NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Cavaliers' Hot Streak Continues
James Harden espn.com returned from a broken thumb in Sunday's win, helping the Cavaliers extend their league-best run since January. The team has gone from a play-in spot to the NBA's top record, with the 11-time All-Star's addition renewing confidence in Cleveland.
Injury Updates Across the League
Stephen Curry espn.com will miss at least five more games due to his persistent right knee issue, the Warriors announced Sunday. The two-time MVP hasn't advanced to court work in his rehab, acknowledging he'll be out "a little longer." Kristaps Porzingis espn.com missed his fourth straight game Saturday with general illness, while the Warriors also signed Gui Santos espn.com to a three-year, $15 million extension.
Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games with a strained right oblique, the 76ers said Saturday. Norman Powell espn.com has a Grade 1 right groin strain and will be out at least a week, the Heat announced Friday. Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip, sources told ESPN.
Zach Edey espn.com is set for another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to be determined. The Grizzlies' second-year center has been dealing with the injury since before the All-Star break.
Notable Performances and Records
Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. The record came in just 59 games, showcasing the rookie's impressive shooting ability.
The Celtics espn.com posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets, rolling to a dominant victory. Meanwhile, the Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday.
Player Milestones and Personal Stories
Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared his appreciation for birthday wishes, speaking about being born on a leap year and how it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. The Pacers star has been open about the unique experience of celebrating on February 29.
LeBron James espn.com achieved a new milestone in his 23-year career - a successful father-daughter road trip with Zhuri. The Lakers' win capped off the special bonding experience for the NBA's all-time scoring leader.
Controversial Moments
Nikola Jokic espn.com angrily confronted Lu Dort after the Thunder guard was called for a flagrant foul 2 and ejected for appearing to trip the Nuggets star. Jokic called the play "an unnecessary move" during Friday night's game.
Team Moves and Transactions
Cole Anthony espn.com was waived by the Suns Friday, three weeks after being acquired at the trade deadline. The guard did not appear in any games for Phoenix after the trade.
Mason Plumlee espn.com signed a deal with the Spurs for the remainder of the season, giving San Antonio additional frontcourt depth. The veteran center joins a team that has been dealing with multiple injuries.
As the regular season winds down, teams are positioning themselves for the playoffs while managing injuries and rotations. The Cavaliers' resurgence with Harden has made them a formidable contender, while teams like the Warriors are trying to get healthy for a potential postseason run.
The NBA awards races are heating up, with Cade Cunningham espn.com and Victor Wembanyama emerging as strong MVP candidates. As the season approaches its final stretch, every game takes on added importance for seeding and playoff positioning.