NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Recent Game Results
The Kings espn.com snapped a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 victory over the Grizzlies on Monday. Russell Westbrook led the way with 25 points as Sacramento ended the longest skid in team history. The Spurs espn.com continued their strong play by defeating the Pistons for their ninth consecutive win in what coach Gregg Popovich called a potential NBA Finals preview. The Warriors espn.com overcame Nikola Jokic's triple-double (35 points, 20 rebounds, 12 to beat the Nuggets 128-117 on Sunday despite missing Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green.
Player Updates & Injuries
The Pelicans espn.com celebrated Dejounte Murray's return from a ruptured Achilles tendon, with Murray scoring 13 points in his comeback game Tuesday. However, the Hawks espn.com suffered a setback when All-Star forward Jalen Johnson left Tuesday's win over the Wizards with a left hip flexor injury after playing just 5½ minutes. The Blazers espn.com announced that guard Shaedon Sharpe will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula. The Bulls espn.com revealed that Anfernee Simons aggravated a fractured left wrist and provided no timeline for his return.
Team Moves & Coaching News
The Hawks espn.com made a lineup change by removing former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. The Cavaliers espn.com received praise from coach Kenny Atkinson for the "renewed confidence" brought by James Harden's addition to the team. The Hornets espn.com prepared for Coby White's debut against his former Bulls team on Tuesday night. The Lakers espn.com announced that new president of business operations Lon Rosen will keep GM Rob Pelinka in his role while adding Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi to the front office.
League News & Controversies
The NBA espn.com fined the Pacers $100,000 for violating the league's player participation policy, though coach Rick Carlisle disputed the process, claiming the league didn't consult team doctors or players before issuing the penalty. The Jazz espn.com announced that center Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery and miss the remainder of the season. The Pacers espn.com revealed that star point guard Tyrese Haliburton has been diagnosed with shingles and will be away from the team for several weeks. The NBA espn.com fined Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner $35,000 each for their on-court scuffle over the weekend.
Notable Moments & Off-Court News
The Lakers espn.com suffered a heartbreaking 110-109 loss to the Magic when a botched final play between Le Bron James and Luka Doncic failed to produce a quality shot in the closing seconds. The Lakers espn.com unveiled a statue honoring legendary coach Pat Riley, depicting him in his signature Armani suit outside Crypto.com Arena. Hall of Fame finalist espn.com Marques Johnson celebrated his birthday with an annual dunk, proving he still has the athleticism at his age. A grand jury returned a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who had been arrested last fall in what police called a "family violence" incident.
Trade Deadline & Future Outlook
ESPN insiders espn.com released updated power rankings showing where all 30 teams stand coming out of the All-Star break. The same analysts espn.com examined the biggest questions facing the NBA's 10 worst teams after the trade deadline and ahead of the draft. The Hawks espn.com received a boost when Jonathan Kuminga, after months of bench time in Golden State, shined in his debut for Atlanta. The Wizards espn.com welcomed back former star Trae Young to Atlanta in his first appearance in his longtime home since being traded to Washington.
International Basketball
Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, while expressing frustration with U.S. basketball critics. USA Basketball espn.com began planning for the 2028 Olympics with a new era, new coach, and significant decisions ahead. Le Bron James espn.com endorsed Celtics star Jaylen Brown for MVP consideration after Brown's impressive performance against the Lakers on Sunday.