NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Game Results & Highlights
The Lakers suffered a 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 Cavaliers beat the Knicks with coach Kenny Atkinson noting renewed confidence since James Harden joined the team. The Hawks secured a win over the Wizards with Jonathan Kuminga shining in his debut, though All-Star forward Jalen Johnson exited early with a left hip flexor injury after just 5½ minutes.
Player Performances & Injuries
Zion Williamson is finding the ability to stay on the court, addressing previous durability questions according to league analysis. Dejounte Murray scored 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, with the Pelicans raving that he "didn't miss a beat." Jonathan Kuminga impressed in his Hawks debut after months of riding the bench in Golden State. Bulls guard Anfernee Simons aggravated a fractured left wrist with no timeline for return, while Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe was diagnosed with a stress reaction of the left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
Team Updates & Standings
NBA Power Rankings show where all 30 teams land coming out of the All-Star break, with questions about whether the Wolves will rise. The Hawks have removed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle questioned the NBA's process for their $100K fine, claiming the league did not speak with team doctors or players before issuing it for violating the league's player participation policy.
Off-Court News
New Lakers president Lon Rosen made it clear that GM Rob Pelinka will remain in his role and be flanked by Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi. Trae Young returned to Atlanta on Tuesday night, his first appearance in his longtime home since being dealt to the Wizards. An interesting historical note emerged as Nike began creating a global campaign featuring the black mamba in late 2002, presenting it to an NBA superstar who was not Kobe Bryant.