NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Recent Game Highlights
The Lakers espn.com suffered a heartbreaking 110-109 loss to the Magic after a botched final play between Le Bron James and Luka Doncic failed to produce a quality shot. The Kings espn.com snapped their franchise-worst 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 victory over the Grizzlies, led by Russell Westbrook's 25 points. The Warriors espn.com defeated the Nuggets 128-117 despite Nikola Jokic's impressive 35-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double.
Player Returns and Injuries
Dejounte Murray espn.com made his long-awaited return from a ruptured Achilles tendon, scoring 13 points in his comeback game for the Pelicans. Jalen Johnson espn.com left the Hawks' win over the Wizards with a left hip flexor injury after playing just 5½ minutes. Deni Avdija espn.com exited the Blazers' win against the Suns due to a flare-up of his lower back issues. Shaedon Sharpe espn.com was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
Team Developments
The Hawks espn.com made a lineup change, starting CJ Mc Collum over former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. The Cavaliers espn.com showed renewed confidence since acquiring James Harden, according to coach Kenny Atkinson. The Pacers espn.com will be without Tyrese Haliburton for several weeks after he was diagnosed with shingles. The Jazz espn.com announced that Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery and miss the remainder of the season.
Notable Off-Court News
A grand jury espn.com returned a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who was arrested last fall in what police called a "family violence" incident. The NBA espn.com fined Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner $35,000 each for their weekend scuffle. New Lakers president espn.com Lon Rosen confirmed that GM Rob Pelinka will remain in his role.
League-Wide Updates
Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The NBA espn.com fined the Pacers $100,000 for violating the league's player participation policy, though coach Rick Carlisle disputed the process. The Lakers espn.com unveiled a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley wearing his iconic Armani suit outside Crypto.com Arena. Anfernee Simons espn.com aggravated a fractured left wrist and has no timeline for return.
ESPN insiders espn.com break down where all 30 teams land coming out of the All-Star break in their latest power rankings. The NBA espn.com insiders evaluate draft, free agency, and trade options for the 10 worst teams ahead of the draft. Coby White espn.com is set to make his Hornets debut against his former Bulls team. Jonathan Kuminga espn.com shined in his debut for the Hawks after months of riding the bench in Golden State.
Historical Notes
NBA legend espn.com Marques Johnson celebrated his annual birthday dunk tradition. ESPN's espn.com deep dive revealed the secret history of the black mamba campaign that began in late 2002 with Nike. Trae Young espn.com returned to Atlanta for the first time since being traded to the Wizards, though he's still recovering from a knee and quadriceps injury.