UConn great Paige Bueckers and USC star JuJu Watkins are among five players selected as finalists...

<p>UConn great <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> and USC star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/110970" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/110970">JuJu Watkins</a> are among five players <a href="https://www.woodenaward.com/news/2024-25-womens-all-america-team-top-5/">selected</a> as finalists for the prestigious Wooden Award on Tuesday.</p><p>UCLA center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104621" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104621">Lauren Betts</a>, Notre Dame guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111974" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111974">Hannah Hidalgo</a>, and Texas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111856" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111856">Madison Booker</a> are also finalists for the annual distinction celebrating the most outstanding player in women's basketball.</p><p>The Wooden All-American team features Kentucky's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91399" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91399">Georgia Amoore</a>, Florida State's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104904" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104904">Ta'Niya Latson</a>, LSU's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97633" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97633">Aneesah Morrow</a>, TCU's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91688" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91688">Hailey Van Lith</a>, and Hidalgo's Notre Dame teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97805" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97805">Olivia Miles</a> in addition to the award finalists.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bueckers won the Wooden Award as a freshman in 2021 and is considered the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Her Huskies are in their 16th Final Four in 17 years. Bueckers is chasing her first national title.</p><p>Betts and Booker are also still competing in the NCAA Tournament. Booker and the Longhorns face South Carolina in Friday's first semifinal matchup in Tampa, Florida, while Betts and the Bruins take on UConn in the nightcap.</p><p>Watkins has been viewed as a favorite for player of the year honors following a fantastic sophomore campaign with the Trojans. Her season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament due to a torn ACL.</p><p>The winner of the award named after legendary UCLA men's coach John Wooden will be announced later in April.</p>

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - DECEMBER 21: JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans is defended by Paige Bueckers #5 and Morgan Cheli #23 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half of an NCAA women's basketball game at the XL Center on December 21, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Bueckers, Watkins named among Wooden Award finalists

New Mexico found its successor for Xavier-bound Richard Pitino in the form of UC San Diego head c...

<p>New Mexico found its successor for Xavier-bound Richard Pitino in the form of UC San Diego head coach Eric Olen, Lobos vice president and athletics director Fernando Lovo announced Sunday.</p><p>Olen guided UC San Diego to the 2025 NCAA Tournament in its first year of eligibility and amassed a 51-17 record across the last two seasons with the program. The Tritons went 18-2 this year and won the Big West Conference tournament to secure an automatic bid.</p><p>"We're thrilled to welcome Eric Olen as the new head coach of Lobo men's basketball," Lovo <a href="https://golobos.com/news/2025/03/30/eric-olen-named-head-coach-of-lobo-mens-basketball/">said</a> in a statement. "Eric is a proven winner with an incredible track record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Beyond the accolades and success on the court, he is a values-driven leader who puts student-athletes first. We're confident he'll bring tremendous energy and vision to our program."</p><p>Olen spent 12 seasons as head coach at UC San Diego after nine years as an assistant with the program.</p><p>The Tritons were narrowly defeated by Michigan 68-65 in their first-ever March Madness following a four-year transitionary period.</p><p>The Lobos reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. They most recently bowed out in the second round at the hands of Michigan State after topping Marquette in the first round.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 20: Head coach Eric Olen of the UC San Diego Tritons. reacts while playing the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Ball Arena on March 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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New Mexico hires UC San Diego's Eric Olen

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has witnessed some superlative performances by Paige Bueckers in h...

<p>UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has witnessed some superlative performances by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> in her four seasons with the program. Perhaps none more so than Saturday's display in the No. 2 Huskies' 82-59 Sweet 16 victory over Oklahoma.</p><p>"Paige was spectacular," Auriemma told reporters, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44460248/paige-bueckers-career-best-40-puts-uconn-back-elite-eight">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>. "That was as good a game as I've seen her play the whole time she's been here, at the most important time."</p><p>Bueckers scored a career-high 40 points, a UConn tournament record, with 29 of them coming in the second half. The consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft single-handedly outscored Oklahoma over the final 20 minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old finished the contest with an efficient 16-of-27 mark from the field and received a standing ovation from fans at Spokane Arena when she left the game at the 3:08 mark in the fourth quarter.</p><p>That's not to say Bueckers was perfect. The 2021 College Player of the Year went scoreless in a second quarter that also featured some defensive lapses as Oklahoma grabbed a halftime lead. Bueckers went on a tear in the final frame, though, scoring 19 straight points on 8-of-9 shooting during a spell in which the Sooners managed only five points.</p><p>"When it starts happening in a game, in the back of your mind, you go, 'Here it goes,'" Auriemma said about Bueckers' effort. "And you know that unless the other team does something, it's just going to keep piling it on."</p><p>Bueckers now has 74 points in two games on the heels of a 34-point outburst in the second-round win over South Dakota State, her previous career high.</p><p>"Little by little it's dawned on her, I think, that there is no next year," Auriemma said. "There is no 'I can get this anytime I want.' You're going to have to get it now or it won't be available anymore."</p><p>The Huskies will face No. 1 USC in the Elite Eight on Monday. The Trojans are without star JuJu Watkins, who tore her ACL in the second-round victory over Mississippi State.</p><p>"Honestly, we just wanted to keep our season going as long as possible. We all love playing together, we love playing here," Bueckers said. "We just love this program and everything it means."</p>

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 29: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies meets with head coach Geno Auriemma at halftime against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Arena on March 29, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

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UConn's Auriemma lauds 'spectacular' Bueckers

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick held a meeting with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reav...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick held a meeting with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> ahead of Saturday's clash with the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to spark the team's intensity levels and offense.</p><p>It worked - the star trio combined for 85 points and 25 assists in the 134-127 victory.</p><p>"We challenged all three of them when we get to their three-man actions to play with a little more force and a little more thrust and a little more creativity," Redick <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44462921/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-outlast-memphis-grizzlies">told</a> ESPN's Dave McMenamin about Saturday morning's meeting in Memphis.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Reaves led the way with 31 points on 5-of-8 shooting from deep, paired with eight assists and seven rebounds. Doncic poured in 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while James finished with 25 points, eight assists, and six boards. Los Angeles finished the four-game road trip with a 2-2 split.</p><p>"We played as well as we've played so far, offensively," Redick added.</p><p>The Lakers shot 50.6% from the field and 44.2% from beyond the arc on 43 attempts.</p><p>"I think the meeting was just still trying to build that chemistry amongst the three of us to help the team be successful," Reaves said. "Tonight, it just showed that when we play the right way and trust one another, especially offensively, we can have open looks on almost every possession."</p><p>James looked particularly inspired in his fifth game back since missing seven contests due to a strained left groin.</p><p>"He was an incredible leader tonight," Redick said. "And it was early. It was throughout the game. When we got down, I challenged the group in a timeout and he was as vocal as he's been since he got back from injury."</p><p>Reaves was also impressed by James' timeout address. "It was the first time I've heard him yell in a while," he said. "It was refreshing, to be honest. I loved it."</p><p>The Lakers are 45-29 with eight contests left on the schedule, all against Western Conference opposition. They now hold a half-game lead over fifth-placed Memphis and the tiebreaker after winning the season series.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on March 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Redick 'challenged' star trio before win over Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Sparks will retire WNBA icon Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey June 29 when the three...

<p>The Los Angeles Sparks will retire WNBA icon Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey June 29 when the three-time champions host the Chicago Sky, the team announced.</p><p>Parker becomes the third Sparks player to have her jersey retired, joining eight-time All-Star Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and former player and general manager Penny Toler (No. 11).</p><p>"To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor. This moment is not just about me - it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the L.A. Sparks organization and fans," Parker <a href="https://sparks.wnba.com/news/sparks-to-retire-legend-candace-parkers-no-3-jersey-on-june-29">told</a> the team's official website.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Parker spent 13 seasons in Los Angeles, during which time she won two MVP awards and the 2016 title.</p><p>"Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not only as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, but as a true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball as a whole," Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson said.</p><p>She left in 2021 to join her hometown Sky as a free agent and was an integral part of the franchise's march to the title that same year. She also won a championship with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 before retiring in 2024.</p>

PALMETTO, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks looks on during the game against the Washington Mystics on September 10, 2020 at Feld Entertainment Center in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE

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Sparks will retire Parker's No. 3 on June 29

Forward Draymond Green accepted responsibility for the Golden State Warriors' poor defense in Sat...

<p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> accepted responsibility for the Golden State Warriors' poor defense in Saturday's 125-114 road loss to the Atlanta Hawks.</p><p>The Warriors conceded 40 points in the first quarter, and Green acknowledged his part in his team's lack of defensive effort.</p><p>"We've got to be better. That starts with me; we were terrible defensively," Green told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1903627213695500434">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We just didn't come out like we were ready to play," Green added. "We got diced up in the first quarter, and from that point on, we were fighting an uphill battle."</p><p>Green's comments come after the 13-year NBA veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245874" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245874">claimed</a> he had a "1 million percent" case for winning Defensive Player of the Year following a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.</p><p>The 35-year-old won the league's top individual prize for defenders in 2017 and is a four-time NBA All-Defensive first-team member.</p><p>Green finished Saturday's loss with five points on 2-of-7 shooting paired with six rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 25 points, while Moses Moody chipped in 20.</p><p>"Bad loss. It's a terrible loss," Green said. "Eleven games left with everything to play for, you shouldn't have a loss like this."</p><p>The Warriors were without Steph Curry against the Hawks after the 11-time All-Star injured his pelvis during Thursday's win over the Toronto Raptors.</p><p>Saturday's loss was just Golden State's fourth in its last 20 games since acquiring Butler from the Miami Heat in a blockbuster trade that sent Andrew Wiggins the other way. The Warriors take on the Heat in Miami on Tuesday, marking Butler's first return to face his former team since the trade.</p><p>The 41-30 Warriors are a half-game up on the Clippers for the Western Conference's sixth and final automatic playoff berth.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 22: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on March 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Draymond shoulders blame for poor defensive showing vs. Hawks

Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell shouldered the blame for Friday's loss to the Phoen...

<p>Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star<a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998"> Donovan Mitchell</a> shouldered the blame for Friday's loss to the Phoenix Suns following an uncharacteristic performance.</p><p>"Put this on me," Mitchell said, according to CBS Sports' <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/donovan-mitchell-blames-himself-for-cavaliers-fourth-straight-loss-im-not-being-who-i-need-to-be/">James Herbert</a>. "When your leader ain't doing shit, this is what happens. Yeah, we have to guard better, rebound, shit like that. But if I'm not being who I need to be, then we're not going to get to where we want to get to."</p><p>Mitchell recorded a season-low seven points on 2-of-18 shooting punctuated by an 0-of-8 display from beyond the arc. The Eastern Conference-leading Cavs have hit a rough patch lately on the heels of a franchise-best 16-game winning streak and have dropped four consecutive contests, their worst stretch of the campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's been like this for the past four games, and we've lost four straight," Mitchell added. </p><p>Kevin Durant led all scorers with 42 points for the 34-37 Suns, who have now won three straight to vault the Dallas Mavericks for the fourth and final play-in spot.</p><p>"I have to be better, simple as that. You can point to all these different things, yeah: KD having 30-whatever, we gave him some - f--- all that, it's on me," Mitchell said.</p><p>Mitchell missed the final matchup of Cleveland's 16-game run due to groin soreness before returning for the current skid. In the four contests since his one-game absence, the 28-year-old has shot 29.5% from the field and 6-of-37 from deep, well below his season averages.</p><p>"I have to be better for the group. I've been good for the group all year, and this is on me," Mitchell said.</p><p>"I'm a sicko for this shit, man," Mitchell added. "This tests what you really are mentally, just continuing to push. And I have no doubt, I haven't lost confidence in my abilities. It's going to come, it's going to happen. But until I continue to be who I've been, this is what happens."</p><p>Evan Mobley chipped in with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, and according to the fourth-year defensive whiz, Mitchell isn't the only one who deserves blame for their struggles.</p><p>"I feel like we all started slow. We weren't getting rebounds, we weren't necessarily getting stops. Some shots weren't falling for (Mitchell) and some other people as well, but we can't just put everything on him," Mobley said.</p><p>Mitchell and Co. will look to bounce back when they visit the lowly Utah Jazz on Sunday. The six-time All-Star said he's happy to take the criticism for the Cavs if the losing streak continues.</p><p>"There's really nowhere else to look, to be honest with you," Mitchell said. "So I'll be better. I'll figure it the f--- out for everybody."</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on November 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Mitchell takes blame for Cavs' 4th straight loss: 'Put this on me'

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch inserted forward Joe Ingles into the starting lineu...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch inserted forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38400" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38400">Joe Ingles</a> into the starting lineup Friday for a special reason.</p><p>Ingles' son Jacob, who has autism, was in attendance at the Target Center for the T-Wolves' 134-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The contest was just the second time Jacob watched an entire game in person and the first time seeing his father play.</p><p>"It's emotional," Finch told reporters after the game, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44352145/wolves-ingles-makes-first-start-22-son-jacob-attendance">ESPN</a>. "Sometimes, you have to do the human thing. And you always talk about all these minutes matter. Those minutes matter for another reason."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"And I figured if we're going to do it, let's do it in style," Finch added.</p><p>The autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that can alter how people learn, interact, communicate, and behave.</p><p>"As a dad, just really proud that he's worked so hard every day at school and therapy and speech and everything that he has to do to fit in - in a not-very-friendly world a lot of the time," Ingles said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihki6nryFnQ">postgame</a>.</p><p>Ingles finished scoreless in six minutes of play, but Finch said the decision to include the Australian in the starting five helped inspire the team to a lopsided win.</p><p>"Guys were behind it, and I think it gave us just the right boost that we needed and a change of energy," Finch said. "It's not often you get to do those types of things, but we're really happy that we could."</p><p>Ingles' wife and their two other children were also in attendance as the veteran made his first start since Jan. 30, 2022. Ingles spoke about the challenges of autism and the importance of raising awareness.</p><p>"The reality of it is I just don't think people understand. It gets kind of confused because of the money and the lifestyle," Ingles said. "It is a little less stressed because I can afford to pay for Jacob to get what he needs.</p><p>"But it doesn't take away the meltdowns in the supermarket. There's been so many times ... that he's laying on the floor in public. You can feel people staring at you. You know they're judging you. You know they're making comments about it. But they have no idea what he's going through that day or the night before or the situation."</p><p>Ingles added, "We'll keep doing what we do. We'll keep pushing the awareness, and we'll do whatever we can to help other families."</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 21: Joe Ingles #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Ingles' son attends father's 1st start since 2022 as T-Wolves win

New York Knicks veteran forward Mikal Bridges spoke with head coach Tom Thibodeau about giving th...

<p>New York Knicks veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> spoke with head coach Tom Thibodeau about giving the bench more minutes in hopes of lessening the burden on the starting five.</p><p>"Sometimes it's not fun on the body," Bridges told the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/03/12/sports/why-mikal-bridges-asked-tom-thibodeau-to-play-knicks-starters-less/">New York Post's Stefan Bondy</a>. "You'll want that as a coach but (I) also talked to him a little bit knowing that we've got a good enough team where our bench guys can come in, and we don't need to play 48 (minutes), 47."</p><p>Thibodeau is notorious for leaning heavily on his starters during spells in charge of the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and now, the Knicks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Three Knicks players are in the top 10 for minutes played this season, including Bridges, who leads the NBA with 2,420 minutes played. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> is second (2,307), and injured All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> is 10th (2,162).</p><p>Thibodeau's most used starting five - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a>, Hart, Brunson, and Bridges - also leads the league with 885 minutes played together.</p><p>Bridges asserted that New York's bench unit is capable of playing more.</p><p>"We've got a lot of good guys on this team that can take away minutes, which helps the defense, helps the offense, helps tired bodies being out there and giving up all these points. It helps just keeping fresh bodies out there," Bridges said.</p><p>Bridges also suspected Thibodeau might encounter obstacles trying to employ a broader distribution of minutes.</p><p>"I think he’s not arguing about it. Sometimes I think he just gets in his ways and he gets locked in. He just wants to keep the guy out there," Bridges continued. "Sometimes you’ve got to tell him, like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45437" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45437">Landry (Shamet)</a>, for example or somebody, keep him out there, they’re playing well."</p><p>Thibodeau's bench includes veteran Shamet, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31408" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31408">Cameron Payne</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93881" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93881">Precious Achiuwa</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62053" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62053">Mitchell Robinson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96035" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96035">Miles McBride</a>, who has started the past two games since Brunson suffered a sprained ankle versus the Los Angeles Lakers last week.</p><p>Next up for the Knicks is the fourth stop of a five-game road trip Wednesday in Portland.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks talks to his players during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Knicks' Bridges asks Thibs to help starters by leaning more on bench

The Cleveland Cavaliers battled back from an 18-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Brookly...

<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers battled back from an 18-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 109-104 and secure their second 15-game winning streak of the season.</p><p>All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> led the shorthanded Cavs with 30 points on 11-of-24 shooting, 18 of which came in the final frame. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a> added 23 points and 13 rebounds, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53038" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53038">Ty Jerome</a> all missed out for the hosts due to injuries.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96032" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96032">Cam Thomas</a> led the visitors with 27 points on 10-of-22 shooting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37658" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37658">Cameron Johnson</a> chipped in with 17 points for the 22-43 Nets.</p><p>Veteran guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D’Angelo Russell</a> sat out the second game of the back-to-back set due to right ankle injury management.</p><p>The Cavs also started the season on a 15-0 winning run, and they also won 12 straight in December and January. Their worst losing streak of the campaign was a three-game blip in late January.</p><p>They are just the sixth team in NBA history to record multiple win streaks of 15 games or better in a season.</p><p>Cleveland has now clinched the Central Division title for the eighth time in the franchise's 55-year history. Six of those came during LeBron James’ two spells with the team.</p><p>Kenny Atkinson's side now owns a 54-10 record and sits eight games up on the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>The Cavs will have a chance to achieve a franchise-record 16 victories in a row when they face the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 11: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 11, 2025 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Garland, Cavs rally vs. Nets for 2nd 15-game winning streak this season

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James left Saturday's 111-101 defeat to the Boston Celtics with a ...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> left Saturday's 111-101 defeat to the Boston Celtics with a groin strain and didn't return.</p><p>James, 40, was forced to exit with 6:44 remaining in the fourth quarter after the 21-time All-Star appeared to be in noticeable pain, prompting a timeout.</p><p>He addressed the injury postgame, saying there "wasn't much concern," according to <a href="https://x.com/jovanbuha/status/1898596787708936382">The Athletic's Jovan Buha</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Day to day, look at it each day to see if it gets better and take the proper measurements and see what we can do," he added.</p><p>James said the injury reminded him of a similar ailment he suffered on Christmas Day in 2018, his first season with the Lakers.</p><p>"Been there before, and I know what type of injury we're dealing with," he said.</p><p>James missed 17 games after that groin injury but said his ailment this time around is "not as bad."</p><p>The loss in Boston snapped the Lakers' eight-game winning streak and could come at a greater cost if James misses time.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> led all scorers with 40 points on 12-of-28 shooting paired with 12 rebounds and eight assists. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> chipped in with 31 points for the hosts.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> led the Lakers with 34 points, the highest-scoring display of his 12 games with the team following the blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks. James finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists in 35 minutes, narrowly missing out on an 11th triple-double this season.</p><p>L.A. resumes its four-game road trip against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday before facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets on Thursday and Friday, respectively.</p>

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Nuggets head coach Mike Malone was full of praise for Nikola Jokic after the three-time MVP recor...

<p>Nuggets head coach Mike Malone was full of praise for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> after the three-time MVP recorded a career-high 19 assists in Denver's 125-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday.</p><p>"The guy is just an amazing, complete basketball player," Malone told reporters, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44004654/nikola-jokic-career-high-19-assists-denver-nuggets-win">ESPN</a>. "And I think the most remarkable thing is not just 19 assists, but the satisfaction and joy that Nikola gets from making his teammates better."</p><p>Malone added: "And he'd be happy getting 19 assists ... and us winning [more] than any other superstar that I've ever come across."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The performance marked Jokic's 28th game with 15-plus assists, an NBA record for a non-guard, according to ESPN research. His 19 dimes are also tied for the second most by a center in league history behind Wilt Chamberlain, who recorded 21 in a win over the Detroit Pistons in 1968.</p><p>"He's a humble person and understands that this whole thing is always much bigger than the individual," Malone said. "It's the collective. But 19? ... What is that? ... He's just an incredible player. And what a luxury to have when you can just play through him down the stretch of a close game and you know something good is going to happen each and every time."</p><p>Jokic also added 18 points and nine rebounds in the victory, falling just short of a league-leading 27th triple-double for the season.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> led all Nuggets with 25 points in a balanced attack where six players scored 14 or more. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a> piloted the Pacers with 23 points on 7-of-18 shooting, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> chipped in with 19 and 15 assists.</p><p>In addition to Jokic's offensive genius, Haliburton commended the big man for his play on the other end of the court.</p><p>"Obviously, Nikola is not a guy in the league that you would say is an elite defender, but he's one of the highest IQ guys in the league," Haliburton said.</p><p>"And I thought he did a great job in the pick-and-roll making me have to make different reads."</p><p>The Nuggets have won nine of their last 10 games. They moved into the second spot in the West with the win in Indiana, 8.5 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Nikola Jokić #15 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball while being guarded by Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 24, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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The agent for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams disputes his client's failed physical with t...

<p>The agent for Charlotte Hornets center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a> disputes his client's failed physical with the Los Angeles Lakers, claiming the decision isn't consistent with the opinions of several medical professionals.</p><p>"The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical," Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management said in the statement obtained by <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43943420/agent-refutes-lakers-decision-fail-mark-williams-physical">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>Schwartz added: "Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lakers haven't responded to Schwartz's claims, according to ESPN.</p><p>Williams was traded to the Lakers on Feb. 8 for rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a>, forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69535" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69535">Cam Reddish</a>, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-round selection. The trade's approval was pending physical examinations for the players involved, and according to the Lakers, Williams' tests <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3213882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3213882">revealed</a> multiple issues.</p><p>Williams had only appeared in 19 games this season prior to the trade due to a lingering back issue. However, the Lakers didn't identify that specific injury as a concern, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1888415642371686502">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The 23-year-old Duke product returned from a four-game absence to face the Lakers on Wednesday. He recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in 29 minutes in the Hornets' 100-97 victory. It was his first appearance for the team since the annulled trade.</p><p>Williams claims the failed physical wasn't the only reason the Lakers nixed the deal.</p><p>"I don't think it was solely because of my physical," he said. "I felt like I could have contributed to them. But, obviously, they had second thoughts."</p><p>LeBron James, who dunked on Williams during Wednesday's contest, spoke about facing a player who was set to join the Lakers' ranks.</p><p>"He was never a teammate," James said. "He never stepped into the locker room. He never came [in]. We never seen him. We know the trade went down, but we never seen him. So when it got rescinded, it was just back to what it was before. So, it was no different."</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025: Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts after Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) scores to give the Hornets the lead late in the game at Crypto.com Arena on February 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Williams' agent discredits failed Lakers physical

The NBA has an All-Star Game problem.  Players don't care, and at this point, neither do the fans...

<p>The NBA has an All-Star Game problem.</p><p>Players don't care, and at this point, neither do the fans. The event has become a microcosm of a regular-season marred by increasing disinterest and malaise.</p><p>The All-Star Game can only go as far as the players' desire for competitiveness takes it. And it doesn't appear like this current generation of players feel particularly bothered to compete. (Perhaps we can exclude Victor Wembanyama, who <a href="https://x.com/BenGolliver/status/1891334154371186716">appeared upset</a> when Jayson Tatum was allowed to freely drive to the hoop for the game-winning bucket.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's time for a solution, and if the NHL's current 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament involving the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland is any indication, a considerable overhaul might be the only fix.</p><h3>4 Nations has been a smashing success</h3><p>The NHL opted to scrap its 2025 All-Star Game and instead introduce the 4 Nations as a precursor to the league's return to Olympic competition in 2026.</p><p>The United States' 3-1 victory over Canada on Saturday in the fourth game of the round-robin phase had it all: anthem controversy, three fights in the opening nine seconds, and no love lost in a hyper-competitive affair that was enjoyed by hockey fans and casual viewers alike.</p><p>If the NBA were to adopt a similar idea based on its primary demographics, now is the time. Each of the last six MVP awards have gone to players born outside the U.S. (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic) and Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite to win this year's honor. Of the 26 players voted as All-Stars or selected as injury replacements for this year's game, eight players were either born outside the U.S. or represent another country in international competition.</p><p>The NBA has never been more international than it currently is, and if the league looks to replace the stagnant All-Star Weekend with a competition with a global flare, it could do worse than copy its NHL counterpart.</p><p>With this in mind, here's a hypothetical look at an international competition that would replace All-Star Weekend.</p><h3>Format</h3><p>Four 12-player teams would compete in a round-robin mini-tournament. The top two teams would advance to the finals after facing the three opponents once.</p><p>Games would consist of two 15-minute halves to allow the competition to be condensed into a two-day window. Each team would play twice on the first day and then complete round-robin play on the following day prior to the finals and third-place match.</p><p>To the victors go bragging rights and prize money provided by sponsors whose branding would be included across the competition.</p><p>As Antetokounmpo <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3219734" href="https://thescore.com/news/3219734">said</a> during All-Star Weekend, a United States versus International format would provide "extra juice to compete."</p><h3>Teams</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FRANCE OLYMPICS (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fm4VM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fm4VM/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>For obvious reasons, this collection of NBA veterans would be the favorite to win the tournament. This team doesn't have an apparent weakness, and considering the players who didn't make the cut, it would be a huge upset if the Americans didn't win. While the format isn't "Team USA versus the world," it could certainly be interpreted as such.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PLAYER</th>
<th>POS.</th>
<th>TEAM</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steph Curry</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Harden</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Suns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Suns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayson Tatum</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kawhi Leonard</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Davis</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Mavericks</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="CANADA OLYMPICS (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jAlLJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jAlLJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Sitting fifth in the FIBA rankings, Canada has emerged as a basketball powerhouse over the last decade and would be well-represented. Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA champion Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett would form an accomplished backcourt, while towering Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey would be relied upon in the middle.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PLAYER</th>
<th>POS.</th>
<th>TEAM</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nickeil Alexander-Walker</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RJ Barrett</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Nembhard</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dillon Brooks</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Wiggins</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Heat</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luguentz Dort</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bennedict Mathurin</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Clarke</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Grizzlies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dwight Powell</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Mavericks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Edey</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Grizzlies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="CANADA OLYMPICS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-R1PFv" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/R1PFv/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>There's no room for the likes of Santi Aldama, Jakob Poeltl, or OG Anunoby on this star-studded lineup made up of players from Europe. This is one of the tournament's most balanced teams and includes a frontcourt littered with All-Stars and franchise cornerstones. Nobody would want to play this squad.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PLAYER</th>
<th>POS.</th>
<th>TEAM</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dennis Schroder (GER)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luka Doncic (SLO)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bogdan Bogdanovic (SRB)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Franz Wagner (GER)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Magic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alperun Sengun (TUR)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lauri Markkanen (FIN)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Jazz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo (GRE)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic (SRB)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rudy Gobert (FRA)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kristaps Porzingis (LAT)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama (FRA)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domantas Sabonis (LIT)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="CANADA OLYMPICS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-j8AOz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/j8AOz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>A trio of Australian guards combine with Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid to highlight a team comprised of players from emerging basketball nations. For the sake of an earnest competition, Buddy Hield, Jordan Clarkson, and Karl-Anthony Towns - who all play internationally for other countries despite being born in the U.S. - are not included in Team World.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PLAYER</th>
<th>POS.</th>
<th>TEAM</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kyrie Irving (AUS)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Mavericks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dyson Daniels (AUS)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Giddey (AUS)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Bulls</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Thomas (JPN)</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Nets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rui Hachimura (JPN)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pascal Siakam (CAM)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonathan Kuminga (DRC)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al Horford (DR)</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bol Bol (SS)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Suns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steven Adams (NZ)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deandre Ayton (BAH)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Trail Blazers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joel Embiid (CAM)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>76ers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

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How the 4 Nations model can fix the NBA All-Star Game

NBA on TNT panelists Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley drafted the three teams f...

<p>NBA on TNT panelists Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley drafted the three teams for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game during Thursday's broadcast.</p><p>O'Neal selected Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James with the first pick, and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic were the second and third picks.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>TEAM SHAQ</th>
<th>TEAM KENNY</th>
<th>TEAM CHUCK</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>Nikola Jokic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Curry</td>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Davis</td>
<td>Jaren Jackson Jr.</td>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayson Tatum</td>
<td>Jalen Williams</td>
<td>Victor Wembanyama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Darius Garland</td>
<td>Pascal Siakam</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>Evan Mobley</td>
<td>Alperen Sengun</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Harden</td>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Brown</td>
<td>Tyler Herro</td>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>O'Neal's team also includes LeBron's former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis as well as fellow veteran stars Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barkley's team has a decidedly international feel: Karl-Anthony Towns and Donovan Mitchell are the only two players born in the United States of the eight selected, though Towns plays internationally for the Dominican Republic.</p><p>The 74th instalment of the annual event features a revised format which includes a mini-tournament of four teams. The three teams comprised of eight All-Stars selections apiece will also compete against the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge. WNBA icon and TNT broadcaster Candace Parker will coach that team.</p><p>The All-Star Game takes place Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.</p>

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LeBron, Jokic among 1st draft picks for 2025 All-Star Game

Much like the rest of the basketball world, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving admits he was "sh...

<p>Much like the rest of the basketball world, Dallas Mavericks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> admits he was "shocked" to learn of former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>'s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>"Just really shocked," Irving told reporters, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43698759/kyrie-irving-grieving-doncic-trade-miss-my-hermano">ESPN's Tim Bontemps</a> following Tuesday's defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers. "You just don't imagine you're going to get ready to go to sleep and then you find out news like that."</p><p>Irving continued: "It's still a grieving process right now. I miss my hermano."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Irving led the Mavericks with 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting in the 118-116 loss in Philadelphia. Although the defeat was marked by poor late-game execution, Irving's postgame availability centered around the franchise-altering trade.</p><p>"This is a business, it's way above my pay grade, and I've just got to adjust and be ready to welcome in my new teammates with open arms and kind of be ready to go back to Dallas, too, to speak in front of our fans," Irving said. </p><p>He added: "I know they are feeling it, too. I'm feeling it too, guys. So, yeah, it's just an adjustment period. I don't want to downplay this, either, or disrespect our new guys. They're going to help us win and help us build toward a championship, but just like everyone else at home, when you kind of see it from afar, it hurts."</p><p>The Mavericks acquired 10-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102775" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102775">Max Christie</a> in the trade. Only Christie was able to make his debut Tuesday after Davis was ruled out due to an abdominal injury. Christie recorded 15 points and nine rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.</p><p>"This is a weird case in NBA history to be a part of," Irving said. </p><p>"But at the same time, we still have to acknowledge our little Slovenian president is no longer here, and we've got to adjust."</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 03: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kyrie Irving #11 celebrate during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on December 03, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Kyrie 'grieving' after Luka departure: 'Miss my hermano'

The Phoenix Suns have been recently willing to listen to trade proposals for Kevin Durant as the ...

<p>The Phoenix Suns have been recently willing to listen to trade proposals for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> as the Feb. 6 deadline approaches, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43695761/suns-downgrade-kevin-durant-doubtful-thunder-matchup">ESPN's Tim McMahon</a>.</p><p>The Golden State Warriors are among the teams that have expressed an interest in Durant, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst.</p><p>Durant, 36, spent three seasons with the Warriors before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Golden State's interest is consistent with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3208793" href="https://thescore.com/news/3208793">reports</a> indicating the organization is looking to add a second All-Star-caliber talent to play alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a>. The Warriors also apparently inquired about the availability of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a>, among others.</p><p>Butler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3208149" href="https://thescore.com/news/3208149">reportedly</a> told the Warriors that he won't sign an extension with the team in the event of a trade. The Suns have also been linked with Butler. Durant's departure from Phoenix could help facilitate a move for the disgruntled Miami Heat star.</p><p>Suns guard Bradley Beal could also be involved in a potential deal for Butler. However, Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein - father of Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3197861" href="https://thescore.com/news/3197861">says</a> Beal has no desire to waive his no-trade clause.</p><p>Durant was acquired by Phoenix from the Nets at the 2023 deadline in a blockbuster move that marked the start of Mat Ishbia's tenure as Suns owner. Ishbia has previously publicly stated that he has no interest in trading Durant.</p><p>Durant was downgraded to doubtful due to a left ankle sprain for Wednesday's visit to another former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's 26 points shy of becoming the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 11: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on January 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 114-106.

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Report: Suns willing to listen to trade offers for Durant

The Dallas Mavericks addressed reports that they've offered refunds to season-ticket holders foll...

<p>The Dallas Mavericks addressed reports that they've offered refunds to season-ticket holders following Luka Doncic's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, <a href="https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks-season-ticket-refunds/287-c2fb2431-30c2-4e82-b779-776eddf1472d">according</a> to WFAA Dallas.</p><p>Reports surfaced Tuesday <a href="https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2025/02/04/mavs-fans-season-tickets/">suggesting</a> that the organization had offered refunds for season-ticket holders looking to cancel their seats for the remainder of the season. The social media post claiming that refunds have been offered has since been deleted.</p><p>"Regarding refunds, we value every season-ticket-member relationship, and reps are available to take calls from members with any concerns or questions," the Mavericks said in an email obtained by WFAA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The statement added: "Regarding tickets, no determination has been made about season-ticket pricing for the 2025-26 season. Season-ticket members will hear from their reps over the next few weeks."</p><p>One season-ticket holder did receive a refund, per emails obtained by WFAA between the fan and a team representative.</p><p>"If we go ahead and cancel the season membership, we will cancel all remaining home games for the remainder of the season, starting with the 2/8 game vs. Houston," the email from the team representative read.</p><p>The email also states that a refund check will be mailed to the season-ticket holder, according to WFAA.</p><p>The Mavericks had the <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/ranking-average-nba-ticket-prices-teams-2023-24-least-expensive">11th-highest</a> average season-ticket price ($249) in the NBA last season.</p><p>Several fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center on Feb. 2 to <a href="https://x.com/jake_riepma/status/1886137541436297571">protest</a> Doncic's shocking trade to the Lakers. Cries of "Sell the team" could be heard, while other fans held signs demanding that general manager Nico Harrison be fired. There were also many tributes left outside the arena thanking Doncic for his celebrated tenure with the team.</p><p>Doncic led Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals and was selected to the All-Star Game and All-NBA first team on five occasions during his six-and-a-half seasons with the Mavs. He also won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and led the league in scoring last season.</p>

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 03: Posters and signs of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic are on display outside of American Airlines Center on Monday, February 3, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Fans left the posters and items to protest the trade of Mavericks guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Mavs address reports of season-ticket refunds following Luka trade

The sporting world was dealt a massive shock late Saturday with news that the Dallas Mavericks ha...

<p>The sporting world was dealt a massive shock late Saturday with news that the Dallas Mavericks had <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207384" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207384">shipped</a> Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.</p><p>As the dust settles on a behemoth of a deal, it's not an understatement to consider it one of the biggest-ever NBA trades. Granted, moves for Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Charles Barkley, and others were colossal in their own right, but it's hard to top this in the modern era.</p><p>With that in mind, here's a look at 10 of the biggest superstar trades of the 21st century and the impact they had:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Shaquille O'Neal to the Heat (2004)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Heat received</th>
<th>Lakers received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C Shaquille O'Neal</td>
<td>F Lamar Odom</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Caron Butler</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>C Brian Grant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2006)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2007)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Friction between then-Lakers stars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal was the NBA's worst-kept secret. O'Neal won three Finals MVPs as part of a three-peat during eight seasons in Los Angeles, but a loss in the 2004 Finals to the Detroit Pistons was the catalyst for a consequential split: Phil Jackson and the Lakers stuck with Bryant, and O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.</p><p>The 2006 pick turned into Jordan Farmar, who, alongside Lamar Odom, played a vital role in Lakers titles in 2009 and 2010. Caron Butler was eventually shipped to the Washington Wizards in a deal that involved Kwame Brown, who turned out to be a historic bust but was included in the 2008 trade package that brought Pau Gasol to L.A. O'Neal won his fourth title with Dwyane Wade and the Heat in 2006.</p><h3>Kevin Garnett to the Celtics (2007)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Celtics received</th>
<th>T-Wolves received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>F Kevin Garnett</td>
<td>C Al Jefferson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Gerald Green</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Ryan Gomes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>C Theo Ratliff</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>G Sebastian Telfair</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2009 MIN)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2009)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Boston Celtics could've undergone a traditional rebuild via the draft following a 24-58 mark in 2006-07, the franchise's worst finish in its storied history. Instead, Danny Ainge opted to build around Paul Pierce. First, the Celtics traded for Ray Allen. Then, Kevin Garnett waived his no-trade clause and bid adieu to a 12-year tenure in Minnesota.</p><p>Garnett won Defensive Player of the Year and finished third in MVP voting in 2007-08, guiding the Celtics to an NBA Finals title at the expense of the Lakers. Jefferson had a solid three-season spell in Minny. However, the T-Wolves used the two picks in 2009 to not draft Steph Curry. Minnesota instead selected fellow point guards Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn with the fifth and sixth picks, respectively. Yikes.</p><h3>Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks (2011)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Knicks received</th>
<th>Nuggets received</th>
<th>T-Wolves received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>F Carmelo Anthony</td>
<td>F Wilson Chandler</td>
<td>C Eddy Curry</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G Chauncey Billups</td>
<td>G Raymond Felton</td>
<td>F Anthony Randolph</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G Anthony Carter</td>
<td>F Danilo Gallinari</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2015 NYK)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Shelden Williams</td>
<td>C Timofey Mozgov</td>
<td> Cash</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F Cory Brewer</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2012 NYK)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2013 NYK)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2014 NYK)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>The Nuggets also received a pick swap from the T-Wolves in 2016.</em></p><p>Few marriages in NBA history have felt as felicitous as Brooklyn-born Carmelo Anthony's move to the New York Knicks. It was a fitting reward for a midseason trade that witnessed the Knicks fight off interest from the then-New Jersey Nets. Unfortunately for New York, the team only won one playoff series during Anthony's six-and-a-half seasons in the Big Apple.</p><p>Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, and Timofey Mozgov all contributed to the Denver Nuggets' 57-win campaign the following season. However, Denver's most notable addition from the 10-player deal ended up being the 2016 pick swap with the T-Wolves: Jamal Murray was selected with the seventh pick.</p><h3>Kevin Love to the Cavaliers (2014)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Cavaliers received</th>
<th>T-Wolves received</th>
<th>76ers received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>F Kevin Love</td>
<td>F Andrew Wiggins</td>
<td>G Alexey Shved</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Anthony Bennett</td>
<td>F Luc Mbah a Moute</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Thaddeus Young</td>
<td>1st-round pick (2016 CLE)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cleveland isn't often confused for a prime vacation destination, but it became a desired landing spot for title-chasing players when LeBron James returned home to join Kyrie Irving and the Cavs. The T-Wolves obliged, sending Kevin Love to Northeast Ohio. Love completed the team's three-headed monster and played a critical role in the Cavs' 2016 championship.</p><p>Perhaps the most compelling wrinkle of this trade was Cleveland's inclusion of the 2013 and 2014 first overall picks: Toronto-born duo Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins. Bennett was an instant bust, and Wiggins became the first player since the ABA-NBA merger to be drafted first but not play a single game for the team that selected him. Absolutely ruthless stuff from the Cavs' front office.</p><h3>Kyrie Irving to the Celtics (2017)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Celtics received</th>
<th>Cavaliers received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>G Kyrie Irving</td>
<td>F Jae Crowder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>G Isaiah Thomas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>C Ante Zizic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2018 BKN)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2020 MIA)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Speaking of Irving, it wasn't long until he grew tired of playing second fiddle to LeBron. He was sent to the Celtics for a haul that included an injured Isaiah Thomas and Brooklyn's coveted unprotected pick from the 2018 draft. Ultimately, the Nets were a bit better than anticipated, and the Cavs selected Collin Sexton at No. 8.</p><p>Irving and Boston appeared to be a perfect match. He had a stellar regular season before being ruled out for the 2017-18 playoffs. Then, during a season-ticket-holder event, Irving said "I plan on re-signing here." He'd change his tune in February amid a mercurial season, claiming "I don't owe anybody shit" following a much-publicized chat with Kevin Durant about teaming up. Irving would soon join Durant with the Nets in free agency.</p><h3>Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors (2018)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Raptors received</th>
<th>Spurs received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>F Kawhi Leonard</td>
<td>G DeMar DeRozan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F Danny Green</td>
<td>C Jakob Poeltl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2019)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Few franchises have experienced endured success like the San Antonio Spurs did for 20-plus years, but cracks in the foundation became apparent as Kawhi Leonard and the organization disagreed over how to manage his quad injury. He played nine games in 2017-18 before a shocking offseason trade to the Toronto Raptors for fan favorite DeMar DeRozan, among others.</p><p>In one season with the Raptors, Leonard guided a stacked team to its first and only NBA championship before leaving for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency. "What if Leonard had stayed" became a common trope after the Raptors finished second in the East in 2019-20 and then bowed out in the Bubble conference semifinals in seven games to the Celtics. Would Toronto have repeated with Leonard in its ranks? There's no way of knowing.</p><h3>Anthony Davis to the Lakers (2019)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Lakers received</th>
<th>Pelicans received</th>
<th>Wizards received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C Anthony Davis</td>
<td>G Lonzo Ball</td>
<td>C Isaac Bonga</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Brandon Ingram</td>
<td>F Jemerrio Jones</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>G Josh Hart</td>
<td>C Moritz Wagner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2019)</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2022 LAL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2022)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2024 LAL)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>The Pelicans also received a pick swap from the Lakers in 2023.</em></p><p>Like Leonard's trade to the Raptors, Anthony Davis' monstrous move to the Lakers paid immediate dividends: They went from a 37-win team to champions in Davis' first year. Concerns from the Lakers faithful that the team had offloaded too much young talent for an injury-prone big man were immediately quelled.</p><p>For the New Orleans Pelicans, obliging Davis' public trade demand and subsequently landing the No. 1 pick and Zion Williamson made sense. So too did the acquisitions of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and a trio of first-rounders. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaxson Hayes, Herb Jones, and Dyson Daniels are among the players the Pelicans acquired either with those picks or through trades using the draft capital. Not bad.</p><h3>Paul George to the Clippers (2019)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Clippers received</th>
<th>Thunder received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>F Paul George</td>
<td>G Shai-Gilgeous Alexander</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Danilo Gallinari</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2021 MIA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2022 LAC)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2023 MIA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2024 LAC)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2025 LAC)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>The Thunder also received pick swaps from the Clippers in 2023 and 2025.</em></p><p>In the diverse annals of NBA trades, few, if any, had the transformational impact of Paul George's move to the Clippers. From the Clippers' perspective, George's addition helped lay the foundation for Leonard's free-agent signing. However, their first-ever conference finals run in 2021 would be their zenith before George walked for free to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024.</p><p>Oklahoma City Thunder exec Sam Presti used the trade to amass an arsenal of draft picks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has risen to the upper echelon of NBA superstars as a perennial MVP candidate, and the Thunder grabbed All-Star Jalen Williams with the Clippers' 2022 pick. Five years on, OKC is in far better shape than the Clippers, largely due to this trade.</p><h3>James Harden to the Nets (2021)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Nets received</th>
<th>Rockets received</th>
<th>Pacers received</th>
<th>Cavs received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>G James Harden</td>
<td>G Victor Oladipo</td>
<td>G Caris LeVert</td>
<td>C Jarrett Allen</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>G Dante Exum</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2023)</td>
<td>F Taurean Prince</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>F Rodion Kurucs</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2024)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2022 BKN)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2024 BKN)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2026 BKN)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2022 MIN)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>The Rockets also received pick swaps from the Nets in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027.</em></p><p>A year on from adding Durant and Irving, the Nets landed disgruntled Houston Rockets star James Harden. The Rockets made the best of a bad situation - even with gambling on Victor Oladipo - and they were able to acquire Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard with the 2022 and 2024 picks, respectively. The Cavs also succeeded in getting Jarrett Allen for Dante Exum and picks.</p><p>A slew of injuries and controversy surrounding vaccine statuses during a pandemic didn't help, but this Nets trifecta was doomed for failure from the start. The trio played together just 16 times before Harden became irritated and demanded a trade. All in all, the Nets shipped out seven picks, an All-Star, and two role players for 80 games from Harden before he forced a blockbuster trade to Philadelphia, where he appeared in 79 contests for the 76ers.</p><h3>Kevin Durant to the Suns (2023)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Suns received</th>
<th>Nets received</th>
<th>Pacers received</th>
<th>Bucks received</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>F Kevin Durant</td>
<td>G Mikal Bridges</td>
<td>G George Hill</td>
<td>F Jae Crowder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G TJ Warren</td>
<td>F Cameron Johnson</td>
<td>C Serge Ibaka</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2023 PHX)</td>
<td>F Jordan Nwora</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2025 PHX)</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2023 MIL)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2027 PHX)</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2024 MIL)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>1st-round pick (2029 PHX)</td>
<td>2nd-round pick (2025 IND)</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>Cash</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>The Nets also received pick swaps from the Suns in 2028.</em></p><p>No stranger to seismic player movements, Durant was dealt at the deadline in 2023 despite requesting an offseason trade. If the Nets got burned on the Harden get, they made off like gangbusters in shipping Durant to a Suns organization that fetishizes ill-advised moves. Irving was also traded to the Dallas Mavericks days earlier.</p><p>Let's forget all the other moving parts here and view this transaction from the Nets' perspective. Thanks to Mikal Bridges' eventual trade to the Knicks in 2024 for four unprotected picks, Brooklyn has essentially acquired nine first-round picks from 2023 to 2031, a quartet of second-rounders from 2025 to 2030, and two pick swaps in 2028 in exchange for Durant. Should the Nets be able to parlay this draft capital into any form of success, this could rival the Thunder's haul in the George deal.</p>

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