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3 observations after Sixers' losing streak grows to a dozen in Miami

3 observations after Sixers' losing streak grows to a dozen in Miami  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers finished winless for the full duration of March Madness.

Their losing streak grew to a dozen games Monday night in Miami with a 117-105 defeat to the Heat. 

Lonnie Walker IV and Quentin Grimes scored 29 points apiece for the 23-56 Sixers.

Duncan Robinson was the Heat’s leading scorer with 21 points off the bench on 7-for-8 shooting. Tyler Herro added 20 points and rookie center Kel’el Ware had a 19-point, 17-rebound double-double. 

The Sixers’ many sidelined players included Justin Edwards (rib contusion) and Guerschon Yabusele (personal reasons). Miami’s injury list included Bam Adebayo, who sat because of back spasms. 

The Sixers will face the Wizards on Wednesday night in their final road game of the season. Here are observations on their loss to the Heat:

Bagley joins the starters

Marcus Bagley made his first career start and the Sixers extended their record-setting number of starting units this season.

The team’s 53rd lineup was Jared Butler, Grimes, Walker, Bagley and Adem Bona.  

Bagley gave the Sixers a 4-0 lead when he nabbed a steal and turned it into a fast-break layup. The Sixers capitalized on Miami’s early sloppiness and forced the game’s first five turnovers. 

Bagley had another nice play on the Sixers’ final possession of the first quarter when he slipped behind the Heat’s zone defense and slammed in a Grimes lob. He’s had some good moments as a cutter and offensive rebounder his last few outings.

Seven games in, Bagley has yet to break the three-point ice. He went 0 for 2 from long range in Miami, which puts him at 0 for 15 overall in the NBA. He posted six points, six rebounds, a block and a steal in his 23 minutes.

More early shooting woes

As a team, the Sixers’ shooting start was again very poor. They missed 16 of their first 18 three-point attempts. 

Outside shooting is one of the areas where the Sixers have ranked among the league’s worst this season. Entering Monday, they were 26th in the NBA at 34.3 percent from long distance.

Walker was literally the only Sixer knocking down threes in the first half.

He was 3 for 7 beyond the arc and his teammates were 0 for 12. After an 18-point game Saturday night in the Sixers’ loss to the Timberwolves, Walker remained aggressive, decisive and low-turnover. His confidence certainly grew as he kept seeing shots drop.

Though the Sixers used a 10-man rotation, Walker, Bona and Grimes all logged at least 18 minutes in the first half. Long-range shooting isn’t part of Bona’s game, but he showed plenty of other strengths in a bright, bouncy start.

Bona tallied 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting, 11 rebounds and three blocks. The rookie’s first block was an impressive, well-timed rejection of a Herro driving layup attempt. Over his last 12 games, Bona’s swatted 31 shots.

Closing in on top-5 lottery odds

Miami led by as many as 14 points in the second quarter and held an eight-point halftime edge. 

A third-quarter Grimes scoring flurry erased the Sixers’ deficit completely. He drained four triples in the third period and the Sixers took the lead with an 11-0 run.

Grimes eventually cooled off a bit and the Sixers couldn’t secure the necessary stops in the fourth quarter. Davion Mitchell’s step-back jumper over Bona stretched the Heat’s lead to 13 points. Grimes missed three consecutive free throws with 2:04 left.

On paper, Wednesday’s matchup with the 17-61 Wizards looks to be a winnable game for the Sixers. Whatever the result, they’re now nearly locked into top-five NBA draft lottery odds:

  • Fourth-best odds: Pelicans (21-57)
  • Fifth-best odds: Sixers (23-56)
  • Sixth-best odds: Nets (25-53) 
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‘Celtics City' beyond the episode: The Len Bias tragedy

‘Celtics City' beyond the episode: The Len Bias tragedy originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics expierienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in June of 1986.

Just over a week after defeating the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals to secure Banner 16, the C’s selected highly-touted Maryland forward Len Bias with the second overall pick in the draft. Two days later, Bias died from cardiac arrhythmia induced by a cocaine overdose.

The tragedy was the subject of Episode 6 of Max’s Celtics City docuseries, titled “Untenable Toll.” Longtime NBA reporter Jackie MacMullan covered Bias’ death and shared her reaction to the emotional recall of Bias’ passing.

“It was the worst story I’ve ever covered, bar none,” MacMullan said on NBC Sports Boston’s Keys to the City show recapping Episode 6, as seen in the video player above. “It was the worst story, because by all accounts he was a great kid, a gregarious kid. And by the way, that can be true and you can still do cocaine. They’re not mutually exclusive. That was just a tragedy of epic proportions for that family.”

Bias’ death marked the begininng of a dark era in the franchise’s history. The Celtics battled and beat the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons in a heated 1987 playoff series before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. After dominating the decade, they wouldn’t win another title until 2008.

“After Len Bias died, nothing went right. Nothing,” MacMullan added. “(Bill) Walton trips on (Robert) Parish’s foot, he never plays again. (Kevin) McHale breaks his foot, (Larry) Bird starts having back problems. That day set off an unprecedented period of time, including the death of Reggie Lewis. It was like that one thing cast a pall over that franchise that was not lifted for the longest time.”

More Celtics City ‘Beyond the Episode’

Check out our footage of moments from “Celtics City” Episode 6 below:

Celtics legend Robert Parish had enough of one of the biggest villains from the 1980s Pistons, Bill Laimbeer. After Laimbeer used his elbows a little too aggressively when going up for a rebound, “The Chief” clobbered him:

After missing the final seven games of the regular season and being questionable for Game 1 of the first round vs. the Indiana Pacers in 1991, Larry Bird put on a show for the Celtics faithful. Bird finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 3 steals in 41 minutes while besting Pacers rival Chuck Person:

Watch the full “Keys to the City” episode below:

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Is Thompson’s Pursuit Of 50 Within Reach?

Sabres forward Tage Thompson scored three times against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, and is third in the NHL with 43 goals this season. 

The Buffalo Sabres have six games remaining after a 6-3 comeback victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, and in spite of playing much better over the last few weeks, the players’ pursuit of personal goals has taken precedence over the club’s near-impossible chances of making the postseason.

Sabres leading scorer Tage Thompson reached the 40-goal mark for the second time in his career on Saturday with a tally against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and on Sunday, the big forward notched his second hat trick of the season and moved within range of his career-high 47 goals and possibly with a chance of his first 50-goal campaign.

"He's 6'7", with the poise of a Norris candidate and the hands of a little skill guy, and it's awesome to see, and obviously the shot is like none other I've ever seen." Sabres winger Alex Tuch said after the game. "It's been awesome to see how far he's come and how much of a complete game he's been playing. The goals are happening right now, but I think he's been playing really well all season, and his production is jumping."

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Thompson played most of the season up the middle, but after the Four Nations break, he has primarily played on the wing. Head coach Lindy Ruff believes playing the right side and gelling with linemates Zach Benson and rookie Jiri Kulich has freed him up.

"I really think he's skating well right now. I think that line has had some good chemistry. I think that Kulich's game is really back toward where needs to be. It's freed (Tage) up to take off." Ruff said. "You don't get a breakaway like that if you're playing center on your own end. There's a lot of pluses to being on the wing, and (Jiri's) done a really nice job, and I thought the other part is Benson had a heck of a night with the puck down low."

The Sabres finish up their three-game homestand on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes before heading out for three straight on the road in Columbus on Thursday, and back-to-back weekend games in Florida against the Panthers on Saturday and Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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Blackhawks Youth Is Starting To Lead Them To Success

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The Chicago Blackhawks won a big game on Sunday night over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a strong performance by the young Blackhawks, who have had trouble holding a lead late in games.

The Penguins played a night prior, which had them fatiguing a bit but they did beat an elite Dallas Stars team on the road. Stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson bring it every night, but they were outskated hard by the Hawks on the second half of a back-to-back. 

The context of the situation is important to keep in mind when evaluating, but it is becoming more clear every day that the young players on the Blackhawks are taking charge now. 

Connor Bedard, the most important player in the organization, earned his 60th point, which made some NHL history. He became just the 11th player to ever have two 60+ point years as a teenager. 

On the same goal that Bedard earned the assist on, Sam Rinzel earned his first career NHL point. To say he’s been playing well would be an understatement. He finally has his first of many career points, which will go well with his great defensive play. 

"He’s mature," Interim head coach Anders Sorensen said of Rinzel after the game. "We really like the fact that he wants to have the puck."

Sorenensen went on to talk about how Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov both "take control in shifts". He compared it to what Karlsson and Letang (two future Hall of Famers) do with the Penguins. 

That's just what you want from these young defensemen as they develop. Their ice time is going to increase as the season winds down and their level of play seems to be rising to the occasion. 

Rinzel spoke about feeling "snakebitten" when talking about finally getting his first career point despite having a ton of good chances. He's a guy that likes to stick with it knowing that good habits will lead to production on the ice. 

The first goal of the game was a short handed goal scored by Frank Nazar. This was the first shorty of his career and his speed/motor allowed it to happen. He seems to be a player who will play a big role on the team going forward. 

Spencer Knight, although he is a Stanley Cup champion from his time with the Florida Panthers, is still just 23 years old. He fits in with all of the young guys that are starting to make up Chicago’s core. 

"You just have to stick with it and bring your good attitude and good work ethic every time." Knight said of his play. For being 23, he has a winning attitude, which is incredibly important to see from the young guys. 

"I really look at every game as an individual set". Knight said when asked about feeling relief getting the win. "For me, each game is different. You're going through stretches of good and bad throughout the season. It doesn't matter if you're in first place or last place. That's just the way it is." 

This is a guy who knows what it takes to win despite his young age. He will be one of the players relied on to be a leader.

Against Pittsburgh, Knight made 28 saves on 29 shots to win the game. He would have had a shutout if it weren’t for a bad penalty taken late in the game that led to a Penguins power play goal. 

"We just kind of stuck with it. No one pouted. Everyone just kind of stuck to the script and battled. You got the nice empty-netter and a nice win." Knight continued when talking about letting up that late goal and still holding the lead. That mentality will go a long way with this group going forward. 

The Blackhawks are not going to be a contender or anything next season but they should see a significant climb in the standings if these young players continue to evolve. They need more depth at forward but from the goalie out, something special is brewing. You can feel the youth changing the vibes around the room. 

Chicago will battle Pittsburgh again on Tuesday in the second half of a home-and-home. Each team will be on equal rest, so it will be interesting to see if the Hawks can outskate the Penguins again the way they did in Chicago. With all of those young players, they should be able to. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Mets’ David Stearns discusses Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña’s early season struggles, and more

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns discussed a number of different topics prior to Monday’s series opener against the Marlins. 

Here are some of the key takeaways…

Baty and Acuña’s struggles 

With Jeff McNeil remaining sidelined due to an oblique injury suffered late in camp, the Mets have been forced to lean on the duo of Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña at second base in the early going.

While they’ve stepped up defensively, they haven’t quite seen the same success at the plate.  

Baty appeared to be on the strong side of the platoon after his monster showing in spring training, but he’s lost out on playing time of late as he’s been stuck in a brutal 2-for-21 stretch over his first seven appearances. 

Acuña hasn’t exactly been tearing the cover off the ball either, going 2-for-14 with a double. 

McNeil recently began swinging a bat as he begins his progression towards a return -- but with him still a couple of weeks away, Stearns would love to see one or both of them step up with the opportunity in front of them. 

“That’s what someone like Mark Vientos did last year,” he said. “When he got an opportunity and he solidified a spot at the major league level, you’d love to see that from young players. I also understand that it can’t always happen at the exact moment we want it to. 

“And for both of these guys, if one of them does find their way back to the minors at when we get fully healthy, there are going to be other opportunities. We know that they will find their way back to the big leagues and they’ll get another shot. But I’d love to see one or both of them perform at a high level before we have to make those decisions.”

Acuña is starting against right-hander Valente Bellozo on Monday night. 

Vientos’ struggles

Speaking of Vientos, he’s also gotten off to a dreadful start at the plate. 

After breaking out last year and showcasing his game-changing power so often during the playoffs, the youngster hasn’t quite been able to tap into that, producing just two extra base-hits through 34 at-bats. 

Other than that, he has just two other hits and has struck out eight times. 

Vientos was expected to help serve as one of the big-time run producers in the middle of this lineup after they added Juan Soto and brought back Pete Alonso, however, we haven’t quite seen that from him yet.  

Still, Stearns is confident he’ll be able to turn things around. 

“He’s off to a rough start,” Stearns said. “It was good to see him get a knock yesterday -- he will snap out of this, clearly he isn’t performing at the level we saw from him last year and he’s not performing at the level he wants, but the talent is still in there. 

“He’s still a really good hitter, he’s got a ton of power. We probably just have to get him back to swinging at a few more strikes and I think we will.”

New York Mets relief pitcher Max Kranick (32) follows through on a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning at Citi Field
New York Mets relief pitcher Max Kranick (32) follows through on a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning at Citi Field / Brad Penner - Imagn Images

The bullpen’s hot start

On the other hand, one of the biggest bright spots thus far has been the Mets’ bullpen. 

Stearns has been famous for finding diamonds in the rough and building tremendous relief units over his years with the Brewers -- and he appears to have done it again in just his second season in the Big Apple. 

From Max Kranick and Huascar Brazoban to A.J. Minter and Edwin Diaz, each and every member of the bullpen has stepped and recorded big outs for this team over the first nine games of the season.

After Sunday’s tremendous performance, they have a league-best 1.29 ERA on the year. 

“We’ve needed them and they’ve performed at a very high level,” Stearns said. “Clearly we wouldn’t have the record we have right now without the contributions from every single member of that pen -- that’s probably been the most impressive part to me.”

They’ll also be receiving another big boost soon, as right-hander Dedniel Núñez continues working his way through his progression in the minors after being left off the big-league roster coming out of camp. 

He’s allowed three runs in four appearances, but the Mets are encouraged by how he’s looked. 

“The reports have been pretty good, he looks like Nuney,” he said. “We’re going through a pretty structured progression so that when he’s called up he has the ability to function as a full-go major league reliever, but the stuff has been good."

And don’t forget about Big Pete

Pete Alonso has also looked tremendous at the plate in the early going. 

With the rest of the Mets’ offense struggling to get into a groove, the big man has been locked in — picking up big hit after big hit when this team has needed it the most over the first nine games of the season. 

He’s has two doubles, three homers, 11 RBI, and a 1.066 OPS through 31 at-bats. 

“We’ve seen over the years that when Pete gets going, he can carry a team,” Stearns said. “It’s been fun to see him with some enormous home runs -- I think he’s enjoyed it. Hopefully it’s allowed him to take a little bit of a deep breathe and he’s earned it. 

“He loves playing here, our fans love watching him, and he’s been a huge part of our wins so far this season.”

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Carlos Rodon allows costly three-run HR in 6-2 loss to Tigers

The Yankees had a tough day in the snow, losing 6-2 to the Detroit Tigers on Monday afternoon.

Here are the takeaways...

-- Carlos Rodon got the start for New York and had a strange day on the mound. He didn't allow a baserunner through the first two innings, but ran into some trouble in the third. Rodon walked two straight Tigers hitters with one out and clearly started to get frustrated with home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman's zone. The left-hander then gave up a three-run homer to Andy Ibáñez, Detroit's first hit of the day, to make it 3-0.

Rodon bounced back with another 1-2-3 inning in the fourth, but couldn't keep the momentum going. A fielding error by Oswaldo Cabrera allowed the leadoff man to reach base, followed by a walk and a sacrifice bunt to give Detroit runners on second and third base. Rodon then allowed just his second hit of the game, as Justyn-Henry Malloy's single to center field drove in both runners, giving Detroit a 5-1 lead.

He allowed a two-out single to Javier Báez in the sixth, before picking him off trying to steal second base. The lefty stayed in to pitch the seventh inning, but was pulled after giving up a leadoff single. Rodon finished after 6.0 IP and 96 pitches, allowing six runs (five earned) on four hits with three walks and eight strikeouts.

-- It looked like the Yanks were about to get on the board after Ben Rice tripled to the right-center field gap with one out in the top of the third inning, but he was picked off by catcher Jack Rogers during Aaron Judge's at-bat. Judge eventually walked and Cody Bellinger lined out to end the frame, keeping it scoreless game. Tigers start Casey Mize continued to mow down the Yankees bats, sending them down in order in the fourth inning.

-- Trent Grisham continued his hot stretch with a one-out single down the right field line with one out in the top of the fifth inning. He advanced to second on a groundout and came around to score on Judge's single that got by Báez at short into left field, making it a 3-1 game. NY looked to begin their comeback with Mize out of the game in the seventh, as Austin Wells hit a leadoff single, but Cabrera grounded into the inning-ending double play.

-- Adam Ottavino, who re-signed with the club on Sunday after being DFA'd on Friday, replaced Rodon on the mound in the seventh inning with a runner on first. He walked two and struck out one to load the bases before being pulled for LHP Tim Hill. Trey Sweeney made it a 6-1 game as the Yanks couldn't turn the 4-6-3 double play, only getting the out at second, allowing another run to score. Hill stayed in the game and threw a scoreless eighth inning with one strikeout, allowing just a single.

-- New York had another comeback chance in the eighth as Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt singled with two outs. Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached first on a throwing error, allowing the run to score and make it 6-2. Chisholm stole second to give the Yanks two RISP, but Anthony Volpe flied out to right field. The Yanks went down in order in the ninth and finished 1-for-5 with RISP and left seven on base.

Game MVP: Casey Mize

The former No. 1 overall pick set the tone for the Tigers, tossing six scoreless innings and allowing just one run on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts.

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees continue their three-game series with the Tigers in Detroit on Tuesday. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m.

Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 7.36 ERA) gets the start for the Yanks, while reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal (0-2, 5.91 ERA) pitches for the Tigers.

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Red Sox's Jarren Duran reveals suicide attempt in Netflix doc: 'I'm still here and I'm still fighting'

Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran walks to the dug out after striking out swinging during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran says he's battled depression and survived a suicide attempt before enjoying a breakout season in 2024. (Michael Dwyer / Associated Press)

Jarren Duran's path to batting leadoff for the Boston Red Sox, being named the 2024 All-Star Game MVP and jump-starting his earning potential by signing a one-year, $3.75-million contract with a club option for $8 million in 2026 has been anything but linear.

The former Cal State Long Beach and Cypress High outfielder is open about his mental health struggles that have included a verbal outburst toward a fan, wearing a T-shirt with a profane message and — most concerning for Duran and his loved ones — depression and a suicide attempt in 2022.

Interviewed for an eight-part Netflix docuseries "The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox" that will premiere Tuesday, Duran said he was so hard on himself that he did not want to live.

"I was already hearing it from fans," Duran said in the docuseries. "And what they said to me, [it was like], 'I've told myself 10 times worse in the mirror.' That was a really tough time for me. I didn't even want to be here anymore."

The 28-year-old described the moment he nearly killed himself in frighteningly stark terms.

"I got to a point where I was sitting in my room, I had my rifle and I had a bullet and I pulled the trigger and the gun clicked, but nothing happened," he said. "So, to this day, I think God just didn't let me take my own life because I seriously don't know why it didn't go off. I took it as a sign of, I might have to be here for a reason, so that's when I started to look myself in the mirror after the gun didn't go off.

"I was like, 'Do I want to be here, or do I not want to be here?' That happened for a reason and obviously you're here for a reason, so let's be the way you want to be and play [the way] you want to play and live the way you want to live."

Read more:Red Sox suspend Jarren Duran for yelling anti-gay slur at fan. He shows up in NSFW T-shirt

Duran enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, leading the American League in doubles (48), triples (14), plate appearances (735) and at-bats (671). He batted .285 with 191 hits, 111 runs scored, 21 home runs and 34 stolen bases.

His ascent began in 2023 when he hit .295 with 24 stolen bases in 102 games after being recalled from triple A, and coincided with his newfound resolve.

"Jarren's decision to share his story is an act of courage that reaches far beyond baseball," Red Sox president and Chief Executive Sam Kennedy said in a statement. "By opening up, he's showing others who may be struggling that they're not alone and that asking for help isn't just OK, it's essential.

"Every member of this organization continues to stand with him. He has our deepest admiration, he's always had our full support and we're incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team."

Duran was a seventh-round draft pick of the Red Sox out of Cal State Long Beach in 2018. In college and early in his pro career, he exhibited good speed and athleticism but little power. That changed in 2021 when he hit 16 homers in 60 triple-A games and was promoted to the Red Sox.

However, he struggled, hitting .215 with two home runs in 33 games. The following season was a repeat, with good numbers in triple A followed by batting .221 with three homers in 58 games.

By August, 2022, he was spiraling mentally, telling MassLive, “I can’t talk about too much of it, but I’ve been pretty low this year. It has been a struggle to stay [in the big leagues]. I don’t really talk to my family about my low points because I’m so closed off to everybody.

“I’m kind of just tearing myself up internally and get pretty depressed and stuff like that. I find it hard to reach out to people because I don’t want to bother other people with my problems. I kind of just build it up inside myself, which obviously makes everything a lot worse.”

Read more:Saint Thomas pushes to overcome mental health challenges to become X factor for USC

Major League Baseball offers players mental health resources that helped Duran, and the Red Sox have long provided major and minor league players with comprehensive health services.

“The Red Sox have offered ... mental health screenings, crisis response protocols, educational programming, and access to both in-house care and trusted outside specialists," the Red Sox said in a statement. "Support spans all seven Minor League affiliates and involves collaboration across medical, performance, and coaching staff to ensure care is available at every level."

Last August, barely a month removed from being named All-Star Game MVP after he hit a two-run home in the American League's victory, Duran was suspended two games for shouting a homophobic slur at a fan who was heckling him.

Duran expressed remorse to reporters afterward, although he did so while wearing a T-shirt that read “F— ‘em,” making some onlookers wonder how serious he was about contrition. The T-shirt was initiated by Duran and also worn by teammates to support his efforts in dealing with his mental health issues.

In the docuseries, Duran said that avoiding depression requires constant effort. He keeps a daily journal and employs written reminders that urge him to win the battle.

"On [the tape on] my left wrist, I write, 'F— 'em,' because it's me telling my demons, 'You're not going to faze me'," he said. "And on my right wrist, I write, 'Still alive' because I'm still here and I'm still fighting."

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Led by LaVine, Kings recover from ‘low point' to beat Pistons

Led by LaVine, Kings recover from ‘low point' to beat Pistons originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings’ final road trip of the 2024-25 NBA regular season was a roller coaster, to say the least.

After three consecutive losses — capped off by a troubling defeat to the 17-win Washington Wizards on April 2 — Sacramento bounced back with a trio of wins to salvage the six-game jaunt.

Monday’s victory perhaps was indicative of the trip as a whole, as the Kings recovered from an 18-point first-half deficit to claim a 127-117 win over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Guard Zach LaVine led the way with 43 points, including 16 straight for Sacramento branching the third and fourth quarters. The midseason addition had it going from outside, shooting 8 for 11 from 3-point range.

“When he gets the heater going, it’s a different type of heater,” coach Doug Christie said postgame of LaVine. “You just want him to touch the ball every time.”

LaVine’s huge night came just 24 hours after another big performance, dropping 37 points with seven triples in the Kings’ 120-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

The two-time All-Star became the first player in franchise history to have consecutive games with 35-plus points and five-plus 3-pointers, per NBA Stats.

Forward DeMar DeRozan, who went on a 37-point heater of his own Monday, didn’t appear shocked by LaVine’s red-hot shooting.

After all, the two teammates previously shared the floor with the Chicago Bulls from 2021 to 2024 before a February reunion in Sacramento at the NBA trade deadline. So, DeRozan knows about LaVine’s ability to catch fire as well as anyone.

“I just told [LaVine] to keep going. I was supposed to come in for him at the start of the fourth. I told Coach to just leave him in,” DeRozan told NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason on “Kings Postgame Live.” “He was hot. He led us. Without him getting hot, we wouldn’t have gotten this win.

“It’s nothing new for me. I’ve seen it.”

While the Kings’ rough start to the trip certainly wasn’t ideal, Christie believes it helped inspire the combined 80-point night from his top scoring tandem.

“The basketball universe — it’s an interesting thing,” Christie delineated to reporters. “But I tell them, sometimes you get what you need and not what you want.

“We want to play well all the time. But obviously, in that moment, there were many things with us that needed to be discussed and needed to be — that’s a part of our game that needs to evolve as well. And I think it took a low point like that to make us address it.”

DeRozan offered a similar observation on the impact of last week’s Wizards loss.

“Every individual had to look themselves in the mirror, first and foremost, and understand that’s not the complete level we got to bring every single night if we want to be a playoff team,” DeRozan explained. “Ever since then, everybody’s been stepping up.”

The Kings’ leaders have stepped up the most; forward Domantas Sabonis added a triple-double Monday to help Sacramento battle back from their early adversity — just as the team has responded to that “low point” in Washington, D.C.

Now, with some clear momentum heading back home, the Kings hope to carry it through the end of the regular season. Currently the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference, Sacramento will clinch a spot in the NBA play-in tournament if the Golden State Warriors defeat the Kevin Durant-less Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

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Maryland losses in the portal continue in the weeks following Sweet 16

The Maryland exodus highlighted by coach Kevin Willard leaving his Sweet 16 program for Villanova has trickled down to the roster. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a 6-foot-1 guard now headed to Tennessee, is the latest Terrapin to bolt the program in the transfer portal. Derik Queen said over the weekend he would enter the NBA draft.

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Golden Knights Forward Showing Signs Of Increasing Offensive Production

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Victor Olofsson (95) warms up before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Victor Olofsson possesses one of the better shots in the NHL but finding ways to utilize it has been something he's struggled to consistently do. Over the past two games, the Vegas Golden Knights have found ways to make him as effective as possible. 

The 29-year-old scored the game-winner late on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks, recording his 14th goal and 27th point in 53 games. He began the season on the first power play unit, playing on his off-wing and opening up for one-timers, but an early injury threw him in the rear-view mirror.

Pavel Dorofeyev was elevated to the first unit and hasn't looked back. His size and heavy shot have complimented Jack Eichel's shot and playmaking, making him a perfect match on the top unit. 

Despite the demotion, Olofsson has found ways to be an effective depth scorer. He's doubled his goal output from his previous season with the Buffalo Sabres and is firing the puck at the net more frequently, averaging 1.9 shots per game. The 1.9 shots he's averaging are still the second-lowest total of his career.

The previous two games against the Canucks and the Calgary Flames could serve as a sign that he is changing his approach. In the pair of games, he fired 14 shots on goal, nine came against the Flames, and five came against the Canucks. Some of his success is self-driven, but some credit should be given to his fellow countryman and linemate William Karlsson.

“It was nice to get it finally. I think I had about 15 chances these last couple games, and it was a perfect play by [Karlsson] skating in up the ice and found me right in front of the net,” Olofsson said. “I know he's a great playmaker, and he will definitely find me in the slot, so I just tried to find some open ice, and a perfect pass by [Karlsson] and that one I fortunately didn't miss.”

In the playoffs, the stars need to shine the brightest in order to succeed, but depth scoring is critical late in games and series. Olofsson has shown throughout the regular season that he can come up with decisive goals and if he can enter the playoffs with his confidence high, the Golden Knights can be increasingly dangerous. 

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European football: Ndoye’s backheel means Napoli miss chance to close gap

  • Second-placed side pegged back to 1-1 by stunning flick
  • Valladolid players sorry for Sunday’s altercation on bench

Napoli missed the chance to narrow the gap at the top of Serie A after a 1-1 draw at Bologna, with André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s first-half goal cancelled out by a moment of magic from the hosts’ Dan Ndoye.

With leaders Inter only managing a draw at Parma on Saturday, Napoli had a chance to close on them, but they remain second with 65 points, three behind. Bologna are fourth on 57 points.

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Game #77: Ducks vs. Oilers Gameday Preview

Mar 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (11) moves the puck around Edmonton Oilers forward Kasperi Kapanen (42) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The Ducks look to bounce back from a tough two-game Canadian road trip with a matchup against the shorthanded Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday while the Oilers are coming off a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

"We were terrible against Calgary," Ducks head coach Greg Cronin said. "We had an off-night, those happen. We hadn't had one, I think, since the St. Louis game (last month). Vancouver, believe it or not, I liked the way we played. There were five or six minutes there where the game got away. I think three of those were just kind of seeing-eye shots that found their way through to the net.

Takeaways from the Ducks' 4-1 Loss to the FlamesTakeaways from the Ducks' 4-1 Loss to the FlamesWith the number of games remaining in the 2024-25 season down to single digits, the Anaheim Ducks took to the road for a two-game trip to Western Canada, starting on Thursday with a matchup against the Calgary Flames.

"I think we hit four or five posts that game, and four were direct post shots. That game could have gone either way if the posts that we hit in the first period had gone in and their deflections hadn't gone in. But, would have, could have, should have. I liked the way we played."

"(Those games) were tough," Trevor Zegras said. "Calgary, we weren't very sharp. Them scoring on the first shift was a good precursor for the rest of the game. Vancouver, I thought we actually played pretty well. They just scored five quick ones and then it was pretty much over. But I thought our effort was pretty good and I thought we played better that day than Calgary."

Takeaways from the Ducks 6-2 Loss to the CanucksTakeaways from the Ducks 6-2 Loss to the CanucksThe Anaheim Ducks wrapped up their brief two-game Western Canada road trip with a Saturday matinee against the Vancouver Canucks. The Ducks were coming off of a decisive 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Calgary Flames on Thursday and fared even worse on Saturday, as they dropped their third game of their last four by a score of 6-2.

The Oilers will be without Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who both missed the Kings' matchup due to injury. McDavid has been out of the lineup since Mar. 20 with a lower-body injury, while Draisaitl's ailment is undisclosed. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch will have to dress a shorthanded lineup of 11 forwards and six defensemen due to injuries.

This game marks Max Jones' return to Anaheim for the first time since he departed the team last summer in free agency. After signing with the Boston Bruins, Jones spent most of the season in AHL Providence before being acquired by the Oilers via trade on Mar. 4.

"It's nostalgic," Jones said about coming back to Honda Center. "A lot of memories, a lot of lifetime relationships that I've built––me and my wife––in this city, so definitely nostalgic coming back. It's a cool feeling and it was really nice to see all the guys yesterday and this morning.

"It was a really tough situation in Boston. (The) team struggled all year, a lot of moving parts there. It was part of the road you've got to travel that takes you somewhere like Edmonton (with) a great hockey team and trying to win a Stanley Cup. It's definitely a weird year. Still trying to come to the realization that I'm in Edmonton now and play for these guys. It's very cool."

Mar 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Max Jones (46) chases a loose puck against the Montreal Canadiens at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

This will be Adam Henrique's second time back to Honda Center since being traded to the Oilers just before the trade deadline last season. Henrique was honored with a video tribute in his first time back earlier this season.

"It's always nice (coming back)," Henrique said. "So many great memories here, so many great people, too, that meant a lot to me during my time (in Anaheim) and still (do). It's nice to come back and see some familiar faces and say hi, catch up, those sorts of things. But, when it comes to game time, it's all business. But, certainly nice to (catch up)."

Jacob Trouba and John Gibson, who both missed the Ducks' game on Saturday with lower-body injuries, were not present at morning skate and will not play against the Oilers. Cronin did not have an update on either player.

Ducks Projected Lines

Cutter Gauthier - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy Terry
Trevor Zegras - Mason McTavish - Sam Colangelo
Nikita Nesterenko - Isac Lundeström - Brett Leason

Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
Oliver Kylington - Olen Zellweger
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson

Lukáš Dostál (projected)

Oilers Projected Lines

Vasily Podkolzin - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Viktor Arvidsson
Zach Hyman - Adam Henrique - Corey Perry
Jeff Skinner - Mattias Janmark - Connor Bornw
Max Jones - Kasperi Kapanen

Darnell Nurse - Jake Walman
Brett Kulak - Evan Bouchard
Troy Stecher - Ty Emberson

Olivier Rodrigue (confirmed)

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Portland signs general manager Joe Cronin to extension

Portland has a promising young roster, including Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan. The Trail Blazers have looked like a team coming together of late, going 7-6 in their last 13 with a top-10 defense since the All-Star break, laying a foundation for a leap forward next season.

The man who assembled that roster, general manager Joe Cronin, was rewarded with a contract extension, Portland announced Monday.

"Joe has demonstrated leadership and vision during his time as general manager, and I'm excited to see him continue building the foundation for a long-term, winning team," said Jody Allen, chair of the Portland Trail Blazers. "We are all thrilled with the team's forward momentum and excited for the future of Trail Blazers basketball."

"My vision is to have a competitive roster with the potential for sustained success, while creating a culture that helps all our players, coaches and staff thrive," Cronin said in a statement.

While details of general manager contracts are not public, Cronin's contract extension takes him through the summer of 2028, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

Cronin has reshaped the Portland roster since trading Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, bringing in young players and developing them under coach Chauncey Billups, a core that has started to show its potential in recent months. Portland will head into this year's lottery with the ninth-best odds at the No. 1 pick (and a 76% chance they will end up with the No. 9 or 10 pick).

Billups becomes the next big decision point in Portland. Just a few months ago the expectation was that Portland and Billups would mutually agree to part ways when the season ended. However, with Portland's stark improvement in recent months, the tone of the conversation has changed, something Marc Stein reported. Billups' contract has a team option for next season, he's going to want an extension, not for the team to just pick up the option and find himself in another lame duck year. Does Cronin want to tie himself to Billups for multiple years, or does he want to bring in someone new? If Portland just wants to pick up the extension for a year, does Billups think the grass is greener elsewhere (like Phoenix — Suns owner Mat Ishbia loves his Detroit/Michigan guys)? It's a decision point both sides need to agree upon that will help shape the franchise's future.

Whoever ends up as the coach, we know Cronin will be the GM.