Knicks Must Address First-Quarter Struggles Before Playoff Consequences The New York Knicks are facing a critical issue that could jeopardize their playoff chances: their inability to perform effectively in the first quarter of games. This trend has become increasingly alarming, as the team’s performance in the opening 12 minutes has deteriorated significantly since the All-Star break. Prior to the break, the Knicks were among the league’s top teams in the first quarter, outscoring opponents by 6.6 points per 100 possessions. However, their post-break performance has been disastrous, with a net rating of minus-10 in the first frame, ranking 26th in the league. This places them ahead of only teams with similarly poor records, including the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks’ struggles in the first quarter have become a recurring problem, even against teams that are not considered elite. Over the past seven games, New York has been outscored by 24.6 points per 100 possessions in the opening frame, a ranking of 27th. During this stretch, they have faced a mix of strong teams and lower-tier opponents, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets. Despite these matchups, the Knicks have managed to win only two of the first quarters (both against the Pacers), which highlights the severity of their issue. The situation worsens when considering the Knicks’ last five games. In one matchup, Golden State Warriors, missing key players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and others, still outscored New York by 14 points in the first quarter. Meanwhile, teams like Utah, Indiana, and Brooklyn, which are actively trying to lose, have also dominated the Knicks in the opening minutes.#los_angeles_lakers #new_york_knicks #brooklyn_nets #golden_state_warriors #mike_brown
How to Watch Warriors vs. Hawks: TV Channel and Streaming Options for March 21 The Atlanta Hawks, with a record of 38-32, seek to extend their nine-game home winning streak as they host the Golden State Warriors, who sit at 33-37, on March 21, 2026. The matchup will take place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the Hawks aim to capitalize on their strong home performance. Fans looking to catch the game can tune in through various television and streaming platforms, though specific channels and services may vary depending on their location. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on major sports networks, with options including traditional cable and satellite providers. Additionally, streaming services such as ESPN+ and The Athletic offer live coverage, allowing fans to watch from anywhere with an internet connection. The exact broadcast details, including time zones and channel numbers, will be confirmed closer to the game date. The matchup also features a notable list of player absences due to injuries. Key Warriors players such as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Seth Curry are sidelined, while the Hawks are missing Jimmy Butler and Al Horford. Several other players, including Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton, are listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to both teams’ rosters. The absence of key contributors could significantly impact the game’s outcome, as both teams will need to adjust their strategies to compensate for the injured players. Odds for the game, as provided by BetMGM, reflect the teams’ current standings and injury situations. The Hawks, with their stronger record and home-court advantage, are favored to win, but the Warriors’ depth and experience could challenge their opponents.#atlanta_hawks #state_farm_arena #golden_state_warriors #stephen_curry #draymond_green
UConn Freshman Braylon Mullins Projected as 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Pick Braylon Mullins, a 6-foot-6 freshman guard for the University of Connecticut, is widely expected to enter the 2026 NBA draft, with his performance in the NCAA Tournament potentially determining his draft position. While his early entry into professional basketball is nearly certain, the exact timing of his departure from college remains a topic of discussion among analysts and scouts. Mullins, hailing from Greenfield, Indiana, has emerged as one of the standout players for the Huskies this season, contributing significantly to their 29-5 record and No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team is set to face No. 15 seed Furman in their opening game, and Mullins’ potential impact on the tournament could play a crucial role in shaping his future in the NBA. Mullins’ high school career was already impressive, as he was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American in 2025. During his senior season, he led Greenfield-Central to a 23-4 record while averaging 32.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.7 steals per game. His standout performance came from his elite 3-point shooting, which reached an astonishing 47.2 percent from beyond the arc. This skill earned him a spot as the No. 2 shooting guard in the country, despite choosing UConn over offers from North Carolina and Indiana. At the collegiate level, Mullins has quickly adapted to the NCAA’s competitive environment. As a freshman, he averages 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with a 34.5 percent shooting rate from three-point range. While he missed seven games due to injuries and a concussion, his performance has steadily improved since entering the starting lineup in early December. His 3-point accuracy climbed to 37.#uconn #ncaa_tournament #golden_state_warriors #braylon_mullins #greenfield_indiana
The Boston Celtics secured a strong homestand this week, going 3-0 at TD Garden after two consecutive road losses. The team dominated the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, defeating them 131-95 in a game that highlighted their offensive prowess. Jaylen Brown led the way with 32 points, while the Celtics’ balanced attack kept Golden State’s star players, including Kristaps Porzingis, in check. The victory marked the Celtics’ first sweep of all four California teams (Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings) in franchise history. The Celtics now head to Memphis for a crucial road matchup against the Grizzlies on Friday. This game will be the second meeting between the teams this season, with Boston delivering a 36-point blowout in November. Memphis, however, has struggled this season, languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Despite a recent win over the Nuggets that ended an eight-game losing streak, the Grizzlies face significant injury challenges. Key players like Ja Morant (elbow), Brandon Clarke (calf), and Zach Edey (ankle) are sidelined, while others such as GG Jackson, Taj Gibson, and Santi Aldama have been ruled out for the season. Memphis’ injury woes have forced the team to rely on unlikely contributors like Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks, who made an impact in Wednesday’s win. Coach Tuomas Iisalo noted that these players have stepped up to provide energy and depth. Meanwhile, Boston’s injury report is relatively clean, with Nikola Vucevic (fractured finger) the only major absence. The Celtics’ depth and health have been critical to their recent success, including a three-game winning streak and an 8-3 record in their last 11 games. Jayson Tatum’s return from an Achilles injury has been a game-changer for Boston.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #memphis_grizzlies #golden_state_warriors #kristaps_porzingis
NBA Matchups: March 18 The 2025-26 NBA season continues with a slate of matchups on March 18, featuring key games between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets, and other top teams. The Warriors face the Celtics in a game that highlights their defensive struggles, while the Thunder take on the Nets in a matchup with potential for high-scoring action. The Warriors’ matchup against the Celtics is particularly challenging. Golden State’s team totals project them at 102.3 points, while Boston is expected to score 114.3. The Warriors’ defensive issues are evident, with injuries to Al Horford (calf) and Quinten Post (foot) limiting their options. Projected starters for the Warriors include Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Will Richard, Gui Santos, and Draymond Green, while the Celtics’ lineup features Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta. Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of maintaining aggressive play, noting that Kristaps Porzingis’ performance against the Wizards in a previous game suggests he could thrive in this matchup. However, the Celtics’ defensive strategy, which includes minimizing fouls, may limit Porzingis’ effectiveness. Kerr also mentioned the team’s focus on a “reunion tour” against former teams, highlighting the significance of the game for Porzingis. Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s physicality against the Suns, stressing the need for Jaylen Brown to remain aggressive despite Tatum’s presence in the lineup. Mazzulla noted that Tatum’s rebounding ability allows the Celtics to adopt more aggressive defensive coverages, which could impact the Warriors’ strategy.#boston_celtics #oklahoma_city_thunder #brooklyn_nets #golden_state_warriors #steve_kerr
Jayson Tatum Set to Return for Celtics vs. Warriors Game Jayson Tatum is expected to play for the Boston Celtics in their matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. The Celtics have listed him as available, with no injury designation on his status, confirming he is cleared to take part in the game. This decision removes uncertainty about the team’s lineup, as Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both active for the contest. The Celtics enter the game with their core players in place, continuing their push through the regular season. Tatum’s injury status for the game remains unchanged, with no setbacks reported. This will be his sixth appearance since returning from a ruptured right Achilles tendon sustained during last year’s playoffs. The Celtics’ injury report includes only Nikola Vucevic, who is still sidelined after surgery for a right ring finger fracture earlier in March. The rest of the roster features Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and other current players. Veteran names like Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon are not part of this season’s roster. Despite being cleared to play, the Celtics are still managing Tatum’s minutes as part of his recovery plan. He is projected to play around 32 minutes against the Warriors. In five games since his return, Tatum has averaged 20.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. His shooting percentages stand at 40.9% from the field and 27.1% from beyond the arc, indicating he is gradually regaining his rhythm after a lengthy absence. The Celtics’ lineup for the game includes Tatum as the primary scoring option, with Jaylen Brown contributing off his recent 41-point performance against the Phoenix Suns.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #jaylen_brown #golden_state_warriors #td_garden
Golden State Warriors vs Boston Celtics injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 18, 2026) The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are set to face off on March 18, 2026, in a cross-conference matchup with significant implications for their standings. Both teams are navigating challenges on the injury front, but their core rotations remain intact, keeping the game competitive. The Celtics enter with a stronger overall record and a formidable home-court advantage, while the Warriors are working to stabilize their performance after a recent slump. The result could influence playoff positioning in both conferences. For the Warriors, the injury report highlights a few key concerns. L.J. Cryer (hamstring), Gary Payton II (lower leg), and Quinten Post (foot) are listed as game-time decisions, with Payton’s availability being particularly critical due to his defensive role against opposing guards. Stephen Curry, Al Horford, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody (wrist), and Seth Curry (thigh) are sidelined, reducing the team’s depth on the wing and bench shooting options. However, the main group of Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porzingis remains available to provide stability. The Celtics, meanwhile, face a more limited injury impact. Nikola Vucevic is out after finger surgery and is expected to miss time into early April, but the rest of their regular rotation is healthy. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser are all confirmed to play, with Neemias Queta likely to start at center in Vucevic’s absence. This lineup maintains the Celtics’ offensive firepower and defensive cohesion. Projected lineups show a balanced matchup.#boston_celtics #golden_state_warriors #quinten_post #lj_cryer #gary_payton_ii
San Antonio Spurs set for critical playoff matchup against Los Angeles Clippers The San Antonio Spurs have entered a pivotal game against the Los Angeles Clippers, with both teams facing key injury challenges ahead of the contest. The Spurs, currently second in the Western Conference, are looking to maintain their momentum as they aim to pressure the Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 1 seed. The Spurs trail the Thunder by three and a half games, making this matchup crucial for their playoff positioning. The Clippers, who had secured four consecutive victories before a loss to the Sacramento Kings, sit eighth in the conference, ahead of the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers. The Spurs’ roster is missing two key bench players: rookie Dylan Harper, ruled out due to a calf injury, and backup center Luke Kornet, who is sidelined with knee soreness. For the Clippers, the absence of star forward Kawhi Leonard, who is dealing with an ankle injury, will significantly impact their offensive output. Leonard’s absence is expected to shift the scoring load to Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland. Since joining the Clippers from the Indiana Pacers, Mathurin has averaged over 20 points per game, marking his highest scoring average with any team. The Spurs are likely to rely on Stephon Castle to handle ball distribution with the second unit, while Mason Plumlee may step in to provide support in the frontcourt. The Clippers’ adjustment to Leonard’s absence will be critical, as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference race. Both teams will need to navigate their injury challenges to secure a strong performance in this high-stakes matchup.#san_antonio_spurs #los_angeles_clippers #oklahoma_city_thunder #golden_state_warriors #portland_trail_blazers
Golden State Warriors Defeat Wizards, End Five-Game Losing Streak The Golden State Warriors ended a five-game losing streak with a 125-117 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. The game, played in Washington, marked the Warriors’ first win in the Western Conference play-in race and extended the Wizards’ losing streak to 12 games. Golden State’s win came without key players Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, both of whom are injured. Kristaps Porzingis led the Warriors with 30 points, while De’Anthony Melton contributed 27 points. The Warriors’ victory secured their position in the play-in round, though their exact seeding in the Western Conference remains crucial for playoff advancement. The Wizards, meanwhile, continue to struggle, having lost 12 consecutive games. Despite their poor performance, they have not yet fallen to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, as Indiana’s 13-game losing streak keeps them from taking over last place. The game highlighted the Warriors’ resilience as they overcame their recent slump. The victory also underscored the Wizards’ ongoing challenges, as they failed to secure a win in their 12-game losing streak. The result further emphasized the competitive nature of the NBA, with teams vying for playoff spots in a tightly contested race.#nba #de_anthony_melton #washington_wizards #golden_state_warriors #kristaps_porzingis
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards NBA Matchup Preview and Betting Insights The Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards are set to face off on Monday, March 16, both entering the game on losing streaks. The Wizards are struggling with an 11-game losing skid, pushing their season record to 16-50. Meanwhile, the Warriors, who have lost five of their last six games and seven of eight, are also in a difficult position. Despite their recent downturn, the Warriors’ performance against the New York Knicks on Sunday—ending with a 110-107 loss—was noted as a strong showing, and they may be returning some key players for this matchup. The Warriors are listed as road favorites at -7.5 (-110) by DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Wizards are at +7.5 (-110). The total points line for the game is set at 231.5, with the OVER priced at -120 and the UNDER at -111. Both teams have shown a tendency to exceed the total in their games this season, with Golden State going 39-28 and Washington 36-30. The Warriors’ recent trend of going OVER the total in four consecutive games, including a narrow loss to the Knicks, further supports this pattern. Injury reports indicate that the Warriors are missing several key players, including Stephen Curry, Al Horford, and Seth Curry, while Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, and Moses Moody are listed as questionable. For the Wizards, the injury list is even more extensive, with Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Cam Whitmore, and Leaky Black all sidelined. This lack of depth could impact both teams’ ability to execute their game plans effectively. One player to watch for the Warriors is Gui Santos, who has stepped up in the absence of injured stars. Santos has averaged 15.4 points in his last 19 games, including a 17.#washington_wizards #golden_state_warriors #capital_one_arena #draftkings_sportsbook #nbc_sba
Golden State Warriors vs Washington Wizards Injury Report: Key Players and Team Stats for March 16, 2026 The Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards are set to face off on March 16, 2026, at Capital One Arena. Both teams enter the matchup on extended losing streaks, with Golden State having lost five consecutive games and Washington suffering 11 straight defeats. Injuries have significantly impacted both rosters, forcing teams to rely on bench players and younger options. The absence of key starters could heavily influence the outcome of the game. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry is sidelined with a right knee injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Jimmy Butler, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, is also out. Draymond Green is listed as a game-time decision due to lower back soreness, while Kristaps Porzingis is out with an illness. De’Anthony Melton has a knee issue, and Al Horford is out with a calf injury, projected to return by March 23. Seth Curry, sidelined with a thigh injury, is also expected back around the same time. The Wizards face their own share of injuries. Alex Sarr is out with a hamstring injury and is expected to return on March 17. Anthony Davis is recovering from a finger injury and will miss at least until April 1. Kyshawn George is sidelined with an elbow injury, projected to return by March 27. D’Angelo Russell is out for non-injury reasons until April 1, while Leaky Black deals with an ankle injury and is expected back on March 17. Cam Whitmore will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. With several key players unavailable, the Warriors will lean on their active rotation. Brandin Podziemski leads the group with 13.#washington_wizards #golden_state_warriors #stephen_curry #capital_one_arena #draymond_green
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) out for Saturday's game Jonathan Kuminga will not play in Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a left knee injury, according to a tweet from Brad Rowland. The Golden State Warriors have listed Kuminga as inactive for the matchup, marking another rest day for the forward after missing three consecutive games. Dyson Daniels is not reported as injured, though the team’s injury report does not include him for Saturday’s contest. Kuminga’s availability has been a fluctuating concern throughout the season. After returning from a three-game absence with a limited 19-minute appearance off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets, the Warriors have opted to sit him again for Saturday’s game. The decision likely shifts playing time toward Mouhamed Gueye and Jock Landale, both of whom have seen increased minutes in Kuminga’s absence. The Warriors’ approach to managing Kuminga’s workload reflects a cautious strategy to balance his contributions with recovery. While his return to the court in recent games has provided a spark, the team’s decision to rest him again underscores the importance of maintaining his long-term health. Coaches have emphasized the need to avoid overexertion, particularly given the physical demands of the NBA schedule. Kuminga’s injury status remains a focal point for fans and analysts, as his presence on the floor has been critical to the Warriors’ offensive dynamics. His ability to space the floor and create opportunities for teammates has made him a key asset, and his absence could impact the team’s rhythm in key matchups. However, the Warriors’ depth in the frontcourt offers some flexibility, allowing them to adjust their rotation without relying heavily on Kuminga’s immediate contributions.#jonathan_kuminga #golden_state_warriors #brad_rowland #mouhamed_gueye #jock_landale
Jonathan Kuminga's Role with the Hawks Remains Limited Jonathan Kuminga, the former seventh overall draft pick, has struggled to secure a significant role with the Atlanta Hawks despite his trade from the Golden State Warriors. Since joining the team in late January, Kuminga has appeared in just four games, and his limited playing time has raised questions about his future with the franchise. Head coach Quin Synder has prioritized a starting lineup that has thrived without Kuminga, leaving the 23-year-old sidelined due to ongoing knee injuries. Kuminga’s situation mirrors challenges he faced during his time with the Warriors, where he often battled for minutes amid a roster built around veteran stars. The Hawks, however, have found success in spite of his absence, winning nine consecutive games and positioning themselves as a contender for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. The team’s current starting lineup—comprising Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil-Alexander Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, and McCollum—has demonstrated exceptional efficiency, outscoring opponents by 26.8 points per 100 possessions in their limited minutes together. This performance has solidified Synder’s confidence in the group, even as Kuminga’s return looms. Kuminga’s injury concerns have persisted since his last game with the Warriors on January 22, when he sustained a left knee issue. He has only played once in the past five games, logging less than 20 minutes in his most recent appearance against the Washington Wizards. Despite an explosive start with the Hawks, his production has dipped in recent outings, with just two points scored in his last game.#atlanta_hawks #jalen_johnson #jonathan_kuminga #golden_state_warriors #quin_synder
Golden State Warriors Set to Face New York Knicks in Challenging Test The Golden State Warriors will take on the New York Knicks in a matchup that promises to be a tough test for the struggling team. The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at 5:00 PM PT in New York City, with coverage available on NBC and Peacock. This will mark the start of the Warriors’ six-game road trip, as they look to bounce back from a four-game losing streak. The Warriors entered the game after a tough loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling 127–117. Despite the defeat, the team showed resilience, with five players scoring in double figures. Brandin Podziemski led the way with 25 points, but the team struggled against the Timberwolves’ star player, Anthony Edwards, who dominated with 42 points. The loss highlighted the Warriors’ ongoing challenges, both in terms of talent and depth. Injuries have compounded the Warriors’ difficulties this season. The team has been dealing with a shortened rotation and a growing list of sidelined players. Draymond Green was a late scratch from the previous game, and the team lost Al Horford, Quinten Post, and Seth Curry during the contest. Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton are also facing minutes restrictions, leaving head coach Steve Kerr to describe the roster as one of the most injury-riddled he has encountered. The Warriors’ injury woes continue to impact their lineup for this matchup. Horford, Curry, and Moses Moody are ruled out due to injuries, while Green, Melton, and Porzingis will sit out with load management considerations. Quinten Post is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. With nine players on the injury report, the team will need to rely on depth and effort to compete.#madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #golden_state_warriors #march_15 #pat_spencer
Evolution of Gui Santos Defies Dubious Warriors Narrative SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have faced scrutiny in recent years for their ability to develop young players, with much of the criticism directed at coach Steve Kerr. However, the journey of forward Gui Santos offers a compelling counterpoint to this narrative. Santos, a late second-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft, has transformed into a key contributor for the team, embodying the patience and dedication required to thrive in the league. Santos’ development began nearly four years ago when he arrived in the Bay Area from Brazil. At the time, he was 20 years old, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing just 185 pounds, with limited English proficiency. Despite these challenges, Santos embraced the Warriors’ player-development plan, which emphasized learning to play alongside Stephen Curry, the franchise’s superstar. His commitment to this blueprint, reinforced by coaches and mentors, has been central to his growth. A former Brazilian national team player, Santos spent the 2022-23 season in the G League, where he honed his skills under Santa Cruz Warriors coach Seth Cooper. During this time, he gained strength, adding about 20 pounds, and sharpened his understanding of the NBA game. His determination was evident even when faced with setbacks, such as the departure of mentor Leandro Barbosa to Sacramento. Santos remained focused on his goal of playing for the Warriors, a dream he realized when the team signed him to an NBA minimum salary in 2023. By the 2023-24 season, Santos had become a regular on the roster, though his playing time was limited. He made his debut as a starter in February 2024 and quickly proved his value. Over the past 13 games, he has averaged 14.8 points and 4.0 assists, shooting 52.5% from the field and 35.#golden_state_warriors #steve_kerr #gui_santos #stephen_curry #joe_lacob
Matas Buzelis, LeBron James, And 3 Other Underdog Player Props For Lakers vs. Bulls Matas Buzelis is positioned as a strong contender for a high-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago Bulls forward recently delivered a career-high 41 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors, continuing a trend of scoring 20 or more points in five of his last six contests. Buzelis is expected to carry this form into Thursday’s matchup, where the Lakers are allowing the 14th fewest points per game in the NBA at 114.9. His previous game against Los Angeles saw him score 31 points, further supporting the case for his over 19.5 points prop. LeBron James is another key player to watch, with the Lakers forward likely to exceed 19.5 points against the Bulls. James has consistently performed well against Chicago, scoring 24 points in their only meeting this season. The Bulls are allowing the sixth-most points per game in the NBA at 119.9, making it a favorable environment for James to reach his scoring target. His recent form, with 20 or more points in three of his last four games, adds to the confidence in his over 19.5 points prop. Josh Giddey, the Bulls’ guard, faces a challenging matchup against the Lakers’ defense, which is allowing the second fewest rebounds per game in the NBA at 49.2. Despite averaging 8.4 rebounds per game and recording nine or more in four of his last five contests, Giddey is expected to struggle against the Lakers’ frontcourt. His lone game against the Lakers saw him grab six rebounds, reinforcing the under 8.5 rebounds prop as a viable bet. Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ guard, is projected to exceed 5.5 assists against the Bulls, who are allowing the third most assists per game in the NBA at 28.4.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #chicago_bulls #matas_buzelis #golden_state_warriors
Lakers' Redick Calls Sideline Tiff with Doncic 'Very Normal' LOS ANGELES -- A heated exchange between Los Angeles Lakers guard JJ Redick and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic during a game against the Golden State Warriors sparked widespread online attention, but Redick downplayed the incident, calling it "very normal." The Lakers' coach, Derek Fisher, said he didn't understand why the moment gained so much traction. The incident occurred during the Lakers' 129-101 victory over the Warriors on Saturday. After Doncic was substituted out of the game, he walked to his bench without accepting Redick's fist bump. Redick followed Doncic down the sideline, and the two exchanged a few tense words before Redick returned to half court. Doncic then stood up to confront Redick again, prompting Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt to stand and clap his hands to create a barrier between the two players. Redick addressed the situation after the Lakers' 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. "I don't know why it went viral," he said. "It felt very normal to me." He emphasized that he and Doncic have a strong relationship, adding that such moments are common in competitive environments. "It's a competition," Redick explained. "There's two guys here who are trying to win a basketball game and be on the same page about stuff." The Lakers had been on a three-game losing streak heading into the Warriors game, including last-second losses to the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. A Lakers source told ESPN that the incident was not unusual for a star player on a losing streak, noting, "Find me a star on a three-game losing streak in the NBA that isn't frustrated.#luka_doncic #jj_redick #dallas_mavericks #golden_state_warriors #derek_fisher
The Darius Garland era has officially begun for the Los Angeles Clippers, with the former All-Star making his debut in a game that highlighted both his potential and the team's improved standing. Weeks after the trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland finally stepped onto the court for Tyronn Lue's squad, contributing to a comeback victory over the undermanned Golden State Warriors. Garland's performance was a mix of promise and caution. He started slowly, committing five turnovers and taking only nine shots, seven of which were from beyond the arc. Despite the inefficiency, he managed to score 12 points, offering a glimpse of his offensive capabilities. However, his lack of aggression and reliance on long-range shots raised questions about his readiness to adapt to the Clippers' system. In a post-game interview, Garland acknowledged the challenges of his return, stating, “Just getting adjusted. Getting healthy — training staff has been with me a lot and doing a lot of work. So I really appreciate them, just getting me back to this point.” His limited playing time—23 minutes off the bench—was partly due to the team’s cautious approach after his prolonged absence. The Clippers, meanwhile, were navigating their own injuries, with Harden playing through a fractured thumb and Donovan Mitchell sidelined. Without Garland’s trade, the Cavaliers would have faced a significant void in their backcourt, potentially impacting their competitiveness. The trade has already begun to pay dividends for Cleveland. With Harden and Mitchell sidelined, the Cavaliers have avoided a potential double blow, allowing them to maintain their position in the standings.#cleveland_cavaliers #los_angeles_clippers #darius_garland #golden_state_warriors #tyronn_lue
The Darius Garland Era Begins for Clippers as Cavaliers Move On The Los Angeles Clippers officially kicked off the Darius Garland era with a mixed but promising debut for the former All-Star, marking a significant shift for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Weeks after trading James Harden to the Cavaliers, Garland finally stepped onto the court for Tyronn Lue’s team, contributing to a comeback victory over the undermanned Golden State Warriors. The game provided a glimpse into Garland’s potential as a Clipper, though his performance was far from flawless. Garland struggled to find his rhythm early in the contest, turning the ball over five times and taking only nine shots—seven from beyond the arc. Despite the inefficiency, he managed to score 12 points, offering a hint of his offensive capabilities. However, his limited impact underscored the challenges he faces in adapting to his new role. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, seemed to have already moved past him, with fans expressing little regret over the trade. Garland’s debut was described as a “mixed bag” by those who watched the game. Speaking to The Athletic, he acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to his new team, stating, “Just getting adjusted… Getting healthy—training staff has been with me a lot and doing a lot of work. So I really appreciate them, just getting me back to this point.” His bench role and restricted playing time reflected the Clippers’ cautious approach, given his recent layoff. The Cavaliers’ situation was equally complicated. With James Harden playing through a fractured thumb and Donovan Mitchell sidelined by injury, the team faced a significant void in their playmaking duo. Without Garland’s trade, the Cavaliers would have been without two of their key guards, likely impacting their competitiveness.#cleveland_cavaliers #los_angeles_clippers #darius_garland #golden_state_warriors #tyronn_lue
Lakers Take Warning on 'Focus' Despite Winning Streak The Los Angeles Lakers secured two dominant victories over the weekend, defeating the Golden State Warriors by 28 points on Saturday and the Sacramento Kings by 24 points on Sunday. However, the wins, while impressive, are not seen as a reason for celebration due to the challenging circumstances faced by both opponents. The Warriors were missing key players due to injuries, while the Kings struggled with inconsistent performance throughout the season. Despite these factors, the Lakers’ ability to dominate in these games highlights their need to maintain focus and consistency, especially as their schedule becomes more demanding in the coming weeks. The team’s upcoming schedule includes a six-game road trip in late March, a stretch that will test their resilience and depth. With five players, including new addition Luke Kennard, contributing double-digit points in Sunday’s game, the Lakers demonstrated their capacity to perform against lower-tier opponents. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of staying grounded, noting that the team has faced numerous setbacks this season but has consistently bounced back. “Again, just the world is falling for us 19 times,” Redick said, referencing the team’s double-digit losses. “It’s just part of the nature of this cycle and our guys. … Our guys bounced back and responded well throughout the season.” Forward Rui Hachimura, who has been frequently moved in and out of the starting lineup this season, echoed Redick’s sentiment. Hachimura, who has 31 starts in 48 games, acknowledged the team’s inconsistency but stressed the need for focus over the long haul. “When we play good, like really good, we’re looking like a championship team,” he said.#los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #sacramento_kings #golden_state_warriors #ruihachimura
