標籤: opinion

Dustin Poirier believes Khamzat Chimaev’s status in the middleweight division took a meaningful hit at UFC 328 in Newark on Saturday night, and he believes whoever faces Chimaev next will walk away with less psychological damage than previous opponents.

Speaking on UFC on Paramount+ after the show, Poirier also took direct aim at the post-fight moment between Chimaev and Sean Strickland, suggesting that the reconciliation revealed some uneasiness about the entire buildup.

“In the next fight, no matter who he faces, it will be hard to scare him because his aura has been damaged this week,” Poirier said. “With the back-and-forth, I thought it was real. I think it affected his whole aura this week. And putting the belt on Strickland — like, come on, man. He definitely worked for us.”

Poirier’s point lies in the fact that Chimaev created a unique figure in the sport. The undefeated record was an important part of his mystique, but there was also a sense of danger that surrounded him in preparation for every fight.

The conversation between Strickland and Chimaev before UFC 328 turned into some of the harshest pre-fight trash talk in recent memory, touching on religion, ethnicity, and physical threats, which made the confrontation truly unsettling.

In Poirier’s view, Chimaev’s willingness to make peace with Strickland immediately after the final bell rang, diminished the authenticity of everything that preceded it. The entire fight was competitive. All three judges scored the contest two rounds each and the fifth round before two of them awarded the fight to Strickland in the final round and by split decision, giving Chimaev the first loss of his MMA career and stripping him of the middleweight championship.

Whether Chimaev gets an immediate rematch or Strickland defends against another challenger has not yet been confirmed by the UFC.

Dustin Poirier had high praise for Josh Hockitt after his performance at UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday.

Hockit spent fight week taunting top-ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes and even went after headliners Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka, drawing mixed reactions from UFC fans.

However, when it came time to perform, Hockit bested Blaydes in an all-out battle on the main card at the Kasia Center and took home the $200,000 prize money along with two performance bonuses.

Lightweight legend addresses performance about the last battleDrawing a direct line between Hokit’s willingness to back up his words and the rise of some of the game’s biggest stars.

“When the stars start to align, you’ve seen it in Conor McGregor, you talk the talk, and you walk the walk,” Poirier said. “You’ve seen it in ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley. You’ve seen it in Chael Sonnen. We’ve seen it time and time again where guys talk the talk and walk away, and Hokit has done that this week.

“He talked about a big game, and he went out there and had one of the best heavyweight bouts we’ve ever seen and raised his hand. Good things happen, you become a star.”

Hockit, now 9-0 in MMA and 3-0 in the UFC, was immediately rewarded with a high-profile next assignment. He is booked to face Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House, a booking that shows how seriously the promotion is taking his early momentum inside the Octagon.

Drew McIntyre’s third WWE Championship reign lasted just 56 days, ending with interference from Jacob Fatu on the March 6 edition of SmackDown which allowed Cody Rhodes to regain the title. It was a brief run with a single successful defense – a victory over Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble – but McIntyre has no complaints about how it played out.

Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on a new episode of Insight, he explained why he believed the shakeup was exactly what was needed heading into WrestleMania 42. McIntyre said, “Awesome. Nobody saw this coming.” “I think everyone assumed that Kodi Express would continue to grow.”

McIntyre made it clear that his assessment of Rhodes was positive. He acknowledged that Rhodes is a great performer and WWE Champion and his momentum cannot be denied. But McIntyre felt that Rhodes’ run to the top was beginning to seem predictable, and suddenly losing the title was a blow that could reshape both the championship picture and Rhodes herself.

“My hearing isn’t great these days, but I can hear the crowd,” McIntyre said. “I could hear the reaction. When I won in Berlin I could see the reaction. And it put Cody in a position where he had to chase. Gave Cody a little bit of an edge back, which, in my opinion, he desperately needed.

“For me, it gave me some degree of validation. ‘Oh yes, Drew can win big.'”

McIntyre is heading into WrestleMania 42 not as WWE Champion but with a undrafted feud against Jacob Fatu on the card. This will be his eighth consecutive year competing at WrestleMania, showing his consistency as one of WWE’s most reliable performers over the past several years. Rhodes, meanwhile, is entering his fifth WrestleMania main event in four years, defending the title against Randy Orton.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads with 47 points oklahoma city thunder Won 114-110 against detroit pistons in overtime on Monday, which reignited the ongoing MVP conversation during his postgame media interviews.

However, the reigning MVP wanted no part of it. As for Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s not up to him to voice his opinion on why he should win the MVP award in consecutive NBA seasons.

When asked by a reporter to make the case for himself, SGA responded:

“No, I’m good. However, thanks for asking. But yes, I’m good. I’ll let my game talk.”

As far as the MVP conversation is concerned, Gilgeous-Alexander says the debate between fans and analysts is good for the association.

“It’s good for the league. I think it’s a good conversation,” he said.

“It gives people something to talk about. There are a lot of good players in this league. There are a lot of people in the conversation.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when asked about the MVP debate: “It’s good for the league. I think it’s a good conversation.

It gives people something to talk about. There are a lot of good players in this league. Lots of people in conversation” pic.twitter.com/gF4s2KrgpN

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 31 March 2026

The OKC Thunder big man will still face stiff competition for the award, however, as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is considered to be in the top running for this season’s Most Valuable Player.

But judging by her latest comments, it appears Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t upset with her competition. He scored 11 consecutive points before draining the game-winning 3-pointer due to an offensive foul with 4.3 seconds remaining in regulation.

He went 12 of 19 from the floor, 2 of 3 from deep and 21 of 25 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, teammate Ajay Mitchell finished with 14 points, while Chet Holmgren added 13 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Since his first foray into online journalism in 2019, Peter Okereke has written widely on entertainment, politics and pop… More about Peter Okereke

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith never shies away from expressing his opinion. Smith is sharing that opinion about Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take Tuesday that James make the case He could become the greatest NBA player of all-time this season.

Smith said, “The biggest case for LeBron James being the GOAT, in my opinion, is what he’s been doing this year. … The Lakers are in better shape than most people expect.”

“The biggest case for LeBron James being the GOAT, in my opinion, is being made by him this year. … The Lakers are in better shape than most people expect.”

—@stephensmith On LeBron’s impact this season🌟 pic.twitter.com/kneqHt3liY

– First Tech (@FirstTech) 24 March 2026

Smith made the comments following the Lakers’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. James finished the game with 12 points in 39 minutes on the floor. He posted a double-double, as well as 10 assists.

Smith prepared his argument by first saying that he believes Michael Jordan is the GOAT. The commentator then made his case that James is at least worthy of consideration for GOAT status.

Smith said, “He gets to the basket. He leads the NBA in fast break points. … He’s doing whatever he can to win basketball games for the Lakers.”

James continues to set NBA records this season. In recent times, he passed Robert Parish for most regular season games played in the league.

“It’s not like I’m writing things down and looking at the record book and saying: ‘I’m gonna get that, I’m gonna get that, I’m gonna get that.’ That’s exactly what happened,” James said, according to the Associated Press. “It wasn’t on the list of things I wanted to accomplish.”

After the Pistons’ loss, the Lakers fell to 46–26 on the season. Los Angeles’ nine-game winning streak was broken.

“I think the Lakers are in better shape than most people expect, and it has everything to do with LeBron James,” Smith said on First Take.

The Lakers will next face the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson has been on a roll, and his early impressions say a lot about the team and the atmosphere in Dallas. The relationship between Thompson and the Mavericks is already taking shape, driven by energy, momentum and fan support that never fades.

In an interview with AB Jones of DLLS Sports, Thompson gave candid and real feedback on what he has experienced so far. “Dallas is the best,” he said. “They’re very loyal. Not just to the Mavericks, but to every team.” That kind of praise carries weight. This coming from a player who has seen packed arenas and championship runs. Yet Dallas is still different.

Klay Thompson at fan support in Dallas, Texas.

“Dallas is the best. They’re very loyal. Not just to the Mavericks, but to every team.” pic.twitter.com/uaWLWmPrJ6

– Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) 19 March 2026

That loyalty shows up in real time. Mavericks fans are on everything. Noise is generated with every swing pass, every drive, every shot. When Thompson gets up for three runs, the field tilts. Then there is an explosion. This is the Mavericks’ best fan support, and it’s already becoming part of their rhythm.

The feeling of connectedness is also increasing. Not forcefully. There was no haste. Absolutely natural.

Mavericks find a perfect fit with Klay Thompson

It seems like this is more than a simple adjustment period. This feels like alignment. Thompson brings blankness, experience and the ability to make cool decisions. The Mavericks bring confidence, identity and a crowd that fuels the momentum.

The numbers support that role. In 60 games this season, Thompson is averaging 11.9 points in 21.9 minutes while shooting 38.0 percent from three. Efficiency still matters. Gravity still exists. Even when the box score looks paltry, the defense remains connected, allowing the Mavericks offense to continue to gain an advantage.

This is where its value is seen. Complex. steady. Game-shifting.

Undoubtedly, expectations will come. They always do this. But right now the foundation looks strong. The energy feels real. The Mavericks partnership is being formed with purpose, not coercion.

So as the season unfolds, a question arises. If this bond between Klay Thompson and Mavericks fans continues to grow, how much can Dallas hold on when it matters most?

The NBA MVP conversation has primarily revolved around last season’s winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, three-time recipient Nikola Jokic and Defensive Player of the Year favorite Victor Wembanyama, but Luka Doncic is forcing voters to accept his candidacy. The five-time All-NBA First-Team selection has been amazing as the Los Angeles Lakers continue their eight-game winning streak. Perhaps his latest masterpiece will make people reevaluate their awards chances.

A day after scoring 40 points against the Houston Rockets, Doncic paced the Miami Heat with 60 points on 18-of-30 shooting in a 134-126 road win on Thursday. Despite the team’s late arrival to South Beach (or early, depending on who you ask), the 27-year-old guard displayed the best offense he has to offer. He also totaled seven rebounds and five steals, showing his continued impact on the court.

Amid a spectacular March in which he scored 327 points over an eight-game span, Doncic is raising an important question. Why isn’t he getting more attention in the MVP race? Lakers head coach JJ Redick replied.

“Because he complains to the refs, I don’t know,” he said in the postgame press conference, according to the NBA Courtside X account. One might speculate that Redic might be being sarcastic, but it’s not so absurd to think that Doncic’s reactionary behavior earns him a certain level of support from fans and writers.

JJ Redick was asked why Luka isn't talked about more in MVP talks:

"Because he complains to the refs, Idk." pic.twitter.com/wY7Ep541zL

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 20, 2026

The 2023-24 scoring champion is one of the worst offenders when it comes to irritating the officials about no-calls. Instead of creating ruckus in the court, he will repeatedly argue his point heatedly. Doncic has improved in this area recently, but he remains under intense scrutiny due to his many blowups.

However, if he maintains his current level throughout the remainder of the campaign, even an ill-timed expression of emotion may not be enough to rule him out. Doncic was averaging an NBA-leading 33.0 points a game with 8.5 assists, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals entering Thursday’s contest with the Heat. He’s shooting 36.6 percent from 3-point range, burying opponents with a step-back jumper that seems unstoppable at times.

Most importantly, No. 77’s stellar numbers are carrying his team forward. The Lakers are currently in third place in the Western Conference with a 45–25 record. If they continue to win games, Luka Doncic may have a legitimate chance to snatch the MVP crown from Gilgeous-Alexander’s head.

The Indiana Pacers have all the incentive in the world to lose every game through the end of the 2025-26 season, as if their 2026 first-round selection ends up within picks five to nine, they will be dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers courtesy of the Ivica Zubac trade.

Since all critical teams are trying to lose games with the aim of maintaining their preference in protected grounds, the Pacers don’t need to do much to try and prevent defeat. Injury problems have plagued the team throughout the season, and after Sunday night’s 131-111 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, they lost two more key contributors, with TJ McConnell suffering a hamstring injury and Jarres Walker twisting his ankle.

That’s all Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle could do give vague feedback When asked about the respective positions of McConnell and Walker.

“Concerned. We’ll see.” [Walker] Ended up spraining my ankle. Look, we are a little worried right now. We’ll circle the wagons with the medical staff tomorrow and see what’s what,” Carlisle told reporters, via Tony East of Forbes.

Rick Carlisle on TJ McConnell’s hamstring and Jarace Walker’s late-game injury: https://t.co/y4ULLNOLc8 pic.twitter.com/hBk5V80NeF

– Tony East (@TonyREast) 9 March 2026

Fast bowlers could not take a break on the injury front

Before the 2025-26 season begins, no one would be surprised to see the Pacers remain semi-competitive amid the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. In this regard they would have been similar to the Boston Celtics. Fast forward to March, the Pacers have a record of 15-49 – the second worst record in the NBA at the moment.

Injuries have been very disappointing for the pacers. Guys like Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin and McConnell have missed significant time. They are slowly bringing Ivica Zubac on board. And this season has simply been a nightmare of a gap season that could ultimately lead to gold medal in draft season.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following Friday’s 127-121 win in overtime, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gave his honest opinion on Lou Dort’s fourth quarter ejection for a scuffle with Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic. The two were forced to separate, which led to a physical altercation between Thunder centers Jaylin Williams and Jokic. Both centers received double technical fouls, while Dort’s night ended in the fourth quarter.

Daigneault addressed Dort after the victory fourth trimester ejection Coming off of their seven-game series in the Western Conference Semifinals, he reminded reporters how familiar his Thunder team is to the Nuggets.

“That was a weird game. These are two teams that played each other in a seven-game series. We’re in the same division. We’ve played each other 100 times,” Daigneault said. “They know our playbook. We know their playbook. It is what it is. It’s going to be an imperfect game, and things escalate like that sometimes. I know Lu [Dort]. I know [Nikola] Jokic.

“I know J-Will. I don’t think anybody is trying to hurt anybody; they’re just great competitors. It just ended up being over. I think it was nothing more than that.”

Jaylin Williams and Nikola Jokic just went here to OKC.

Both could have been ejected after Williams came to the defense of Lou Dort. The fight is still under review pic.twitter.com/1zxS2glQJT

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

One could argue that Nikola Jokic took his frustration out on Lou Dort’s lead-2 layup on Williams, who defended his teammate, as most centers in the NBA do. This likely played into the referee’s decision to keep Jokic in the game, causing him and Jaylin to be slapped with a double technical foul.

Daigneault’s only hope is that if the situation were reversed, Jokic would be heading to the locker room because of a major-2.

“I will say this: If J-Will is running upfield and slips, we expect a flagrant -2 from this point forward. That’s all,” Daigneault said. “If that’s the precedent, if it becomes a malicious game, and Major-2 is the line in the sand on that, then we would expect that if it’s J-Will. We would expect that if it’s anyone. And if that’s the case, we’re good.”

Mark Daigneault’s honest opinion on Lu Dort’s ejection after scuffling with Nikola Jokic: “I will say this: If J-Will is running the floor and slips up, we expect a flagrant -2 from this point forward.

That is all.” pic.twitter.com/HFTcdINFdN

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block off the bench before closing out the Thunder’s victory in overtime.

Mark Daigneault missing overtime on Thunder’s SGA

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault sat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in overtime of Friday’s win against the Nuggets. Due to an abdominal injury that caused him to miss the Thunder’s last nine games, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a one-minute ban that went on unannounced before the defending champions’ showdown against the Nuggets.

Daigneault explained what was a factor in the Thunder decision Gilgeous-Alexander was benched after the fourth quarter.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. He’s coming back to play. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to hold him to a certain point in terms of minutes,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] Before the game. Just so we can all be clear, in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, this is what we would do.

“We obviously did that. I understand it’s a little unconventional, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from injury.”

Mark Daigneault on SGA sitting out in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. Getting back to playing. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to keep him at a certain point in terms of minutes.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks and two steals led to a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half before the defending champions won in overtime without their reigning MVP.

Head coach Mark Daigneault and the shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder saw their 25-point lead disappear in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors, but still held on for a 116-107 victory on Tuesday. In another Thunder matchup without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City responded with a 15–6 run to earn its third consecutive win without its two leading scorers.

With the game tied at 101, the Thunder’s defense forced back-to-back turnovers, while Cason Wallace (27 points), who tied his career high, and Isaiah Joe (22 points) made key shots to keep the Raptors at bay. Daigneault addressed his team’s poise after a hard-fought win.

“It’s very hard to win games when you get a lead like that and they come back and tie the game,” Daigneault said. “Even the Cleveland game over the weekend was like that; we got out to an early lead. They came completely back in the game. They took the lead. It takes a lot of mental toughness to get yourself going on the next possession.

“Cason was great all night, but he was huge in that period. He had four points in a row. And then, Isaiah got it. So, he scored seven points right after the tie that got the game going again. But the team showed great mental toughness.”

Wallace (11 for 16) and Joe (six threes) combined to make 18 of 30 shots, including 10 for 16 from deep. Alex Caruso led the way with 16 points.

Mark Daigneault impressed with Thunder’s patience amid injuries

Head coach Mark Daigneault praised the Thunder for adapting to playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for such a long period of time, lasting until January. Similar to Sunday’s matchup, where the Thunder faced a 20+ point deficit against the Cavs, the defending champions stayed the course.

For Daigneault, it’s a testament to the Thunder’s ability to quickly adapt and make changes against the Raptors, which, in many ways, has been the story of the defending champions’ regular season.

Daigneault said, “You can’t control your circumstances. We always want to be completely healthy and get along with everyone. But when you get help, you have to make the best of it and we try to be optimistic.” “And we try to be a team that takes the circumstances in our favor, and try to take advantage of every situation, even if it’s a challenge to create some momentum. The guys have done an incredible job.

Daigneault concluded, “They see these types of things as a challenge. And that’s one of the special things about this group of guys. And they’ve done a great job since the break, sure, but also in the break.”

Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be reevaluated this week, while Williams (right hamstring) will have to wait a week. The Thunder will face the Pistons on Wednesday night on the second night of a back-to-back.

The New York Knicks were well represented at this year’s All-Star Game, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns competing for Team Stripes and Team World, respectively.

In the end, none of them won the trophy, as Team Stars won the mini tournament. It was the young guns, including Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, who shone brightest at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Edwards was named All-Star Game MVP, while Wembanyama almost single-handedly led the team to the World Cup. Edwards acknowledged Vembanyama for setting the tone In the mid-season showdown, and Brunson agreed.

“I think Wembey is a leader. The way he carries himself is great for this game. I think he’s done a great job, and you can see the impact he’s had on and off the court during this game. That’s why he’s doing what he does,” Brunson said.

Jalen Brunson agrees with Anthony Edwards and says Victor Wembanyama has set the tone for the intensity of the All-Star Game.

“I mean, yes. I think Wembey is a leader. The way he carries himself is fantastic for this game. I think he’s done a great job, and you can see the impact he’s had… https://t.co/yOCqsqKPoM pic.twitter.com/DYzrcmrFm1

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

The 22-year-old Vembanayama, who played in his second consecutive All-Star Game, scored 33 points on 10-of-13 shooting, eight rebounds and two blocks in two games, although they lost both.

For his part, the 29-year-old Brunson had 13 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in three games.

Even before the highly anticipated competition, Vembanyama made it clear that he did not see it as a comfortable exhibition, and stressed the need to work hard to compete.

Team World still had a chance to advance to the finals, but Vembanyama missed a three-pointer, sending the game into overtime against Team Stripes.

Meanwhile, Brunson and the Knicks return to action on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons.