NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 8:58 AM ET
Game Results and Player Performances
Luka Doncic exploded for 51 points espn.com in a Lakers victory that saw their starting five combine for 137 points—the most by a starting lineup in a regulation game since the 1970-71 season—while LeBron James remained sidelined espn.com for a third consecutive game due to left foot arthritis and a right hip contusion. In San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama missed Thursday's contest espn.com with right ankle soreness, contributing to the Spurs' 136-131 loss to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown was ejected espn.com in Tuesday's matchup against the Spurs after receiving back-to-back technical fouls in the second quarter, later taking to social media to express his frustration with the officiating.
Injuries and Team Updates
Golden State Warriors ruled out Stephen Curry espn.com for another 10 days with a persistent right knee issue, while Philadelphia 76ers placed Tyrese Maxey espn.com on the shelf for at least three weeks with a tendon injury to his right pinkie finger. The NBA landscape continues to shift with the Thunder and Spurs ruling the Western Conference espn.com, while the Celtics have risen in the power rankings espn.com amid a strong late-season push. The Lakers have managed to maintain competitiveness despite James' absence, with Doncic stepping up as a clear franchise cornerstone following his acquisition from Dallas.
League Issues and Controversies
Jaylen Brown criticized the NBA's trend espn.com of rewarding players for "foul baiting," stating "I just don't think it's basketball" amid growing concerns about the authenticity of the game. Luka Doncic was fined $50,000 espn.com for directing an inappropriate "money" gesture toward a game official during Sunday's win over the Knicks, adding to his on-court controversies this season. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr again called for espn.com the NBA to shorten its 82-game schedule, echoing previous comments about the pace of play and physical toll on players as the league approaches the stretch run of the regular season.
Off-Court News and Basketball Culture
The NBA draft conversation heats up espn.com with speculation centering on whether Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa will be selected No. 1, while to 2026, mock drafts show espn.com prospects rising and falling as the college basketball season approaches March Madness. Scottie Pippen's personal memorabilia collection espn.com auctioned for over $6.2 million via Sotheby's, with the jersey he wore in the famed "Flu Game" among 71 lots that sold. American Quinn Cook, a two-time NBA champion, revealed global political issues espn.com have cost him two basketball jobs internationally this year, highlighting the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions on professional sports. The Knicks face critical challenges espn.com despite their 42-25 record and third-place standing in the Eastern Conference, as they work to get Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson back on track for the playoff push.