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Sunny Mehta should undoubtedly make a bold effort to improve the New Jersey Devils this offseason.

The latest conversation involves one of the biggest names regarding Auston Matthews’ uncertain future in Toronto. There is certainly appeal in including the best goalscorer of this generation who has the potential to chase down Alexander Ovechkin’s goalscoring record.

However, does the proposed package that everyone is talking about online make sense?

Details are linked below on the Devils Rink Report YouTube page.

Elsewhere, there’s more added to Worlds, the Charlie Coyle domino effect, and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

Canada added three big names to the 2026 IIHF World Championship yesterday, including the Devils’ own Dawson Mercer.

📺 devil’s rink report: It has been reported that Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto is uncertain. Well, some people have drawn attention to New Jersey in a potential franchise changing trade. In the latest video on Devils Rink Report, I break down the deal that’s received a lot of backlash online and weigh in on whether it makes sense.

Earlier this week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

NHL.com: It’s disappointing to think that Charlie Coyle was probably going to be the top center on the free agent market this summer. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets shut him down.

Forever Blueshirts: There is a domino effect here. Now that Coyle has locked in with the Blue Jackets, it really improves the New York Rangers’ trade plans with Vincent Trocheck.

pittsburgh hockey now: At his year-end press conference, Kyle Dubas explained that he wants to keep the Pittsburgh Penguins’ core together, including Evgeni Malkin.

Boston hockey now: The Boston Bruins are without a captain following the retirement of Patrice Bergeron. However, here’s why it’s not too early to take a name just yet.

Philly hockey now: In the exit interview, Matvey Michkov explained that he knew he was not as good as he could be and plans to become better for the Philadelphia Flyers next season.

San Jose Hockey Now: Will the San Jose Sharks trade the 2nd overall pick? If they do, they can learn from select trades in the top-10 range. (+)

Detroit hockey now: If the Detroit Red Wings are to have success, they need more from Dylan Larkin.

Montreal hockey now: The most interesting statistic amid the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run concerns their top line and their lack of production.

Athletic ($): The Buffalo Sabers won a close Game 4 against the Habs. Here’s how Mattias Samuelsson led the defensive attack.

More confirmed ($): The Vegas Golden Knights won Game 5 last night and the Anaheim Ducks’ backs are against the wall. Despite being on the verge of extinction, this is why the young rebels are not worried, but curious.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The Dallas Cowboys, in existence since 1960, have had several franchise icons who have helped them win five Super Bowls in the process. Wearing a star on one’s helmet, let alone becoming a bona fide superstar, often immortalizes a player in the eyes of Cowboys fans.

This was certainly the case with Emmitt Smith, who is not the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards; He currently holds the record for most rushing yards in the NFL. While the Hall of Fame running back’s Cowboys career ended after 2002, now his son, EJ, is starting his NFL career.

What’s even more interesting is that the Cowboys recently hosted EJ, who is also a running back, for a workout with the team. Smith is from Texas A&M, where he was primarily a backup. Smith finished his college career with 207 rushing attempts for 969 yards and nine touchdowns. He is not viewed as a top prospect, and may not even be drafted.

“Awesome,” Schottenheimer said, via ESPN. “You know me, man, I’m family. I’m family all the way. And you watch his film and he was an unbelievable short distance runner, powerful. But, yeah, just watching him run, seeing him in person, the type of young man he is, it’s cool.”

Smith is not counted among the team’s official ‘top-30 prospects’ because he is a local prospect. Still, perhaps by getting the chance to meet the Cowboys’ coaches, including Brian Schottenheimer, Smith was able to make a strong impression on Dallas’ front office. This may increase his chances of being drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent. If nothing else, it’s a good story for Cowboys fans.

RELATED: NFL executive questions Dallas Cowboys offseason moves, roster building

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara remained one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets.

Camara led the Trail Blazers to a lopsided 134–99 win over the Nets, scoring a career-high 35 points and nine three-pointers. He made 10 of 12 shots from the field, including 9 of 11 from beyond the arc. He also had three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Portland won four of its last five assignments to improve to 36–37. They are just one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for eighth place in the Western Conference.

Camara, who is in his third season in Rip City, set a new team record with his career night.

“Camara’s 35 points are the most on 12 or fewer field goal attempts in Trail Blazers history,” the team’s official account on the

He also set two milestones after getting hot from three-point range.

“Camara’s 9-for-11 (.818) three-point shooting performance marks the most made three-pointers by a @trailblazers player since February 26, 2023 (Damian Lillard) and the best three-point percentage with at least 10 three-point attempts since April 27, 2021 (Anfernee Simmons),” the Trail Blazers said.

The 25-year-old is having a breakout campaign, averaging career-best 13.0 points and 2.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He could make a case for a nod to the All-Defensive Team or get some votes for Most Improved Player.

Camara, who hails from Belgium, was drafted by the Phoenix Suns as the 52nd overall pick in 2023. However, he was shipped to the Trail Blazers as part of the three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

He has slowly carved out a role in Portland, building an upstart core with Denny Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Shadden Sharp and Scooter Henderson.

BOSTON – When Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown placed the Bill Russell Trophy above his head after being named the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, his place in franchise history was cemented. However, the all-time leading Celtic moved up to 10th on the Green team’s all-time scoring list during Wednesday night’s 120-99 win over the Golden State Warriors.

In the second quarter, Brown sank two free throws to surpass Celtics great and 1973 MVP Dave Cowens on the Giants leaderboard. The five-time All-Star now has 13,202 points in 10 seasons, trailing his fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum by 705 points. The player right in front of the Celtics’ spectacular tandem is an almost legendary player: 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell.

“I’m very grateful,” Brown said in the locker room after his impressive milestone. “There are a lot of greats on that list that have made huge contributions to the Celtics as well as the game of basketball. So I’m very humbled and very grateful to be in the position I’m in.”

Jaylen Brown on entering the top-10 scoring list for the Celtics:

“I’m very grateful. Many of the legends on that list have made great contributions to the Celtics as well as the game of basketball.” pic.twitter.com/f49h93xmHL

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026

Brown didn’t miss a beat to start the game, hitting back-to-back jumpers against a woefully understaffed Warriors team at TD Garden. Although the Dubs – who were without four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry due to a knee injury – tried to make it a contest, Brown and Tatum always had offensive answers. They scored a combined 56 points in the blowout (game-high 32 points from Brown and 24 points from Tatum), while no Warrior scored more than 14 points.

Tatum said of Brown’s historic run, “It just shows the dedication and commitment he has to his craft and getting better every year.” “I’ve watched him grow and get better every year over the last nine years and become the player he is today. It’s great when you get rewarded for the work you’ve done.”

During Tatum’s 62-game absence this regular season, which was the result of a diligent rehab process from an Achilles rupture, Brown paved the way for the shorthanded C. He averaged career highs practically across the board and has continued to do so since Tatum’s return on March 6.

With both Tatum and Brown starting this season, the Celtics are 5-1 and have won three in a row. And it’s no surprise that the same dynamic duo that led Boston to a championship in 2024 is aiming to do so again in 2026.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said about working with Tatum and Brown, “You’re not only able to coach some of the best players in the game today, but you’re able to coach some of the best players of all time.” “so [there’s] “Just my gratitude for being able to see him.”

To put it in perspective, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will already be the all-time leading scorers for the Magic, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Clippers, Hornets and Nets. https://t.co/FfBXc5rb5l

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026

We need to remember what Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum accomplished

Even though the 46-23 Celtics are generally accustomed to winning, what Tatum and Brown have accomplished together is special. They would be the all-time scoring leaders of six other NBA franchises at this time and have more playoff wins than many teams.

Furthermore, they represent the Celtics well and are dedicated to Boston.

Tatum showed his commitment by attacking his difficult rehabilitation every day off the court this season, ultimately culminating in a victorious return that was well ahead of schedule. Brown, meanwhile, has further demonstrated his dedication on the court recently by having an MVP-caliber campaign when many pundits expected him to flop as part of a flawed roster.

“For Jaylen, I think the responsibility and ownership of being a Celtic and going after greatness is extremely important, it’s something he takes very seriously,” Mazzulla responded when asked about Brown entering the upper echelon of Celtics scorers. “The ability to make and participate in history is the stepping stone to [the franchise] Better than what you found.”

There’s no doubt that Tatum and Brown have changed the Celtics organization for the better, but that doesn’t mean they’re satisfied. They want more, and “more” will come in the form of a second championship ring this June.

“I felt like I could always be one of the top players in the world if given the opportunity, and I think I’ve got to show that this season,” Brown said after Monday night’s 41-point loss to the Phoenix Suns. “The focus now is on getting ready for the playoffs.”

On Tuesday evening, the San Antonio Spurs continued their winning ways with a blowout win over the Sacramento Kings. The win gave the Spurs their 19th win in their last 21 tries and allowed them to keep pace with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.

In this, the Spurs made an astonishing 41 assists, and also broke the franchise record of 25 threes.

After the game, point guard De’Aaron Fox, who was playing against his former team in the Kings, spoke about why San Antonio was able to enjoy so much success on Tuesday night.

X, formerly of Twitter, said, “We enjoy playing together,” he said, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “We enjoy seeing each other succeed. It makes sharing the ball a lot easier.”

Indeed, the Spurs have shown a remarkable team chemistry this year, despite this being the first full season this group has been together.

Of course, the head of the snake is superstar Victor Wembanyama, who didn’t have to do all that much in Sacramento on Tuesday, but the Spurs’ front office deserves credit for building an elite supporting cast around the former number one overall pick, which includes Fox, last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephen Cassel and an assortment of solid three-and-D wings, not to mention this year’s rookie standout, Dylan Harper.

It’s extremely rare that teams make deep playoff runs on their first attempt in the postseason, but this Spurs team may be the exception to the rule, as Wembanyama estimates there will be many sleepless nights for whichever coaching staff is tasked with gameplanning against him in a postseason setting.

The Spurs next take the field against a potential playoff opponent in the Phoenix Suns on Thursday evening.

With the NBA doing big business over the past few years, the idea of ​​expansion is a topic that has gained a lot of momentum. While many American cities would love to get an NBA franchise, Seattle and Las Vegas have long been favorites to win the sweepstakes.

Well, this week, the pair of cities took another big step closer to becoming a reality when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the league’s Board of Governors will soon vote on exploring the idea of ​​putting franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas starting in 2028.

It’s a sure bet that this Northwestern team will be a revival of the SuperSonics. However, the Las Vegas club will need an entirely new brand. With that in mind, we present some fun, funny, and logical ideas for what the new NBA team in Las Vegas should be called.

las vegas dry heat

Las Vegas is located near several Nevada deserts, including the Mojave. The dry climate is a major part of living in the city. So why not play with that regional specialty? It’s already summer in Miami due to the hot and humid temperatures in South Florida. Maybe Las Vegas needs to bring the NBA the Dry Heats.

las vegas blackjack

Las Vegas grew from the Nevada desert to become one of the biggest tourist attractions on Earth as a top destination for entertainment and gambling. It’s possible that a new NBA team could get a nickname related to their highly successful casino. Since blackjack is one of the most popular casino games on the planet, Las Vegas Blackjack is the favorite sports bookmaker to become the club’s ultimate nickname.

las vegas sinner

Many major cities around the world have funny nicknames. Las Vegas is one of the best when it comes to being called Sin City. The wild things that happen there are why locals have long used the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Why not play on that popular name and go with Las Vegas Sinners? A logo featuring a cute devil with a basketball could turn their merchandise into some of the most popular in sports.

las vegas bighorns

Sports fans are accustomed to naming animals after their favorite teams. Las Vegas could be no different. That’s why one local mammal that can end up on their Jerseys is the bighorn sheep. The bighorn is the official state animal and can be turned into a very scary looking team logo.

las vegas gambler

As mentioned earlier, the casino business is what has made Las Vegas one of the top cities in the United States. So let’s not shy away from this fact and consider the Gamblers as a possible name for the team. Oddly enough, they would not be the first major pro sports team with this name as one of the current franchises of the UFL is the Houston Gamblers.

las vegas sidewinders

Going back to the idea of ​​using animals as the name of the city’s new NBA team, another interesting option would be Sidewinder. This snake is famous for its “S-shaped” sideways movement across the dunes in the Mojave Desert. Just like a star player has to make his way through the opposing defense. Snakes are great for logos, and this new franchise will corner the market for them in the NBA.

las vegas strippers/strips

Even if you don’t live in the city, people across America know about the Las Vegas Strip. Why not play up that aspect of the city and call the team the Las Vegas Strips or the Strippers? It’s certainly different than anything seen in pro sports, and for fans dominated by mostly men, perhaps the name might bring up some positive thoughts about some time off after work.

las vegas jackpots

As mentioned earlier, there is a strong possibility that this new franchise will get a casino-related name. If the ultimate owners of the club do not like gamblers or blackjack, jackpots can be another option. Slot machines are one of the most popular casino games in the world, and who doesn’t love a jackpot?

las vegas 702s

In an era where people like to reflect where they are from by removing their city area code, another name would likely be 702. Sports fans are familiar with the 76ers and 49ers, so a number for the name is not unusual. Additionally, repeating the entire city, rather than some elements of it or the state, would be a refreshing way to approach the team name.

las vegas lebron/brony

It’s no secret that there’s a real possibility that LeBron James could own a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas. And he understands the immense value of his brand and unique name. He even passed it on to his son Bronny and got him drafted by the Lakers a year ago. Maybe he should take things a little further and put it on his team. The Las Vegas LeBron’s will be equal parts unique and hilarious.

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

The Indiana Pacers may have just etched their name in the franchise record books, but it’s certainly not a reason anyone in Indianapolis wants to celebrate. On Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks handed the Pacers a 136–110 loss, Indiana’s 14th consecutive loss. This disappointing stretch officially sets a new franchise record for the longest losing streak in Pacers history, surpassing the mark held since the late 1980s.

It has been a tough journey for head coach Rick Carlisle and his team, who remain the only team in the NBA without a win since the All-Star break. The absence of superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles, has left a huge void that the roster can’t easily fill. Without their primary playmaker, the Pacers’ offense looked disjointed and tired, a trend that continued against a surging Knicks team.

Even with the Knicks missing star point guard Jalen Brunson due to an ankle injury, the home team’s depth was too much to handle. Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the interior, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby provided consistent pressure on the wings. New York jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, taking advantage of an Indiana defense that has struggled to make stops during this historic slide.

Jarace Walker tried to keep things competitive for the Pacers, but the lack of veteran support, coupled with Pascal Siakam’s knee problem, made it an uphill battle from the starting point. As the final buzzer sounded in New York, the reality of the 15-54 record began to set in. While the team is clearly in evaluation mode, falling into such a historic rut is a tough pill to swallow for fans. Indiana will head home the next day, looking for any way to stop the bleeding before this record grows even longer.

Since its inception in 1946, the NBA has a rich and storied history in which countless stars have left their mark. LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is on his way to making history as he tries to lead his team out of the depths of the Western Conference standings and into the NBA Playoffs.

Behind the herculean efforts of Leonard, the Clippers are back in the playoff race this season, and now sit at 34-33 on the season. But it wasn’t long before things were looking grim, with just a 6-21 record, no draft selection to look forward to, and an aging roster that seemed to get even older before their eyes.

now in His 14th season in the NBAKawhi Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game in 53 games this season. This is the first time in NBA history that a player has averaged a career-high in points per game at the end of his NBA career.

Former LA Clippers guard Lou Williams became the first player in NBA history to average 20_ points in his 13th season or later. Williams became the second player in NBA history to have the highest career scoring average in his 13th season, joining Chauncey Billups.

Leonard has now passed both, and has done so while shooting 50.1 percent from the field, 37.8 percent from three and 89.7 percent from the free throw line.

What has been the key to his success so far in his NBA career?

“The guy up there and I are just able to play the game,” Kawhi Leonard told ClutchPoints. “The offseason was good for me, I was able to just work. Just praising him, work ethic and believing. Just trying to get better at the game. Not worrying about the outcome. Whether it’s working on my shot, handle or passing, just being aggressive and making mistakes.”

On Saturday night, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points in the Clippers’ home loss to the Sacramento Kings. This marked the 45th consecutive game that Leonard scored at least 20 points in a game, surpassing Bob McAdoo for most consecutive 20-point games in Clippers franchise history.

The 20-point streak now ranks 24th, equaling Tracy McGrady and Karl Malone’s streak of 45 consecutive games of 20+ points. Leonard’s streak at 128 is the second-longest active streak in the NBA behind Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recently surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record of 126 consecutive games.

“It’s amazing,” Leonard said of making Clippers history. “Thank God I was able to play consistently this year and interact with the great players of the game.

“Just being on the floor and being able to play basketball is always great. In the NBA you go through a lot of ups and downs, either it’s a bad game, missing a shot, getting sick, or the team failing, and then the peak. It’s great to be able to interact with great guys like him.”

Leonard sprained his left ankle in Saturday night’s loss to the Kings, causing him to leave the game in the fourth quarter and exit early. He is listed as “doubtful” to play in Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, but he is likely to receive round-the-clock treatment and try to warm up before his status for the game is determined.

If he misses the game, it would be the 15th game missed by Kawhi Leonard this season, putting him close to the 17-game mark, which would eliminate him from eligibility for season-end NBA awards such as All-NBA Teams, All-Defensive Teams and MVP consideration.

The Atlanta Hawks achieved a franchise milestone after a 125-116 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

Atlanta has been an active franchise for 77 seasons since its inaugural campaign in 1949. He has experienced many victories throughout his lifetime so far, making 49 playoff appearances and even winning a championship.

All those wins allowed him to reach the peak of 3,000 wins, needing one more win to reach this milestone. Only five other teams have accomplished this feat, making it even more significant when Atlanta defeated Philadelphia to clinch the home win and make history.

“Tonight’s win, Atlanta’s season-best sixth consecutive win, marks the Hawks’ 3,000th franchise win, becoming the sixth team in NBA history with 3,000 wins,” the post read.

How the Hawks played against the 76ers

The Hawks took care of business and continued their active winning streak after defeating the 76ers.

Atlanta got off to a slow start defensively and trailed 38–28 after the first quarter. Despite this, the hosts got back on track by taking control in the second half and outscoring Philadelphia 59–43 in the final 24 minutes of regulation.

Five players scored in double figures for Atlanta in the win. Jalen Johnson demolished Philadelphia’s defense with a stat line of 35 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. He made 12 of 19 shots from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and 9 of 9 from the free-throw line. Nickeil Alexander-Walker came next with 24 points and six assists, CJ McCollum had 17 points and seven assists, while Dyson Daniels put up 15 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu provided 10 points and six rebounds.

Atlanta improved to a 33–31 record on the season and finished ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks while trailing the 76ers and Miami Heat.

Riding a six-consecutive win streak, the Hawks will be looking forward to their next contest. They will be at home when they host the Dallas Mavericks on March 10 at 7:30 pm ET.

In case you were sleeping, the Washington Capitals made a big move overnight. The Washington Capitals traded veteran defenseman and franchise veteran John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks.

In exchange, the Capitals received a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 or 2027 NHL draft. The team also received a 2027 third-round pick.

Karlsson, 36, spent all 17 seasons of his NHL career with the Capitals. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605), and points (771) among defensemen.

This season, Karlsson recorded 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games with the Capitals. The Natick, Massachusetts native will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Most notably, Karlsson helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup title in 2018. He led all defensemen in the playoffs with 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 24 games played.

Karlsson was originally selected by the Capitals in the first round (27th overall) in the 2008 NHL Draft.

“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capitals every day,” said general manager Chris Patrick. “John’s determination, leadership, tenacity and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and established him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history.”

Karlsson is now the second major move made by the Capitals ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline. The team already sent Nick Dowd to Vegas on Thursday in exchange for picks and goaltending prospect Jesper Wickman.

This news from Carlson could also be a signal for 40-year-old Alex Ovechkin to retire after the 2025-26 season. As you can tell, the Capitals are focusing on developing young players.

The Capitals have a total of 22 picks in the next three drafts, including four first-round selections and nine picks in the first three rounds.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

Walter Clayton Jr. accomplished an impressive rookie feat with his performance in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 125-106 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.

Clayton is going through the rookie campaign of his NBA career, having enjoyed an incredible collegiate career that includes a national championship with the Florida Gators. He began the 2025–26 season with the Utah Jazz before they traded him and several players to Memphis in a player-stacked deal.

The move gave Clayton a chance to take on a larger role, earning more starts as Memphis’ season ended. Clayton has progressed as a two-way guard, showcasing his skills against Indiana. In 34 minutes of action, he finished with a stat line of seven points, 14 assists, four steals, three rebounds and one block.

This performance allowed him to make franchise history with the Grizzlies. He recorded the most assists in any game as a rookie, putting himself at the mountaintop of Memphis’ rookie charts in that statistic.

Walter Clayton Jr. in tonight’s Grizzlies win over the Pacers:

🔹 7 points
🔹 15 assists
🔹4 theft

He now has the most assists in a game by a rookie in Grizzlies history! pic.twitter.com/zY6edF7s9w

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2 March 2026

Walter Clayton Jr., how the Grizzlies played against the Pacers

Walter Clayton Jr. was active in the drama production department with his 14 recipes. As a result, he helped the Grizzlies defeat the Pacers in a strong road win.

Seven players scored in double figures for Memphis in the win. Taylor Hendricks impressed with a stat line of 19 points, five rebounds and one assist. Jaylen Wells was next with 18 points and three rebounds, Olivier-Maxence Prosper had 17 points and three assists, while Scottie Pippen Jr. had 16 points and five assists. Ryan Rupert, meanwhile, provided 16 points and six rebounds.

Memphis improved to a 23–36 record on the season and 11th in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. However, they are behind the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers.

The Grizzlies will remain on the road and await their next matchup. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves as tip-off takes place on March 3 at 8 PM ET.

After Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo expressed disappointment with his place in the Eastern Conference standings this season, he has something to celebrate, which was mentioned jokingly with Prime Video’s Udonis Haslem. Haslem, the Heat veteran who holds the franchise record for most rebounds in a career (5,791), will soon be tied for second in franchise history for most rebounds.

When Adebayo joined the squad for his postgame interview following Saturday’s 115–105 win against the Houston Rockets, host Steve Nash joked that Haslem was disappointed to see Adebayo take his heat. franchise recordAccording to NBA on Prime.

Nash said, “UD is so salty here that you’re going to pass him on the all-time rebound list with the Heat,” to which Adebayo asked Crews how close he was to surpassing Haslem.

Adebayo is 245 rebounds away from reaching Haslem’s franchise record.

“Sorry, OG,” Adebayo said. “I love you to death. I’ll give you the game ball if you want. But you know the record is mine, buddy.”

“You know the record is mine, buddy.”

Bam Adebayo says he will give @ThisIsUD Game ball the day he breaks UD’s franchise rebounding record ??? pic.twitter.com/XsbSG4Gr60

– NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) 28 February 2026

Udonis Haslem expressed zero interest in collecting Adebayo’s game ball when he eventually surpasses Haslem’s all-time Heat record, which he anticipates will happen before the end of the regular season. Adebayo finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday’s win against the Rockets.

Dwyane Wade questions Bam Adebayo’s Heat claim

Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade questioned Bam Adebayo’s opinion on the Heat, who are considered a talented team beyond the play-in round of the postseason. Wade also addressed Adebayo’s speech during Prime Video’s pregame broadcast Discussing his team’s recent defeat.

“The same thing I asked Bam… Are you there? That was my voice note to Bam.”

Wade continued by emphasizing that results ultimately determine where a team stands in the hierarchy.

“Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t lie. But I will say this, what Bam told me was – I think his disbelief and probably the team’s disbelief is due to them being first in overall pace, top five in scoring, top in defense so all the numbers are there. They have three guys now. [Norman Powell]balm, [Tyler] Heroes who have been All-Stars, so you also have guys who have talent. So, I believe there is some mistrust coming from that.

DeWade sent a voice note to Bam Adebayo regarding his comments on the Heat being better than a play-in team:

“Do you?… Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t lie.”

(via @NBAonPrimeh/t @heatculture13)pic.twitter.com/cnd3NOtctw

– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) 28 February 2026

Adebayo and the Heat responded with a 10-point win against the Rockets on Saturday.

The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Miami Heat on Thursday. During the contest, star guard Tyrese Maxey made franchise history by surpassing one of Allen Iverson’s team records.

After scoring a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, Maxey surpassed Iverson’s three-pointer record for the 76ers. Iverson initially set the record with 885 three-pointers during his time in Philadelphia.

“Tyreese Maxey passes Allen Iverson for most 3-point field goals in 76ers history.”

Tyrese Maxey has passed Allen Iverson for most 3-point field goals in 76ers history.

🥇Maxi – 886 3-pointers made
🥈Iverson – 885 3-pointers madepic.twitter.com/9dYoH98Q74

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 27 February 2026

Maxi will have the opportunity to continue adding to his franchise record. Especially considering that the six-year veteran signed a five-year, $204 million contract through the summer of 2024. That deal locks him in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 campaign.

The 25-year-old guard has emerged as a superstar in Philadelphia since joining the club in 2020. He ultimately had a breakout year in the 2023–24 campaign, earning the Most Improved Player of the Year award for his efforts.

Tyrese Maxey continues to play at a high level, as he entered Thursday’s game averaging 29.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the three-point line. His performances this season earned him the second All-Star award of his career.

Maxi broke Iverson’s record which was set in the 2009–10 season. It took almost 16 years to break that franchise record. Tyrese Maxey was able to surpass Allen Iverson’s three-point record in just six seasons, while it took the 76ers legend just over 10 seasons to reach 885 three-pointers. However, the game has changed significantly since then, as players shoot more threes than ever before.

NFL franchise tag window opens Tuesday, February 17^thAnd despite the New York Giants having several key free agents, don’t expect them to designate their franchise tag.

The Giants’ three biggest free agents are receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and corner Cor’Dell Floet. Although all three had their best seasons with Big Blue in 2025, all three will be unrestricted free agents when free agency begins on March 11.^th.

In an ideal world, the team would like to bring back all three, but the NFL is not an ideal world, and the franchise tag for each position is expensive. The projected franchise tag for a receiver is $28.8 million, the projected tag for an offensive lineman is $27.9 million, and the projected tag for a corner is $21.4 million.

All three are talented players, but they aren’t elite and aren’t guaranteed to be among the highest-paid players at their respective positions for 2026, especially considering the team is only projected to have $6.9 million in cap space. General manager Joe Schoen can cut players and restructure contracts to free up cap space, but it still wouldn’t be in his best interest to overpay one of his free agents, even if it’s just for one season.

New York will try conservatively in contract negotiations to retain all three, but knows that the chances of keeping all three are slim. But with the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team is equipped to move on from at least one of its free agents.

First-round picks who could replace veteran free agents

There have been several mock drafts where teams address each position of their top free agents in the first round. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the team let one of its free agents leave in free agency and replaced him with a top college prospect.

As for wide receiver, Big Blue has been linked to Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, Arizona State wideout Jordan Tyson and USC receiver Makai Lemon. Lemon was named first-team All-American, while Tate received second-team honors, and Tyson was named first-team All-Big 12.

It was clear that the receiver position was an issue when Malik Nabors was lost for the season in Week 4, as Robinson was the only reliable target to throw to Jackson Dart.

But there’s a good chance the team could lose Robinson in free agency, as it’s rumored he’s seeking a four-year deal that would pay him around $17 million annually. That price may be higher than what teams are willing to pay for a 5-8, 185-pound slot receiver.

Drafting one of the college prospects would be a cheaper option for New York, and since all three are bigger than Robinson, they provide more of a threat on the outside, which the team will especially need if Nabors gets injured again.

University of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa has also been linked as a possible option for the Giants at pick number five. The 6’6 315-pound Mauigoa appeared in 42 games in his three years at Miami and was rated as one of the best right tackles in the country. In 2025, he was a consensus first-team All-American, and he fits all the measurables you need in a tackle.

Another player who has been linked to New York is LSU Tiger cornerback Mansur Delaney. Delaney spent his first three years at Virginia Tech before transferring to LSU in 2005. He was a unanimous All-American and recorded 45 tackles, 11 passes defensed and two interceptions. The six-foot, 190-pound corner is very good in press coverage and would be ready to step in as the Week 1 starter if drafted.

How the Giants handle their free agents will provide insight into what direction they may go with their first pick in the draft. We should take a look at these prospects during the NFL Combine this week.

RELATED: New York Giants coach John Harbaugh discusses drafting Caleb Downs

The Orlando Magic had a stellar performance coming out of the All-Star break, posting a 131–94 win over the Sacramento Kings while setting a franchise record for 3-pointers.

Orlando connected on 27 of his 50 attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing ball movement, spacing and confidence all night. Leading the charge was Paolo Banchero, who imposed his will early and finished with 30 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block in 32 minutes. He shot 10 of 21 from the field, 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line.

After the game, Banchero pointed to execution and belief as keys to the record-setting performance.

“Yeah, it’s a good, good way to start this back half of the season after the break by getting a three-point record,” Banchero said. “That’s a good sign and yeah, I think we did a good job like I said, finding the advantage and then playing from there and finding the open man.”

He credited the team’s scoring ability from long range.

“I think we did a good job of letting the defense react to what we were doing and then getting a guy open, finding that guy, and then whoever it was – stepping into their shot and hitting it with confidence,” Banchero said. “I thought guys didn’t shy away from threes today. When they’re open, guys let it fly, including me, you know, just being confident in the shot, staying with the results and today they were hitting at a high level.”

Paolo Banchero’s aggression, defense fuel franchise 3-point night vs. Kings

Banchero also emphasized his mindset entering the competition.

“I’m just trying to come out, impose my will, be aggressive,” he said. “As you said, there are a lot of important games coming up, so I think everybody on the team understands that just coming out, doing whatever we have to do to win these games.”

Head coach Jamahl Mosley paired offensive explosion with defensive intensity.

“I really think it was our defense that was making some early, easy offensive looks,” Mosley said. “We were able to get down low, attack the basket, and then we were able to spray out for set three on legs. I thought our guys did a great job of sharing it out, moving it up, trusting the pass and just trusting our teammates.”

Mosley credited preparation and spacing for the franchise milestone.

“I thought it was great,” he said. “I think the guys did a great job in practice yesterday, understanding what shots we were going to get against this team. Our coaches did a great job of setting these guys up in the right situations, in the right spots, and guys were confident and comfortable and ready to get their feet wet and make shots.”

Magical Defense Increases Stealing Process as West Coast Tour Continues

He also praised Banchero’s tenacity.

Mosley said, “I like how he settled into the game, started being very aggressive early on, started getting down low, attacking the basket when she was open, stepping into a shot, letting people know how they were guarding him.” “I thought they did a great job of finding teammates, but overall on our team I think we did a great job of trusting our defense to carry our offense, and that’s why the ball was bouncing the way it was.”

The defensive pressure was evident in the box score. The Magic recorded 13 steals in Sacramento. The team’s PR account shared that this is the fifth consecutive game in which Orlando has recorded at least 10 steals, the third-longest in franchise history. The longest streak of games with 10 or more steals is seven, set from January 29 to February 18, 1994.

The activity at that end helped promote transition opportunities and early attack, reinforcing Mosley’s emphasis on creating rhythm and confidence in defence.

With the win, Orlando improved to 29–25, and moved within a half game of the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers (30–25) in the Eastern Conference. The Magic continue their West Coast trip against the Phoenix Suns (32-24) on Saturday at 5:00 PM ET on NBA TV.

When the Los Angeles Clippers traded James Harden and Ivica Zubac, they made it clear that they were rebuilding rather than completely rebuilding. Steve Ballmer invested nearly $2 billion in Intuit Dome, so he might not want to hit the reset button. Instead, the organization has added youth to the NBA’s oldest team. Newcomer Benedict Mathurin thrilled the crowd in LA’s first home game since the aforementioned trades, making history in a 115–114 win against the Denver Nuggets.

The former Indiana Pacers wing, who was included in the Zubac deal, scored a game-high 38 points in 34 minutes off the bench, while shooting 54.5 percent from the field and recording five rebounds, four assists and three steals. According to ClutchPoints reporter Tomer Azarli, he set a new scoring record for a Clippers player debuting on his home field and also matched a career high. That was not all.

Appropriately, Mathurin passed Jamal Crawford for most points by a reserve in his LA debut. This squad has a new offensive spark plug, and he is only 23 years old. After making an impressive debut against the Houston Rockets last Wednesday, the young Canadian won over Clippers fans by outclassing several competitors, including Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray.

Benedict Mathurin will be a restricted free agent this summer, but it stands to reason Los Angeles will want to lock him up for the foreseeable future. Tyronn Lue’s team is now just one game below .500, and Darius Garland still isn’t in tune. Although it’s not what City had envisioned, there is certainly excitement in the air after this hard-fought victory.

The Orlando Magic etched their place in the record books with an easy 131-94 win over the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Thursday.

The Magic rained down three-pointers on the Kings, scoring 27 in total, setting a new franchise record for a single game.

orlando broke old team record Courtesy of Jett Howard with 2:33 left in the fourth quarter. For good measure, he added another three-pointer with 33 seconds remaining.

Jett Howard’s trey sets franchise-record 26 threes in a single game for Magic 🔥pic.twitter.com/uXY5kdLEsR

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 20 February 2026

Paolo Banchero made 5 of 7 shots from long range and finished with a game-high 30 points. He also had five rebounds and six assists.

Howard, Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva each had four three-pointers, while Desmond Benn, Jalen Suggs and Devon Carter each had three three-pointers. Mo Wagner added a three-pointer.

Overall, the Magic went 27 of 50 from beyond the arc.

This may simply be an aberration, as Orlando is averaging just 11.5 three-pointers this season while shooting at a 34.2% clip, tied with three other teams for the league-worst percentage.

He was just three three-pointers away from breaking the league record of 29 long bombs set by the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks in 2024 and the Milwaukee Bucks versus the Miami Heat in 2020.

The Magic were also part of another team record – sort of – as they handed the Kings their 15th consecutive losing streak, the longest in franchise history.

Black scored 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Benn had 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Orlando improved to 29-25, while Sacramento fell to 12-45.

The Magic will look to continue their impressive shooting from deep on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been up and down this season, currently in a good playoff position in the Western Conference after the All-Star break. This comes amid reporting on some behind-the-scenes drama in Los Angeles, with a recent ESPN article highlighting some deep family rivalry between Governor Jenny Buss and her siblings.

Buss most recently orchestrated the sale of the Lakers to businessman and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter last year, and now, Jerry Buss’s daughter is talking about why she thinks her father would be involved in the decision to sell.

“What was important to him was that the Lakers remain at the top of the NBA, and to remain at the top of the NBA, you have to have resources,” Buss said, per ESPN’s Baxter Holmes via CNBS. “You need to bring everyone together. And he would like that [that for] The Lakers, because the Lakers are his legacy.”

The Lakers truly became synonymous with Dr. Jerry Buss during his tenure as team owner, establishing themselves as the most successful franchise in the NBA landscape by a wide margin.

Unfortunately, Los Angeles has not been on top in the NBA for quite some time now, with no playoff win to its credit since the 2023 season, but now with Luka Doncic taking the field they are hoping to change that as soon as possible.

“The partnership will provide us with stability as we move forward to build a team around Doncic,” Buss said. “We couldn’t be more proud that he’s a Laker. He’s a young All-Star that fans love to watch.”

Although Jenny Buss’s siblings may not see things the way she does, it seems that Dr. Buss’s daughter is comfortable with the decision to sell the team.