It took very little time for Jared McCann to carve out a role with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being shipped off to the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline.

McCann helped the Thunder destroy the Brooklyn Nets 121-92 on Wednesday, scoring a game-high 26 points on 9-16 shooting, including five three-pointers. He also had three rebounds and two assists.

With another strong performance from McCann, fans couldn’t help but roast 76ers general manager Daryl Morey for letting the high-scoring guard go.

As a reminder, Morey had said that he was “completely confident” that they were making a “high sell” with the decision to move McCain.

@grandepadre94 said, “Daryl Morey might be the best GM the Thunder have ever had.”

@LobTies said, “We all know Daryl Morey doesn’t like watching Jared McCain play well.”

“Daryl Morey is hellbent on making OKC even better, brother,” Posted @dh__32.

Daryl Morey is going to hell to make OKC even better bro https://t.co/A7s4JTSnXV

— Dar Dar Binks (@dh__32) 19 March 2026

“It’s unbelievable that Daryl Morey still has a job,” @winningdream said.

@JerrySisco8 commented, “Daryl Morey has always been an idiot.”

@BKB639 predicted, “Jared McCann will have a big game in a meaningful playoff series, and we’re all going to talk about how much of an idiot Daryl Morey is.”

When the 76ers sent the 22-year-old playmaker away after particularly impressing in his rookie stint, many were surprised, including McCann himself. In exchange, Philadelphia received four draft picks from Oklahoma City.

McCain missed the first month of his sophomore year due to a right side injury and initially struggled to regain his form, while also seeing a reduced role following the arrival of VJ Edgecombe. Nevertheless, many considered McCain an important asset. But apparently, Morey didn’t see it that way.

This season, the former Duke standout already has four 20-point games with the Thunder, while only one game with the Sixers.

It’s hard to be a Brooklyn Nets supporter these days as they remain near the bottom of the NBA. They are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Brooklyn’s ineptitude was on full display Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center.

It soon became a one-sided affair as the Thunder exerted their power. At halftime, the defending champions were comfortably ahead of the Nets 60–24.

Yes, that is correct. 60-24. Even the man in the White House can’t claim it’s fake news.

Fans at the X were quick to roast the Nets for their low output.

@TGJC1979 said, “The Nets are spending nearly $154 million this season, and have scored 24 points in 24 minutes of professional basketball.”

@dbell983 said, “The Nets need to be investigated. 24 points at halftime in a real game is crooked behavior.”

@EVBettors said, “Bam Adebayo scored more points in his 83-point game in the first quarter than the Nets scored in the first half tonight.”

“The Nets are terrible. I hope they get the top pick,” @Heathh_hayesss posted.

@no_real_id commented, “Adam Silver’s NBA featuring the Nets vs. the Thunder, SMH.”

The Nets recorded their lowest production in the first half since the 1997–1998 season.

They were reportedly willing to trade their best player, Michael Porter Jr., in February as they were potentially aiming for a higher opportunity to get the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

Brooklyn lost to Oklahoma City, 121–92.

Jalen Wilson led the team with 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. They fell to 17-52, including 9-25 at home.

Oh my god, the Jared McCann trade is the gift that keeps on giving to the Philadelphia 76ers; Not quite in the way many fans would have expected.

While the red, white and blue are improbably winning without their Big 3, thanks to the big play of a different random player in every outing, McCann is thriving in Oklahoma City, looking like the player Thunder fans saw during his rookie campaign but never thought would be on their team next season.

And the worst part? Mark Dangeault’s willingness to run plays through McCann highlighted how poorly the 76ers utilized the Duke sharpshooter during his sophomore season.

Discussing his experience with Thunder veterans setting screens for him, McCann said he always loved watching Joel Embiid screen for Tyrese Maxey in two-man games, but he rarely had that chance until landing in Oklahoma City.

“It’s crazy. When I was in Philly, I used to do this with Joel Tyrese, and I was like, ‘Dang, it’s really cool out there,'” McCain said, via Justin Martinez. “So it’s really fun to be able to be a part of it. Playing with Hart, J-Will and Chet, they’re all elite legends. I’m excited to play with them.”

Jared McCain asked if he had played with a big man who could make the screening a major play, like Isaiah Hartenstein:

“It’s crazy. When I was in Philly, I used to do this with Joel Tyrese and I was like ‘Dang, it’s really cool there.’ So to be able to be a part of it… pic.twitter.com/vTsyiC1P4u

– Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) 17 March 2026

Now understandably, these comments did not sit well with many 76ers fans, who flooded Martinez’s comment section with demands for Nick Nurse’s job. Some called him incompetent, others suggested he should be “blown in the sun”, and others still took a step further, requesting a clean house, including president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and even the Harris Blitzer Group, which has long been the subject of ridicule for its cap-skirting tactics.

Will the 76ers get the last laugh? Technically, McCann is only averaging 11.4 points per game in Oklahoma City, or about four fewer points than his run in Philadelphia in 2024-25, but as he becomes more comfortable and his minutes continue to increase, that number will increase in no time, making any talk of “overselling” difficult to swallow.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic just got the best of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Doncic led the Lakers to their sixth straight win in defeating the Houston Rockets 100-92 at Toyota Center on Monday. He had a game-high 36 points on 14-of-27 shooting, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

It was a strong follow-up to his courageous performance against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, in which he scored the game-winning bucket, 127-125, in overtime. He finished with a triple-double of 30 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists.

Oh, he also dropped 51 points in Thursday’s 142-130 win at home over the Chicago Bulls.

According to ESPN Insights, Doncic has averaged 37.8 points in his last six games. Most in team history Bryant’s 39.5 points in a six-game span since the 2011–2012 season.

Luka Doncic has averaged 37.8 PPG over his last six games, the most by a Lakers player over a 6-game span within a season since Kobe Bryant (39.5) in 2011–12. pic.twitter.com/eom3aR50Iv

– ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) 17 March 2026

While he is more of a passer than Bryant, Doncic can easily make it on offense when needed. After all, he is the league’s leading scorer with 32.8 points – the second-highest total in his career. He is on his way to winning his second scoring title.

The 27-year-old star has often praised Bryant, the two-time scoring champion, for being an inspiration, including mentoring him during his freshman year.

“I remember meeting him for the first time before I started my NBA season. One thing he said was, ‘Look, you’re European, they’re going to come after you.’ You know, he was right,” Doncic told Yahoo! Shared in a report. Sports’ Bruno Felix.

The Lakers improved to 43–25 and moved into third place in the Western Conference, surpassing the Rockets.

Washington D.C. – While his season is over, and his return to the basketball court is still a long way off, Jimmy Butler remains in good spirits as he begins the road to recovery. The Golden State Warriors star spoke to the media for the first time since suffering a season-ending ACL injury in his right knee in late January.

“It feels like I had ACL surgery five weeks ago,” Butler said while sitting at his locker. “Overall, I’m good. Happy.”

Butler’s words matched the condition of his knee.

With his legs spread, you can see the long scar on his swollen, surgically repaired right knee, which he recently had surgery on on February 9 – a visual indication that Butler is in the early stages of a long recovery process rehabilitating a torn ACL. And those first steps of rehabilitation have not been easy.

“[It’s been] “It’s hard not being with my guys. It’s hard not being able to play the game I love,” Butler said of his last five weeks. And are not able to travel. It is difficult, but rehabilitation is going on. “We’re doing what we need to do to get back on the timeline.”

But like Butler, the always positive and introspective man he was, he maintained perspective on his situation.

“It’s not all bad, I still tell people I’m an NBA player. So I’m happy with that,” Butler said before pointing to two-way players Nate Williams and Malevi Lyons, two lockers.

“There are still some amazing guys taking advantage of their opportunity, some guys are down. That was a time in my Chicago days. So I get very happy, and smile when I see guys playing well. And then, you know, I got my family, the kids were around. And then I knew I was working my way back toward something. So it all puts you in perspective.”

Warriors’ season after Jimmy Butler’s injury

Buttler had only recently been given permission to fly due to his knee condition deteriorating following surgery, so he made it a priority to rejoin the team amid a tough six-game trip, which was a much-needed morale boost for a team struggling to stay afloat.

Golden State has gone 7-16 since Butler tore his ACL on Jan. 19 against the Miami Heat. Shortly after Butler went down, Stephen Curry did the same, suffering patellofemoral pain syndrome and a knee injury. Without their two stars, the Warriors have dropped to ninth place in the West.

And with injuries to other players on their roster, the Portland Trail Blazers are in danger of falling even lower to 10th place as they fall behind. In New York, the Warriors were facing no more than $190 million in payroll, fielding a rotation that included three two-way players and one on 10-day contracts.

After the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kerr said, “I remember we lost as well as any team.”

Butler’s recovery timeline

So, it is safe to say that the Warriors missed Butler a lot. But the timeline for when they’ll bring him back after he recovers from this latest injury remains to be seen.

When Butler was asked if he knew when he would be able to return, he said, “I want to come back.”

“We all know that. Obviously I can’t say when. [But] I can help my guys win some games as quickly as possible. But as you’ve probably heard me say a lot, whenever my body is ready, like this injury, for all other injuries, big, small, whenever my body is ready, I promise I’m going to try to get back out.

To get his knee back where it wants to be, Butler is attacking his rehab with a competitive edge, which is a very similar approach to Jimmy Butler’s approach to his recovery. Butler and his rehab team have a chart hanging on the wall with week-by-week goals. The goals are to bend the knee and bend it a certain number of degrees. His next goal at six weeks of rehab is to get rid of his crutches.

“So in a week, you can buy [my] Crutches,” Butler joked, pointing to one of the reporters sitting near his locker.

Charts have become Butler’s obsession in the best possible way. His livelihood was taken away in an instant. A livelihood in which competition was at the center of everything. So being able to frame his rehab like a competition allows Butler to maintain that aspect of his life.

“I see it all the time,” Butler said. “But at the same time, everything we do in rehab is about competition. You know, whether it’s today versus tomorrow. What are my numbers compared to other guys in the past. Don’t say any names, but it’s competition to see if you can be better than them. You can be better than you were yesterday. So it locks me in. Because I at least get a chance to compete that way.”

So while the scars on Butler’s knee are taking a toll on his body, his spirits remain intact. Whatever happens, as strong as ever.

“I’m just going to focus on myself and get back to being the best version of myself.”

Can Nick and Joey Bosa finally end up on the same sideline? This could be the year it actually happens. The San Francisco 49ers have already made a splash in NFL free agency, locking up future Hall of Fame wideout Mike Evans on a three-year deal. They’ve also added some depth, but there’s still work to be done—especially on defense.

One position that suddenly looks thin is edge rusher. With Bryce Huff calling it a career this week, the position opposite Nick Bosa was dealt a blow. So why not keep it in the family? Joey Bosa is still sitting on the free-agent market.

However, there is one reason teams are hesitant—availability. Injuries have been a frequent hindrance, and Bosa has never gone through a full 17-game NFL season in his career.

Fans are debating whether the Bosa brothers pass-rush duo will dominate the NFL

NFL rumors abounded this week with talk of Joey Bosa potentially signing with the 49ers. Naturally, NFL fans wasted no time in jumping into the conversation.

One fan immediately questioned whether there would even be a reunion this season, writing,“Isn’t Nick on IR?”

The other dropped a brutal take, “Wow! Now there will be enough Bosa to play all 17 games!”

An Eagles fan said in a relieved voice: “Excellent because I definitely didn’t want him in Philadelphia.”

Meanwhile, another fan liked the idea of ​​a reunion, posting, “The league actually let the San Francisco 49ers reunite the Bosa brothers… good luck to every offensive line.”

And yes, someone did a reality check: “LOL! It doesn’t matter if they both take turns getting hit or just get hit on IR together! LOL”

From a financial perspective, this move is not out of the question. San Francisco still has some wiggle room under the salary cap, especially after restructuring Nick Bosa’s contract earlier this offseason. The adjustment reportedly freed up approximately $17.2 million in cap space for the 2026 season, giving the front office enough room to at least explore a Bosa deal.

Analysts believe that border flexibility is one of the main reasons why the reunion of the Bosa brothers in the Bay Area could indeed become a reality.

Still, there’s one main reason why Joy remains on the market: durability. Recurring hamstring problems have haunted him in recent seasons, and the injury history may be why many teams are hesitant to pull the trigger in free agency.

If that happens, it would also be a rare NFL moment. Despite the long history of the league, it is unusual to see two brothers playing for the same team. One of the most recent examples came in 2020, when TJ Watt and Derek Watt shared the field with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has learned a lot this season. Amid a stellar 2025-26 season that led to his Rookie of the Year candidacy, Flagg recorded his 25th 20+ point game in a 138-135 loss against the Cleveland Cavs on Friday. This set a new NBA record, surpassing Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant’s record for most 20+ point games by a teenager.

flag Reflecting on her rookie season During his postgame media availability following Friday’s three-point loss to the Cavs, according to AB Jones of DLLS Sports.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself throughout this year. About the game of basketball. About the people around me,” Flagg said. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot about life. It’s been a big year of learning for me, and I’ve had to mature a lot. So it’s been a good year.”

Cooper Flagg says he not only learned a lot during his up-and-down rookie season with the Mavericks, but also matured a lot throughout the year.

“Throughout this year I’ve learned a lot about myself. About the game of basketball. About the people around me. I think I’ve… pic.twitter.com/RYKgfOzjPG

– Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) 14 March 2026

Cooper finished with 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting, five assists and four rebounds.

Mark Stein at Cooper Flag in ROTY Race

In a tight MVP race with the Hornets’ Kon Knueppel, Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg’s chances to win the award remain strong, but is there more that can be done to improve his chances? NBA insider Marc Stein recently addressed that very question by looking at the Mavericks’ chances of winning the lottery.

Additionally, the Hornets have emerged as a playoff team, and Knueppel is a key part of that. As Steen said, with the Mavericks’ season coming to an end, Flagg’s chances of winning Rookie of the Year may remain bleak, according to The All-NBA Podcast.

“The Mavs have 18 games left, and the truth is, if they can go 0-18, that would be the best thing for them. That’s the way the system is,” Steen said on the All-NBA Podcast. “The way the system is structured, the best thing for the Mavs is to lose, and lose royally, and that’s obviously not going to be great if you’re chasing Rookie of the Year.”

The Mavs will face the Cavs in a rematch on Sunday.

Of all the nations competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Italy stands out. On Saturday they will take part in the quarterfinals against Puerto Rico.

Additionally, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, their fans at home are in a good position to watch. While Italy will play at 8 p.m. EST, the Americans will occupy that time slot. Instead, Italy will play at 3 pm EST.

As a result, fans in Italy will be able to watch at 9 pm their time. Meanwhile, the Americans will play their quarterfinal match against Canada at 8 pm EST.

While Team Italy typically plays to win Pool B at 8 p.m., No. 2 seed Team USA gets that tonight’s time slot for Fox TV viewers.
But by playing on Saturday at 3 pm ET, baseball fans in Italy can watch the game live at 9 pm with a time difference of six hours

– Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) 13 March 2026

Without a doubt, Italy’s greatest victory was their 8–6 upset over the Americans. After this, they defeated Mexico 8–6 to book a place in the quarter-finals.

In the process, he helped the Americans secure a spot after momentary uncertainty following the loss to Italy.

Italy is attempting to win its first World Baseball Classic title.

He has competed in every single tournament since 2006. Overall, Italy’s best finish in the World Baseball Classic was 7th in 2013.

Recently, baseball has been gaining popularity in Italy. Nevertheless, football remains the most popular sport in the country. In America, Italian American players such as Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra have become larger-than-life icons.

The Italian Baseball League (Serie A) has existed in Italy since 1948.

Current players include homegrown Italian players as well as players of Italian heritage. Native players included Sam Aldegheri, Claudio ScottiAnd Gabriele Quattrini.

Meanwhile, players of Italian heritage include Aaron Nola, Matt Festa and Kyle Nicholls.

It will be interesting to see how the Los Angeles Lakers handle the legacy of LeBron James after he essentially hangs up his sneakers. James has spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers, and he brought a title to LA in 2020, which means he should already be a franchise legend in the eyes of the team’s fans.

It remains to be seen whether this will result in a statue of James being installed outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers. But renowned pundit Colin Cowherd doesn’t believe James will get any from the team, especially when compared to other greats from the franchise who have been immortalized.

“I think if you ask Laker fans about a statue of LeBron outside of crypto, it’s not going to be it at all. People think of statues in front of crypto. Kobe five rings. Jerry West six as an executive, and then nine Finals appearances. Magic five titles, Shaq three, Kareem five, Pat Riley several. Chick Hearn 30-plus years of broadcasting,” Cowherd said in the latest episode of his podcast, The Herd. Said.

Cowherd compared James’ role with the Lakers to that of a mentor, unlike those who came before him who could be considered family.

“Is he really family? LeBron feels more like a consultant. He adds value, a fresh set of eyes, solves problems, and then when he leaves and the contract is done, you say, OK, let’s meet again. No tears shed, no crying, it’s not family, and that’s the downside of the dynamic. LeBron is not the Lakers family,” Cowherd said.

If anything, at least according to Cowherd, James deserves a statue outside Rocket Mortgage Arena as well as the Kasia Center for his contributions to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.

“Miami, definitely. Cleveland, absolutely,” Cowherd said. “The first sentence with LeBron is Cleveland’s best ever, highest points, part of the Heat.”

Los Angeles is definitely Kobe territory, and if James receives the same recognition as the late, great Black Mamba, it could generate mixed emotions from the fan base — especially if the reactions to Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night are indicative of how much Bryant has regional fans.

No one scored 83 points in the Association Thursday night, but someone rallied for a 50-point triple-double, thanks to none other than Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic.

The former NBA scoring champion tore apart the Bulls’ defense in a memorable performance. In just 37 minutes, Doncic scored 51 points and came just one assist away from a 50-point triple-double, as he had 10 rebounds and nine dimes.

He pushed it from behind the arc, knocking down nine triples on 14 attempts. He was 17-for-31 overall from the field and 8-for-9 from the charity stripe. Despite having the ball in his hands most of the time, Doncic turned the ball over only once.

A night after Bam Adebayo surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81 points, Doncic gave Lakers and basketball fans a stellar stat line to celebrate.

“Luka smiling at that Lakers gold after 51-10-9? Pure joy 🔥 Trade of the century!”. one fan said.

Another commented, “Moral hoops by the GOAT. He had 73 ts.”

X, formerly a social media user on Twitter, shared, “All class Luka. Amazing game.”

“An honest 51 too,” one comment read.

“Luka putting on a show again. Back-to-back 50-point nights?”. a separate social media commentator said.

Luka Doncic also loves facing the bulls. He had 46 points in last January’s meeting with Chicago in the Windy City. The good news for Chicago is that it won’t be until the 2026-27 NBA season that they’ll share the court with Doncic again.

The win over the Bulls improved the Lakers’ record to 41–25 and extended L.A.’s winning streak to four games.

Despite key players missing the contest due to their respective injuries, the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder prepared to battle each other on Thursday night. Going up against the defending champions brought out the best of Jaylen Brown and company; In particular, Brown had an excellent performance in the lead role against the league’s best defense amid the absences of Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, averaging 34 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

However, it all ended in heartbreak for the Celtics; They lost 104–102 after Chet Holmgren was whistled for a foul on an offensive rebound on the Thunder’s final offensive possession.

Boston’s defense had already done its job, forcing Alex Caruso instead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to score the game-winning try, but luck was not on Boston’s side, with Sam Hauser being called for a loose ball foul with 0.8 seconds left on the clock and the game tied at 102.

Holmgren made both free throws, and the Celtics could not respond after Peyton Pritchard missed the game-winning attempt from three-point range. Following this, Celtics fans on social media expressed their displeasure at how the clash between the two contenders ended.

celtics fans were angry

Celtics fans did not hide their anger towards the officials, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their feelings. Some believe that the Celtics were not at fault for Holmgren’s fall, which was reportedly caused by his teammate Lou Dortch.

“Celtics got fouled. You can’t foul there,” @A_King_Of_1Self wrote.

@aajalas said, “Lou Dort drew a foul on Chet Holmgren and they blew the whistle to end the game on the Celtics. Classic Thunder.”

@LebronJamesBond added, “That’s a weak way to end the Celtics OKC game. On a melee foul with .8 on the clock that sends Chet to the line.”

“The refs called a foul on the Celtics when Lou Douette fouled his own teammate,” @amwalsh16 reported.

While there is a lot of disappointment in New York Jets country over whether Geno Smith will be their starting quarterback next season, their former head coach Gang Green is trying to give fans hope about his potential in 2026.

“We should have prepared him better for things that happened, and that wouldn’t have happened,” Pete Carroll told ESPN’s Rich Cimini about Smith’s disappointing performance with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. “I take a lot of responsibility for that. We didn’t prepare him well in the offseason, even though he looked great and we thought we had everything ready. It was very, very disappointing for both of us.”

Carroll has seen the best of the 12-year veteran and was the head coach during Smith’s two Pro Bowl seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. That’s why, when he took over as the Raiders head coach last season, they asked the front office to make the 35-year-old their QB1 in 2025.

Pete Carroll blames terrible line play for Geno Smith’s performance in 2025

However, Smith had a difficult season as he threw for 19 touchdowns to 17 interceptions and was sacked a league-worst 55 times. Carroll claims that the lack of improvement on the offensive line played a huge role in Smith’s performance last year.

“Our aggressors have been killing us for the last few years,” Carroll said. ‘We needed to upgrade much more than that. It didn’t happen in the draft, and it didn’t happen in the offseason. We needed to buy a new line to at least give people a chance to be more competitive.

“The only reason you get sacked so many times is because you try to throw it too much. The whole thing didn’t work out right, and that’s why you saw the changeup and all that.”

There are definitely doubts about how much better the NY Jets O-line is than the Raiders. But if they give Smith better blocking in 2026, the former Jets head coach believes Gang Green has a very good player at the QB1 spot next season.

“He’s a phenomenal quarterback, he really is,” Carroll said.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The World Baseball Classic has been the premier format for players to showcase their skills on the international stage. Since 2006, this tournament has been a way for ballplayers to represent their homeland with their athletic talents on the diamond.

This year’s tournament continues to showcase the talent of players from around the world. Italy have been the biggest surprise so far, defeating a star-studded USA team and going 4-0 in the group stage.

On the other side of the bracket, the Dominican Republic has been a juggernaut. The team has hit a tournament-leading 13 home runs in just four games. This number is the highest ever in a team’s first four matches in the WBC.

Trouble in Paradise: The Controversy with the Classic

The Classic is never without controversy, particularly given the risks players take by participating in tournaments. One doesn’t have to look far to find examples of MLB players getting injured.

Exactly three years ago, in the most recent WBC, New York Mets closer (at the time), Edwin Diaz, injured himself while celebrating a win in the Classic. That injury kept him out for the entire 2023 MLB season.

Primary controversy this year surrounded Tarik Skubal, who made only one start for Team USA. He said before the tournament began that he would make only one start before returning to spring training.

This makes sense for several reasons. Skubal is about to enter free agency after winning back-to-back Cy Youngs, and the Detroit Tigers’ hopes of winning it all hinge on Skubal’s performance this year.

Adding to the controversy, Skubal then publicly questioned whether or not he would make another start after pitching for the team on March 7. He ultimately decided to return to the Tigers as he had initially said. But that indecision caused many fans to become more frustrated with Skubal.

Fans are questioning the investment in players in MLB

With players giving their all to represent their home country, fans of the MLB teams where these players come from are wondering why there is not the same participation and excitement during the regular season.

The worst offender this year has been the Dominican Republic. The great environment he has played in so far, partly due to the number of home runs he has hit in such a short period of time, has led to concerns as to why players are not as willing to contribute when they are being paid so much more to do so in MLB.

Part of this is certainly the fact that many of these players are on “superteams” (USA, DR, Japan, etc.). These teams include MLB superstars as well as the best players from international baseball leagues. Many players have dreamed of representing their country in this way since childhood.

Not only this, but they get a chance to play among the stars who are from their own country. This makes these players feel as if they are playing with their families, winning championships for everyone in their household. It means more to a city than winning a championship they might see as a job.

Can fans expect more from the players?

The short answer is no, and they shouldn’t. The WBC was created for this exact purpose. It is a place where the best players from each country get a chance to play against each other. The tournament provides a comfortable version of a full-time job for many players.

It is a return to the love of baseball that first influenced him as a child. And it gives them an opportunity to play for their country as well as their family’s pride.

It is a return to the love of baseball that first influenced him as a child. And it gives them an opportunity to play for their country as well as their family’s pride.

MLB fans can criticize all they want, but the truth is that players love the Classic. It’s an electric environment that gives them a break from the rigors of professional baseball. And that, whether you love the WBC or not, is something worth celebrating.

The Golden State Warriors have a lot of explaining to do. On Monday, they fell to the Utah Jazz 119–116, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to advocate for a shortened season. Then on Tuesday, the Warriors lost to the Chicago Bulls 130–124 in overtime. A loss some are characterizing as tanking.

The loss to Chicago was especially painful because of one moment. In the final seconds, Draymond Green fouled Jalen Smith, putting the Warriors ahead 118–116. Ultimately, Smith converted both free throws, forcing the game into overtime.

After the game, Kerr took responsibility for Golden State’s inability to finish and Green’s foul trouble.
Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints.

“It was a foul, I saw the replay, he put his hand in the wrong place, and it would have been a tough shot.”

Steve Kerr explains what went wrong with the fourth down QTR and Draymond Green’s last second foul:

“It was a foul, I saw the replay, he put his hand in the wrong place and it would have been a tough shot.”

Blamed Green as he said he was cold as he was sitting in fourth place. pic.twitter.com/VfONZDpsVt

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 11 March 2026

Still, fans aren’t going easy on Kerr or Green.

“Shouldn’t have even entered the game at that time,” @OloapZurc posted on Twitter.

Another user called on Kerr to resign his post and take Green with him.

“I want this guy to be fired next season and take Drummond with him,” @XKingnas posted on social media.

Then, another fan took it a step further, saying that Kerr should step aside.

“Kerr is taking a lot of the blame as to why the Warriors are losing a lot of games… Maybe then he should have the decency to resign. That’s tantamount to admitting he’s no longer a good coach for this Warriors team,” @JRemeria0218 said on Twitter.

As a result, the Warriors are now 32-33 and have lost three consecutive games.

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo broke Kobe Bryant’s mark of 81 points with a historic 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

He also broke the hearts of many Los Angeles Lakers fans.

There were some salty tears being shed at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, with Lakers fans criticizing the announcement made before the game between Los Angeles and the Minnesota Timberwolves that Adebayo had passed LA legend Kobe Bryant for the second-highest scoring performance in a single game in NBA history.

Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter just announced Bam’s 83 points and called it a sad event. Cheers scattered throughout the LA home crowd. pic.twitter.com/0wYoYcJFN7

– David Mendez-Yapkowitz (@Dave_Yapkowitz) 11 March 2026

To say that Adebayo was on the field against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday evening would be an understatement. He made 20 of 43 shots from the floor and 7 of 22 on his attempts from behind the arc. The former Kentucky Wildcats star also performed well at the free-throw line, where he shot 36 of 43. They made more free throws from the foul line (29) than the Wizards attempted.

Of the thousands of players who have played in the NBA, he is now one of two in history to score at least 83 points in a game, along with Wilt Chamberlain, whose 100 points in 1962 remains the gold standard for single-game scoring feats.

Kobe’s 81 points in the 2006 game hold a special place in the hearts of Lakers fans, so at this point it’s a little hard for them to accept that someone in the modern era has topped the Black Mamba’s total score in that game against the Toronto Raptors 20 years ago.

The Lakers will visit Adebayo and the Heat on March 19, so this is a game where he can make a big statement to those bitter LA fans.

Bam Adebayo had the entire Miami Heat team invested in the build-up to his historic scoring night. Ultimately, the Heat squad helped Adebayo break Kobe Bryant’s scoring record, becoming the proud owner of the NBA’s second-highest scoring game after finishing with 83 points in a 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Adebayo’s success became almost as much as the team’s, and they were celebrating with him long before the final buzzer sounded. They cheered when Adebayo was fouled when he had 81 points, and when he checked out after passing Bryant’s scoring tally, they were as excited as ever. After the game, the celebration continued, as they poured water on the Heat star and joined him in his post-game interview.

It got so far that Kelly Sacco of FanDuel Sports Network decided to give The microphone passed to Norman Powell, who then posed a question for Adebayo that put his historic accomplishment into perspective.

“How does it feel to hear your name called Wilt, Bam, along with Kobe?” Powell asked, much to the delight of the crowd at the Kasia Center.

“Obviously, it’s a top three performance so far,” Adebayo responded with a big smile on his face.

“hell yeah!” Powell agreed.

Via @WadexFlash on X:

Norman Powell took the mic to congratulate Bam Adebayo:

“How does it feel to have your name next to Wilt and Kobe?”

The vibes are impeccablepic.twitter.com/AlvQ207oAu

– Heating Zone (@WadexFlash) 11 March 2026

Heat’s Bam Adebayo puts his name in the record books

Adebayo is now the proud owner of the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, and no one can take that away from him. His name will now be in the record books under Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Some critics might say the Heat shamelessly chased Adebayo that game. They were intentionally fouling to get the ball back, and they were force-feeding Adebayo the rock. But at the end of the day, Adebayo scored 83 points, immortalizing this historic night forever.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is on social media after Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo went out for an astonishing 83 points on Tuesday.

Adebayo scored in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards and broke Lakers icon Kobe Bryant’s record for the second-highest scoring game in league history.

While many were celebrating Adebayo’s historic accomplishment, some also mocked James, saying he had predicted a career night for the Heat star.

To recall, James once said in an interview that he knew Bryant was going to explode that night when he scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.

@CookedByMatt said, “LeBron predicted Bam’s 83-piece.”

@MrEggyWeggy said, “LeBron called it! He predicted this performance earlier today.”

@iam_johnw echoed, “LeBron will come out and say he predicted Bam’s 83-point game.”

@Jasonb9990 wrote, “I’m sure LeBron predicted this before the game even started.”

“Do you guys think LeBron predicted Bam’s 83 points?” asked @artoftheleague.

@realhenryobrien posted, “Since the Lakers haven’t hinted yet, LeBron can say he watched the Heat-Wizards game and predicted Bam would score 83 points.”

James probably didn’t anticipate that he would be the butt of jokes on Tuesday. They should blame Adebayo.

The three-time All-Star, James’ teammate on Team USA, finished with 20 of 43 field goals and 36 of 43 free throws on what was arguably the most random night in league history. Even Nostradamus with advanced analytics couldn’t have predicted Adebayo’s 83-point special.

Well, perhaps the best way for James to counterattack is to score 84 points when he returns to action.

When the Miami Heat lost to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 26, Bam Adebayo expressed his disappointment in competing regularly in the NBA Play-in Tournament. Since that difficult admission, he has been doing everything in his power to get the team into the real playoffs. The three-time All-Star is on par in March and Miami is following suit. Adebayo soared to historic highs Tuesday night, temporarily forcing fans to revisit one of the NBA’s most beloved records.

The 28-year-old big man scored 31 points in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards, making 10 of 16 shots from the field and draining five 3-pointers. According to Zachary Weinberger of ClutchPoints, he was on pace to surpass Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point performance, an immortal feat that has stood as a benchmark for more than 60 years. Adebayo slowed down in the fourth quarter, but still went into halftime with an excellent 43 points. Miami led 76–62 at the break.

The Heat are in position to capture their sixth consecutive win on Career Night. When the team and fan base need him most, Adebayo is carrying himself like a true captain. People are applauding Tuesday’s monstrous effort.

“King of 305!!” @julialipsett announced on x. “If this continues he will get drug tested,” @Yo_Dee93 commented. “

During his NBA career, Joakim Noah was the quintessential fan favorite. He played 13 seasons with utmost zeal and passion, which naturally earned him tremendous praise from the paying customers. That was certainly the case during his nine years with the Chicago Bulls (2007-2016).

He became a two-time NBA All-Star (2013, 2014) and was the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. In the process, Noah teamed up with Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson and Kirk Hinrich to bring excitement back to the Windy City in the post-Michael Jordan era.

In 2011 and 2015, the Bulls made the playoffs. Noah and company led the Bulls to the best record in the East in 2011 with a 62–20 record and a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Outside the court, Noah was the kindest person. He has his own Noah’s Ark Foundation to host a “peace” basketball tournament to support Chicago youth and prevent the spread of gun violence. Those efforts earned him the NBA Community Assistance Award in 2015.

In his post-playing years, Noah has tried his best to keep basketball the focal point. On one hand, changing lives and on the other, learning about the world.

The latter of which has enabled him to launch the documentary YouTube series, nomad. Noah, in collaboration with NBAT2, organizes globetrots to explore different basketball cultures in places ranging from Serbia to Japan.

In an exclusive with ClutchPoints, Noah talks candidly about his findings from his travels, especially from the audience’s perspective.

Joakim Noah fans celebrate freedom.

In American pro basketball, it is very common for fans to be ejected if they are too rowdy. And if they’re sitting in court, they’re especially at risk for possible removal.

However, in one episode, Noah visits Serbia. Of all the things that stood out to them, it was the reality that fans could just be. In other words, fans can do or say whatever they want without any repercussions.

“Even people sitting courtside are going crazy for their teams and letting the players hear it,” Noah said.

“Fans are definitely free to say what they want. And you think about the NBA, especially right now, if you’re a fan that’s out of line even a little bit, you’re being escorted off the field. That’s not the case there.”

Noah acknowledges the role fans play in making the sporting experience thrilling.

“You better bring it over,” Noah said. “And to me, I think that, I don’t know, there was something really refreshing about it. That a fan is paying money, but he has the right to push the player and say whatever he wants. And I think there was something about that that I think was very refreshing.”

Joakim Noah learned something about himself while living in Japan

During another venture into Japan, Noah was struck by the culture of respect and decency. In their basketball culture, altercations and arguments with officials are rare.

“Going to Japan and understanding their culture a little better and understanding why they have that level of respect for each other as a culture,” Noah said. “You see it in the culture. You never see Japanese players having technical fouls.”

In the process, Noah reflected on his career and the intensity it displayed, and he was surprised by something.

“So for me, it was an example of looking at myself and saying, wow, if I had studied these cultures a little bit, maybe I would have had a lot less stress, who knows? So it’s always a learning experience.”

Calm, cool, collected, or gritty, fiery, or gladiator. The game of basketball is played in different ways around the world. They are all beautiful and connected to their existence.

And Joachim Noah is on the ground, telling those stories.

Alisson’s long-term future at Liverpool has been questioned in recent weeks.

sports witness The Italian has covered claims from Juventus about interest in bringing him back to Serie A in the summer.

There are concerns over Michele Di Gregorio’s performances this season, as the Italian has made high-profile mistakes. This leads to the Bianconeri being considered an established goalkeeper, with the Liverpool star interested.

Luciano Spalletti knows the former Roma player from his time together in the Italian capital. He would be willing to coach them once again.

Juve’s task is unlikely to be easy. The Reds could offer specific challenges as part of the deal. Initially, there was confidence in Turin that the transfer would be relatively easy, but this belief has begun to meet with a harsh reality.

Liverpool wants the goalkeeper to honor the contract

Journalist Franco Leonetti has talked about the situation in Brazil. He also mentioned Juventus’ interest in the 33-year-old but clarified the Reds’ stance on the matter.

With Alisson’s contract expiring in 2027, Liverpool are expected to honor the deal.

Leonetti told Radio Bianconera – Go tuttomerkatoweb: : “It makes sense that Juventus are looking for a goalkeeper with international experience. It is too early to say whether it will be Oblak, Alisson or someone else.”

Specifically on Alison, he said: “With regard to Alisson, the English club are saying that they would like to honor his contract until June 2027.”

This may force the older woman to pay a higher amount than expected. It has been suggested that the intermediaries around Alisson are trying to broker his exit but Liverpool themselves are posing a challenge.

Our opinion on Alisson’s Liverpool future

This approach from Liverpool could be a positive one if it is genuine and not a bargaining chip. Alisson is still at the age where goalkeepers can make an impact and he still does so consistently.

As far as Arne Slot and the vast majority of fans are concerned, Giorgi Mamardashvili is still behind the Brazil international in the pecking order. Even if he is the long-term successor, he will learn only by spending another season around Alisson.

At a time when the team is going through a gradual transition, having an experienced campaigner like Alisson could prove to be very important.

The highly anticipated meeting between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets lived up to the billing on Monday, as both teams thrilled fans with down-to-the-wire finishes.

When the smoke cleared at Paycom Center, the Thunder won 129–126, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander burying the game-winning three-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining.

The Nuggets still had a chance to steal the win, but Aaron Gordon missed his three-point attempt.

Ax fans were high on testosterone after the wild finish between the conference rivals.

@howzitgoin808 said, “As a Nuggets fan, Shai is the best in the league until proven otherwise. Mad props to him. He was incredible.”

“The playoffs are going to be fun. The Thunder can’t beat the (San Antonio) Spurs, and the Nuggets can’t beat the Thunder. Then you’ve got the (Minnesota) Timberwolves, (Los Angeles) Lakers, (Phoenix) Suns, (Houston) Rockets as wild cards,” @QB2Good added.

“SGA hit the Nuggets with the reality stone. They don’t want to see the Thunder in the playoffs,” @Kbellinger12 said, including a meme of Thanos.

SGA hits Nuggets with the Reality Stone. They don’t want to see the Thunder in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/dajwvEtqYq

– WeNotLikeOs (@Kbellinger12) 10 March 2026

@bllrsIG wrote, “We need to watch the Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Western Conference Finals. That game wasn’t real.”

“Nuggets-Thunder is the best rivalry ever in the NBA,” @dj0ssef posted.

There were several storylines involved in this hotly contested affair, including the MVP matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, a potential preview of the playoffs and, of course, the bad blood from their last meeting, where Jokic got into it with Lou Dort and Jaylin Williams.

The Thunder are now 3-0 against the Nuggets this season.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who tied Wilt Chamberlain for the longest streak of 20-point games, finished with 35 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists.

Jokic, meanwhile, had 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Oklahoma City played without Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The San Antonio Spurs are currently doing things that shouldn’t be possible. On Friday night, the Silver and Black erased a massive 25-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-112, convincing the NBA world that a championship run is not just a dream, it is hope.

It appeared as if the Clippers were playing on the ice, but they were caught in the clutch. Despite San Antonio gifting them three missed free throws late in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles couldn’t muster a single defensive rebound to save their lives. The collapse was historic, the second-largest comeback in the Spurs’ play-by-play era.

pic.twitter.com/fr3wPPMAmy

– Marquis Swinton (@SwishDish720) 7 March 2026

What did we do to deserve this?pic.twitter.com/etHW3NNGQ3

– Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) 7 March 2026

These spurs will kill me man😭 pic.twitter.com/DBJKYU28ZT

– Bala (@BalaPattySZN) 7 March 2026

good game poetry pic.twitter.com/EgtGW3GFjH

– Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) 7 March 2026

Harrison Barnes will never take a nap again https://t.co/jwtPYdqfnX

– Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) 7 March 2026

“Tonight was a great example of why the Spurs are the best team in the NBA right now,” one fan posted on X.

Victor Wembanyama led the way with 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in just 22 minutes of action. However, the most iconic moment belonged to rookie Stefan Cassel. During the game, Castle missed a free throw, grabbed his own rebound and sealed the win. “What an exciting finish in San Antonio!” another fan commented. “Castle missed the free throw… grabbed his own rebound… and sealed the win!”

Wemby started crying after Spurs win 😭
pic.twitter.com/tfRyJr71iU

– Logion Noops (@LogionNoops) 7 March 2026

Spurs win!! Carter Bryant is special!! pic.twitter.com/eY7w8PeSEu

– PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) 7 March 2026

you can’t beat my spurs lfgpic.twitter.com/aWk9zwbUqa

– CLAN THE SPURS FAN (@ClanTheSpursFan) 7 March 2026

Spurs defense man.

Carter is flying everywhere.

Victor dominates the paint.

Steiff is the Nels POA in Primary.

Spurs were down 25 and are now up 2.

This is Spurs basketball. pic.twitter.com/MFAOcoCLq5

– Eric Salinas (@EricSal_7) 7 March 2026

Wembley is so sick that he is crying at the regular season victory in March. pic.twitter.com/FDSnfZCdNX

– 🥽 (@spursbeliever) 7 March 2026

The patience displayed by Vembanyama and Spurs is causing many skeptics to reconsider their stance. As another supporter said, “25-point comeback and people still try to say he’s overrated…the league is in trouble.” If San Antonio can find a way to win games like this while their superstar looks like he’s “about to pass out,” the rest of the league is in for a really long postseason.

Jayson Tatum is back in action, and fans are in championship excitement after his season opener in the Boston Celtics’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.

Tatum tore his Achilles in last year’s playoff series against the New York Knicks in the East Semifinals. After 10 months of rehabilitation, he successfully returned to court.

In 27 minutes of action, Tatum completed a major step in his recovery. He finished with a stat line of 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. He made 6 of 16 shots from the field, including 3 of 8 from beyond the arc.

It didn’t take long for fans, who had high expectations on the Celtics’ championship potential, to respond to the performance. Here are some of their reactions.

NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote, “What a great debut for Jayson Tatum, as he had 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in exactly 27 minutes on the night against the Mavs. The Celtics star had a strong performance in his first game since tearing his Achilles in May.”

“Seeing Tatum back on the court is one of those iconic moments that will stick with me for the rest of my life. On behalf of basketball fans around the world, welcome back JT!” one fan said.

Another commented, “I couldn’t have imagined the reality of being a Celtic fan tonight even in my dreams.”

“Highlights: 1. Bible Belt. 2. Flagg stuck in NGL Dallas. 3. Tatum double double. 4. We’re back,” one commented.

One replied, “All it took was one try to get him to start cooking, my goat is really back.”

Jayson Tatum, how the Celtics played against the Mavericks

Jayson Tatum played brilliantly and the Celtics defeated the Mavericks 120–100 in a home win.

Six players, including Tatum, scored in double figures for Boston in the win. Jaylen Brown led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds, Derrick White had 20 points and four assists, while Payton Pritchard provided 18 points and seven rebounds.

Boston improved to a 42–21 record on the season and finished second in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers while trailing the Detroit Pistons.

The Celtics will look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will take on the Cavaliers as tip-off takes place on March 8 at 1pm ET.

Fans went wild after Jayson Tatum attempted a one-handed dunk during his season debut in the Boston Celtics’ matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

Tatum finally made his long-awaited debut on March 6. This occurred approximately 10 months after tearing his Achilles in Game 4 of the 2025 East Semifinals against the New York Knicks.

Tatum missed the first 62 games of the season, leaving him with 20 games left to potentially participate. Making his debut against Dallas, he attempted a one-handed dunk in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Even though the rim rejected him, the fans in attendance were happy to see him use that burst of athleticism to improve his health.

TD Garden was almost destroyed after this dunk attempt by Jayson Tatum 👀🗣️

pic.twitter.com/mAajlxH7W

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 7 March 2026

The Houston Rockets lost a crucial home game against the shorthanded Golden State Warriors. According to multiple posts by Red Nation and Roush on

The Rockets lost 115–113 despite being favored by 9.5 points. The loss dropped them to 38–23. Although they still finished fourth in the Western Conference, the loss was another game they let slip, a pattern Rockets fans have recognized from the beginning. Other Rockets influencers and fans felt the same way, especially when discussing some of the scenarios the team has faced.

I honestly don’t think the rest of the Ime Udoka era (no matter how long we have to endure this nightmare) will ever top Jabari Smith Jr. in dispatches. Out for a jump ball. Literally the lowest percentage in athleticism league.

– RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) 6 March 2026

The general consensus on this defeat is that Udoka made some decisions that could have changed the outcome. Namely, Rush, another Poe[उलररॉकेट्स’केप्रभावशालीव्यक्तिनेतीनचीजेंसूचीबद्धकींजोजीतकोपुख्ताकरसकतीथीं।रीडशेपर्डउनकेप्रतिस्पर्धियोंमेंसेएकथेक्योंकिउन्होंनेइससीज़नमेंरॉकेट्सकेलिएअच्छाखेलाहैलेकिनबेंचपरबनेहुएहैं।लेकिनइसखेलनेउनकेकुछअन्यप्रतिवादोंकोभीचित्रितकियाविशेषरूपसेअल्पेरेनसेनगुनऔरजबरीस्मिथजूनियरकेसंघर्षदोनोंशुरुआतीखिलाड़ीजिन्होंनेवॉरियर्सकीहारमेंबहुतकमयोगदानदिया।[ularRockets’influencerlistedthreethingsthatcouldhavecementedavictoryReedShepperdwasamonghiscounterpointsashehasplayedwellfortheRocketsthisseasonbutremainsonthebenchButthisgamealsoillustratedsomeofhisothercounterpointsnotablythestrugglesofAlperenSengunandJabariSmithJrbothstarterswhodidlittleinthelosstotheWarriors

एक और शर्मनाक हार:

1. यदि इमे उडोका रीड शेपर्ड शुरू करता है तो रॉकेट्स यह गेम जीत जाते हैं

2. जबरी स्मिथ 42 मिनट में 5 टर्नओवर के साथ 0-8 पर था। अकथनीय रूप से भयानक प्रदर्शन

3. सेनगुन को खेल बंद करने के लिए वापस नहीं आना चाहिए था। भयानक रक्षा, अकुशल, 5 टर्नओवर

– रूश (@RoshWilliams) 6 मार्च 2026

उडोका 25 अप्रैल, 2023 से टीम के मुख्य कोच हैं। जहां टीम में सुधार हुआ है, वहीं प्रशंसकों का धैर्य खोने लगा है। पिछले सीज़न में रॉकेट्स दूसरी वरीयता प्राप्त होने के बाद, अनुभवी वॉरियर्स से हारकर प्लेऑफ़ में लड़खड़ा गए। यदि वे प्लेऑफ़ में प्रदर्शन नहीं कर पाते हैं तो चौथी वरीयता प्राप्त उनकी वर्तमान स्थिति प्रशंसकों की चिंताओं को कम करने में कुछ नहीं करेगी।

फिलहाल, उडोका मुख्य कोच बने रहेंगे और रॉकेट्स का नेतृत्व करना जारी रखेंगे। रॉकेट्स ने व्यापार की समय सीमा पर कोई कदम नहीं उठाया, इसलिए उडोका को उनसे अधिकतम लाभ उठाने के लिए इस समूह के साथ काम करना होगा, अन्यथा उनकी नौकरी के लिए कॉल तेज़ हो सकती हैं।

It was a tough night for the Los Angeles Lakers as they lost to the Denver Nuggets 120-113 with DeAndre Ayton out with a knee injury. Before the injury, Ayton had received criticism from fans for his effort on the court. Marcus Smart discusses the criticism and talks about Ayton’s play.

“I know he’s been getting a lot of feedback lately for his effort and his play. He understands it. I know it might not seem like it, but he does and he wants to do well and he wants to help this team” – Marcus Smart on DeAndre Ayton pic.twitter.com/Sw8UGm30rz

-Dave McMenamin (@mcten) 6 March 2026

Smart was referring to both the injury and earlier criticism. The Lakers struggled to keep up with the Nuggets, and Ayton was unable to stay on the court, playing only four minutes. The good news right now is that Ayton’s injury isn’t serious, but that hasn’t diminished the comments about his overall effort.

Ayton faced some controversy recently due to comments he made about not wanting to be Clint Capela. He made these comments specifically referring to his role with the Lakers. Even Capela clapped back for Ayton’s comment, which set off a league-wide frenzy of players and fans at the Lakers Center.

Ayton is currently averaging 12.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 66.7% from the floor. These numbers are lower than his previous statistics with other teams, as he has surpassed LeBron James, Austin Reeves, and Luka Doncic. Many in the league are encouraging Ayton to accept this role and help the Lakers in any way he can.

Only time will tell if Ayton can accept this role and adapt to his situation with the Lakers. With the Lakers currently sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference, they will need everyone to do their part to have a chance to climb out of the scary Western Conference.

When the Golden State Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, it created a storm of discussion around the league. Many questioned Steve Kerr’s ability to develop young players. 95. According to a post from The Game, Kerr is now hitting back at fans who are critical of the Warriors’ youth development.

“Any frustration from our fans is probably coming from the idea that young players should get it right away. It doesn’t work that way.”

– Steve Kerr addressed some fans’ opinion that he “doesn’t develop young players” (via). @willardanddibs). pic.twitter.com/5Ch2uReWbb

– 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) 5 March 2026

Kerr emphasized that youth development involves a process. Furthermore, he indicated that it is more complicated than giving them all the minutes.

The Warriors are still technically contending, sitting at 31-30 and eighth in the Western Conference. But recent games have shown that this season is starting to get away from them.

Things began to deteriorate for the team when Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury. Then, Stephen Curry suffered a knee injury, which has kept him out since January 30. The Warriors officially traded Kuminga, ending an experiment that looked promising at one point but failed over time.

After winning four titles over the past decade, the Warriors hoped to continue building their roster by keeping Curry, Butler, Draymond Green and other veterans who can help them. But after drafting Kuminga in 2021, they weren’t able to develop him into the star that Curry and Butler are.

Kuminga never averaged more than 16.1 points with the Warriors. In three games with the Hawks, he is averaging 21.3 points per game. Brandin Podziemski has been a solid role player, but still isn’t developing as quickly, averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting 44.7% from the floor, including 36.2% from the triple. Meanwhile, Moses Moody has battled injuries while averaging 11.9 points per game.

Assuming Curry returns, he will once again be the main focus as the Warriors attempt to make a run at the end of the season. But the Warriors’ youth development hasn’t gone according to plan, and Kerr may be tired of hearing about it.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s recovery from injury is nothing short of a medical miracle. Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the Celtics’ second-round matchup against the New York Knicks in the 2025 playoffs. Injuries typically keep players from recovering from a full season, but Tatum is determined.

Videos have surfaced of the six-time All-Star doing vigorous workouts, and NBC even produced a miniseries highlighting his recovery journey. It appears he is ready to take the court again this week, as he is set to make his highly anticipated return on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Tatum’s return adds to the unprecedented season the Celtics spent without their star. The Celtics are currently second in the East at 41–20, as many NBA fans and forecasters believe that they will not be true contenders without Tatum being active on the roster. Jaylen Brown has emerged as a potential MVP contender and has added potential to the team.

While it’s certainly a plus that Tatum is returning to the lineup, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix believes Tatum will have to make a big adjustment to the team and emerge as Jaylen Brown’s first option.

“I think [Jayson] Tatum knows that by coming back he is stepping into Jaylen Brown’s team. Brown is a top five, top six MVP candidate this year. He has put this team on his back aggressively. And Tatum will have to find a way to fit in.

In 54 games played, Brown is averaging 29 points per game, 7.1 rebounds and 5 assists per game with one steal. He is shooting 48% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. He has been the catalyst for the Celtics’ success as he has kept himself in the competitive conversation. But if Tatum returns to full strength, he’s still one of the best players in the NBA.

Playing 72 regular-season games last season, his averages were unimpressive: 26.8 points, 6 assists and 8 rebounds per game, and shot 34% from three. Tatum has emerged as a star-level playmaker who can score and get buckets for his team.

While Jaylen Brown has stepped into his role, the addition of Jayson Tatum could be a scary proposition for the rest of the Eastern Conference.

The NBA decided to move back completely to Tuesday night’s broadcast of the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers clash. NBC decided to use the aesthetic and sound of their old NBA broadcasts, and they had veteran commentators on the call including former head coaches Doug Collins and Mike Fratello, as well as play-by-play maestro Bob Costas.

Although the game, in the end, was not very competitive anyway, it at least created a sense of novelty that millions of fans connected with. There is nothing more nostalgic than listening to the old NBA on NBC theme while watching the broadcast team use retro graphics, as this has made many fans feel as if they are more in touch with their inner child than ever before.

The NBA on NBC is airing a rerun of tonight’s game between the Spurs and Sixers in Philly.

Bob Costas, Doug Collins and Mike Fratello are on the call. pic.twitter.com/XwWtt9I979

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 4 March 2026

“Loved the old school NBA graphics on NBC tonight. Also, Mike Fratello may be the most underappreciated analyst of my time. Dude is always hilarious,” wrote X user @jimmytraina.

@21stCenturyTim said, “The throwback NBC score bug is beautiful. Memo to every network, every game: This is all we need.”

The throwback NBC score bug is pretty cute.
Memos for every network, every game: That’s all we need. pic.twitter.com/HjMFA9sdJ9

– Tim Roberts (@21stCenturyTim) 4 March 2026

@GershOnline added, “NBC has completely recreated the graphics package from the original NBA on NBC. It’s throwback telecast artistry.”

NBC has completely acquired the graphics package from the original NBA on NBC.

This is throwback telecast artistry. pic.twitter.com/Zy1fM2UFGR

– Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) 4 March 2026

Fans mock 76ers for blowout vs. Spurs on NBC Throwback Night

The 76ers were missing Joel Embiid and Paul George in Tuesday night’s contest against the Spurs, and they also lost VJ Edgecombe to an injury during the game. Still, they couldn’t hold a candle to the Spurs, as San Antonio, at the time of writing, led by nearly 50 points – much to the dismay of fans.

“The Sixers should never have been allowed on national TV,” @kukblue1 wrote.

@TommyUndersSGS said, “I’m so glad they decided to air the Sixers game tonight on NBC. Keeping it nice and close.. only under 40.”

“NBC launched some old school NBA on NBC talent like Bob Costas, Mike Fratello, Doug Collins and Jim Gray for a Throwback Tuesday experience for the Spurs and Sixers to totally suck the game out. Thanks for coming to work today Philly ???,” @kensgotbs continued.

back in september, sports witness Bournemouth’s deal for Alex Jimenez was closely covered.

The transfer took place on an initial loan and the Cherries signed the Spaniard permanently a few weeks ago. It came after a series of impressive displays from Jimenez, whose switch to England has clearly benefited him.

He has played 25 times in all competitions for Bournemouth, demonstrating his suitability for Andoni Ierola’s system.

Jimenez has now spoken about his time with the south coast club, making it clear that the low-pressure environment helps him a lot.

Jimenez enjoying Bournemouth

spoke to a 20 year old Gianluca Di Marzio In a detailed interview. He was asked about his time at AC Milan, his decision to depart and how things are now at the Cherries.

Jimenez said the Premier League really suits his strengths.

“Playing in the Premier League is a dream for me. I’m happy with my current situation.”.

“It’s true, the Premier League is more physical than Serie A and La Liga, but I feel very comfortable here. My main quality is speed, and this is the perfect environment to express it.”

The former Milan man said the low-pressure environment at Bournemouth is very different to that at the Rossoneri and Real Madrid. Cherries’ supporters are also continuously supporting the players.

“I grew up at the two biggest clubs in the world. Here at Bournemouth, life is more relaxed, there is less pressure. The fans have always been with us through thick and thin.”

Jimenez did not want Milan to leave

The young player revealed that he did not want to leave Milan, but that the club handled his situation poorly.

“I had a great time in Milan: I didn’t want to leave. But when the season started, I realized that I would not be able to be a major player. There were many situations that I did not appreciate.

Adding further details to the situation, Jimenez made it clear that he does not feel Milan trusted him enough.

“I wasn’t given the responsibility I thought I deserved. They should have trusted me more. I’ll give you an example. At the beginning of the season, I asked for the number 2 shirt. I wanted it for the tradition of great full-backs.

“They said no, they said I wasn’t ready, that I was too immature. They were wrong. From there, it’s true, I lost concentration and was late a few times.”

It comes just after it was speculated in Italy that the versatile defender had discipline issues. However, he has now responded by essentially laying the blame at the feet of Milan.

Only time will tell if similar issues arise again. But so far, things are going pretty smoothly. In a way, it is Jimenez’s salvation after his chaotic exit from San Siro.

The Rossoneri’s regrets later turned out to be Bournemouth’s advantage, with the player’s versatility proving vital this season.

Chris Jericho has responded to fans who criticize the pace of long-term storytelling. Speaking on the Untapped podcast with Spencer Matthews, the former AEW World Champion defended the “slow-burn” approach that has defined much of his career.

Jericho argued that the most impressive rivalries – such as his year-long program with MJF or his historic 2008 feud with Shawn Michaels – require patience to reach their full potential. He believes that today’s fans often demand an immediate payoff rather than progressing the story.

Jericho used the film Saving Private Ryan as a metaphor for his creative approach, and emphasized that a story should only be evaluated after the final chapter has been written. He shared his frustration with viewers who dismiss a rivalry midway through its execution, comparing it to leaving a movie theater before the climax.

Jericho said, “I like long-term stories. My favorite stories are always the ones that last for months, you have to be creative. You don’t have to be on the show every week, both guys don’t have to be on the show every week.” “I always love wrestling fans, especially modern ones, who want to know the answer right now, give us the answer right now!

“If I’m watching Saving Private Ryan, it’s 3 hours long… If I say, ‘This movie, they haven’t got Ryan yet. This movie sucks! It’s stupid! It’s too long!’ I hear it every day from wrestling fans,” he said. “My point is to shut the fuck up and let me tell my story when it’s over.”

“The Learning Tree” has not appeared on AEW programming since April 2025, when he disbanded his faction and informed partners Big Bill and Brian Keith that he would be taking an extended hiatus. The report from Fightful Select reveals that while his contract was originally set to expire in December 2025, AEW management has “paused” the deal in consideration of his time away.

This interruption typically occurs when an artist takes significant time off for outside ventures, such as Jericho’s recent United Kingdom tour with his band, Fozzie. Despite heavy speculation about a possible WrestleMania 42 return to WWE, Jericho is listed on the official AEW roster page. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that Triple H has reportedly expressed interest in a retirement tour for the veteran, but that no formal negotiations can occur until his current obligations to Tony Khan are completed.

A few days ago the Los Angeles Lakers got a big win against the Golden State Warriors, but it was not good throughout the game. There was a moment when Luka Doncic came out of the game, as he walked to the bench, JJ Redick grabbed his wrist in an attempt to talk him down.

Doncic didn’t seem like he wanted to talk and moved his wrist away from Redic. The head coach followed Doncic until he reached his seat and the two had a conversation. Redick got the last word, and as he walked away, Doncic stood up as if he wanted to follow him. Additionally, Jared Vanderbilt stood up to Doncic so he wouldn’t chase Redick, and fans applaud him for doing so.

Luka had to back up from JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/cwyB61XAmy

– BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) 2 March 2026

“Shout out to Jared Vanderbilt,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

A second user wrote, “Vanderbilt clearly has the ability to try and spread the word here, while alternatively making it appear he is cheering. A+ teammate.”

Another user wrote, “Extend the wand. And put him in the fourth quarter for defensive purposes in close games against good teams. Thanks.”

A fourth user wrote: “Hats off to the man who is standing and stopping Luca from moving forward.”

Vanderbilt got a lot of props for standing up to stop Doncic from doing whatever he planned to do, but that would have drawn a lot of unnecessary attention.

It seems like Redick was probably holding Doncic accountable for something he did, and the Lakers star didn’t like what was said. They have probably recovered from the situation now, and can focus on the rest of the season while trying to get back on track.

The good news is that the Lakers have won their last two games, but they have some tough games coming up on their schedule.

In a rare moment of on-court anger, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic lost his temper in their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, and fans’ reactions to it are epic.

During his 11 years in the NBA, Jokic has become not only one of the greatest centers to ever play the game, but one of the best ballplayers the league has ever produced. There’s no better proof of his elite status than being an eight-time All-Star, three-time NBA MVP and leading the Nuggets to their only championship in 2023.

Still, what has made Jokic’s rise to great status so unique is that he has done it with a very calm and almost robotic approach to the game. Although he may complain to the referee with some regularity, he rarely goes too far or too little with his emotions. However, that changed on Friday night vs. the Thunder.

In the fourth quarter of a highly competitive game between two NBA Finals contenders, the Thunder forward continued the questionable play he is known for by delivering a hip check to the Nuggets center as he began running down the court after OKC scored. This move really wore Jokic down, and it brought out an anger in him that fans had never seen before.

Nikola Jokic immediately got to his feet to confront Dort and the Thunder player was forced to retreat in anger. However, his teammate Jaylin Williams came to his rescue. This definitely created a new GIF on social media as the Denver star’s face looked almost mentally disturbed, like the Batman villain nicknamed The Joker.

Of course, social media being what it is, NBA fans weren’t going to let that wild moment go without opinions, and some fans had some hilarious thoughts on Jokic becoming the Joker we all want.

In an Instagram post from SportsCenter’s account, fans posted crazy clown faces Batman: The Animated Seriesleonardo dicaprio in the the wolf of wall streetHeath Ledger’s great performance dark knightAnd a young Ozzy Osbourne.

In reference to the comments _SeanGregory suggested Jokic was telling Williams, “I’ll feed you to my horses.” WarriorsStock commented, “Jokic looks like someone stole one of his horses.” While Lawrence Johnson said, “Brother turned into Hitman 47 very quickly.”

In an Instagram post for ESPN at the time, KennyChaojr said, “Jock brothers red eye ok 🙂.” Coolken40 said, “Jokic wanted to eat his liver with some lima beans.” And Nest.G said, “Absolutely lol. Dort nasty!”

Suffice it to say, fans loved seeing Nikola Jokic in full Joker mode, especially against a player like Dort, who has earned a lot of frustration from fans for his playing style this season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Tottenham Hotspur have been described as Atletico Madrid’s “favourite” opponents in the Champions League draw in Spain – but there is a clear caveat attached.

in a column for AS, journalist FJ Diaz Atlético claim that “the draw has not made their performance worse. Quite the contrary”. However, he immediately adds context that Spurs supporters will find interesting.

According to Diaz, “supporters and players preferred Tottenham over Liverpool in this round of 16 tie”. The logic is simple. Liverpool are too familiar rivals for Atlético, while Spurs were seen as the more attractive option.

Still, Spanish journalists are uneasy about the narrative being built around the tie.

He writes: “Atletico can eliminate Tottenham, because they have the squad and the level to do it.” Yet he follows it up with a clear warning: “I don’t like, and certainly Simeone doesn’t like, that Atletico are being labeled as favourites.”

In fact, Díaz reminds readers that “whenever Atlético has been considered the favourite, things have not gone entirely well.”

This caution explains a lot about how Tottenham are viewed in Madrid.

Spurs are still seen as Premier League giants

Despite Tottenham’s domestic struggles, Diaz insisted that they “remain one of the big clubs in the Premier League, even if they are at the bottom of the table.”

So while Atlético may feel privately satisfied, the Spanish press are careful not to write off Igor Tudor’s side.

Conspiracy has also been added regarding two Tottenham players.

Conor Gallagher, who previously played for Atletico, will face his former club. Diaz notes that Gallagher was not successful in Madrid, but “left a good memory at the Metropolitano.” That subplot ensures that the tie-in has an emotional edge.

Meanwhile, Cristian Romero was Atletico’s big objective in the last summer transfer window to strengthen the defence. According to the excerpt, Romero “did everything to come through,” but This move ultimately failed.

Romero is ready to step out in the summer and Atleti remains one of the contenders. He will now go up against Diego Simeone, who reportedly fought hard to sign him.

what happens next

The Spanish tale is unfolding for Tottenham. On the surface, Atletico are happy. Below, there is the concern of carrying favorite tags. AS have made it clear that overconfidence has hurt Simeone’s side before.

Spurs could be draw favorites. However, in Spain there is no sense that this would be straightforward.

Whatever happens, Madrid’s warning shows Atlético know exactly who they are up against.

Detroit Pistons fans are excited about their team’s potential playoff success after Friday night’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Detroit is enjoying a strong campaign as one of the best teams in the entire league. They picked up an overtime win over Cleveland, which continues to hold its place in the East standings with back-to-back games.

Fans came in large numbers to react to the game and were positive towards a win, expecting a better performance. Here are some of their reactions.

One fan said, “Great win! Both teams advanced. The Cavs were missing Donovan Mitchell and a few others while our Pistons are still missing Isaiah Stewart.”

“I didn’t enjoy going to OT against a shorthanded Cavs team. But… at the same time we enjoyed the win even though we were shorthanded. Boys fight when it counts. And those who play hard get the wins. #DetroitBasketball,” another commented.

One commented, “Celebrate the wins, but hang on. Every dub is proof that opportunity came with preparation. Stack ’em up, stay humble and keep building the scoreboard, it only tells part of the story. The work continues.”

“What a comeback victory,” one replied.

One fan said, “The win came and JB benched LeVert for Sasser, I prayed for times like this.”

How did the Pistons play against the Cavaliers?

Pistons fans can expect more from their team after defeating the Cavaliers. Nonetheless, the playoff bar remains high for them.

Five players scored in double figures for Detroit in the win. Jalen Duren dominated with a performance of 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. He shot 11 of 19 from the field and 11 of 15 from the free-throw line. Cade Cunningham finished second with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Ausner Thompson had 18 points and eight rebounds, Ronald Holland II put up 12 points and three rebounds, while Tobias Harris provided 11 points and six steals.

Detroit improved to a 44–14 record on the season and topped the Eastern Conference standings. They are 5.5 games up on the Boston Celtics and seven games up on the New York Knicks.

The Pistons look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will face the Orlando Magic as tip-off takes place on March 1 at 6 PM ET.

Friday night at Little Caesars Arena was already headed toward “weirdest of all time,” but things escalated from technical chaos to sideline drama. While the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were busy navigating a broken scoreboard and a handheld air horn, some fans in the front row decided to test Dennis Schroder’s patience, and they lost.

The veteran guard, who has been a steady force for the Cavs since arriving via trade, found himself at the center of a heated exchange during the second half.

While the specific “dis” remains secret, it was enough for the officiating crew and area security to intervene. After a brief discussion near the baseline, security escorted a group of fans out of their seats. Schroder, never one to shy away from a verbal debate, seemed unfazed while guiding the offense through the strangest environment of the NBA season.

A fan was kicked out of Cavs-Pistons because of something he said to Dennis Schroder.pic.twitter.com/gvOOIH0dV7

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

Before the ejection and power surge that broke the arena buzzer, the game featured some legitimate heavyweight basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers were forced to lean heavily on their frontcourt with both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden sidelined.

Evan Mobley played massive minutes to keep Cleveland in it, finishing regulation with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Sam Merrill also stepped up in a big way and finished the fourth quarter with 20 points while knocking down key shots.

The Detroit Pistons, on the other hand, continued to rely on their young core. Jalen Duren was an absolute force in the paint, scoring 33 points and 16 rebounds. Cade Cunningham nearly equaled that scoring output, dropping 25 points of his own, while dishing out seven assists to keep the Pistons’ offense fluid despite the lack of a working game clock.

When the “manual” air horn was sounded to end the fourth quarter, the score was stuck at 114–114. We’re headed for free basketball in Detroit.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton tempted the basketball gods and karma when he reportedly complained that the team is trying to turn him into a version of lob threat/rim-runner Clint Capela. Less than 48 hours later, he had to pay a heavy price for those alleged locker-room comments. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft scored two points on 1-3 shooting with four rebounds and a steal. He was -24 on the court against the Phoenix Suns, as LA lost 113-110 at the Mortgage Matchup Center.

Royce O’Neal deserves the spotlight after hitting the game-winning 3-pointer with less than a second left on the clock, but the public is focusing most of its attention on Ayton. In the Lakers’ second consecutive disastrous loss, he disappeared against his former team and was force-fed a bigger slice of the modest pie. His performance tells the story effectively, but fans are expressing their opinions on the matter.

NBA fans flock to the Lakers’ Deandre Ayton

Chris Walder of Odds Shark posted on X, “Deandre Ayton said the Los Angeles Lakers were trying to make him Clint Capela, and in his first game after those comments, he started playing like Kwame Brown.”

For those wondering, Capela recorded four points, six rebounds, three assists and four blocks in just 17 minutes of action as the Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic on the same night as Ayton’s loss.

@BeenHim16 declared, “On everything I love, if Deandre Ayton wasn’t 7 feet tall, he would literally be my DoorDash.” @jeff_on_sports commented, “The Deandre Ayton signing is going exactly like the haters said it would.” “Finally earned the #1 pick for the Suns,” @The_MilesFiles quipped. “Their best player tonight.”

Ouch. Ayton has experienced some good moments while wearing the purple and gold – totaling 21 points and 13 boards on Tuesday vs. the Magic – but his first season in L.A. has not gone as fans expected. The 27-year-old entered the Suns clash averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 49 games. Fans criticize him, but when at his best he can be a real difference maker.

Ayton has averaged a double-double for his career, so he should have the ability to make a consistent impact. However, Lakers and NBA fans aren’t seeing it. After this difficult run in Phoenix, the Bahamian has reached a crucial point in his Los Angeles tenure. He could allow himself to be filled with conflict and subsequent ridicule, or he could use this low point as motivation for the remainder of the campaign.

Which path will he take?

The deficit is mounting while Ja Morant watches from the sidelines. Sure, the team’s 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds are improving, but it would be easy for FedEx Forum’s most loyal fans to mentally check out for the rest of the season. They shouldn’t do it, for the same reasons Tuomas Isalo can’t. The Memphis Grizzlies have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, but there is still a lot at stake heading into the last few weeks of the season.

Although the expectations of the NBA playoffs have almost faded, this round is certainly the most important evaluation period of the Zack Kleiman era. The front office needs answers before committing significant financial capital to its young core, and the court is currently loaded with players auditioning for their NBA future.

GG Jackson is getting paid

GG Jackson has been one of the most compelling players in the league, let alone the roster. After all he is still one of the youngest players in the NBA. Now operating without Jaren Jackson Jr., the former South Carolina standout is averaging 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots of February, essentially starring in a new version of the Desmond Bain-Jarren Jackson Jr. role.

Heavy usage, varied shot creation and increased defensive responsibility are expected for the remainder of the season. Jackson will not replace Ja Morant; No one can do that in Memphis, but the Grizzlies really need to determine what that will be. The front office is facing an important financial decision regarding Jackson’s second contract.

Their current performance suggests a valuation north of $10 million annually, which moves them out of the mid-tier exception zone and into a long-term commitment. These final games are an audition for a big payday.

pin a point

Putting the Ja Morant trade drama aside, Tuomas Isalo also needs clarity at the backup point guard spot. Neither Cam Spencer nor Scottie Pippen Jr. made this an easy decision; Jevon Smalls and Walter Clayton Jr. still need developmental reps. Ty Jerome seems more suited to an off-ball role. The Grizzlies are effectively sitting at six point guard options and absolutely zero certainty.

Pippen Jr. brings toughness, fight and an obvious appreciation for the city. He’s exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team wants in the locker room. The problem is one of uniformity. He just hasn’t demonstrated it enough yet. Economics also make the decision feel urgent. Only $350,000 of Pippen Jr.’s $2.4 million contract for next season is guaranteed. That leverage clearly puts Memphis out there, but it also means these final weeks are effectively an effort.

Spencer has shown that he can be one of the best shooters on the planet, although he continues to struggle defensively and handle actual point guard duties for extended stretches. If he can’t run the show, maintain elite shooting efficiency, and become a little more solid as an offensive guard, Spencer’s minutes will dry up once the roster is healthy. Putting in some work won’t be enough to demand a second contract next summer, especially if Darius Acuff or Kingston Flemings is drafted by Memphis.

Ty Jerome is struggling with emotions

Ty Jerome didn’t sign up for a full-scale rebuild. The wily 28-year-old veteran took a deal expecting a competitive team around him, and instead, he’s headed to a season that has lost most of its expected key pieces. Jerome suffered most of the season due to an off-season injury, but nobody got the better of him. No buyer’s remorse yet, but the Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA need something before the summer arrives.

Hopefully Isalo will provide a lot of opportunities. Maximizing the value of Jerome’s expiring $9.2 million deal before the NBA Draft would help everyone going into blank-slate situations. A strong finish alleviates those lingering injury concerns and potentially turns a lousy contract into a long-term asset over time.

tough times for taylor hendricks

The Grizzlies have had their big men hit for too long, and the problems continue. Even incomplete minutes could help the front office determine whether Hendricks fits in with the oft-injured Zach Eddy. Unfortunately, according to Isalo, the Grizzlies did not find the right circumstances to make the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade piece a profitable situation.

“I mean, with every player, whether it’s a steady situation, most of the time for a player like Taylor, it’s going to come down to the puck. It’s getting ahead of your own man, then making good decisions, and developing the skill set of finishing at the rim or finding those open shooters. He was in a tough situation (against the Golden State Warriors). Kyle Anderson started late for the game, and Taylor was a starter after being with the team for a very short time. “Got into the new situation. I thought he did a great job there without even practicing it. Obviously, that’s the big situation (with Jack Eddy).”

expandable evaluation

The Grizzlies are considering a series of roster decisions that will define the franchise’s financial outlook. Hendricks, Jackson and Jaylen Wells are all extension-eligible, meaning their future roles need to align with the salary cap investment. This creates a natural hierarchy with Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward slotting into the wing/off-ball rotation.

Kleiman’s front office can’t afford to enter into extension talks by guessing. Memphis needs data. Players need representatives. They need to know who will fit in with who when the core finally returns.

Losses may dominate the box score, but the evaluation season is not meaningless. For the Grizzlies, the next few weeks will decide everything from the backup point guard job to future contracts. The future of the franchise is essentially being decided on stage every night. For fans who care about what happens next, there’s a lot to see.

The Memphis Grizzlies are navigating a franchise reset, but a 21-year-old forward is making the transition to the post-Ja Morant era less challenging than expected. GG Jackson has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing young pieces in the NBA, and Tuomas Isalo isn’t shy about what makes the former second-round pick (45th overall) so dangerous.

It’s been hard to ignore the former South Carolina standout’s averages of 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from three-point range since January 31. Jackson was posting almost the same numbers as a rookie in less pressure situations. However, his usage rate (23.3) and three-point volume (4.2 attempts per game) have skyrocketed since the NBA trade deadline, suggesting he may finally be established as an NBA veteran.

“I mean, (Jackson) has made huge strides throughout the season. We already talked about it with GG during his summer league that his superpower is paying off,” Isalo explained. “He’s doing a great job of touching the paint. His efficiency is at a career high right now. How he’s getting things done in those situations is a testament to his hard work.”

That sneaky-good ability to attack the rim with length, touch and growing confidence could prove vital as the Grizzlies transition into a post-Morant, post-Jarren Jackson Jr. era. While the franchise waits for its star guard to return from an elbow injury or chart a new path forward, Jackson’s development offers the glimpse of a permanent scoring punch who may be capable of becoming an offensive center.

Isalo wants a traditional table-setting point guard. Slashers with size to absorb contact at the rim and shooting range should finish games, according to the Finnish tactician. Still, the Grizzlies will need someone to put pressure on defense to finish out this season. EVP Zach Kleiman is getting a lot of data suggesting the former first-round pick is ready for a bigger role and possibly a multi-year contract extension this summer.

“(Jackson) is playing very simple offensively,” Isalo insisted. “He’s playing well off the puck and finding open guys. He’s still got to toggle between aggression and the right amount of patience. Defensively, he’s improved as an attack guard. There’s still some things he needs to do better on the defensive end, being on a string, having defensive awareness, rebounding better for his position, but I think the steps he’s taking are very encouraging, and becoming a real weapon offensively.”

Being a 21-year-old NBA veteran with three seasons of experience is an odd situation to be in in the NCAA’s void/portal era. Jackson had a stellar rookie season last year, capturing a title along with sealing the NBA Play-In Tournament, before taking a back seat to the Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane core. Still, he waited and took advantage of every opportunity. That patience and investment could pay off handsomely for everyone next season.

Isalo’s priority is to see how many superheroes GG Jackson can become. After all he is still years away from his projected peak. A tall, athletic, paint-crashing wing who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions fits perfectly into the franchise anchor position of the modern NBA. With the addition of Zach Eddy, Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and a gem point guard from the 2026 NBA Draft, Memphis will be ready to compete once again.

The Atlanta Hawks got an injection of energy earlier this week when Jonathan Kuminga made his debut for the team and scored 27 points in a blowout win over the Washington Wizards. This was an interesting development for a Hawks team that is looking for anything to get excited about during a disappointing season.

Perhaps in an effort to increase the intrigue, on Thursday, the Hawks, in partnership with the famous local strip club, Magic City, announced a “Magic City Monday” night for the upcoming home game against the Orlando Magic.

As part of the promotion, the Hawks marketed a sweatshirt with the Magic City name on the front.

Magic on Monday? 👀 @Magic City pic.twitter.com/xwWrGyVE20

– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) 26 February 2026

Needless to say, fans were losing it in the comments section on X, which was formerly Twitter.

“Our pockets are empty and I love it,” one fan wrote with a laughing emoji.

“An NBA team collaborating with a strip club. I’ve seen it all,” added another.

“James Harden has requested another trade,” another joked, noting the Cleveland Cavaliers guard’s well-documented affinity for nightly entertainment.

The Hawks have never been shy about securing partnerships with companies whose fans don’t necessarily associate with NBA teams, including hosting a Tinder “Swipe Right” night several years ago, allowing fans to matchmake in real time at games, along with other promotions.

At some point, Atlanta will have to hope that the product on the court will be enough to generate interest in the team. Currently, Atlanta sits two games under the .500 mark, on pace to finish in the play-in tournament for an astonishing fifth straight season.

However, the addition of Kuminga could give the Hawks another potential building block moving forward, and the emergence of Jalen Johnson this season is worth watching.

In any case, the Hawks will take the field next Thursday at 7:30 pm ET for a home game against the Washington Wizards.

It’s fair to say that Derrick Rose became the biggest name in Chicago Bulls history since the days of Michael Jordan. Until an ACL injury and subsequent injuries derailed his career, Rose was viewed and played as a true generational star, becoming the first player since MJ to win the MVP award as a Bulls player.

However, that doesn’t come close to clarifying exactly what D-Rose means to Chicago, which the Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crowe-Armstrong might have a fair idea about. The 37-year-old recently spoke about his meeting with Rose, claiming the Bulls legend was everything he wanted.

“That was one of the best days of my life”

Pete Crowe-Armstrong talks about the time he met Chicago legend Derrick Rose 🌹🏀 pic.twitter.com/yuTlDj0rSn

– MLB (@MLB) 25 February 2026

“That was one of the best days of my life. Yeah, D-Rose was big in my house growing up. I’m learning what he really means to the city. He gave me a ton of his time one day, and he reminded me that, like, I have to be there. He really took the time to get to know me and listen to my story,” he said, per a post by MLB on X, before explaining that Rose had the answer to everything he was unsure about.

“It almost felt like he had the answer to everything, either I was unsure about it or, but he made it seem like, he was Chicago, and really is Chicago. But that guy is everything and more that I wanted him to be. He was the best thing ever,” Crowe-Armstrong said.

Rose was drafted first overall by the Bulls in 2008, immediately breathing life into a struggling franchise by earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the team to a 41–41 record. However, his best season came during 2010–11.

On his way to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, Rose led the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals, establishing Chicago as a legitimate championship threat for the first time since the Michael Jordan era. Of course, the fairytale was derailed when he suffered an ACL injury during the opening game of the 2012 playoffs, the first of several injuries that ultimately limited his potential.

Yet, as the Cubs star claimed, Rose is and was a Chicagoan, and remains a major source of inspiration for young stars throughout the game.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been going into battle without Giannis Antetokounmpo for some time now, as he is still trying to recover from his right calf strain. There should be some optimism over his return, as he was spotted working out during pregame, but there are probably still some benchmarks he needs to meet before he is cleared to return to the court.

Head coach Doc Rivers recently gave an update on Antetokounmpo, and it looks like he could be the closer.

“No. He’s done some 3-on-3, 4-on-4. We don’t really need to go to 5-on-5. It doesn’t go from 3 to 4 to 5. Usually 4-on-4 is pretty good… no shock,” Rivers said, via Ari Nehm of The Athletic.

Doc Rivers on what Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to do on the floor yesterday in Milwaukee: “We were in the gym and did some 3-on-3 stuff. 4-on-4 and 3-on-3, I think, live. That was good.”

The next box to examine Antetokounmpo will be live 5-on-5. https://t.co/vDps1y5PyX

– Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) 22 February 2026

Antetokounmpo has been dealing with calf strains for the past few seasons, so he probably knows the process he needs to go through to return. There’s also no doubt that he’s desperate to return to help his teammates as he bids for a chance to make the playoffs in the second half of the season.

Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have won few games, and they are getting contributions from several players. One of them is Cam Thomas, who they signed before the All-Star break.

They were recently able to defeat the Miami Heat, and it was Kevin Porter Jr. who led the way, finishing with 32 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

The Bucks will need a lot of wins to climb up the standings for a potential play-in spot, but with Antetokounmpo, they may have a good chance to do so. The only thing is that they have to hope that the teams above them start losing, which could be a difficult task.

As of now, they can only focus on what they can control and hope that they get their star player back as soon as possible.

On Tuesday night, the Charlotte Hornets visited the Chicago Bulls and defeated them on their own homecourt by 32 points, 131-99. This marked Coby White’s return to the United Center for the first time as a member of the Hornets, after the Bulls dealt him away before the trade deadline for Collin Sexton and some second-round picks.

White made his debut for the Hornets on Tuesday night against a familiar foe and he scored 10 points on 4-9 shooting from the field against his former team. The Hornets were able to get him into action, which was important considering that the calf injury he was dealing with was serious enough to cost him a low second-round pick in a trade to the Bulls.

It was certainly an emotional night for White, considering he spent the first six and a half seasons of his career with the Bulls. Bulls fans also acknowledged his contributions to the team during his tenure in the Windy City and White appreciated the warm welcome He received.

“You really don’t know how much of an impact you have on people. And what an impact people have on me. I get a lot of applause and whatever, but so many people are here tonight, wearing my jersey, calling my name. For me, it’s just trying to stay in the moment and just trying to stay grounded. It’s very humbling to find out how many people you impact through this beautiful game,” White said, via CHSN.

“It’s so humbling to know how many people you impact through this beautiful game we play.”

The support Coby White felt upon returning to Chicago tonight pic.twitter.com/WqZPPQyYXi

– Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) 25 February 2026

Coby White joins nascent Hornets core

The Bulls had their work cut out for them, paving the way for White to join the upstart Hornets. Given LaMelo Ball’s injury history, White could play a big role for one of the hottest teams in the league.

White is only 26 years old and could be one of the most explosive scorers in the association. He also studied in Chapel Hill, which means he’s already beloved in Charlotte.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a stir during trade season when they traded Darius Garland, an original member of the team’s core four, to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for James Harden. Harden is playing much more spectacularly than Garland this season, and he’s healthy, too. But an underappreciated part of bringing Harden in as a more consistent member of the starting lineup was unlocking the best from Jarrett Allen.

For almost his entire career, Harden has made life much better for his pick-and-roll partners. Clint Capela played his best basketball with Harden. Ivica Zubac did the same. And now, Allen is following suit. Since the Cavs brought The Beard in, Allen has averaged an impressive 20.4 points and 11.3 rebounds on 76.7 percent shooting from the field – numbers, suffice it to say, are absolutely insane.

The Cavs have been playing exceptional basketball lately, and Allen’s improved play as a result of Harden’s arrival is a big reason why. Cleveland sped up its competitive deadline by bringing in Harden, but this move seems smart given the early returns.

Allen had another double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Cavs’ 109-94 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

James Harden makes life easy for the Cavs

If there’s one thing Harden has going for him, it’s that his track record of excellence in the regular season is nearly unmatched. He is a regular season winning machine, and the Cavs have been humming since they brought him in via trade.

Harden reduced the burden on offense on Donovan Mitchell. He should make life easier for Alan and Evan Mobley in terms of getting good looks. And he reduced the need for Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson to rely on more inconsistent players to try to partner with Mitchell in the backcourt.

On Tuesday night, Jonathan Kuminga made his highly anticipated debut for the Atlanta Hawks after the Golden State Warriors decided to trade him along with Buddy Hield in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. And as it (unfortunately) happened, the Hawks’ main man and starting power forward Jalen Johnson had to exit early with a hip injury – paving the way for Kuminga to defeat the Washington Wizards in his first game with his new team.

Kuminga, in just 24 minutes off the bench, scored 27 points on 9-12 shooting from the field, leading all players in scoring in the process. If Johnson were to miss time for the Hawks, Kuminga would be called upon to take on a larger scoring load, and based on early returns, he is capable of doing so for a team looking to establish itself as a playoff team.

As a result of Kuminga’s lackluster first game in a Hawks uniform, some Warriors fans expressed disappointment that head coach Steve Kerr could not make things work in Kuminga’s five seasons with the team, especially after Golden State lost a close game against the lifeless New Orleans Pelicans.

“I’ll never forget what Kerr did to Kuminga,” wrote X user @__pettyhardaway.

“As surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, some people are going to say, ‘Well, Kuminga didn’t do it for Golden State…’. Well, I say it, it’s hard to do anything off the bench,” @Rickygreeneyze said.

@klewis1123 added, “I see Kuminga had 27 days for ATL tonight…glad the GS decided he had no real use for that kind of athleticism, scoring or perimeter shooting.”

@RookieHigh reported, “Kuminga with 27 points on 12 shots in just 24 minutes… extremely talented but Kerr wanted to force him to be a corner screen setter.”

“The Warriors could have used Kuminga tonight but at least they have Porzingis… wait… Porzingis doesn’t play…” @NinerGangManny joked.

Pete Crowe-Armstrong will give Los Angeles Dodgers fans reason to make him Public Enemy No. 1 when the Chicago Cubs visit LaLa Land in April.

In his second full season in the big leagues, the man nicknamed PCA took Chicago sports by storm. After an up-and-down 2024, the former New York Mets prospect took a big step forward last season. Posting 31 homers, 95 runs batted-in, 91 runs batted in, and 35 stolen bases. Additionally, his slugging and OPS were up nearly .100 points from the previous season.

The outfielder walked away with a lot of upside from a prospect that the organization was still developing for a starting MVP candidate in 2025. The 23-year-old has become the new face of the franchise, and unsurprisingly, he has been a top focus of the Chicago media in Spring Training. Along with this also comes a lot of interviews ahead of the new season.

In a new conversation with Chicago Magazine, PCA talked about his love for Chicago and its sports fans. While doing so, he took an interesting shot at one of his home-state teams. The current big evil of MLB, the LA Dodgers.

Pete Crowe-Armstrong claims LA Dodgers fans come to games only to take photos

“I love Chicago,” Crowe-Armstrong said. “It’s an incredible city. The people are great. They give a shit. They’re not just baseball fans who go to the games to take pictures and do whatever, like Dodgers fans. They’re paying attention. They care.”

This comment would further endear him to Cubs fans, and his honesty is part of his unique charm. However, baseball fans in LA will definitely be tuning in for a three-game set when Chicago visits Chavez Ravine in late April.

Although the comments will be stinging, they will not necessarily be baseless. While Los Angeles has millions of dedicated sports fans, the group has always had a reputation for coming to games late and having a very casual attitude about loving their teams.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Xavi Simmons joined Tottenham Hotspur from RB Leipzig in August 2025, after several months of courting by Chelsea.

The attacking midfielder has scored two goals and provided five assists in 32 appearances for Tottenham. This includes a Premier League goal against Brentford in December and two assists in the league in 2026.

The Netherlands international has initially struggled at Tottenham, resulting in criticism From a section of the Dutch press.

Three months ago, Sports Witness French claims covered Adding that the former Paris Saint-Germain is struggling to cope with the intensity of the Premier League.

Simmons received a straight red in Spurs’ league defeat to Liverpool in December and served a three-match ban. Since then, he has played every minute in the league while Tottenham have failed to register a win.

He failed to impress in the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. His performance against the Gunners has been the subject of criticism from a section of Spurs supporters.

Tuesday’s edition of image Claims that RB Leipzig supporters have now criticized the 22-year-old for his online activities add to his personal drama.

leipzig fans react to tottenham player

Over the weekend, the Bundesliga team came close to securing three points against Borussia Dortmund. Fabio Silva scored a late equalizer, leaving Leipzig to settle for a point.

Portugal international shared a post after the match InstagramCaptioned ’till the last minute’. Bild reported that the Tottenham player not only liked it but also commented ‘brindemos’, which translates to ‘let’s toast’ in English.

The build’s title states ‘Fans Furious! Xavi ‘celebrates Dortmund goal’, which should indicate that his latest comments clearly didn’t please supporters of his former club. The reaction against him has reached such an extent that it has reached the German media.

The Dutchman spent two seasons at the German club, scoring 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 matches.

Simmons played alongside Silva at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 season and Bild say the pair have been friends ever since. So, it’s not surprising to see him commenting on Silva’s latest post.

Monday night proved to be a momentous occasion for the 2025-26 Sacramento Kings amid a dreadful campaign that has left them behind in the NBA. They had struggled, losing all of their previous 16 games against the Memphis Grizzlies, and it didn’t look like their skid was going to end anywhere given how much the team has been ravaged by injuries, most notably Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine undergoing season-ending surgeries.

Miracles do happen, however, and the Kings, after appearing as if they were destined to lose all of their games for the remainder of the season, finally got back to winning ways – winning 123–114 over the tanking Memphis Grizzlies despite being on the road. This gave the Kings only their 13th win of the season in 59 matches, and required an incredible team effort to end their misery.

In a season that’s straight out of their worst nightmare, Kings fans are simply turning to humor to deal with the horrors of their team – with newly signed Killian Hayes being the butt of jokes aplenty.

“We’re on a 1 game win streak, we’re so far behind 😭,” @PlayoffKings hilariously commented.

“The Sacramento Kings win? In this economy?”. X user @compSciMatt wrote.

@yhmzotf said, “Killian Hayes is changing the Sacramento Kings.”

@sosynoidFr added, “Killian Hayes has won 100% of his games with the Sacramento Kings.”

@Pdmwoz reported, “Killian Hayes signed with the Kings and won his first game after 17 losses. Coincidence? I think that’s greatness 🔥✌🏼.”

Will the Kings’ ineptitude be rewarded with a draft-day award?

The Kings have the worst record in the NBA, but with the lottery odds the league has used the past few seasons, that’s no guarantee.

Still, even if the Kings end up with the first overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, they would be better off not making the mistake of settling for a fit instead of selecting the best player available on the board.

Crystal Palace recorded a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Ivan Gessand’s late winner helped the Eagles to their second win in their last 16 matches in all competitions.

Oliver Glasner is in the final year of his contract and announced his decision to leave Crystal Palace at the end of this season.

sports witness Recently Covered Claims The Eagles manager is tipping a shock target for Colombia after the World Cup.

Glassner denies disrespecting Crystal Palance fans

Last Thursday, Crystal Palace played out a 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League. After the tie, a section of the English club’s supporters were furious at the Austrian.

Before kick-off against Wolves, Crystal Palace fans waved a banner reading ‘Insult of fans – Glasner terminated’. After the match, Glasner was criticized by a section of the home supporters at Selhurst Park.

The manager has denied suggestions he disrespected the Premier League team’s supporters in his post-match press conference.

Austrian reflects on Eagles supporters’ reaction

Monday edition of Austrian newspaper delivery man Claim the latest win over Wolves was a ‘balm’ to Glasner’s soul and, above all, to his team Crystal Palace.’

However, the newspaper says the London club’s followers are still dissatisfied despite two wins in their last four matches.

The Courier questioned whether Glasner could leave Crystal Palace soon after the fans’ attack on him. Despite the growing dissatisfaction, the coach confirmed his commitment to the club on Sunday. The Eagles are 13th in the table, 10 points above the relegation zone.

BOTHJ Today And taj newspaper Also share your opinion on the fans’ attack on Glassner. Two Austrian newspapers have now indicated that supporters want the manager gone.

The honeymoon phase is officially over for Daryl Morey in the City of Brotherly Love. After Saturday night’s crushing 126-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers faithful have been reached breaking point, and the target of their anger isn’t the players; This is the front office.

With Joel Embiid sidelined, the Sixers’ glaring lack of depth was exposed on national television. The Pelicans outscored Philadelphia 60–35 in the second half, turning a competitive game into a farce.

Tyrese Maxey did his best to keep the ship afloat with 27 points and six assists, but he got little help. Outside of Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 18 points, the Roosters looked hollow, especially on the glass, where they were out-rebounded 52-38.

Daryl Morey on Deadline pic.twitter.com/wTOIx01khz

– Alvin Yakitori (@AlvinYakit52962) 22 February 2026

Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse will soon be fired. pic.twitter.com/dZGVnmKV0H

– Sixers Scope (@SixersScope) 22 February 2026

Daryl Morey passes Jared McCann for a late first-rounder pic.twitter.com/ulFLYeTihA

– Kevin Rice (@TheKevinRice) 6 February 2026

Sellout teammates Josh Harris and Daryl Morey have destroyed this city’s basketball spirit pic.twitter.com/LGxxW9rzPG

– Rodney (@lukatroncic23) 22 February 2026

The lack of activity at the trade deadline has become a lightning rod for criticism. Fans took to social media and the Wells Fargo Center stand to voice their disappointment.

“Trill was chanting ‘Fire More’ like he was the Navy,” one fan said on X.

Sixers fans see Jared McCann flourish after Daryl Morey says “I bet we got traded” during trade https://t.co/DtGWXMbame pic.twitter.com/4LqotjmEEb

– Underdog (@underdog) 21 February 2026

Daryl Morey should be tied up in public and beaten until his buttocks are red https://t.co/kWZl7S9wpq

– Adam (@JMurrayWrld) 21 February 2026

Daryl Morey is actually the devil https://t.co/yf4d5VQg1T

– MastaMunsta (@MunstaMasta) 21 February 2026

Trill was doing the “Fire More” chant like it was the Navy https://t.co/H3hclXONhA

– Uncle Cost Fallacy (@NBABAbySecret) 22 February 2026

fire daryl morey

– Josephine (@china3rdbaseman) 22 February 2026

This sentiment was echoed across the board, with fans questioning the job security of both Morey and owner Josh Harris. One viral post said, “It’s really weird how bad Daryl Morey is at his job,” while another frustrated fan asked, “Why isn’t Josh Harris in jail? And why is Daryl Morey still employed?”

The 76ers have now lost four consecutive games, slipping even further down in the Eastern Conference standings. The overall construction of the roster around the aging and frequently injured Embiid is being questioned. If Moray doesn’t find a way to fix the holes in this ship soon, the “Fire Moray” chants will become louder.

Kon Knuppel made a splash with his performance in the Charlotte Hornets’ matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Knueppel is halfway through his rookie year in the NBA with the Hornets. He has made remarkable progress as one of the best-performing newcomers from the 2025 draft class, becoming a contender for Rookie of the Year.

The star rookie proved himself with another excellent performance against Cleveland. In 37 minutes of action, Knueppel had a stat line of 33 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. He made 11 of 20 shots from the field, including 7 of 15 from beyond the arc and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line.

Kon Knuppel in the Hornets’ loss to the Cavs tonight 🐝

33 points 11-of-20 FG
6 rebounds 7-of-15 3pts
0 turnover pic.twitter.com/hhvqBDhVu3

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 21 February 2026

It didn’t take long for fans to react to her performance, expressing their amazement at the newbie’s star talent. Here are some of their reactions.

One fan said, “Kon Nuppel kid is gonna be a problem. So good 💫.”

“This is a big night for Kon Knueppel – 33 points on 11/20 shooting and 7/15 from three is excellent efficiency – especially in 37 minutes. This kind of perimeter shooting shows confidence and ability to make serious shots,” another commented.

One commented, “Kon Knueppel dropped 33 points on 7 of 15 from three in the same night Donovan Mitchell scored 32 and the Cavs are showing they have a lot of ways to beat you. Knueppel is no longer a rookie, he’s a weapon.”

“33 in 37 minutes…that’s the real production 🔥,” one replied.

One fan said, “No need for that kind of “adjustment” from day one. It would be a travesty if he wasn’t rotten.”

Kon Nueppel, how the Hornets played against the Cavaliers

Despite notable efforts from Kon Knueppel, it was not enough as the Hornets lost to the Cavaliers 118–113.

Five players scored in double figures for Charlotte in the loss, including Knueppel. LaMelo Ball was next with 18 points and six assists, Brandon Miller had 18 points and four assists, Ryan Kalkbrenner added 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Green added 11 points and two assists.

Charlotte finished the season with a 26–31 record and 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls, while trailing the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat.

The Hornets will look to bounce back in their next match while on the road. They will face the Washington Wizards on February 22, tip-off at 6 PM ET.