But one is, we’ve got to all be professional. I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 30: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 30, 2026 at American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks continued their slide Monday night, getting blown out at home in a 124-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that got out of hand early and never recovered. Dallas showed brief flashes on offense, but Minnesota’s size, ball movement, and physicality quickly took over, controlling the flow throughout. Daniel Gafford stood out with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting, providing efficient scoring inside, while Cooper Flagg finished with 12 points, showing moments as a creator and defender despite an uneven night overall. Minnesota, meanwhile, attacked from all angles, with multiple players scoring efficiently and racking up 33 assists, consistently creating high-quality looks. By the fourth quarter, the game had already been decided, turning into extended garbage time with both teams going deep into their benches.
Dallas actually had a few early stretches where the offense looked functional, with Gafford finishing lobs and putbacks and Cooper Flagg getting out in transition for dunks, including one off a Brandon Williams assist that briefly cut into the deficit. There were also moments where Khris Middleton hit turnaround jumpers, and Klay Thompson knocked down a three off a Flagg assist, giving the appearance of some rhythm. But even in those moments, Minnesota’s response was immediate. Julius Randle hit a step-back three, Rudy Gobert finished inside, and Naz Reid spaced the floor with a three, keeping Dallas from ever building real momentum. The biggest issue was consistency: possessions would stall into missed pull-ups, turnovers, or blocked shots, while Minnesota kept generating high-quality looks through ball movement and interior pressure. By halftime, Dallas was already chasing the game, with the Timberwolves controlling both efficiency and physicality, and the gap reflected it as things started to tilt heavily in Minnesota’s favor.
The second half never really had any juice. Dallas got a couple of quick buckets early, mostly through Daniel Gafford’s finishes at the rim, but it never felt like the start of a real run as Minnesota answered every time down the floor. Julius Randle continued to score efficiently, Anthony Edwards got downhill when he wanted, and Donte DiVincenzo hit timely threes, keeping the lead comfortably in double digits. The Mavericks’ offense stayed inconsistent, with missed jumpers and empty possessions preventing any momentum from building. By the fourth quarter, it had fully shifted into garbage time, with both teams going deep into the bench and the outcome long decided.
-29: Max Christie plus/minus
Max Christie was almost invisible in this one, and it’s becoming a larger trend rather than a one-game issue. He finished with just three points on 1-of-5 shooting in 28 minutes, offering very little scoring punch or playmaking, and ended up a minus-29, which matched how the game felt when he was on the floor. It wasn’t just missed shots, either; possessions stalled, drives went nowhere, and there was no real pressure applied to the defense.
Looking at the bigger picture, this has been a rough stretch. Over his last 15 games, Christie has consistently hovered in that low-impact range inefficient shooting nights, minimal scoring output, and very little playmaking to offset it. There have been a few decent performances mixed in, but far too many games where he’s struggled to even reach double digits or influence the game in a meaningful way. For a guard playing real minutes, that’s a problem.
At some point, it becomes more than just a slump, it’s a real question. Dallas needs reliable guard production, especially next to a developing player like Cooper Flagg, and right now Christie just isn’t providing that. If this play continues into next season, it’s fair to start questioning how he fits into the long-term plan.
14: Missed Cooper Flagg shots
Cooper Flagg’s night was productive in flashes, but the efficiency continues to be the swing skill in his development. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting, and when you look closer, a lot of those misses came from the in-between areas, such as pull-ups, floaters, and contested midrange attempts, where he hasn’t quite found consistency yet. That’s the key right now. He has already proven he can impact the game at a high level when he’s getting downhill or creating for others, but when defenses take away the rim and force him into that middle ground, the offense starts to stall.
This isn’t a negative long-term. It is actually the exact kind of growth step you want to see. He’s getting to those spots, he’s comfortable taking those shots, and he’s clearly being asked to operate as a primary option. The next step is to turn those possessions into efficient ones. Whether it’s tightening the handle to create cleaner separation, adding touch on floaters, or becoming more decisive with his pull-up game, that in-between scoring will unlock everything else. Because once he can consistently punish defenses there, it becomes much harder to scheme against him, and nights like this, where the volume is there, but the efficiency isn’t, start to turn into real offensive production.
45: Timberwolves’ three-point percentage
The defensive numbers from this game were not just bad. They were revealing. Dallas allowed Minnesota to shoot 55% from the field and 45% from three, and those shots rarely felt contested. Too many possessions began with a breakdown at the point of attack, forcing help rotations and leading to open kick-outs or second-chance opportunities. It was not just one player getting hot. It was the entire defensive structure failing to hold up.
That is what makes it a bigger concern moving forward. This is not about one matchup or one night. It is about personnel and identity. Right now, Dallas lacks consistent perimeter defense, especially against teams that move the ball well and have multiple creators. When guards are getting downhill too easily or forcing help early in possessions, it puts the entire defense in scramble mode, and that is when shooters start getting clean looks. Minnesota took full advantage of that by moving the ball, finding the extra pass, and generating efficient offense all night.
This is where the offseason becomes critical. Whether it is through the draft or roster changes, Dallas has to prioritize perimeter defense. They need players who can stay in front, fight over screens, and disrupt rhythm. Until that improves, it will not matter how much size or versatility they have behind the play. Nights like this will keep happening, where the opponent gets comfortable early, finds a rhythm, and never really gets pushed out of it.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 27: Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics attempts a basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the TD Garden on March 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
ATLANTA — The Celtics aren’t looking for moral victories after losses. That’s been their mindset all season, and that was their mindset on Monday night, after they fell to the Atlanta Hawks 112-102.
But, from an onlooker’s perspective, Monday’s loss did come with one fairly significant moral victory: Luka Garza is becoming an important (and impactful) member of the Celtics rotation, and he could be just scratching the surface of what he’s ultimately capable of.
The Celtics faced the Hawks on the second night of a back-to-back, and Neemias Queta got the night off. As such, with Nikola Vucevic missing his 12th straight game with a fractured ring finger, Garza slotted into the starting lineup for the fifth time this season.
And, the 27-year-old — who is currently on a minimum contract with the Celtics — more than capitalized on the increased opportunity.
Garza scored 20 points on 8-9 shooting, including 2 of 3 three-point attempts as well as both of his free throws. He grabbed 9 rebounds, but helped secure several more. The Celtics outscored the Hawks by 6 points in Garza’s 28 minutes on the floor.
The game posed the question: What kind of scorer could Garza become, if given the chance?
“I view myself as a scorer — I always have, just since being a kid,” Garza said. “I always felt like I had a knack for it. But I also have the awareness and understanding coming into the NBA — you can find how to do that in spots that make sense, especially when you have a team of guys who score a ball at a super high level, at a superstar level. That’s what the NBA is about — being able to shape and mold your game and fit in different ways. And, I think it goes beyond scoring for me.”
The former Iowa star has scored 15 or more points on 10 occasions this season and is averaging a career-best 7.5 points per game on 57.7% shooting. He’s converted 43.2% of his three-point attempts, the highest mark on the team.
He attributed a lot of his offensive prowess to his tenure in Iowa, where he was named National Player of the Year in 2021.
“I feel like I have an understanding of just good offense,” Garza said. “And I think that’s what helps me with screening or spacing or whatever, just my IQ from, mostly from college, playing for Fran McCaffrey taught me that. So, I just try to use that to my advantage. And when the opportunities come, I feel really confident I can put the ball in the basketball.”
Still, Garza’s season hasn’t come without adversity; twice now, the Celtics big man has fallen out of the rotation. The first stint was a couple-week stretch in December, and the second came after the trade deadline, after the Celtics acquired Vucevic.
But, both times, Garza ultimately got another stab at the rotation, and both times, he was ready.
How’d he do it?
Garza said he’s been able to deal with inconsistent minutes in large part because he knows that Joe Mazzulla has continuously gone back to players who have fallen out of the rotation; Jordan Walsh, who tallied 31 minutes on Monday night, is the latest such example.
“He keeps coming back to you,” Garza said. “And I think that’s a huge thing. Obviously, you go through stretches where you’re not playing or whatever, and that sucks. But to have a coach always gives you back that chance, gives you an opportunity at different points. You don’t know when it’s coming, necessarily, but you know it is coming, so that helps you with the mindset of staying ready, staying locked in.”
Garza said that hasn’t necessarily been the case in all of his previous stops: “But here with Joe, he has the ability and the confidence to go to all of us at any given point, and that breeds confidence for our guys, especially the guys not playing — because you know it’s coming.”
It remains to be seen what kind of role Garza will have in the Celtics’ playoff rotation. But it’s become increasingly clear that if his number is called, he’ll more likely than not be ready.
