Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now sits atop a prestigious list of some of t...

<p>Oklahoma City Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> now sits atop a prestigious list of some of the best players in the NBA history.</p><p>The reigning MVP broke Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record for consecutive games of 20 or more points in Thursday's visit from the Boston Celtics, hitting a long two over guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121671" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121671">Baylor Scheierman</a> with the shot clock winding down in the third quarter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SGA HAS PASSED WILT FOR THE LONGEST 20+ POINT STREAK IN NBA HISTORY 🚨<br><br>Shai: 127<br>Wilt: 126 <a href="https://t.co/Fftlo3ISrY">pic.twitter.com/Fftlo3ISrY</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2032292822011830622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Gilgeous-Alexander has now recorded 20-plus points in 127 straight games dating back to Nov. 1, 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Games</th>
<th>Start</th>
<th>End</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>127</td>
<td>2024 - Nov. 1</td>
<td>Active</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>126</td>
<td>1961 - Oct. 18</td>
<td>1963 - Jan. 19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>1963 - Feb. 26</td>
<td>1964 - March 18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Oscar Robertson</td>
<td>79</td>
<td>1963 - Oct. 22</td>
<td>1964 - Oct. 20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>2015 - Nov. 23</td>
<td>2016 - Nov. 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Michael Jordan</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>1987 - Dec. 29</td>
<td>1988 - Dec. 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>1971 - Nov. 21</td>
<td>1972 - Nov. 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>1970 - Feb. 6</td>
<td>1971 - Jan. 20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Michael Jordan</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>1990 - Nov. 24</td>
<td>1991 - April 19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Elgin Baylor</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>1961 - Feb. 18</td>
<td>1962 - Oct. 22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The last time the 27-year-old failed to record 20 or more points was against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 30, 2024, when he scored 18.</p><p>The Thunder star finished with a game-high 35 points Thursday, helping Mark Daigneault's squad hold off the Celtics 104-102. He also added nine assists, six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals while shooting 13-of-18 from the floor (2-of-5 from distance).</p><p>"A streak is a streak. The awards are the awards. But the most that I'm proud of is winning," Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/CAlmanza1007/status/2032316148100853794">Clemente Almanza of Thunder Wire</a>.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander was second in the league with 31.7 points per game entering Thursday's contest. He's scored 50 or more points on five occasions during this streak, including a career-high 55 versus the Indiana Pacers. Chamberlain had 40 outings of 55 or more points during his 126-game streak.</p><p>Chamberlain's own record-setting run ended against the St. Louis Hawks on Jan. 19, 1963, when he was ejected four minutes into the game for "abusive language" toward a referee.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 32.5 points on 53.5% shooting during his streak and scored exactly 20 points twice. Chamberlain averaged 49.2 points on 51.1% shooting during his 126-game streak.</p><p>The Thunder are now 103-24 during Gilgeous-Alexander's streak.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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<p>Boston Celtics superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> will make his first appearance of the season Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, the team announced.</p><p>The 28-year-old hasn't suited up since rupturing his Achilles tendon last May in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal versus the New York Knicks.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back by popular demand <a href="https://twitter.com/jaytatum0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaytatum0</a> 📸 <a href="https://t.co/1qVJOyeEUm">pic.twitter.com/1qVJOyeEUm</a></p>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/2030010728703570344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The six-time All-Star previously expressed uncertainty if he would return this season, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3466744" href="https://thescore.com/news/3466744">saying</a> in late January that he "wants to get it right the first time, so it's just a lot to think about."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tatum rejoins a Celtics team that has exceeded expectations in his absence. Boston enters<strong> </strong>Friday's<strong> </strong>contest with a 41-21 record, five games back of the conference-leading Detroit Pistons.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> has stepped up with Tatum sidelined, posting career-best averages of 28.9 points, 7.2<strong> </strong>rebounds,<strong> </strong>and 5.0 assists per game to earn his fifth All-Star selection.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City.

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<p>Head coach Steve Kerr defended the Golden State Warriors' development of young players Wednesday, saying the process requires more patience on a team that's already competitive.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga</a>'s falling-out with the Warriors sparked criticism of Kerr and the organization's failure to develop the 2021 seventh overall pick. Kuminga had a good start to the 2025-26 campaign before being dropped from Kerr's rotation. He was then <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">dealt</a> to the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a> for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a>.</p><p>"Part of the frustration of our fans probably stems from the fact that we had the three lottery picks coming at a time when we were winning a championship, and it's just hard to play 19-year-olds on championship teams," Kerr told Bay Area radio station <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVfNRW2jpPZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">95.7 The Game</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kuminga is one of several Golden State lottery picks drafted between the team's most recent championships (2018 and 2022) who failed to meet expectations. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93886" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93886">James Wiseman</a>, who went No. 2 overall in 2020, struggled to establish himself with the team. The same went for 2021 No. 14 selection <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96093" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96093">Moses Moody</a> - drafted ahead of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96120">Trey Murphy III</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96072" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96072">Jalen Johnson</a>, who were all taken in the next five picks.</p><p>"The development that comes is going to be different than it would come on a team that's in the lottery, where you just put a guy out there for 35 minutes and let him make his mistakes," Kerr added.</p><p>"I think that's probably where some of the frustration comes. But you see how it can work, too. You see Moses Moody, you see his development over time, you see <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102773" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102773">Gui Santos</a>, I think <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110258" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110258">Brandin (Podziemski)</a> is really coming into his own and playing well. But it takes time."</p><p>Kerr recalled that during his time as a player on the title-winning Chicago Bulls teams, iconic coach Phil Jackson tempered the expectations for draft picks.</p><p>"I remember when I got to Chicago, we had a couple of drafts and I was in my 10th year ... and I asked Phil Jackson what he thought of the guys we drafted, and he said, 'Well, it won't matter for a few years.' And I said, 'How come?' And he said, 'Well, because grown-ups win championships.'</p><p>"And it's true, it's true. It's really hard to come in as a young player and be expected to have the wealth of knowledge and skill and feel that you have to have to be a championship NBA player."</p>

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors speaks with Jonathan Kuminga #00 during the game on October 22, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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<p>Veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> will remain with the Dallas Mavericks for the rest of the campaign after considering a late-season move via a buyout, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/2027919099028705447?s=20">NBA insider Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>The Denver Nuggets were among the teams interested in acquiring the three-time All-Star, Stein adds.</p><p>Middleton was traded by the Washington Wizards to the Mavericks in February as part of the three-team deal involving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old former NBA champion is averaging 13.9 points on 48.5% shooting in seven games for the Mavericks.</p><p>The deadline for a player to be playoff-eligible for a new team after a buyout is Sunday.</p>

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 27: Khris Middleton #20 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 27, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> plans to make his first appearance for the Los Angeles Clippers in Monday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2027922373497000114?s=20">NBA on Prime's Chris Haynes</a>.</p><p>Garland has been sidelined due to a toe injury and hasn't played since joining the Clippers as part of the blockbuster trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> to the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><p>The two-time All-Star has missed the last 16 games through injury and has appeared in just 26 contests this season because of the lingering toe ailment. Garland required surgery in the offseason to correct the issue and missed the first seven games of the 2025-26 season for the Cavaliers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Garland, 26, is averaging 18 points and 6.9 assists on 45.1% shooting this campaign.</p><p>Los Angeles has lost its last three games and six out of 10 ahead of Sunday's visit from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Clippers will then hit the road to face the Warriors in the Bay Area on Monday.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Darius Garland speaks at a press conference during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2026 in Inglewood, 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.

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<p><em>The 2026 NBA All-Star Game took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Scroll down to see what happened during the revised mini-tournament.</em></p><p><em>For a recap of the NBA All-Star Saturday events, click <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3476805" href="https://thescore.com/news/3476805">here</a>.</em></p><h3>Final</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ASG 2026: STRIPES-WORLD (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ukDxD" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ukDxD/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The NBA's top young talents have served notice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A budding USA Stars squad defeated the veteran USA Stripes 45-21 in a one-sided all-American final to win the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.</p><p>Anthony Edwards scored eight points on 3-of-5 shooting as USA Stars snatched a 26-9 advantage by the midway mark of the 12-minute contest. Tyrese Maxey chipped in with nine points for USA Stars.</p><p>Chet Holmgren had eight points for USA Stars and Scottie Barnes capped a solid All-Star Game tournament display with nine points, four rebounds, and an assist.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Scottie Barnes with the finishing touches...<br><br>USA STARS ARE YOUR 2026 NBA ALL-STAR CHAMPIONS 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/MDmX1yp0BC">pic.twitter.com/MDmX1yp0BC</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2023200420596682778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>An experienced USA Stripes team started slowly, going 0-for-10 on its first eight field-goal attempts, and Stars took advantage to race out to an early 12-1 lead before an extended break in play. LeBron James finally scored the Stripes' first field goal with nearly four minutes gone.</p><p>Kawhi Leonard went cold after scoring 31 points in Game 3. The Los Angeles Clippers veteran had one point on 0-of-4 shooting. Donovan Mitchell led the way with six points as Stripes went 8-of-31 from the field.</p><p>Edwards was <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">named</a> All-Star Game MVP after scoring 32 points across USA Stars' three games. The 24-year-old was his typically outgoing self after the final, admitting that he took the most pride in beating the international team. "Beating them is the best feeling in the world," Edwards said.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Beating them is the best feeling in the world." 😂 <br><br>Ant didn't hold back on his feelings about beating Team World 😅 <a href="https://t.co/aCXgFiwvXk">pic.twitter.com/aCXgFiwvXk</a></p>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/2023208395155595417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The revised format might prove to be a success after three captivating 12-minute contests led to the hard-fought finale.</p><p>Leonard offered his thoughts about the revised format during postgame interviews. "Whatever you guys want. Man, same question. Whatever grabs the attention of the consumer, I'm for it," Leonard said, according to <a href="https://x.com/joeylinn_/status/2023203395885240823?s=20">Clippers insider Joey Linn</a>.</p><h3>Game 3</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ASG 2026: STRIPES-WORLD (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-aNpj7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aNpj7/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Are you not entertained?</p><p>Leonard went nuclear in front of a partisan crowd at his home arena as USA Stripes eliminated the World team with a 48-45 victory in Game 3 of the NBA All-Star Game.</p><p>Leonard led the way for USA Stripes with an absurd 31 points on 11-of-13 shooting that included a stretch of 11 straight points.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KAWHI LEONARD FOR 31 POINTS 😳<br><br>USA STRIPES IS MOVING ON TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME VS. USA STARS!! <a href="https://t.co/8tx2wvG6dA">pic.twitter.com/8tx2wvG6dA</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2023190107352604908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>USA Stripes will now face USA Stars in the final.</p><p>Victor Wembanyama was again a menace at both ends for Team World, bagging 19 points and two rebounds. World teammate and first-time All-Star Jamal Murray overcame a rough outing in Game 1 to record eight points and four assists.</p><p>Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic did not play for the World team after both played just 5:05 in Game 1. The international squad was also without former MVPs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injuries.</p><h3>Game 2</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ASG 2026: STRIPES-WORLD (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WazwJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WazwJ/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>A veteran USA Stripes squad got the better of USA Stars with a thrilling 42-40 win in Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game.</p><p>San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox played hero, nailing a buzzer-beating triple for the victory.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WILD ENDING OF USA STARS/STRIPES!<br><br>ANT LAY TO MAKE IT A 2-POINT GAME.<br>ANT STEAL.<br>ANT 3 FOR THE LEAD.<br>FOX GAME-WINNER.<br><br>USA STRIPES SECURES THE WIN 😱 <a href="https://t.co/EjQ74Twq9p">pic.twitter.com/EjQ74Twq9p</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2023179158340137304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was in fine form, leading USA Stripes with 11 points paired with three boards and a block. Three-time All-Star Game MVP James scored eight points as part of a balanced attack for USA Stripes.</p><p>Fox, who appeared in his second All-Star Game, was a late injury replacement for Antetokounmpo.</p><p>Edwards again led the way for USA Stars with 11 points and three rebounds. Like in Game 1, Edwards again drilled a late three. Cade Cunningham also scored 11 points to go with three rebounds, four assists, and a block, while Detroit Pistons teammate Jalen Duren dropped seven points.</p><p>USA Stripes will play the World team in Game 3, while USA Stars will wait to see if a 1-1 record is good enough to book a spot in the finals.</p><h3>Game 1</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ASG 2026: STARS-WORLD" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qspi5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qspi5/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="68" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Minnesota Timberwolves guard Edwards led the way as USA Stars took Game 1 over the World team in overtime by a 37-35 scoreline.</p><p>Edwards scored 13 points, while Toronto Raptors defensive whiz Barnes did the dirty work with three points, five boards, two assists, one steal, and a block.</p><p>An extra frame was required after Edwards drained a late triple to tie the contest at 32 apiece. Barnes ended it with a three in overtime to reach the target score of five.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SCOTTIE BARNES WINS IT FOR USA STARS.<br><br>USA STARS VS. USA STRIPES COMING UP NEXT ON NBC &amp; PEACOCK 🍿<br><br>Tap to watch: <a href="https://t.co/UOPqgMKbFu">https://t.co/UOPqgMKbFu</a> <a href="https://t.co/IokO8Nhvg0">pic.twitter.com/IokO8Nhvg0</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2023169491983651223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wembanyama fulfilled his promise to take this event seriously, scoring the first seven points for the World team en route to a 14-point, six-rebound performance that included an early block on Duren. Wembanyama finished with three blocks.</p><p>New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 10 points off the bench as the international squad battled back from an early deficit before Edwards tied it late. Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija recorded five points in his maiden All-Star appearance.</p><p>USA Stars will now face USA Stripes in Game 2.</p><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnba-all-star&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3476807"><strong>Click here for the NBA All-Star Game odds available on theScore bet</strong></a></p></blockquote><p><strong>How to watch:</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Channel</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>NBC/Peacock</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Sportsnet</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Format:</strong></p><p>The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be contested between two teams of Americans and a third team consisting of the league's top international stars. The three teams will play a total of four 12-minute games, and the two teams with the best records will advance to the final in Game 4.</p><p>If all three teams are 1-1 after Game 3, then the team with the worst point differential will be eliminated.</p><p><strong>Schedule:</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Game 1:</strong> USA Stars vs. World </li>
<li>
<strong>Game 2:</strong> USA Stripes vs. Winner of Game 1 </li>
<li>
<strong>Game 3:</strong> USA Stripes vs. Loser of Game 1 </li>
<li>
<strong>Game 4:</strong> Final</li>
</ul><p><strong>USA Stars</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>Sixers</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>T-Wolves</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Barnes</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Johnson</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Duren</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>USA Stripes</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steph Curry*</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Brown</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kawhi Leonard</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Ingram¹</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>De'Aaron Fox²</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Injured and will not play<br>¹ Injury replacement for Steph Curry</em><br>²<em> Injury replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo</em></p><p><strong>World</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander* 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo* 🇬🇷</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luka Doncic 🇸🇮</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pascal Siakam 🇨🇲</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija 🇮🇱</td>
<td>Blazers</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns 🇩🇴</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama 🇫🇷</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic 🇷🇸</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell 🇯🇲</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alperen Sengun¹ 🇹🇷 </td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Injured and will not play<br>¹ Injury replacement for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</em></p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Members of Team USA Stars pose for a photo after winning the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

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The 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday events took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Scroll down f...

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates after winning the State Farm 3-Point Contest as a part of State Farm All-Star Saturday on Saturday, February 14, 2026 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 2026 NBAE

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Everything that happened during NBA All-Star Saturday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden claims that there's no room for loyalty in sports.  "The w...

<p>Cleveland Cavaliers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> claims that there's no room for loyalty in sports.</p><p>"The whole quote-unquote loyalty thing, I think it's overrated," Harden said following Wednesday's win over the Washington Wizards, according to <a href="https://x.com/LeahDohertyTV/status/2021816077672386908?s=20">Cleveland 19 News' Leah Doherty</a>.</p><p>Harden has been widely maligned in the past for demanding trades. The 36-year-old says it's a two-way street and that front offices are also responsible for the apparent lack of fidelity between players and teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think this is a business at the end of the day, and it's a lot of money involved and a lot of decisions that have to be made," Harden added. "If a player isn't producing or if you don't see him in your future - the front office, some of them have to do a job and want to keep their job. So, they feel like they got to do what's best to keep their job, and they trade players."</p><p>Harden, who joined the Cavs at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Clippers, is on his sixth NBA team and fourth since 2022. Harden and the Clippers worked toward finding a trade destination that would mutually benefit he and the team.</p><p>"If a guy isn't happy and he wants to be traded to somewhere else, then it's a problem," Harden said. "It's just so many different dynamics that go into it. This is a business at the end of the day. Not even just the NBA, but people that have normal jobs have those same problems. It's just not magnified."</p><p>Harden has made an immediate impact with the Cavs, who have won all three of their games with the 11-time All-Star in the lineup. Cleveland is second in offensive rating (126.7) since his debut.</p><p>Following the blockbuster move, Harden <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3436483" href="https://thescore.com/news/3436483">said</a> the trade provided more of an "opportunity to win" than in Los Angeles. The acquisition has helped vault the Cavs into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, seven games back of the Detroit Pistons.</p><p>"For me, it's always about, like, I don't lose focus of trying to compete for a championship. And then financially, making sure that my family is taken care of, you know what I mean?" Harden said Wednesday. "Because I'm very smart, and I've sacrificed a lot - financially, which I don't get credit (for). That don't get talked about. But I'm fulfilled, and I'm happy with it."</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang didn't pull any punches when assessing his team's performance...

<p>Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang didn't pull any punches when assessing his team's performance in Wednesday's 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati.</p><p>"This was embarrassing," Tang told reporters, including <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/college/cat-zone/2026/02/11/kansas-state-coach-jerome-tang-blasts-team-after-embarrassing-loss/88550569007/">The Topeka Capital-Journal's Wyatt D. Wheeler</a>. "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university, I'm embarrassed for our fans and our student section. It's just ridiculous."</p><p>Cincinnati (13-12, 5-7 in Big 12) drained 16 threes in the victory, the second most that the Wildcats have conceded in program history. On one instance, Kansas State failed to box out on a missed free throw that resulted in a dunk for the visitors, a moment that angered Tang.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We have practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow," Tang said. "I have no answers or no words. Y'all got two questions, so whoever wants to ask two questions, I'll answer 'em to the best of my ability right now. But right now, I'm pissed."</p><p>The Wildcats are now 10-14 on the season and 1-10 in the Big 12, tied for last in the conference with Utah. The defeat marked their third straight home loss by at least 24 points, something Tang is painfully aware of.</p><p>"None of that crap matters, man," he said. "These dudes have to have some pride, man. It means something to wear a K-State uniform. It means something to put on this purple, man. Our university's all about that, and it's why I love this place, man. They don't love this place, so they don't deserve to be here."</p><p>Tang is in his fourth season at the helm. He's led the team to a 71-56 record and a spot in the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. This season could be the first time that he amasses a sub-.500 record with the program.</p><p>Several Kansas State fans in attendance Wednesday wore paper bags over their heads in protest of the team's poor campaign.</p><p>"I'd wear a paper bag, too, if I was them," Tang added before exiting the press conference.</p>

MANHATTAN, KANSAS - FEBRUARY 11: Kansas State Wildcats fans wear paper bags over their heads during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Bramlage Coliseum on February 11, 2026 in Manhattan, Kansas.

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The NBA revealed the three rosters for the round-robin tournament at the upcoming All-Star Game, ...

<p>The NBA revealed the three rosters for the round-robin tournament at the upcoming All-Star Game, announcing the lineups during Tuesday's NBC broadcast.</p><p>The 10 starters, selected by voting, and 14 reserves, chosen by the league's coaches, have been divided into three eight-man teams: two made up of American-born players and one featuring international stars.</p><h3>USA Stars</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Barnes</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Duren</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Johnson</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>76ers</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The USA Stars squad features two Americans voted in as starters in Maxey and Cunningham.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>USA Stripes</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Brown</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Curry</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kawhi Leonard</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The second American team, USA Stripes, includes Curry, Durant, James, and Leonard, a talented quartet with a combined 50 All-Star selections. Brunson, Brown, and Curry were voted in as starters, while Leonard was a late addition by commissioner Adam Silver to complete the 16-player U.S. side.</p><h3>Team World</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shai-Gilgeous Alexander 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luka Doncic 🇸🇮</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija 🇮🇱</td>
<td>Trail Blazers</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pascal Siakam 🇨🇲</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo 🇬🇷</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic 🇷🇸</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama 🇫🇷</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns 🇩🇴</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The international team boasts Gilgeous-Alexander, Antetokounmpo, and Jokic - winners of six of the last seven MVP awards. The trio, along with Doncic and Wembanyama, were all voted in as starters.</p><p>Murray, Gilgeous-Alexander's international teammate and Jokic's running mate in Denver, earned his first All-Star selection as a reserve on the back of a career-defining season for the injury-riddled Nuggets. Trail Blazers forward Avdija will also make his All-Star debut, while Siakam is set for his fourth appearance despite the Pacers' underwhelming campaign.</p><p>Antetokounmpo, likely to miss the event due to injury, will be replaced on the World team by Towns, who's eligible to play internationally for the United States or the Dominican Republic.</p><p>The 2026 NBA All-Star Game takes place Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The revised format includes four 12-minute games, culminating in a final matchup between the two teams with the best records. The USA Stars will face the World squad in the first contest of the mini-tournament.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The NBA All-Star Game will feature a round-robin mini-tournament with four 12-minute games.<br><br>▪️ Game 1: USA Stars vs. World<br>▪️ Game 2: USA Stripes vs. Game 1 winning team<br>▪️ Game 3: USA Stripes vs. Game 1 losing team<br>▪️ Game 4: Championship (top two teams) <a href="https://t.co/rvX5QyUrS7">https://t.co/rvX5QyUrS7</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/2018847508060074323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>If all three teams finish with identical 1-1 records, point differential in each team's two round robin games will determine the tiebreaker.</p>

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Chuck's Global Stars and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks and Chuck's Global Stars talk during 2025 NBA All-Star Practice & Media Availability at Oakland Arena on February 15, 2025 in Oakland, California.

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The Los Angeles Clippers and guard James Harden are engaged in discussions about a potential trad...

<p>The Los Angeles Clippers and guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> are engaged in discussions about a potential trade, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2018541694782951933?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Both the Clippers and Harden are aligned as the club talks to teams interested in acquiring the 11-time All-Star before the Thursday deadline, Charania adds.</p><p>The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams in discussions with the Clippers, with the two parties considering a deal that would send <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> to Los Angeles, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7017549/2026/02/03/clippers-cavs-trade-james-harden-darius-garland/">The Athletic's Tony Jones, Sam Amick, Dan Woike, and Law Murray</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Harden has been absent for Los Angeles' last two games due to personal reasons. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue didn't elaborate on Harden's status prior to hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.</p><p>"No," Lue said when asked if he had any information about Harden's absence, according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/sources-clippers-cavaliers-engaged-in-james-harden-trade-talks-042052754.html">Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko</a>. "I just know he was home in Phoenix and just personal reasons, so I'm not sure."</p><p>The 36-year-old Harden signed a two-year, $81.5-million deal with the Clippers in June after declining his player option. He has a $42.3-million player option for the 2026-27 season and has the ability to veto any trade. His contract also includes a 15% trade bonus that's currently valued at $2.36 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/2018542853438451983?s=20">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><p>"I'm from L.A. and I'm blessed to be here," Harden <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3456084" href="https://thescore.com/news/3456084">said</a> in January. "Being at home, that's like the opportunity of a lifetime for me."</p><p>Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds on 41.9% shooting in 44 games this season. His scoring average is the highest it's been since the 2019-20 campaign when he finished third in MVP voting behind LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.</p><p>The Clippers' outlook has changed drastically since a 6-21 start to the season. Reports from December <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3441606" href="https://thescore.com/news/3441606">suggested</a> the organization would avoid a fire sale prior to the deadline and would instead look to make upgrades.</p><p>Veteran contributors <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37602">Bogdan Bogdanovic</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/300">Brook Lopez</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/412">Nicolas Batum</a> are all on expiring deals and could be used in a trade to match salaries.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 20: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 20, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue echoed the sentiments of many NBA fans on the heels of...

<p>Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue echoed the sentiments of many NBA fans on the heels of Sunday's 2026 All-Star Game reserves announcement.</p><p>Clippers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> was not among the 14 players picked by the league's coaches for the midseason exhibition, an omission that Lue laments.</p><p>"It's unfortunate. To me, he's been the best player the last six weeks," Lue told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/MarkG_Medina/status/2018493950424920141?s=20">Clippers insider Mark Medina</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Leonard's averaging a career-high 27.6 points across 35 games. His performances have helped the Clippers improve their record to 23-25 after a disastrous 5-16 start. He's been named an All-Star on six previous occasions.</p><h3>Western Conference reserves</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>T-Wolves</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija</td>
<td>Trail Blazers</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"For the guys that got selected, it's an honor, but I also think Kawhi should have been selected as well," Lue added.</p><p>"He carried us to get out of the hole we were in. He and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James (Harden)</a> both."</p><p>Harden was also not <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3461949" href="https://thescore.com/news/3461949">selected</a> as one of the reserves for the West. Harden is averaging 25.4 points, his highest output since the 2019-20 campaign when he finished third in MVP voting.</p><p>Leonard and 11-time All-Star Harden are still eligible to be picked as injury replacements.</p><p>The Clippers are the host team for the 2026 All-Star Game, which takes place Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers speaks with Kawhi Leonard #2 during the game on February 12, 2025 at Intuit Dome 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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Clippers' Lue: 'It's unfortunate' Kawhi wasn't selected for All-Star Game

The Milwaukee Bucks have begun sending counteroffers to teams aggressively pursuing a trade for G...

<p>The Milwaukee Bucks have begun sending counteroffers to teams aggressively pursuing a trade for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2018457499158941852?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks are among the teams strongly interested in Antetokounmpo, Charania adds.</p><p>Milwaukee is reportedly seeking either a blue-chip talent and/or a significant package of draft picks for the two-time MVP. The Warriors submitted an offer centered on picks, the T-Wolves' proposal focuses on players, while the Heat's offer includes a combination of picks and players, Charania adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Bucks have apparently become <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3466198" href="https://thescore.com/news/3466198">increasingly open</a> recently to trading the 31-year-old, with Antetokounmpo also receptive to leaving before the deadline or in the offseason.</p><p>Four games back of the final play-in spot, Milwaukee went into Monday's slate sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have a first-round pick swap with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans for the 2026 draft, where Milwaukee receives the inferior of their pick and New Orleans' based on the teams' records. If the season ended today, this swap would result in the Bucks keeping their pick.</p><p>Antetokounmpo, a seven-time All-NBA first-team selection, is currently sidelined after aggravating a calf strain on Jan. 23. Although there's no official timeline for his recovery, Antetokounmpo <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3464870" href="https://thescore.com/news/3464870">predicted</a> he'd miss four-to-six weeks.</p><p>He was voted in as an All-Star starter last week and is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 64% shooting in 30 outings this season.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after an apparent injury against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on December 03, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Report: Bucks submit counteroffers to teams pursuing Giannis

The reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game were announced Sunday, and several marquee names enjo...

<p>The reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3469276" href="https://thescore.com/news/3469276">announced</a> Sunday, and several marquee names enjoying outstanding seasons missed out.</p><p>Here's a look at the biggest snubs from each conference, keeping in mind that the revised format requires 16 players representing the United States and eight from international countries. Spoiler alert: Several players from Western Conference teams might feel slighted by the selections.</p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><p><strong>Starters:</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>76ers</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Brown</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>🇬🇷</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Reserves:</strong> </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸 🇯🇲</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Barnes</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pascal Siakam</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>🇨🇲</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Johnson</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Duren</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>🇺🇸 🇩🇴</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: PORTER" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hKkkD" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hKkkD/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>38</td>
<td>25.6</td>
<td>7.3</td>
<td>3.2</td>
<td>48.2</td>
<td>39.8</td>
<td>85.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Porter's sensational year has proven he can flourish in a leading role without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. That said, the Nets have won just 13 games, and their record isn't doing Porter any favors. What it does do, however, is make the 27-year-old an intriguing trade candidate: His 48.2/39.8/85.1 shooting splits on a career-high usage rate (29.5%) signify the kind of offensive efficiency several contenders would love to add.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: MOBLEY" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-365OX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/365OX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>42</td>
<td>17.9</td>
<td>8.8</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>51.2</td>
<td>30.4</td>
<td>63.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The reigning Defensive Player of the Year didn't garner enough consideration to join Cavaliers teammate Donovan Mitchell. However, Mobley would likely be a strong injury-replacement candidate if another big needs to come from the East to replace the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo. Except Mobley's own calf strain has also put his hypothetical All-Star appearance at risk; the 24-year-old is expected to miss another week or two.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: EMBIID" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WXYX4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WXYX4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>26.2</td>
<td>7.5</td>
<td>3.9</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>29.7</td>
<td>85</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>If recency bias was a factor, Embiid might have earned his eighth selection. The two-time scoring champion has been a menace of late, recording 28.3 points per game on 63.9% true shooting in January. The former MVP is also eligible to represent both his homeland, Cameroon, and the United States, which he played for at the 2024 Olympics. The major knock against Embiid is that he's missed 20 games due to injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: WHITE" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o86Dh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o86Dh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td>17.2</td>
<td>4.6</td>
<td>5.4</td>
<td>39.2</td>
<td>32.4</td>
<td>89.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Brandon Ingram, Paolo Banchero, and Josh Giddey are among those who can feel aggrieved by their omissions, but White might feel especially slighted. The ninth-year combo guard missed out on his first All-Star nod while posting career highs in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals (1.3), and blocks (1.4), and his all-around impact is exemplified by his presence at the defensive end. White is undeniably among the league's most dependable two-way guards.</p><h3>Western Conference</h3><p><strong>Starters:</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steph Curry</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luka Doncic</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>🇸🇮</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>🇷🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>🇫🇷</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Reserves:</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>T-Wolves</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija</td>
<td>Trail Blazers</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇮🇱</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: HARDEN" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WNrLM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WNrLM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>44</td>
<td>25.4</td>
<td>4.8</td>
<td>8.1</td>
<td>41.9</td>
<td>34.7</td>
<td>90.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Beard is undergoing a renaissance in his age-36 season. Harden's 25.4-point average through 44 games is his best output since he put up 34.3 in 2019-20 - his last year with a top-three finish in MVP voting. And while injuries have thrown the Clippers' season for a loop, Harden has kept chugging along, missing just four games all year. In January, he was only absent for one - a month in which he otherwise helped Tyronn Lue's men go 10-4.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: KAWHI" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Vf4wx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Vf4wx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>27.6</td>
<td>6.2</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>49.5</td>
<td>39.1</td>
<td>92.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Leonard's All-Star omission is conspicuous - not just because he leads the Clippers with a career-high 27.6 points per game and the NBA with 2.0 steals per game, but also because snubbing him and Harden means this year's hosts won't have a rep despite their drastic turnaround. Leonard has been instrumental in righting the ship. Starting with their Dec. 20 win over the Lakers, the two-time Finals MVP has poured in 30.2 points per contest and shot 41.8% from deep, helping Los Angeles go 15-3 when he's played.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: SENGUN" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-csAgp" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/csAgp/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>40</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>9.2</td>
<td>6.4</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>68.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Player A: 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists; Player B: 21 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists. If you guessed that Player A is All-Star Chet Holmgren and Player B is Sengun, please collect your prize. The Thunder merit a second pick for obvious reasons, and Holmgren is among the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year. Sengun has also improved his counting stats and defense while guiding the Rockets to the second-best point differential in the West.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: BROOKS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-sFvFu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sFvFu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>44</td>
<td>21.1</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>44.6</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>85.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The NBA had a ready-made solution for the passivity and painfully noncompetitive nature of the All-Star Game in the form of selecting one of the league's elite villains. Instead, the league took the cowardly route. Brooks has bumped his career scoring average nearly seven points to a personal best, and he's an elite defender often tasked with marking the opposition's top scorer. He's also the ideal foil for nemesis LeBron James, whose controversial inclusion will not be lost on the Canadian agitator.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: GOBERT" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-K0xzV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/K0xzV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>48</td>
<td>10.8</td>
<td>11.3</td>
<td>1.7</td>
<td>70.4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gobert is no stranger to being snubbed. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Star lamented not getting picked for the 2024 installment, saying it's "probably not the last time I get disrespected." Prescient stuff from the Frenchman, who's anchoring one of the NBA's top defensive units and enjoying a bounce-back campaign on offense with the league's best field-goal percentage. There's a case to be made for Gobert or Timberwolves teammate Julius Randle.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALL-STAR SNUBS: MARKKANEN" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9wbPy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9wbPy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">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,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>PTS</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3P%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>27.4</td>
<td>7.1</td>
<td>2.2</td>
<td>47.6</td>
<td>35.9</td>
<td>88.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Markkanen is quietly piecing together the best season of his career, though arguably too quietly for voters' taste. The 15-35 Jazz are 12-10 when he drops 26 points or more in a game, encapsulating how much of an All-Star he is to Utah if not the rest of the league. If he maintains his current pace, the 28-year-old would be the only true 7-footer since at least 1946-47 to average minimums of 27 points, seven rebounds, and 2.5 threes per game over an entire season, per <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/IFeWN">Stathead</a>.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 30: James Harden #1 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 30, 2025 at Intuit Dome 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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Harden, Kawhi headline notable All-Star snubs

The NBA announced Sunday the 14 reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game.  Head coaches across the lea...

<p>The NBA announced Sunday the 14 reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game.</p><p>Head coaches across the league selected seven reserve players from each conference, regardless of position, to participate in this year's All-Star Game, which will take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Feb. 15.</p><p>Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> extended his NBA record with a 22nd consecutive All-Star selection. Six players also earned their first All-Star nods, including veteran Denver Nuggets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a>, who will join teammate and eight-time pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>East reserves</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸 🇯🇲</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Barnes</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pascal Siakam</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>🇨🇲</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Johnson</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Duren</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>🇺🇸 🇩🇴</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Powell and Towns are eligible to represent both the United States and the nations they represent internationally, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, respectively.</p><h3>West reserves</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>T-Wolves</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija</td>
<td>Trail Blazers</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇮🇱</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The NBA <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3459485" href="https://thescore.com/news/3459485">announced</a> five All-Star starters from each conference last week. Fans (50% of the vote), players (25%), and members of the media (25%) voted on the selections.</p><h3>East starters</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>76ers</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Brown</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>🇬🇷</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>West starters</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
<th>USA/World</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steph Curry</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luka Doncic</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>🇸🇮</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>🇷🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>🇫🇷</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This year's event features three eight-man teams competing in a mini round-robin tournament, with two squads of players representing the United States and another of eight players from international countries.</p><p>The eight international slots appear to be filled by five starters (Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Doncic, Wembanyama, and Antetokounmpo) and three reserves (Murray, Avdija, and Siakam). However, Antetokounmpo may need to be replaced due to a calf strain, potentially allowing Powell or Towns to take his starting spot on the World team.</p><p>The NBA will confirm the rosters for the three teams on Tuesday, according to <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">basketball insider Marc Stein</a>.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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LeBron earns 22nd straight All-Star nod as NBA unveils reserves

The Boston Celtics are one of the most compelling teams to watch ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade de...

<p>The Boston Celtics are one of the most compelling teams to watch ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.</p><p>President of basketball operations and de facto general manager Brad Stevens is considered among the league's best front-office tacticians, and the coach turned executive has a big decision to make: go all-in, make modest upgrades to a roster that has performed beyond expectations in the absence of Jayson Tatum, or stand pat?</p><p>If the Celtics are expecting Tatum to return from an Achilles tear this season, they have one glaring area of need: center. Boston has somehow threatened the Detroit Pistons' stranglehold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference despite playing Neemias Queta and Luka Garza at the five after losing Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason. The Celtics can address this a couple of different ways.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Modest gains are still gains</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819557/cropped_GettyImages-2254540342.jpg?ts=1769642793" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819557/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254540342.jpg?ts=1769642793 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819557/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254540342.jpg?ts=1769642793 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819557/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254540342.jpg?ts=1769642793 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819557/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254540342.jpg?ts=1769642793 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819557/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254540342.jpg?ts=1769642793 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Unless Joe Mazzulla wakes up one morning and suddenly decides he trusts Xavier Tillman and Chris Boucher, the team will either ride with Queta and Garza or seek upgrades. Those upgrades don't have to be game-changers, and a host of decent low-risk additions should be available for little cost.</p><p>Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe and Indiana Pacers big Isaiah Jackson are among the players who would fit this profile. Sharpe, 24, has a team option for the 2026-27 campaign and carries a $6.25-million cap hit. He's averaging 7.8 points and 6.2 rebounds on 60.3% shooting in 42 games, all slightly above his career averages across five seasons in Brooklyn. Jackson, also 24, has two years left on a three-year, $21-million contract and is posting similar numbers as Sharpe. Neither player moves the needle, but either one could take minutes from Garza and provide depth for a playoff run. New Orleans Pelicans frontcourt duo Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic could also generate interest as young centers on team-friendly deals.</p><p>Sharpe and Jackson wouldn't require significant returns - especially not Sharpe, given his contract and Brooklyn's apparent willingness to receive draft capital in exchange. Boston's previous acquisitions of Mike Muscala and Tillman signal a familiarity with operating in the margins by making similar moves for serviceable big men.</p><p>Boucher's expiring deal could be packaged in a trade, as could the Celtics' three second-round picks in the 2026 draft.</p><p>Stevens could also explore the buyout market as he did last season with Torrey Craig. Boston and its winning culture tend to appeal to veterans of Craig's ilk. As a first-apron team, the Celtics cannot sign any bought-out player who earned more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1 million) in his most recent contract.</p><h3>The aggressive approach</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819556/cropped_GettyImages-2207954097.jpg?ts=1769642577" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819556/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207954097.jpg?ts=1769642577 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819556/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207954097.jpg?ts=1769642577 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819556/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207954097.jpg?ts=1769642577 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819556/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207954097.jpg?ts=1769642577 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819556/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207954097.jpg?ts=1769642577 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Juan Ocampo / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If Stevens wants to swing for the fences, he could have several options.</p><p>The Celtics currently own their first-round picks in the 2026, 2027, 2030, 2031, and 2032 drafts. These are all considerable bargaining chips.</p><p>Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets big Nic Claxton, and the Dallas Mavericks' Daniel Gafford are among the high-profile frontcourt standouts who could be available for the right price.</p><p>Zubac, 28, has two years left on a three-year, $58.6-million pact. Beyond Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, there are no untouchables on the Clippers' roster. However, they've won 16 of their last 20 games, so they might be less willing to part with one of their best players. Jackson's five-year, $205-million deal has a player option for the 2029-30 campaign, and at 26 years old, he could still figure in a Grizzlies rebuild sparked by Ja Morant's potential departure. Claxton, 26, is set to become an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2028-29 season and has a $27.5-million cap hit next year on a four-year deal with a descending salary scale. Gafford signed a three-year, $54-million extension with the Mavs last July and is scheduled to become a UFA in 2029.</p><p>While this all depends on what the front offices involved would view as the "right price," at least one first-round pick and/or Anfernee Simons and his expiring contract might be required to swing a trade for this caliber of center. Sam Hauser and Baylor Scheierman could also be in play as a means of filling out a deal.</p><p>Life in Beantown got off to a rocky start for Simons following an offseason trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, but he's since emerged as a key contributor off the bench. He's averaging 13.9 points on 43.6% shooting and knocking down 38.9% of his 6.6 attempts from deep per game. His defense is a minus, though his vast array of offensive tools and ability to provide bench scoring would be a plus in the postseason. It would be difficult to replace his production at the deadline, although the Celtics are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3467148" href="https://thescore.com/news/3467148">reportedly</a> considering it.</p><h3>Do nothing</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819560/cropped_GettyImages-2256517032.jpg?ts=1769643083" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819560/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256517032.jpg?ts=1769643083 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819560/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256517032.jpg?ts=1769643083 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819560/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256517032.jpg?ts=1769643083 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819560/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256517032.jpg?ts=1769643083 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819560/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256517032.jpg?ts=1769643083 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The third, and considerably less glamorous, option for Stevens and Co. is standing pat at the deadline.</p><p>The virtues of this strategy largely depend on the organization believing it can retain Simons on a reasonable deal. Outside of Tillman and Boucher, everyone on the Celtics' roster is a contributor - and all but those three are under contract for next season or beyond.</p><p>The Celtics haven't exactly been busy during recent deadlines: Their activity at the last three consisted of the low-risk acquisitions of Jaden Springer, Muscala, and Tillman. Those aren't earth-shattering moves. However, Stevens could view the weakened Eastern Conference and Tatum's potentially pending return as an opportunity to strike while the iron is hot. If anything, expect Stevens to be predictably unpredictable.</p>

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How should Celtics approach the trade deadline?

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic showed little signs of rust in returning from a month-long absen...

<p>Denver Nuggets star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> showed little signs of rust in returning from a month-long absence during Friday's 122-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>Jokic recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in 25 minutes as the Nuggets snapped the Clippers' three-game winning streak. He shot 8-of-11 from the field and 13-of-17 from the charity stripe, before exiting with two minutes left in the fourth quarter to raucous applause from the Denver crowd.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">31 points. 12 boards. 5 assists.<br><br>Joker receives a standing ovation from the crowd as his night concludes 👏<br><br>Quite the performance in his return to the court! <a href="https://t.co/AfMpcUiQlP">pic.twitter.com/AfMpcUiQlP</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2017454228478775487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102792">Peyton Watson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> chipped in 21 and 20 points respectively, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6179" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6179">Tim Hardaway Jr.</a> had 22 points off the bench and moved into the 20th spot on the league's all-time 3-pointers made list. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Nuggets move to 33-16 on the season and now sit five games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder for top spot in the West.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> led the visitors with 25 points and nine assists. Los Angeles had won 16 of its previous 19 contests, the best win percentage in the league during that span.</p><p>Jokic had been sidelined since Dec. 29 with a hyperextended left knee, which he sustained in a game versus the Miami Heat.</p><p>"I was not scared to use it," Jokic said postgame, according to The Associated Press. "I was not thinking about it while I was running and while I was playing. I think that’s a good sign I’m ready."</p><p>Jokic had been producing another MVP-caliber season prior to his injury. He was fifth in the league in scoring at 29.6 points per game on 60.5% shooting from the field entering Friday's contest. He's also averaging a career-high 11.0 assists and 12.2 rebounds to go along with 16 triple-doubles.</p><p>Jokic sat out 16 games while recovering from his injury, marking the most contests he's missed in any season of his career. The Nuggets posted a 10-6 record in his absence.</p><p>Denver is managing injuries to several key contributors. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3467133" href="https://thescore.com/news/3467133">reportedly</a> expected to miss four-to-six weeks after re-aggravating a hamstring strain, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102793">Christian Braun</a> (ankle) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37658" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37658">Cameron Johnson</a> (knee) have missed significant time dating back to November.</p>

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on January 30, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2026 NBAE

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Jokic guides Nuggets past Clippers in return from injury

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is uncertain if he'll return this season after rupturing his rig...

<p>Boston Celtics star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> is uncertain if he'll return this season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in May during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.</p><p>Tatum "wants to get it right the first time, so it's just a lot to think about," he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47762891/celtics-jayson-tatum-waiting-make-decision-return-season-torn-achilles">ESPN's Ramona Shelburne</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>The six-time All-Star held a workout in front of reporters in Detroit last week, sparking speculation of a potential return during the 2025-26 campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tatum said his rehabilitation is progressing positively, but he's holding off on a decision due to the severity of the injury, according to Shelburne.</p><p>The Celtics organization has yet to provide a timeline for Tatum's injury, though he did hint in September at a potential return. "I haven't said I'm not playing this season," Tatum <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3352405" href="https://thescore.com/news/3352405">said</a>.</p><p>He added, "I don't go to rehab six days a week for nothing."</p><p>In Tatum's absence, the Celtics have amassed a 29-18 record, level with the Knicks for second spot in the East and six games back of the Detroit Pistons.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> has become Boston's No. 1 option with Tatum on the sidelines and is averaging a career-high 29.2 points per game. Brown was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3459485" href="https://thescore.com/news/3459485">named</a> as a starter for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, his fifth selection for the midseason event.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 3: Jayson Tatum #0 , Hugo Gonzalez #28 and Xavier Tillman #26 of the Boston Celtics celebrate during the game against the LA Clippers on January 3, 2026 at Intuit Dome 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 2026 NBAE

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Michael J. Chandler

Supervising editor

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