NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: March 23, 2026, 1:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Push Heats Up

The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games as Luke Kennard sank a go-ahead three-pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining, a victory overshadowed slightly by LeBron James setting a new record with his 1,612th regular-season appearance making history. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder received a major boost with star Jalen Williams slated to return from a hamstring issue for Monday's road contest against the Philadelphia 76ers, aiming to solidify their standing in the Western Conference race. However, the Thunder will be short-handed for one game, as guard Ajay Mitchell was suspended without pay following an on-court altercation that spilled into the stands, an incident that also resulted in Wizards forward Justin Champagnie receiving a one-game ban for their involvement.

League News & Off-Court Chatter

Beyond the immediate action, the league continues to see chatter surrounding its coaching ranks, with Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton jokingly taunting Kentucky alumni following the Iowa State Cyclones' victory, referencing the large contingent of former University of Kentucky players now in the NBA who played under current Arkansas coach John Calipari in Lexington.