Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, March 17

Kristaps Porziņģis Scores Season-High 30 in Warriors Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Porziņģis recorded a season-high 30 points off the bench in Monday's 125-117 win over the Wizards, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 13-of-14 from the free-throw line. He added five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks in 26 minutes. Following the game, he praised teammate Steph Curry as the 'GOAT' and expressed excitement about their potential pairing as the Warriors look to make a push before the play-in tournament.

Rookie Drake Powell Focused on Consistency and Defensive Intensity

AutoDraft Pro AI

Nets rookie Drake Powell is prioritizing defensive effort and consistent play as he navigates his first NBA season. Through 51 games, the 20-year-old has shown flashes of potential, shooting 55% from two-point range and 90% from the free-throw line, though he struggles with a 25.5% clip from deep. Recently, Powell averaged 15 points over three G League games with Long Island before returning to Brooklyn, where he continues to adapt to head coach Jordi Fernández’s offensive system.

Monday, March 16

Jimmy Butler Joins Warriors on Road Trip During ACL Rehab

AutoDraft Pro AI

Five weeks post-surgery for a torn ACL, Jimmy Butler made a surprise appearance with the Warriors in Washington D.C. to provide an emotional lift. Currently rehabbing in Southern California, Butler is set to discard his crutches on March 23 and is focused on regaining knee flexion. While he remains highly motivated to return this season, the 36-year-old has not set a specific comeback date, emphasizing that he will return whenever his body is ready to perform at his best.

Kevin Durant Takes Blame for Loss After Lakers Double-Teams

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kevin Durant expressed frustration following a loss to the Lakers on Monday, stating, "I just felt like I lost the game for us tonight." The Lakers utilized a defensive strategy involving a steady diet of double-teams against Durant throughout the fourth quarter, which resulted in significant offensive struggles for Houston. Durant, who identified himself as the primary offensive engine for the team, struggled to overcome the defensive pressure applied by the Lakers.

Stephon Castle Leads Spurs With 23 Points in Win Over Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Stephon Castle paced the San Antonio Spurs with 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in Monday's 119-115 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. His performance was instrumental in helping the Spurs reach the 50-win milestone for the first time since the 2016-17 season. The Spurs currently sit three games behind the first-place Thunder in the Western Conference standings.

Devin Vassell Adds 20 Points in Spurs' 119-115 Win Over Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Devin Vassell contributed 20 points to help the San Antonio Spurs secure a 119-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. The win pushed the Spurs to a 50-18 record, marking their first 50-win season since 2016-17. Vassell's scoring performance was part of a balanced effort that helped the team overcome an early 14-point deficit and hold off a late Clippers rally.

Victor Wembanyama Leads Spurs to 50th Win in Victory Over Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Victor Wembanyama recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds in Monday's 119-115 win over the Clippers, helping the Spurs reach 50 wins for the first time since 2016-17. Wembanyama continues to anchor the defense, averaging 4.3 blocks over his last 12 games and recording four or more blocks in 10 of those contests. His consistent defensive impact has solidified his status as a top contender for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

Darius Garland Records 25 Points and 10 Assists in Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Garland tallied 25 points, 10 assists, two rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes during Monday's 119-115 loss to the Spurs. This marked his fifth consecutive game with 20-plus points and his first double-double since returning from a right big toe sprain. While his playmaking was a bright spot, the Clippers may look to rest him during their upcoming back-to-back set later this week to manage his health.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Erupts for Career-High 41 Points

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alexander-Walker led the Hawks to their 10th consecutive win, scoring a career-high 41 points on 12-of-22 shooting, including 9-of-15 from three-point range, in a 124-112 victory over the Magic. He added seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 37 minutes. The 27-year-old has been on a dominant March run, averaging 21.5 points while shooting 54.8% from the field, cementing his role as a primary offensive threat during Atlanta's historic winning streak.

Josh Giddey Notches Fourth Triple-Double in Five Games

AutoDraft Pro AI

Josh Giddey recorded 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists in Monday's 132-107 win over Memphis, marking his fourth triple-double in five games. The fifth-year guard now has 12 triple-doubles this season, ranking third in the NBA. Despite being limited to 46 games due to hamstring and ankle injuries, Giddey is averaging career highs of 17.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. The Bulls are currently 12th in the East and looking to build on this victory.

Jalen Johnson Records Back-to-Back Triple-Doubles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jalen Johnson has been a force for the surging Hawks, recording his 13th triple-double of the season with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 124-112 win over Orlando. The Hawks have firmly rejected trade inquiries for the 24-year-old, viewing him as a franchise cornerstone with MVP potential. Amidst a 10-game winning streak, Johnson has credited improved locker room cohesion for the team's defensive success and climb to eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Kristaps Porziņģis Dominates in Warriors' Win Over Wizards

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kristaps Porziņģis delivered a standout performance in Monday's 125-117 win over the Wizards, recording 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks in 26 minutes off the bench. Shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 13-of-14 from the free-throw line, Porziņģis has now scored 20+ points in two straight games. Coach Steve Kerr praised his rhythm and paint presence, marking his best performance since joining the Warriors.

Al Horford Sidelined With Left Calf Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Al Horford was unavailable for Monday's 125-117 victory over the Washington Wizards due to a left calf strain. His absence contributed to a shorthanded frontcourt for the Warriors, who successfully snapped a five-game losing streak. The team remains focused on navigating the final stretch of the season as they prepare for the play-in tournament, with Horford's status being monitored as the Warriors look to maintain their momentum.

Seth Curry Out of Lineup With Left Groin Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seth Curry was sidelined for Monday's 125-117 win against the Washington Wizards due to a left groin strain. His absence was part of a depleted Warriors roster that also saw Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Al Horford unavailable. Despite the injuries, the Warriors managed to snap a five-game losing streak. Curry's status remains day-to-day as the team navigates the final stretch of the season and prepares for the play-in tournament.

Stephen Curry Continues Rehab for Runner's Knee

AutoDraft Pro AI

Stephen Curry remains sidelined with a runner's knee injury that has kept him out since January 30. Despite missing over six weeks, Curry has reiterated his strong desire to return to the court this season. He is actively focused on his rehabilitation process and working toward a return to the Warriors' rotation as the team navigates the final stretch of the season and prepares for the play-in tournament. The team recently snapped a five-game losing streak in his absence.

Zion Williamson Leads Pelicans Past Mavericks With 27-Point Effort

AutoDraft Pro AI

Williamson scored 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting in 28 minutes to lead the Pelicans to a 129-111 victory over the Mavericks on Monday. Entering the game averaging 22.7 points over his last 11 full games, Williamson continued his aggressive interior scoring. In his seventh season, he has played 52 games, averaging 21.5 points. The Pelicans capitalized on their roster health to secure their eighth win in 12 games, with Williamson remaining a central force in the paint.

Naji Marshall Posts 32 Points in Loss to Former Team

AutoDraft Pro AI

Marshall recorded 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in 33 minutes during Monday's 129-111 loss to New Orleans. The Xavier product led the Mavericks in scoring and finished second on the team in rebounds and assists. This performance follows a 25-point showing against Cleveland on Sunday, marking a successful two-day stretch for Marshall as he finds his rhythm alongside teammates Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington.

Jalen Green Contributes 21 Points in Loss to Boston

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jalen Green scored 21 points for the Phoenix Suns in their 120-112 road loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The Suns, who were outrebounded 61-34 in their previous meeting with Boston, struggled to maintain their lead late in the game, ultimately falling after the Celtics scored 12 of the game's final 13 points. Phoenix now heads to Minnesota for a Tuesday matchup.

Jaylen Brown Scores 41 Points to Lead Celtics Past Suns

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brown powered the Celtics to a 120-112 victory over the Suns with a 41-point masterpiece, including 18 points in the fourth quarter. He set a career high by making 19 of 21 free throws, becoming the third Celtic in 20 years to reach 20 attempts in a game. Brown added seven rebounds and six assists, fueling an 8-0 run late in the game to secure the win. His dominant performance earned him 'MVP' chants from the home crowd at TD Garden.

Devin Booker Drops 40 Points in Hard-Fought Loss to Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Booker delivered a stellar 40-point performance, including 23 consecutive points in the third quarter, during Monday's 120-112 loss to Boston. Despite his offensive explosion—adding six assists and three rebounds in 37 minutes—the Suns could not overcome a late surge from Jaylen Brown. Booker has now scored at least 30 points in five of his last six games, maintaining a 33.8 scoring average over that span as Phoenix continues its current road trip.