Last year, the Indianapolis Colts gave their fans reason to celebrate, both with a 7-1 start and by acquiring an NFL superstar in Sauce Gardner. Unfortunately, it all collapsed when breakout star quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a knee injury. The Colts went 1-8 the rest of the trip, so much so that they turned to 44-year-old Philip Rivers in desperate times.

Jones is still recovering from his concussion, but eventually, the Colts will be back at full strength. We saw how capable Shane Steichen’s offense was last season, and the Colts spent a lot of money keeping their group intact, retaining Jones and receiver Alec Pierce in free agency. Still, there might be a way to further weaponize the offense in Indianapolis.

Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen said the Colts are the “best team fit” for former All-Pro and Pro Bowler, free agent receiver Deebo Samuel.

The 30-year-old Samuel spent last season with the Commanders, where he appeared in 16 games and recorded 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Still, the Commanders didn’t utilize him as much as a rusher, where Samuel had only 17 rush attempts for 75 yards and one touchdown, both rushing totals his lowest since 2020.

Samuel’s last season with over 1,000 all-purpose yards came in 2023, yet he has only had one season with fewer than 800 yards from scrimmage. This could make him an ideal complementary weapon to Warren, Pierce, Downs and Westbrook-Ikhin.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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

Even though they are still searching for their full-time general manager, the Minnesota Vikings believe they have a strong foundation and support system. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are some of the best offensive and defensive minds in the NFL today. Together, the Vikings have become a place where many young prospects feel they can get the proper development they need to reach their full potential.

Look at former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray as an example. He never lived up to his draft slot in seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Once he became a free agent, he chose O’Connell’s Vikings, although the presence of Justin Jefferson probably didn’t hurt.

Murray was only signed to a one-year contract. He could become the Vikings’ franchise quarterback, stealing that opportunity from 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy. If so, it means McCarthy’s days are numbered. Thus, the Vikings may soon be looking for another developmental QB to learn behind the 29-year-old Murray.

Right now, the sports community is monitoring the case of Texas Tech and former Indiana QB Brandon Sorsby, who is under NCAA investigation for sports gambling, yet is currently fighting for the opportunity to play in 2026.

However, there is also a possibility that Soursby declares for the NFL supplemental draft, which has not had a player selected since 2019. Another complication, Sorsby must submit his intent to enter the supplemental draft by June 30.

Still, Soursby’s potential availability to NFL teams later this summer presents an interesting curveball, where teams would part with a 2027 draft pick for the right to add him to their team immediately. Viewed as someone who had a Day 2 grade but could rise to a first-round prospect, Soursby has a strong arm and above-average mobility.

recently, athleticJeff Howe takes a look at which teams might be willing to part with a 2027 draft pick for Soursby. In doing so, Howe looked to the Vikings, who have an extra third-round pick in 2027 from Philadelphia after the Jonathan Greenard trade, as Soursby’s destination.

At first glance, the Vikings’ connection to Sorsby would seem strange. Still, with Murray only playing on a one-year contract and McCarthy undrafted, it’s likely the Vikings will enter next season still The search for answers to the future at the most important position in football.

Plus, there’s always the possibility that if/when Murray wins the Vikings’ starting QB competition, McCarthy, a former 10th overall pick, will request a trade. The Vikings can push firmly on that concept right now, knowing that Murray is only signed for the remainder of the season.

Still, as the Vikings get deeper into their competition, it may soon become clear that Murray is the best candidate on the field. This could lead to an early decision on McCarthy’s future in Minnesota, potentially making the Vikings more interested in finding another developmental QB over 2025 undrafted signee Max Broesmer.

This is where Sorsby can be seen as the perfect solution. A QB who has less pressure on his shoulders to perform immediately is given more time to develop than a ball of clay who is just 22 years old.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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

chelsea’s It is becoming easier to understand the interest in Victor Frohold at FC Porto with each passing week.

The midfielder has become one of the faces of Porto’s title-winning campaigns. He is one of the most talked about young midfielders in Europe. Furthermore, he has increasingly become a player Premier League clubs are drawing serious plans around.

Chelsea is one of the most linked clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United. However, there is an extra layer added to the Blues’ situation with uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Portuguese press, Chelsea are interested Directly linked to Enzo’s eventual departure. This background helps to explain why the London Club has intensified its monitoring of the freehold.

And Dane’s praise from all quarters is growing louder.

Porto is already thinking long term

Francesco Farioli has now publicly addressed the growing relocation noise around Freehold. Furthermore, his comments left no doubt as to Porto’s intentions.

talking to gameThe Porto manager pointed directly to the midfielder’s own recent comments regarding his desire to stay. He also wants to play Champions League football with the club next season.

“I think his words after the last game were very clear about where he wants to play next season and how he feels here at FC Porto.” Farioli said.

The Italian also made Porto’s wider strategy very clear.

“There is a clear desire and intention to move forward on the right path, trying to keep the best players and progress this group.”

Farioli also confirmed that talks are already taking place behind the scenes ahead of the summer market.

“There are discussions and negotiations with players, agents and clubs to understand the situation,” Emphasizing that Porto wants to be, he explained “Ready to make the right decision when the market comes.”

This is in line with what has been consistently coming out of Portugal in recent weeks. Porto want to keep Froholdt as a core part of the team. This is especially important ahead of their return to the Champions League after two years away.

“A unique player”

In fact the loudest praise is coming from Denmark. game This week we spoke to former Copenhagen academy coordinator Martin Wingard and former Denmark international Morten Bisgaard. Both personalities worked closely with Frohold before his rise to prominence in Porto.

Both paint a picture of a player whose mentality set him apart long before he reached senior football.

“He was always a hard-working player with a top-level mentality,” Vineyard explained.

The former academy coordinator revealed that Fröholdt consistently dominated every race and endurance test at the Copenhagen Academy, even when more attention was given to the bigger talents around him.

“When it comes to hard work, no one can beat Froholdt.”

Wingard also highlighted the midfielder’s consistency and mentality in big matches.

“He loves big games and is never afraid,” the former coach explained before adding another line that comes up when discussing Froholdt’s influence.

“It was always easy to notice whether he was on the pitch or not.”

He also believes that Porto have found the ideal role for the midfielder. While Denmark has used Froholdt in a number of positions, Wingard feels the Porto system allows him to show his best qualities as a number eight.

“He just loves playing football. He doesn’t care who he’s facing, he just wants to play well and win.”

Bisgaard was equally powerful.

“He is a unique player,” the former Udinese striker said while discussing Froholdt’s rise.

“You have Messi and Ronaldo, who are incredibly good because of the goals they score, but Frohold’s mentality and dedication could make him one of the best players in Europe.”

“What surprised me was how quickly he reached the second level in Portugal,” Bisgaard explained.

“He was very good at under-17 level, brilliant at under-19, but when he reached the Copenhagen first team he immediately became extraordinary. He has done exactly that at FC Porto.”

Bisgaard even suggested that Fröhold should stay in Portugal for the next one, two or three seasons as the club provided the stability needed for the next stage of his development.

“If he continues like this, he will become FC Porto’s next big sale”He concluded.

what happens next

Chelsea’s interest is unlikely to wane, especially as questions over Enzo Fernandez continue to loom in the background.

At the same time, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are firmly in the race, and Porto are aware that the summer market could move very quickly once formal discussions have begun.

However, the player wants to stay. The manager wants to keep him. Porto wants to build around him. So this combination could ultimately delay any immediate Premier League move, even though England’s biggest clubs are already preparing themselves for the future.

wolves Midfielder Joao Gomes is reportedly turning down clubs left and right this summer, including Leeds United, even when some of them are offering more money than Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian has become one of Wolves’ biggest assets after falling short in the Championship. Recent reports have already suggested that Atletico are making a strong move for the 25-year-old, and talks are heading towards a deal worth around €45m (£38.5m).

Now there is a clear picture of how the player himself is facing the situation.

according to the journalist pablo oliveiraJoao Gomes rejected approaches from Zenit St. Petersburg, Atalanta, Galatasaray and even Leeds United.

Interestingly, some of those offers were clearly financially better than those of Atlético Madrid.

Looks like Joao Gomes has made up his mind

This tells a lot about where this story is headed.

The opportunity at Atletico Madrid is reportedly considered unique by the midfielder. It makes sense when you look at the bigger picture – Diego Simeone, Champions League football and the chance to compete near the top of La Liga.

Joao Gomes is not just interested in securing the biggest contract available. And as a result, many clubs have already been sidelined.

The Leeds United angle looks a little different. Joao Gomes adapted well to English football and could easily stay in the country. Instead, he seems ready to do something different.

The mention of Atlanta is also interesting. Atletico initially looked at Ederson first Drawing attention to Joao Gomes. Now the Italian club themselves are reportedly among the parties unable to convince him.

The wolves are now waiting for the next step

Things are becoming clearer from Wolves’ side too.

The club is still in a strong position as Joao Gomes is under contract until 2028. Earlier reports had revealed that Wolves wanted around €46m (£40m), while Atletico’s expected offer is currently around €45m (£38.5m). It’s hardly a difference.

Furthermore, once a player begins to rule out multiple clubs and is clearly leaning toward a destination, negotiations usually become more straightforward.

Having turned down clubs from England, Italy, Turkey and Russia – especially with offers of slightly more money – it seems the midfielder has already chosen the direction he wants to go.

Unless another top European club suddenly changes the picture, Atletico Madrid now appear to be in an extremely strong position.

Sunderland striker Brian Brobby can insist he was not showing off his physique for the Dutch press at the weekend. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t pay attention.

Voetbal Primeur covered Marciano Vink’s comments today.

He has high praise for Sunderland and the work they have done on the 24-year-old.

newcastle valor

Brobby was the hero again for Sunderland at the weekend. He scored a last-minute winner in a 2–1 win over Newcastle United.

He celebrated that goal by taking off his shirt and showing off his toned body to the crowd, beating his chest in celebration. That new physique did not go unnoticed in the Netherlands.

Brobbey’s fitness was a regular source of frustration at former club Ajax, where he often failed to complete 90 minutes under Francesco Farioli.

The Sunderland striker has since insisted it wasn’t his faultBut a decision of the Ajax manager. He also made his celebration clear There was no point in showing the opponents in the Netherlands how much he had changed.

Sunderland’s efforts succeed

But that doesn’t mean her improved physique hasn’t gone unnoticed. Wink was one of those watching over the weekend, and he was very impressed.

“He’s definitely got something he likes,” he said on Voetbalpraat on Wednesday.

“You can even see it when he takes his shirt off. He’s so ripped, he’s like concrete. What I find brilliant is that he was often criticized for not being able to last ninety minutes.

“Now you see when you go abroad and real experts are put to work, this is what comes out.”

Match of the Day accolade

Brobbey’s performance in the derby with Newcastle on Sunday earned particular praise from British pundits.

The striker spent most of his 90 minutes on the field in a battle with Newcastle’s centre-backs, which he eventually won. This earned him praise from Match of the Day analysts, which Wink also took notice of.

“When you look at the amount of energy he has, he puts in and how quickly he has won over even the Match of the Day analysts. The fact that they start with ‘How can you not love Brobbie’, I find it really unique.” He added.

Newcastle United are again being described as the leading favorites to sign Alan Elias in Brazil, but no deal is straightforward.

The 21-year-old player has become a key figure for Palmeiras over the past year. After finishing 2025 strongly, Allen has continued that momentum into the new season.

He has already made 19 appearances in 2026 and scored four goals in all competitions. Those numbers tell only part of the story. His role in the team has become more consistent, regular participation in matches matters.

This coincides with a strong start to the season for the Brazilian team. Palmeiras secured the state championship earlier this year and now top the league table. Allen has been a part of that run, and is contributing to a team that is once again competing on multiple fronts.

This context is central to understanding the club’s stance. Palmeiras is not dealing with a fringe player or a developing prospect on the perimeter. They are managing one of their most important attacking pieces in a season where silverware is firmly within reach.

At the same time, England’s interest has also intensified. Newcastle are not alone. liverpool And Manchester United They are also one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Allan, with the Premier League emerging as his most likely destination.

Newcastle are now seen as favourites.

Against that background, reports pig soul Claim Newcastle are currently seen as the leading club in the race for Allan.

The Premier League side are said to be preparing a ‘unique’ package worth around €46m (£39.5m), structured with a fixed fee and performance-related bonuses.

Importantly, the report suggests Newcastle are not rushing to make an immediate bid. Instead, they are waiting out the summer transfer window before making their first formal move.

This timeline matches what has already been seen in this case. English clubs are trying to establish themselves as quickly as possible, including contacting player representatives.

Newcastle has also gone one step ahead. As previously reported in Brazil, The club sent a messenger In the country to initiate contacts and assess the terms of a potential deal.

Brazilian strategy: renewal and value addition

Palmeiras is not standing still. As we covered earlierThe club is working on a new contract for Allan with better financial terms and a longer term. The deal could extend his stay until 2030, as well as increase his salary and release clause.

This is a clear strategic move. By renewing the player’s contract, Palmeiras aims to strengthen their negotiating position and raise the price before the next transfer window.

Recent discussions in Brazil indicate that the club are now demanding a valuation in excess of €40m (£34.3m). Any deal at that level is likely to include a performance-related bonus rather than a fully guaranteed fee.

Past offers and market reality

It is also mentioned in the report previous interest from napoliPalmeiras reportedly rejected offers of between €30m and €35m (£25.7m-£30m). However, Sports Witness Source Understand that the Italian Club’s claims of exclusive offers are not true.

Napoli’s interest in Allan has been mentioned in Brazil, but details of bids reported elsewhere cannot be confirmed.

Zenit Saint Petersburg have also been linked with the midfielder, adding to the growing list of clubs keeping an eye on his situation.

Our Opinion: Price, Time and Leverage

This update – And SportWitness exclusive from Brazil – Brings more clarity to a situation that has been building for months. Newcastle is now being positioned as a leader, with a clear financial plan and defined timelines.

At the same time, Palmeiras has established a strong negotiating position. Allen is performing, the team is winning and there is no internal pressure to sell. That combination drives up the price.

If Newcastle United want to turn their status as favorites into a completed deal, the challenge is clear. They must meet – or exceed – that valuation, now approaching a guaranteed €45m (£38.6m), not just in bonuses.

🇵🇹Iván Fresneda | €80 million clause to see Newcastle United fullback shining – and the Magpies are keen

📉That figure will be largely negotiable https://t.co/C7fO6tZzKO #nufc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 21 March 2026

The Orlando Magic continue their chase for the NBA Playoffs as they currently sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite all the ups and downs of the season so far, franchise star Paolo Banchero remains their consistent leader on both ends of the floor. Always paying attention to details, Banchero’s latest Air Jordan 4020 PE sneakers may have a hidden meaning originating from the pre-game ritual.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero will be the first to admit that stretching before any basketball activity is non-negotiable. He described suffering from a shin sprain as a junior and how it hindered his play until he met a trainer who taught him a stretching routine with rubber bands. Despite it being difficult at first, Banchero continued the routine and eventually saw his shin sprain disappear. He has since incorporated the routine before all basketball activities.

“Since then, I’ve never stopped doing it, and now I can’t workout, I can’t exercise without doing it, it energizes my body. I think just being in my shape, being flexible and being able to go in different directions and things, that’s all important.”

Banchero’s Air Jordan 4020 PE

Paolo Banchero launches a new Air Jordan 4020 PE inspired by his training band pic.twitter.com/JM4Ra5tiAo

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 23 February 2026

Paolo Banchero Air Jordan 4020 PE pic.twitter.com/AUOyKz4bKq

– Midoriman☘️ (@midorimanbb) 24 February 2026

Signed as a Jordan Brand athlete, Banchero is always first in line to rock his PE (Player Exclusive) featuring the latest Jordan technology. Recently seen in the Air Jordan 4020, the sneakers perfectly match the vibrant green of the rubber bands used by Banchero during his routines. Painted in a clean white and neutral gray base, we see green on the rear heel, outsole, and most notably the oversized strap along the midfoot.

Making a splash in the new PE, Banchero averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists en route to a 111-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Clearly, both the pre-game stretching and the sneakers paid off, but we’re not sure if this colorway will release to the public yet or remain exclusive to the former Rookie of the Year.

Jason Terry knows a thing or two about excelling as a shooter.

The longtime NBA legend played 19 seasons in the league, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2008–09 season. Terry finished his career as a 38.0% shooter from beyond the arc, shooting a career-high 43.8% from 3-point range during the 2006–07 season, when the Dallas Mavericks posted the league’s best record at 67–15.

Terry currently serves as an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz, a role he has held since the 2022–23 season. One of the Jazz’s most promising young players is none other than Ace Bailey, who was their top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Bailey was selected with the fifth overall selection in the draft after averaging 17.6 points per game during his lone season at Rutgers.

In the first half of the season, the 6-foot-9 Bailey has played a key role in the rotation for the Jazz, averaging 11.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 49 games and 38 starts. Terry has high expectations for Bailey, even comparing him to Hall of Fame guard Ray Allen when it comes to his early release.

Allen was a 10-time All-Star who is considered one of the best 3-point shooters of all time.

Terry said in a personal interview, “There are no limits for Ace Bailey, because he’s a blank canvas.” “He’s only 19 years old. He’s coming on. He’s raw, but he has supreme athleticism and shooting ability – he could be one of the great shooters from long range, when it’s all said and done. He has a quick release, and he gets it off. He gets it over quickly, kind of like a Ray Allen type of release. He doesn’t jump that high. But as far as hitting that shot. He gets it over with pretty quickly.”

So far this season, Bailey is converting 45.0% of his attempts and 34.0% of his 3-point shots. Terry said where Bailey will excel in his 3-point attempts is “coming off screens on pin downs” and shooting 3-pointers in transition.

Bailey clearly has a long way to go before he’s in the same league as Allen, but he’s getting significant playing time as part of a rebuilding effort in Utah. The 19-year-old ranks fourth in points and fifth in 3-pointers made on the Jazz.

As noted, Bailey only spent one year in college. Plus, considering Utah is in obvious rebuilding mode, he’ll have all the time in the world to develop. At 18-38, they currently sit in 13th place in the Western Conference after posting the worst record in the NBA last season at 17-65.

The sky is definitely the limit for the 6-foot-9 small forward.

MIAMI – The Miami Heat are coming off the All-Star break looking for another shot and a turnaround in the season, the team is going to get some big help in the return of Tyler Herro. As rumors swirled about Herro’s Heat return, he spoke for the first time about his recovery after missing the last 15 games due to a rib injury.

It has been a disappointing season for Herro, as he has missed 45 games due to myriad injuries, coming off an All-Star and career year in 2024-25, playing in only 11 contests. He missed the first 17 games of this season due to offseason ankle surgery, then missed 13 more games due to a toe injury, with the most recent issue being what Miami listed as “Right costochondral; rib injury.”

Herro returned to practice on Thursday and was fully engaged in the session, which undoubtedly opens the door to a return on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks or Saturday vs. the Memphis Grizzlies. Although he wouldn’t commit to a return on Friday, he told ClutchPoints, “I’m feeling really good, just like last year.”

The 26-year-old also talked about how “unique” the injury was, noting how he had three ribs broken, and while he played three games with Torodol shots, which manage the pain, it wasn’t a season-long plan.

“It was unique,” ​​Herro told ClutchPoints. “Once I found out what it was, it was just a matter of resting and letting my body heal. There wasn’t anything I could magically do to heal my ribs; I had three, broken ribs. So my ribs were hurting a lot, just doing normal lifestyle, things I couldn’t do, so there was no way I could play basketball. I played the first three games of Torodol shots, and it was good, but I was like that for the rest. Couldn’t. Season, so it was just a matter of letting this thing cool down.

Tyler Herro speaks after returning to practice (fully) after missing the last 15 games due to a rib injury. Will travel with the team, but not sure whether he will play tomorrow or not.

Talked about recovery, their disappointing season, Norman Powell being an All-Star, etc. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/FX13kYtkCE

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 19 February 2026

The Heat’s Tyler Herro on his injury-filled season

While there were concerns between Herro and the Heat regarding injuries, Starr is hopeful that the final 26 games will end well and healthy, expressing that there is not much discomfort now. It was bad enough that he was having trouble getting out of his bed, as Herro put it, but it has progressed to the point where he can walk “perfectly” in the way necessary to play basketball.

“Yeah, it’s been real, really frustrating,” Herro said on his injury-filled season. “Obviously, as a competitor, somebody who loves playing the game more than anything, that’s what I do. Obviously, this is what I do for a living, but I love the game of basketball, so it’s hard for me to just sit out and not be able to play. It’s never easy for me. So happy to be back here, it’s been a tough year for me… so I’ll just try to stay healthy and play some good basketball the last time I’ve been here.” I will try.” Months.”

It remains to be seen what Herro’s role looks like upon returning, after recovering from a toe injury, he played the first game off the bench to recover from that injury, then came into the starting lineup. Either way, it’s “exciting” to have Herro back with the team, as head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed the same sentiment.

“See how he reacts when we get to Atlanta,” Spoelstra said. “But it was very exciting to have Tyler out here in practice. You know, he’s done everything he’s needed to do over the last few weeks to prepare for this. And it’s exciting to have him back in the mix. We’re all excited about it.”

Erik Spoelstra talks about Tyler Herro’s return to practice and how “exciting” it was to see him socializing with the team.

As Herro said earlier, I’m not committed to him playing tomorrow. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/3f1kwQ37we

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 19 February 2026

At any rate, Miami is 29-27, which puts them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference as they travel to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

Nikola Jokic may be a three-time MVP and the defending champion, but even “Joker” knows when he’s in the presence of an otherworldly presence.

During the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome, the Denver Nuggets superstar took his admiration for Victor Wembanyama to a hilarious new level. While the rest of Team World was busy swapping signatures, Jokic approached the San Antonio Spurs with a specific request.

“Where’s the alien? I want an alien,” Jokic was heard saying, referring to Vembanayama’s iconic logo. Without missing a beat, Wembanyama responded, “Say less,” before making his signature allegorical mark on Jokic’s jersey. It was a light-hearted moment between two generational big men who clearly share a huge amount of mutual respect despite being rivals in the Western Conference.

Nikola Jokic got his alien logo on his jersey from Victor Vembanyama, while he got his jersey signed by the entire Team World 😅

Jokic: “Where’s the alien? I want an alien.”

Wemby: “Speak less.”

(via @nba)

pic.twitter.com/mvb7sewNml

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 16 February 2026

While the jersey swap was all smiles, the actual game saw a bit more bite than in recent years. Under the league’s new round-robin format, Vembanyama proved he was not just there for the vibes. The French star led Team World with 14 points and 6 rebounds in the opening matchup against the USA Stars.

The game became a complete thriller, ending in five overtime periods from the first. After Anthony Edwards forced extra frames with a clutch triple, Wembanyama countered with a three-pointer of his own. However, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors played spoiler, draining a game-ending 3-pointer to secure a 37–35 victory for the Americans.

Vembanyama did not slow down in his second innings of the day. He scored an impressive 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting in a close 48–45 loss to the USA Stripes. He almost forced another overtime, but his last-second attempt from deep fell short as the buzzer sounded.

Jokic, meanwhile, kept things classic, focusing more on facilitating and enjoying the spectacle while playing minimal minutes to manage his health following a knee injury in late December.