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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. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

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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.

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What we learned as Webb dominates in Giants' shutout loss to Reds

What we learned as Webb dominates in Giants' shutout loss to Reds originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

BOX SCORE

SAN FRANCISCO — Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

The red-hot Giants, winners of seven straight and sitting atop the star-studded NL West, were riding high entering Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park.

Pretty much everything has clicked for San Francisco early on this season, and typically a dominant outing by Logan Webb would not fall by the wayside, but that wasn’t the case on Monday night as the Giants fell 2-0.

Here are three takeaways from the Giants’ (8-2) loss to the Reds (4-7):

Home Cookin’

Monday’s outing was Webb’s first at Oracle Park this season, and it went just about as expected.

The Giants ace posted a 2.83 ERA in 15 home starts last season, and his 2.83 ERA at Oracle Park since 2021 is tied with Miami Marlins’ Sandy Alcántara for the best in MLB over that span (minimum 250 IP).

Seven scoreless innings was impressive enough, but Webb (ND, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10K) struck out 10 batters for good measure, two shy of his career-high of 12 set on Opening Day in 2023.

One personal goal that has escaped Webb in recent years has been the 200-strikeout milestone. His career high in a season is 194, set in 2023, and if his stuff this season is as filthy as it was on Monday night, he very well could join the 200-inning/200-strikeout club in 2025.

So Nice Lee Did It Twice

It hasn’t taken Jung Hoo Lee long to remind Giants fans of what he can do at the plate and in the field after missing most of his rookie 2024 MLB season.

Not only is his bat heating up, but his defense has been just about as good as anyone’s on the team so far this season, and that includes Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman.

Lee made a nice sliding grab to rob Cincinnati’s TJ Friedl of a hit in the top of the first inning, and then followed it up with a similar sliding catch in the top of the fifth.

After suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in May last season, Lee has shown no hesitation going all out to make plays in the outfield, even up against the center field wall that makes fans hold their breath.

“There’s no fear going back there,” Lee said through interpreter Justin Han on April 5. “The warning track is wide and we have padding. I’ll go [all-out] there at the moment.”

All Good Things Must End

San Francisco’s 8-1 start to the 2025 season was tied with the 2003 team for the second-best start in franchise history since 1901 behind the 1918 Giants’ 9-0 start.

Their success early on this season has been fueled by strong pitching, elite defense and timely hitting. The lineup, collectively, hasn’t put up eye-popping numbers, but they’ve been just about as opportunistic as any team in baseball coming into Monday’s game.

Those clutch two-out hits, like Wilmer Flores’ walk-off in the bottom of the ninth in Sunday’s win, were nowhere to be found Monday. In fact, only two Giants runner reached second base safely (Tyler Fitzgerald in the third, Lee in the ninth) while none reached third.

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Kevin De Bruyne to MLS? + LA Galaxy continue awful run & USWNT continue domination

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement that he will be leaving Manchester City this summer. Could De Bruyne be joining Lionel Messi in MLS? The boys sure think so. Christian and Alexis then break down why the LA Galaxy have had such a bad start to the season just months after winning MLS cup and why it has to do with MLS’ salary cap rules. Later, Christian and Alexis break down the USWNT’s domination of Brazil & Trinity Rodman’s return to the national team that included a great goal and an even better celebration.

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Top fantasy baseball prospects: Zac Veen headed to Colorado, Chase Burns impresses in pro debut

A reminder: This is ONLY players who have Rookie of the Year MLB eligibility, and ONLY a look at potential help for 2025.

That out of the way, here’s a look at the top prospects who can help your fantasy roster this season.

1. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox

2025 stats: 7 G, .167/.375/.500, 2 HR, 1 SB, 8 BB, 11 SO at Triple-A Worcester.

The hits haven't fallen for Anthony since his impressive opening weekend, but he's still shown a quality approach at the plate. A bit of a spoiler alert: Roman Anthony will be at the top of this list until Anthony plays for the Boston Red Sox. There's just too much offensive upside, so even when I/we know that a player is coming up — and we have one this week — he's not going to be usurped from the top spot. He's that good.

2. Zac Veen, OF, Colorado Rockies

2025 stats: 8 G, .387/.472/.677, 1 HR, 1 SB, 4 BB, 6 SO at Triple-A Albuquerque.

It's always nice when we get to cheat. Veen will be joining the Rockies before Tuesday's contest against the Brewers, and there's definitely fantasy intrigue in his profile. He dealt with injuries the past two seasons, but he's a former top-ten pick who has shown the speed and acumen necessary to pile up the stolen bases, and there's above-average power potential in his left-handed bat, too. That power hasn't shown up in games, but, Coors Field. Veen is worth a speculative add in the majority of leagues.

3. Jordan Lawlar, INF, Arizona Diamondbacks

2025 stats: 9 G, .294/.419/.382, 0 HR, 4 SB, 5 BB, 10 SO at Triple-A Reno.

After a tough opening weekend, Lawlar played well in a six-game series against Tacoma (minor-league baseball, baby), and reached at least twice in each game while picking up three extra-base hits. It's worth noting that the Diamondbacks placed Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, and while the Diamondbacks went with Tim Tawa as a replacement, Tawa isn't going to hold Lawlar back. Even if Marte is back soon, Lawlar is talented enough — and then some — to force his way into the lineup.

4. Rhett Lowder, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

2025 stats: Has not pitched -- injured

Lowder was sensational down the stretcher for the Reds after being the sixth-overall pick of the loaded 2023 draft, but unfortunately, the right-hander has not been able to pitch this spring because of elbow soreness in his throwing arm. When healthy, Lower has the ability to miss bats with three pitches, and he pounds the strike zone with well above-average command. Lowder offers risk because he’s a young hurler and because he’s going to make his home starts in Great American Ball Park, but that risk comes with the upside of a pitcher who can help in several categories.

5. Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics

2025 stats: 8 G, .412/.459/.852, 4 HR, 0 SB, 3 BB, 7 SO at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Kurtz has absolutely clobbered Triple-A pitching, and with all due respect to some other names in Triple-A who have a chance to help their teams/fantasy managers, he deserves this final spot. There's double-plus — or 70-grade — power in his left-handed bat, he has an outstanding approach at the plate, and the ball absolutely jumps off his bat. No he can't help in the steals category. Yes the A's might wait until the summer for a promotion. I can't justify not having him on the list. He looked too good at Wake Forest, and has looked too good as a professional.

Around the minors:

Chase Burns was selected second-overall by the Reds in 2024, but didn't pitch last summer. He made his professional debut Tuesday, and he didn't disappoint. He fired four scoreless innings with six strikeouts, and he allowed just one hit against West Michigan. Burne has elite stuff, and there are four pitches that show plus — or better — potential at his disposal. His ability to command those pitches is the only real question mark, but it'd be more surprising if Burns didn't become a top-of-the-rotation starter than if he did.

The Guardians made Travis Bazzana the top pick ahead of Burns, and his first weekend of his 2025 campaign couldn't have gone much better. He picked up hits in 7-of-13 at-bats (.538 average), and he doubled and homered while going 4-for-5 in Saturday's contest for Double-A Akron against Richmond. Bazzana has one of the best hit tools in the minors regardless of levels, and there's above-average power in his left-handed bat as well. He's a high-floor, high-ceiling player, and no one should be surprised if he makes his MLB debut in 2025.

Thomas White has quickly established himself as one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball, and the southpaw showed why in his season debut Friday for Beloit. He worked four innings, struck out seven and didn't allow a run in that outing against South Bend. He did walk three, and command is still a work-in-progress; something that's quite common with 20-year-olds. White offers a double-plus slider, and above-average and change; and he can get his fastball up to 97 mph with life. If the command takes a jump, he could be a fantasy option by the end of 2026.

And finally, Jac Caglianone did this.

That homer had an exit velocity of 116 mph and went 464 feet. Simply put, he has as much — if not more — power potential than any hitting prospect in baseball. If you don't believe me, watch the video again.

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The Wraparound: Is This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers?

Connor Brown and Drew Doughty (Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images)

Welcome to a new episode of The Hockey News Wraparound Show, featuring rapid-fire topics after a historic weekend in the NHL.

Is This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers? by The WraparoundIs This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode:

0:00: Is Alex Ovechkin’s all-time NHL goals record one of the most impressive feats in professional sports?

6:58: Could Nick Suzuki be one of the top centers in the NHL in the near future?

9:30: Does Nick Roberston deserve a spot in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff lineup?

11:32: What is the Nashville Predators’ biggest need at the NHL draft?

15:28: Will Brock Nelson stick with the Colorado Avalanche beyond this season?

17:48: Should the Florida Panthers be resting players already?

19:52: Could this be the year that the Los Angeles Kings take down the Edmonton Oilers?

22:01: Have the St. Louis Blues shifted from being a feel-good story to a playoff threat?

24:30: Could Cale Makar end up hitting 100 points next season?

26:26: Should people think differently about the Buffalo Sabres’ future after the team’s hot streak at the end of the season?

29:34: Could we see Mitch Marner stick with the Toronto Maple Leafs long-term like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

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WATCH: Ceddanne Rafaela makes insane sliding catch vs. Blue Jays

WATCH: Ceddanne Rafaela makes insane sliding catch vs. Blue Jays originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It took only one pitch for the Boston Red Sox to give the Fenway Faithful something to cheer about Monday night.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette belted the first pitch of the game to the warning track in right-center field, but Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela covered 104 feet to rob Bichette of extra bases with an incredible sliding catch.

Watch the play below:

It’s Boston’s second consecutive game with a highlight-reel play from one of their outfielders. In Sunday night’s win over the St. Louis Cardinals, right fielder Wilyer Abreu threw out a runner at third base with an amazing throw.

Between Rafaela, Abreu, and left fielder Jarren Duran, the Red Sox have three Gold Glove-caliber defenders manning their outfield. Abreu won the award after his 2024 rookie campaign.

Rafaela’s ridiculous grab continued a torrid stretch for the 2025 club. The Red Sox entered Monday’s matchup riding a five-game win streak and coming off an 18-run outburst vs. St. Louis.