NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Cavaliers' Resurgence
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. The Cavaliers, who were stuck in a play-in spot entering January, have since racked up the best record in the NBA and added an 11-time All-Star. Donovan Mitchell espn.com and Harden each missed their second straight game Friday for the Cavs, who also ruled out Keon Ellis and Dean Wade.
Injury Updates
Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games because of his persistent right knee issue, the Warriors announced Sunday. Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games because of a strained right oblique, the 76ers said Saturday. Norman Powell espn.com has a Grade 1 right groin strain and will be out for at least a week, the Heat said Friday. Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle and his return is to be determined. Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip Thursday, sources told ESPN, making him the latest Utah player to be sidelined because of an injury.
Notable Performances
The Celtics posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets. Tyrese Haliburton espn.com has spoken about being born on a leap year, sharing that it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers.
Game Highlights
The Knicks held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday. Mason Plumlee espn.com has signed a deal with the San Antonio Spurs for the remainder of the season, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports told ESPN. Friday night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction.
Player Incidents
Thunder guard Lu Dort espn.com was called for a flagrant foul 2 and ejected from Friday night's game after appearing to trip Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who called the play "an unnecessary move." Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and was forced to leave Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter.
Team Moves
The Warriors signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension on Saturday, sources told ESPN. Cole Anthony espn.com was waived Friday by the Suns, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, after the guard did not appear in any games since he was acquired at the NBA trade deadline.
Olympic Outlook
Erik Spoelstra espn.com says it's incredible to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play.
Personal Stories
LeBron James espn.com latest achievement in his 23-year career? A successful father-daughter road trip.