Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter JJ Wetherholt (77) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
While there is still a relatively small sample size, we’ve played enough Spring Training games to begin to get an idea of what players are impressing and which ones aren’t. In my attempt to be a more positive person (work in progress), I’ll ask the question who has been the most impressive player during St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training so far. I’ll begin with some nominees.
JJ Wetherholt
Let’s get the obvious pic out of the way first. JJ Wetherholt has shown a keen batting eye as he’s racked up walks while also making strong contact including a 422 foot home run against the Mets that had an exit velocity of 105.4 mph. I’ve also been impressed by JJ’s disposition. This kid is confident and looks like he belongs. The ridiculous question of whether he breaks camp with the team and makes the opening day roster should be considered answered by now. I have seen nothing that would change my mind.
Richard Fitts
I’ve only seen Richard Fitts toss two innings so far in Spring Training, but that was enough to see that he has nasty stuff. His fastball has seemed to gain velocity up from 95.9 last season to 97.6 this Spring. He’s making that Sonny Gray trade feel pretty good so far.
Joshua Baez
Top 15 prospect Joshua Baez has seen quite a bit of action for the St. Louis Cardinals so far this Spring with a solid .286 average over 14 at-bats. While the expectations coming into camp would be that Baez would start the season in Triple-A, it’s not impossible that he forces his way onto the major league roster. The question is where would there be space on the roster for that to happen, but Joshua Baez has been a bright spot so far.
Matthew Liberatore Matthew Liberatore is starting to look more like the top-of-the-rotation pitcher that the Cardinals were hoping he’d be only 1 walk and 7 strikeouts in his first 5 innings of Spring Training appearances. Is it just me or has Matthew’s velocity increased? I haven’t seen the metrics, but that’s my impression.
Packy Naughton
Here’s a surprise mention on the list. Who saw Packy Naughton becoming a potential key part of the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen? Three scoreless innings so far in Spring Training with 4 strikeouts have put Packy on the radar for a bigger role this year than expected.
I’ve seen moments to be optimistic about from Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, but also some old swing decision bad habits that haven’t gone away yet. Same can be said for Victor Scott II, Jimmy Crooks and Nathan Church. Who have I missed? What St. Louis Cardinals has impressed you this Spring?
Sharks general manager Mike Grier announced Wednesday that the team has signed Sherwood to a five-year contract extension worth $28.75 million, a cap hit of $5.75 million.
Sherwood was acquired from the Canucks for Cole Clayton and 2026 and 2027 second round draft picks.
The six-foot, 194-pound native of Columbus, Ohio told USA TODAY Sports that he's "just fired up" about the extension and the opportunity ahead to help the Sharks string together successful seasons.
"[I'm] just super grateful and just to have this opportunity," Sherwood said. "Super hungry to continue grow, build and push the guys and learn from the guys here. That stuff now is taken care of and I can just go to work and play hockey and be free. There's levels that I want to continue to push my game towards, and grow towards, and continue to elevate the impact that our group can have."
It's been a series of new chapters within the past 365 days for Sherwood.
He became a newlywed after he tied the knot with longtime girlfriend, Ariel, last summer in Carmel. He joined a new team after being traded in January. The eight-year veteran told reporters that he is expecting to be a father soon. Now, he's signing a multiyear deal to remain with the Sharks.
Through it all, he has learned patience and how to trust the process and allow everything to take care of itself.
Since arriving in San Jose in January, Sherwood has taken the time to get to know his new teammates. He understands the importance of a fun culture and locker room, and how it translates to winning hockey.
Sherwood has been learning inside jokes to go along with different personalities on the team and said he's "thrilled to be here" in San Jose, especially as the team looks to carve out a winning season.
His physical style of play and timely scoring ability has conveniently added to San Jose's tenacity as the Sharks look to make a postseason push in the final months of the 2025-26 NHL regular season. Along the way, Sherwood said he's looking to "ruffle some feathers".
"At the end of the day, all you can do is control what you can," Sherwood said. "Focus on coming to the rink every day with a good attitude and good work ethic, and hopefully those things will fall into place."
Reaping benefits of Sherwood acquisition
The trade for Sherwood has been paying off.
Since his Feb. 4 debut, Sherwood has led the team with 28 hits, including tying for team-high for hits in a game with nine against the Winnipeg Jets on March 1.
He scored his first goal with the Sharks against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, March 3. His lone goal would end up being the game-winner with 3:26 left in the third period, as San Jose won 7-5 in a back and forth contest. He finished the game tallying his first assist and multipoint game as a Shark.
“We are very excited to have Kiefer remain in San Jose and be part of the group that we are building,” Grier said in a news release. “The ingredients he brings to our lineup on a nightly basis blend extremely well with the skillsets of his teammates and we look forward to his contributions in the years to come.”
The Sharks, now on a three-game winning streak, improved their record to 30-25-4 after they defeated the Canadiens in front of a sellout crowd of 17,435 at SAP Center in San Jose.
The win was San Jose's 30th of the season, the first time they've reached that mark since the 2021-22 season. It's their second 30-win season since the 2018-19 season, the Sharks' last playoff appearance.
Many have started to take notice of the team's bounceback season.
"Super exciting," Sherwood told USA TODAY Sports. "There's a lot of special things brewing and a lot of things on the rise, and I'm just super blessed to be alongside them now, the path that we're on. So we'll continue to push, push each and every day and push each other, and see how far we can take it."
He added: "Ultimately, it's a huge challenge for us. And that's what you want, right? Just competing each and every day. The stakes get higher, and push comes to shove, you kind of see who's built for it and if we're ready for it. But it's just super motivating and fueling for us too."
Wilmer Flores #41 of the San Francisco Giants warms up before the game against Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park on September 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Wilmer Flores is looking for a job.
The ex-Mets fan favorite told The San Francisco Chronicle that he’s received minor league offers but is holding out hope on receiving a big league deal with Opening Day just weeks away.
“I’m not done playing,” Flores said. “I’m just waiting.”
Flores, 34, said he was in Florida working out as he awaits a phone call from a club in need of a right-handed bat.
Wilmer Flores of the San Francisco Giants rounds third base to score a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field on September 16, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images
“I’m healthy, I feel good and I’m staying ready,” Flores said, per the outlet. “I believe I can help a team. I wouldn’t be doing this if I thought I would embarrass myself.”
Flores has spent 13 years in the majors, including the first six of his career with the Mets.
He’s spent the last six seasons in San Francisco, hitting .249/.321/.426 with 92 home runs during his tenure as a Giant.
In 2025, Flores hit 16 long balls and drove in 71 runs in 463 plate appearances.
Injuries and age have turned Flores, who has bounced around all four infield positions throughout his career, into largely a platoon bat off the bench and fill-in designated hitter, limiting his appeal on the free agent market.
Wilmer Flores of the San Francisco Giants warms up before the game against Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park on September 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Getty Images
Flores is best known to Mets fans for his touching moment near the trade deadline in 2015, when the then-23-year-old teared up on the field after reports surfaced that he had been dealt to the Brewers with Zack Wheeler in exchange for Carlos Gomez.
Despite Flores expressing his desire “to be a Met forever,” he was non-tendered by the team after the 2018 season before joining the Diamondbacks later that offseason.
The Lakers hired former Dodgers executive Michael Spetner as the team’s new chief strategy and growth officer, a freshly minted position designed to stretch the Lakers’ brand across the globe.
New Lakers owner Mark Walter (not pictured) has already implemented Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman (left) and front office executive Farhan Zaidi as special advisers to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, and recently hired Lon Rosen as president of business operations . (Photo by Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images) Dodgers Front Office Press Conference MediaNews Group via Getty Images
“As we look to redefine what’s possible across the sports landscape for fans and partners, we will build on the Lakers legacy and orient toward the future to consider what’s next,” Rosen said in a statement released by the Lakers. “Michael’s leadership will help us optimize our business to ensure long-term value.”
While Spetner didn’t sign Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Roki Sasaki, he was working behind the scenes building analytical frameworks, developing business intelligence tools, and most importantly, helping the Dodgers plant their flag in Japan.
With international players including Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura now in purple and gold, Spetner will now bring that same playbook courtside.
The Lakers said Spetner will oversee long-term business strategy and identify international growth opportunities — executive-speak for something much simpler: turning the Lakers into an even bigger global empire than they already are.
The Dodgers have become an international powerhouse in recent years, and Walter is applying that same philosophy to the Lakers.
The Dodgers have won three championships in the last six years, and fans are hoping Walter can bring that same pedigree to the Lakers.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 24: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards speaks to the media prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young takes center stage in his expected debut Thursday against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena.
Game info
When: Thursday, Mar. 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Injuries: For the Wizards, Kyshawn George (elbow), Tristan Vukcevic (thigh), Jamir Watkins (ankle), and Anthony Gill (illness) are questionable, while Anthony Davis (hand, groin), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), Alex Sarr (hamstring), and D’Angelo Russell (not with team) are out.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen (hip), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), Walker Kessler (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic (nose), and Vince Williams Jr. (knee) are out.
What to watch for
Two words, nine letters: Trae Young. Washington hoops fans can catch their first glimpse of Young playing in a Wizards uniform since the blockbuster trade that sent the All-Star point guard to D.C. Young has successfully worked his way back from lingering MCL and quad injuries in his right leg.
Young may have been too eager to return to the court on Monday against the Houston Rockets, when Trae got ejected for straying too far from the bench during rookie Jamir Watkins’s altercation with Tari Eason. Young, thankfully, was not slapped with a suspension.
Trae Young announced he won’t receive a suspension for walking onto the court during an alternation in last night’s game:
The matchup against the Jazz also carries serious draft lottery implications.
The Wizards, who enter Wednesday’s slate of games sporting the fourth-worst record in the league, can completely secure their top-8 protected pick if they finish with a bottom-4 record. Utah owns the fifth-worst record and sits two games above Washington in the standings.
The Jazz will be on the second night of a back-to-back, and may very well sit some of their few remaining key players in Thursday’s tanktastic matchup.
The Athletics fell short for the first time this week, suffering a 3-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Following three straight days in which the A’s scored more than five runs, Diamondbacks pitchers shut the A’s offense down today, limiting a lineup full of starters to only one run.
A’s starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs pitched much better this afternoon in his second spring tuneup appearance. He did not allow a run over two and one-third innings. However, he gave up three hits and one walk. Springs made things difficult for himself as two back-to-back jams raised his pitch count, likely the reason why he was removed from the game midway through rather than after the third inning.
Reliever Tyler Ferguson replaced Springs and induced a double play grounder to end that inning. He pitched the next inning as well, although that did not go as well because Diamondbacks infielder Jacob Amaya hit a two-run home run to right field. Amaya drove in all three of Arizona’s runs, his third RBI a sacrifice fly off A’s reliever Justin Sterner in the sixth inning. Sterner and Ferguson have not had the best starts to spring. On the other hand, left-handed relievers Hogan Harris and Matt Krook have been flawless so far, with a spot in the bullpen potentially available for Krook should he continue having success this spring.
Meanwhile, it seemed from the game’s beginning that it was not going to be a good day for the A’s offense. Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, making his first spring start, got through the first inning on just four pitches. The A’s did not threaten until the third inning when they got two runners on base to knock Pfaadt out of the game. Unfortunately, A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz grounded into a double play against the Diamondbacks reliever to end that scoring threat.
The A’s lone run came the next inning, courtesy of Jacob Wilson’s sacrifice fly, which was set up by back-to-back singles from Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker.
Later in the game, the A’s had a couple of chances to put more runs on the scoreboard. They wasted Kurtz’s leadoff double in the sixth inning and then Colby Thomas grounded out with two of his teammates on base to end the eighth inning.
The A’s will look to bounce back tomorrow at the Los Angeles Angels. Right-hander Luis Morales will make his third appearance and second start. The Angels will counter with their latest reclamation project, right-hander Alek Manoah, who is off to a strong start this spring. A’s fans will also get their second look at last year’s first-round pick, left-hander Jamie Arnold. If they all pan out and stay healthy, Morales, Arnold and fellow pitching prospect Gage Jump could be the top-of-the-rotation arms that can get the A’s back to consistent playoff contention.
Notes
Third baseman Max Muncy made his second throwing error this spring. His defensive consistency remains a question as he competes for the starting job.
Leo De Vries got another hit today and is now batting .375 in the Cactus League! Impressive for a 19-year-old.
Colby Thomas continued his slow, injury-hampered start to the spring. There are still multiple weeks until the regular season starts, but at this point he seems likely to start the season in Triple-A unless he starts playing and contributing more.
The Buffalo Sabres have been linked over the last 24 hours to deals with the St. Louis Blues, who are in the process of selling off major pieces of their roster that won a Stanley Cup in 2019. On Tuesday, reports had the Sabres targeting center Robert Thomas, but on Wednesday morning, TSN’s Darren Dreger indicated that those talks had cooled. On Wednesday afternoon, Dreger and others are indicating that the Sabres are on the verge of a deal that would bring veteran defenseman Colton Parayko to Buffalo.
Parayko was a member of Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina and is in year four of an eight-year, $52 million contract ($6.5 million AAV). After scoring a career-high 16 goals last season, the 32-year-old blueliner has 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) in 58 games. Dreger is indicating that the deal would consist of Sabres 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka and a first-round pick, but that things have not been finalized, including the veteran defenseman waiving his no-trade clause.
The talks regarding Thomas (which may have included Parayko as part of a larger deal) reportedly consisted of an ask of an NHL player, prospect(s) and a future first, or as GM Doug Armstrong reportedly indicated, “three first-half of the first round assets.” In a piece in The Athletic on Tuesday, Jeremy Rutherford indicated that he could not see 2021 top overall pick Owen Power being part of the deal, or young winger Zach Benson. The speculation centered around Sabres 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius, Mrtka, and possibly the club’s 2026 first-rounder.
Although there has been no reporting that the ‘26 first-rounder is off the table, the Sabres are playing host to the NHL Draft in late June, and have already traded their second-round pick in the Norris - Dylan Cozens deal.
Mrtka, 18, was selected ninth overall by the Sabres last June and impressed at training camp last September with his wingspan and skating ability. The 6’6”, 218 lb. righty is having another solid season with Seattle in the WHL with 29 points (1 goal, 28 assists) in 35 games. Although Mrtka is a promising prospect, he is not projected to be a big offensive producer.
According to Puckpedia, the Sabres have $7.5 million in deadline cap space, which would accommodate Parayko’s salary, but that might be inconsequential depending on his waiving his full no-trade clause. The Athletic is reporting that the Blues have agreed to the deal, but it is pending the veteran’s approval. Buffalo’s recent success may give them more of a chance of convincing Parayko to accept a deal, but he has spent 11 seasons in St. Louis and could choose to wait for a more favorable destination, as former Sabre Tyler Myers did, refusing to waive to go to Detroit before being dealt to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.
The New York Knicks (40*-22) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (48–15) tonight at MSG, with both teams playing the second night of a back-to-back after wins. This marks the first meeting of the season between OKC, who hold the league’s best record, and the Knickerbockers.
Tip-off is 7 PM on MSG and ESPN. This is your game thread. This is Thunderous Intentions. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Enjoy yourselves and let everybody else do the same. And go Knicks!
* Should be one more, but want NBA Cup Finals are riddles trapped inside enigmas.
PHOENIX –– It’s not often that Dodger fans are outnumbered in the stands at spring training games.
Then again, it’s not every day they get a break from the normal monotony of the Cactus League schedule to face a national team in a World Baseball Classic tune-up game.
That was the case Wednesday, as Team Mexico visited Camelback Ranch for an exhibition ahead of the upcoming WBC.
Thus, the normal waves of blue and white in the crowd were replaced by streaks of red and green, with a lively, split crowd in attendance for the Dodgers’ 7-5 win.
Team Mexico outfielder Rowdy Tellez greets Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“It’s like an All-Star team, you know, but now you’re playing for not a league –– you’re playing for your country,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game, which featured the playing of both the U.S. and Mexican national anthems and a ceremonial first pitch from Fernando Valenzuela Jr.
“There’s a lot more patriotism, certainly. And it means a lot, to see Team Mexico. And then once this Classic starts, I’m a fan. I just like watching these guys jell.”
Here are four takeaways from Wednesday’s game.
Pages power
Andy Pages was already having a good spring, entering with a .333 average in Cactus League play. But on Wednesday, he went to another level, hitting a 430-foot home run in the first inning and a down-the-line double in the third. In the fourth, Pages nearly hit another homer, too, pulling a deep drive just foul before striking out in a 10-pitch at-bat.
Sheehan debuts
After falling behind schedule early this spring while dealing with an illness, Emmet Sheehan made his spring debut Wednesday, pitching two innings out of the bullpen as he continues to ramp up. Despite the right-hander’s late start to Cactus League play, Roberts said there should still be time for Sheehan to be built up enough to be in the Dodgers’ rotation come opening day.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Caught my eye:
On Monday, Dalton Rushing quipped that his goal this year is to hit 200 singles –– a reflection of his focus on being a harder out instead of chasing power. That mindset might be working. In his two games since, he has no singles, but has hit a home run, a triple and a double, with the latter two knocks coming in Wednesday’s game.
Up next
It’s back to Cactus League action for the Dodgers on Thursday, as they travel to Goodyear Ballpark to face the Reds. Cole Irvin, a non-roster invitee trying to earn a roster spot, will start on the mound.
Oct 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich (22) is introduced for game three of the NLCS during the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Despite a vintage performance from Christian Yelich, who reached base three times in his spring debut, Milwaukee fell to the Chicago Cubs 4-1. Chicago jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and never looked back.
In the top of the first, Brandon Sproat made short work of the Cubs, retiring the top of the order on just 11 pitches. Sal Frelick and Andrew Vaughn both made outs to start the bottom of the frame, but Christian Yelich reached on a walk and Gary Sánchez singled. Akil Baddoo, the next batter up, grounded into a force out at second to end the mini rally.
Chicago promptly broke the tie in the top of the second. With one out in the frame, James Triantos hit a line drive single into right field, scoring Chas McCormick from second to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. David Hamilton led off the bottom of the second inning with a bunt single. He then stole second to give the Brewers a runner in scoring position with nobody out. That brought up three of the Brewers top prospects — Luis Lara, Cooper Pratt, and Jesús Made — but all came up empty, leaving Milwaukee scoreless.
The Cubs tacked on another run in the top of the third on a walk, a single, and a RBI groundout from Moises Ballesteros. While Sproat allowed two earned runs in his three innings of work, he racked up four strikeouts and his stuff looked great — as seen below:
Brandon Sproat de-bats Kevin Alcantara with a changeup
Has been a pretty clear focus on the sinker/cutter combo today for Sproat, but also more changeups than usual for him.
The Brewers finally got on the board courtesy of a Christian Yelich solo shot that came off the bat at 106.8 mph. Notably, if you watch the video, you’ll notice that Yelich is using a bigger leg kick, which he had stopped using in early 2024 in favor of more of a toe-tap. This could be indicative of a long-term change in his approach, or it could just be him experimenting during spring training. The leg kick was clearly working for him today, so we’ll likely see it in more games this spring.
— Tapping The Keg Sports (@TappingTheKeg) March 4, 2026
Unfortunately, Yelich’s home run would be the last time the Brewers would score, while Chicago tacked on a couple of insurance runs against Logan Henderson. Triantos hit a double in the fourth, then reached third on a Frelick error. Former Brewer Owen Miller knocked Triantos in with a sac fly. Jefferson Rojas hit a solo home run two innings later to bring the game to its final score: Chicago 4, Milwaukee 1.
Shane Drohan worked the final three innings of the loss, allowing just a single hit while striking out four and holding the Cubs scoreless. The Brewers briefly mounted a rally in the ninth after Eddys Leonard and Brady Ebel both singled, but Daniel Dickinson and Greg Jones both struck out to end the game.
Other than Yelich, who singled, walked, and homered, Milwaukee was only able to muster five more hits — all singles. Two of those were the Hamilton bunt and the Sanchez single in the first. Jesús Made singled in the seventh, but got picked off trying to steal second by Cubs pitcher Vince Velasquez. A pair of singles in the ninth also went for naught. Despite the loss, there were still a few things to feel good about — especially Yelich and Drohan’s performances. Drohan wasn’t facing the Cubs’ starters today, but he looked borderline dominant.
Milwaukee will be back on the field again tomorrow as they take on another division rival, the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT.
After clawing back from an eight-point deficit with just fewer than three minutes to play in the fourth quarter, the New York Knicks got a pair of clean looks with seconds left in their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Yet, in what could be a potential NBA Finals preview, it was the Thunder who escaped Wednesday, March 4 with a 103-100 victory to improve their record to 49-15, the best mark in the NBA.
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren led all players with 28 points, 22 of which came in the first half.
Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 26 points and 8 assists, extending his streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points scored to 124.
Throughout the game, the Knicks tried to force the ball out of Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands, and he repeatedly made the right pass to open Thunder players.
The Knicks had six players reach double figures, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting. He also hauled in a game-high 17 rebounds, though he fouled out late in the game.
They got two open looks to tie the game, but both rimmed out.
Coach Mike Brown drew up a play that got Jalen Brunson an open look at a would-be game-tying 3 in the left corner. Brunson put up the shot but it bounced off the rim. The ball was tipped out to Knicks forward OG Anunoby near the top of the key. Anunoby scooped the ball, stepped back, but the shot fell short and bounced off front rim.
Simply put, the Knicks went cold at the wrong time. New York, which entered the fourth quarter with a three-point lead, shot just 33.3% in the final period, eventually ceding the lead to the Thunder.
Oklahoma City capitalized and attacked the paint, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hitting a few big baskets late, none other than a stepback 3, Oklahoma City’s final bucket.
New York has battled back and has the chance to tie the game at 103. Coach Mike Brown called a timeout to draw up a play. Both teams are in the bonus, so the Thunder may opt to put New York on the line.
After getting a quick blow on the bench, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has returned for Oklahoma City, which is now up 91-86, with 6:33 left to play in the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who has 21 points, extended his streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points to 124, which is just two behind Wilt Chamberlain's record of 126.
It's not that the Thunder shot poorly in the third quarter — they converted their attempts at a 46.7% clip — it's that they took seven fewer shots than the Knicks did.
And with those attempts, New York capitalized. The Knicks shot 14-of-22 (63.6%) from the floor in the third quarter to erase a 10-point deficit at the start of the quarter. And with the final shot of the third, a corner 3 from Mikal Bridges, the Knicks took their first lead since very early in the second quarter. Five different Knicks are scoring double figures, with Karl-Anthony Towns — who remains a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor — leading the team with 15 points.
For the Thunder, turnovers were the main issue in the third. After Chet Holmgren dropped 22 points in the first half, he failed to score a single point in the third. He continues to lead the team, though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has added 19 points and 7 assists.
The New York run in the third quarter has continued. The Thunder have committed several turnovers in the period, and a Jalen Brunson 3 that clanked off the rim before caroming off the backboard and through the net tied the game at 72 apiece with 2:56 left in the third quarter.
After taking a hard fall when attempting to haul in a rebound, Alex Caurso fell onto the court and immediately grabbed at his leg. He was slow to get up and trudged toward the bench, where he spoke briefly with a trainer. The two went into the locker room, though Caruso reemerged shortly after.
New York has gone on an 11-4 run to close the deficit to 6 points with 5:28 left in the third quarter. Landry Shamet has come off the bench to spark the run with a couple of scoop layups, while Mikale Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns have also added baskets.
After airballing a corner 3 with 10:50 to play in the third quarter, Knicks forward Josh Hart immediately clutched at his lower back in apparent discomfort. At the next whistle, Hart took himself out of the game and headed into the New York locker room with a trainer.
After several minutes, Hart reemerged and took his spot on the bench, still grimacing. A trainer placed a black band around his chest and back.
New York, which shot just 35.6% from the floor in the first half, scored just 40 points before intermission, marking its lowest scoring first half of the 2025-26 season so far. The previous low was 42 points, which came Feb. 6 in an eventual 38-point loss against the Pistons.
Although both these teams are playing the second legs of back-to-backs that started in different cities, it was the Knicks who displayed that more in the first half.
New York struggled to find the bottom of the net in the second period, shooting just 7-of-22 (31.8%) Oklahoma City emphasized closing out, contesting New York's perimeter shots and rarely giving away an open look.
Jalen Brunson shot just 1-of-8 in the half for 2 points, while center Karl-Anthony Towns attempted just 4 shots, though he made each one, scoring 9 points. Mohamed Diawara also has a team-high 9 points.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are playing in control. They're shooting a reasonable 46.3% from the floor, but they're merely looking for the best shot available. As the Knicks have thrown bodies at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the ball has swung around to find the open player. More often than not, that has been Chet Holmgren, who leads all players with 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including a blistering 6-of-8 (75%) from 3-point range.
Gilgeous-Alexander has added 11 points, but has a team-high 7 assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has started this game extremely well. He has been an efficient 4-of-7 from the floor — with no 3 pointers attempted — for 9 points. But the Knicks are closing his lanes to penetrate as soon as he attacks the paint. This is not at all dissimilar from the way other teams defend SGA, but he's quickly getting the ball out of his hands to find open teammates.
And, if they're not immediately open, OKC players have swung the ball around to find that open look. Gilgeous-Alexander leads all Thunder players with 5 assists.
In many ways, this was a quarter the Knicks should've lost by a lot more.
They shot just 39.1% from the floor, and All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson finished the period just 1-of-5 for 2 points. They lost the rebounding battle by four. Yet, New York overcame early shooting struggles to get key stops on the Thunder late in the first to keep things manageable.
Chet Holmgren was the star for Oklahoma City, leading all players with 14 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in 9 on 4-of-5 shooting and added 2 assists.
The Knicks, meanwhile, have Mohamed Diawara to thank for this not being out of hand. He came off the bench and instantly drained a pair of 3s and also swiped the ball out of Jared McCain's hands for a steal that led to a Landry Shamet bucket. His play seemed to invigorate the Knicks, who had six different players score at least one point in the first quarter. Diawara and OG Anunoby tied for a team-high 6 points in the period.
Knicks coach Mike Brown was also called for a technical foul after he argued a non-call on a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drive, when Brown thought that Jalen Brunson had drawn a charge. Brown appeared to make like contact with the official, who only assessed the one tech.
As Oklahoma City has moved the ball around, it has often found forward Chet Holmgren, who has started the game 5-of-7 (including 4-of-6 from 3) for a game-high 14 points.
In fact, with 3:32 left to play in the period, he has outscored the Knicks entire team, which is 5-of-17.
The Thunder came out strong and dictated pace, draining five of their first six field goal attempts. OKC pushed pace and moved the ball around to compromise New York’s defense, which was slow to help.
The Knicks, however, made their first shot before having their following five clank out. New York is getting quality looks, they’re just not dropping, particularly from 3; the Knicks have started the game just 1-of-6 (16.7%) from beyond the arc.
Despite that, New York is only down 17-10 midway through the period.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, similar to many teams who get hyped up to play in this iconic venue, tend to play well here. It's the one trip Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will make here this season — barring any potential matchup in the NBA Finals.
In case this is indeed his one trip here, SGA made it count with his pre-game look.
DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — La’Nya Foster scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, Erica Moon added 17 points, and Georgia Tech defeated Florida State 72-60 in a first-round game at the ACC Tournament on Wednesday.
The Yellow Jackets led for all but 2 minutes but didn't put the game away until a 9-2 run late in the fourth quarter gave them a 70-56 lead.
Talayah Walker had 16 points and seven rebounds for Georgia Tech (14-17), the No. 11 seed.
No. 14 seed Florida State (10-21) got 16 points from Sydney Bowles.
Georgia Tech spotted Florida State the first four points of the game but the Yellow Jackets hit five of their next seven shots to build a 14-6 lead halfway through the first quarter. Georgia Tech went up by 11 later in the quarter before Florida State cut the gap to 22-16 heading to the second.
Georgia Tech scored nine points in a 1:20 stretch of the second quarter to push their lead back to 10. It was 39-29 at halftime.
Each time Georgia Tech's lead reached 10 points in the first three quarters, the Seminoles bounced back. Georgia Tech went up 54-40 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the third but Florida State cut it to 56-48 by the end of the quarter.
Up next
Georgia Tech plays No. 6 seed Virginia Tech on Thursday. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals against third-seeded North Carolina.
Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Included in the Dodgers’ 7-5 win over Mexico in Wednesday’s exhibition at Camelback Ranch were a few performances that can’t help but be viewed with an eye toward the regular season.
Each of Andy Pages’ seven previous starts this spring were in center field, so he got to stay off his feet a bit on Wednesday as the designated hitter. Pages followed the assignment to a tee with a home run and double in his first two at-bats.
Pages has five extra-base hits in 23 plate appearances this spring.
Dalton Rushing continues to hit the ball hard, and often in the air, this spring. That included a second-inning triple off the center field wall for another run, then an RBI double into the right field corner in the third inning. Baseball Savant didn’t register data for that triple, but in Rushing’s other 11 batted balls this spring have an average exit velocity of 100.3 mph, including six balls hit over 100 mph.
He has two home runs this spring to go with his two extra-base hits on Wednesday.
Wednesday was Espinal’s seventh start this spring, getting the call at third base against Mexico. He had an RBI double in the third inning to go with his fly ball that somehow landed for a single in the second. Espinal has reached base 14 times in 21 trips to the plate so far this spring, and while you should take that .667 on-base percentage with a grain of salt, his on-roster percentage appears from my vantage point to be north of that.
On the mound
After pitching to one batter in the third inning in his first Cactus League affair last Thursday, Tyler Glasnow on Wednesday faced five batters in the third inning against Mexico. That third frame gave the right-hander the most trouble, with two singles and a run plating a run, driven in by Toronto Blue Jays catcher (and last year’s final batter) Alejandro Kirk to drive Glasnow from the game.
Glasnow left with two runners on, and both scored on a single off reliever Jacob Frost, the Dodgers’ 10th-round draft pick last season out of Kansas State. Glasnow threw 51 pitches this time around, up from 33 six days prior, staying in progression toward the opening series of the regular season with time still for three more exhibition starts to further prepare.
Emmet Sheehan got the ball to start the fourth, pitching in his first game this spring (not including some simulated action on the backfields). While there is still time enough in camp to build up his innings, Sheehan didn’t do himself any favors by recording only four outs in his nine batters faced.
Mexico got three singles and two walks off Sheehan, who didn’t strike anyone out on Wednesday. One run scored against him but it could have been worse, having left with the bases loaded and one out in the fifth inning. But Carlos Duran induced an inning-ending double play to strand all three runners.
Keeping options open
With Pages at DH on Wednesday, Alex Call got the start in center field, his first time at the position this spring.
Call played one inning in center field for the Dodgers after getting acquired last July, and over the last two seasons with the Washington Nationals totaled seven games, four starts, and 46 innings at the position. In his career Call has started 85 games in center, 77 of them coming in 2023.
Up next
The Dodgers wade back into the Cactus League on Thursday with their second trip to Goodyear in three days, this time to face the Cincinnati Reds (12:05 p.m. PT; SportsNet LA, ESPN). Non-roster invitee Cole Irvin gets the start for Los Angeles, in his third outing this spring.
After the switch-hitting middle infielder enjoyed a cup of coffee in the big leagues last season, he’s trying to break camp with the Dodgers and get increased playing time at second base with veteran Tommy Edman expected to be on the injured list as he works his way back from right ankle surgery.
Freeland, who played 29 games with the Dodgers last season, and second-year utility man Hyeseong Kim, who played 71 games and was on the postseason roster, are among those vying for playing time at the start of the season, with veteran Miguel Rojas and and nonroster invite Santiago Espinal also in the mix.
Kim, who started Cactus League games at second base and center field, recently departed for the World Baseball Classic as he competes for Team South Korea, opening a door for Freeland to get more reps in the heart of the Cactus League season.
“Opportunity is present, so I’m trying to make the most of it,” Freeland said. “It sucks that Tommy’s not ready and he won’t be ready for the beginning of the season. He’s a big part of this team, so I wish him a super speedy recovery and I hope that he gets out there as quickly as possible. But yeah, with Hyeseong being gone, I am getting more reps at second and short, so I’m just trying to make the most of them.”
Freeland entered last season as MLB Pipeline’s No. 45 overall prospect. Though he posted a .190/.292/.310 slash line at the big league level, prospect analyst Jim Callis still has high hopes for Freeland.
“Freeland doesn't have a wow tool but he does a lot of things well,” Callis said. “His best attribute is probably his defense at shortstop and versatility to play other positions. He's a switch-hitter who draws a lot of walks and has some sneaky pop. He's just an average runner, but his instincts allow him to play quicker than that.”
As a switch-hitter, Freeland has had more success from the left side than the right. He worked on his swing from both sides of the plate over the offseason and feels he’s in a good place.
"My right-handed hitting could be better,” Freeland said. “I mean, part of my game is walking, so I felt like I wasn’t patient at the right times last year. Sometimes I was too patient, just taking pitches down the middle. Walking is a big part of my game, so I’m looking to walk, and I feel like I’ve done that this spring training.”
Freeland has drawn eight walks in 24 plate appearances in Cactus League play, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been impressed with what he has seen this spring.
"Maturity,” Roberts said. “Playing both sides of the baseball really well. The bat, right-handed looks really good. Lefty is typically his strong side, but I like the right-handed at-bats. Just playing with a lot of real confidence.”
If it weren’t for the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, Callis believes Freeland’s chances at playing time would be better.
“On a lot of teams, Freeland would be getting a chance to compete for the starting shortstop job, but he's blocked on the Dodgers,” Callis said. “He's probably looking at more of a utility role than starting in Los Angeles, and he could be attractive to other clubs in trade talks too.”
Freeland, however, is embracing his role and hopes to earn his stripes. He’s tried to soak up as much as he can from the veteran stars he’s been able to spend time with.
“Miggy Ro has always got something good to say. Muncy, Freddie, I mean they’ve been around so long, they’ve seen so many different things, so it’s like whatever I have a question about, like I can easily go and talk to one of them, and they’ve got an answer for me," Freeland said of Rojas, Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman. "And it’s great to have guys like that in the clubhouse.”
Freeland grew up an Atlanta Braves fan and admired Freeman for years. Freeland never imagined he one day would share a locker room with the nine-time All-Star first baseman, who spent the first 12 years of his career in Atlanta.
“I watched Freddie growing up and Mookie,” Freeland said of Freeman and Betts. “So, I mean, it’s kind of like a full-circle moment, like I watched Freddie a lot when he was with the Braves, coming up, because I lived in Georgia, so like I’d go and watch minor league games and see him in Gwinett.”
Tyler Glasnow makes second spring start
Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow made his second start of Cactus League play, pitching into the third inning of Wednesday's game against Team Mexico. After giving up two hits and striking out three over two scoreless innings, Glasnow gave up an RBI single to Alejandro Kirk, the Toronto Blue Jays catcher, and was lifted with two runners on and two outs in the third after throwing 50 pitches. Both runners came around to score.
"I still feel good," Glasnow said after his outing. "It's not going to be perfect every week. As a whole, everything's lined up and feeling good."
Right-hander Emmet Sheehan made his first appearance of the spring, pitching 1-1/3 innings and giving up one run on three hits and two walks. Left-hander Alex Vesia pitched his fourth perfect inning in as many appearances, recording two strikeouts.
The NHL trade deadline is getting closer with every passing hour before Friday's cutoff. While it looks like Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland won't be very loud between now and the deadline, he may do some tinkering.
Though the Kings are outside of a playoff spot by five points and underperformed all season, they likely won't be aggressive buyers or sellers.
However, two players on the Kings' roster could generate some interest from contending teams, whether Holland makes them available or not.
Right winger Corey Perry and goaltender Darcy Kuemper may be what playoff teams are looking for.
Based on trade rumors and reports, left winger Warren Foegele would be most likely to be traded among players on the Kings' roster. But Perry and Kuemper could fit the bill for what many teams are looking for.
Kuemper is a steady starting goaltender who could shore up any concerns that a team may have between the pipes.
Darcy Kuemper and Corey Perry (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
As for Perry, he is third in all-time playoff games played in NHL history with 237. Sure, he's a 40-year-old veteran, but there is value in that, especially for a younger team. Perry can also be a physical presence and has a scoring touch.
If you put those two together, it could be an enticing trade package, especially for the Montreal Canadiens.
They are a team who have struggled in the crease between Samual Montembeault and Jakub Dobes. Also, they are the second-youngest team in the NHL with an average age of 26.13, according to eliteprospects.com
Nonetheless, it's not just the Canadiens who could be interested in the services of Kuemper and Perry.
While there's been a dip in form from the goaltender, Kuemper is a solid veteran netminder who has won a Stanley Cup before with the Colorado Avalanche.
In 37 games this season, the 35-year-old has registered a 14-12-9 record and posted a 2.68 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. He also recorded two shutouts.
Perry also has a clause in his contract, which is a full no-trade clause. Even though he can't be traded without approval, doesn't mean it's impossible. In fact, NHL insider Frank Seravalli had listed Perry at No. 28 in his latest top 50 trade targets list.
The veteran carries a $2-million cap hit and is a pending UFA.
In 49 contests this year, Perry has scored 11 goals and 28 points, the sixth-highest scorer on the Kings.
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