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NBA News

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

Saturday, March 7

Donovan Clingan Continues Sophomore Ascent in Portland

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Clingan is enjoying a breakout second season, averaging 11.8 points and 11.5 rebounds while anchoring the Blazers' defense. The 7-foot-2 center ranks third in the league in rebounds per game and has developed into a legitimate three-point threat, shooting 34% from deep this year. Despite a recent flagrant-2 ejection against Memphis, Clingan remains a vital starter, recently posting 18 points and 13 rebounds against Houston to secure his 25th double-double of the season.

Payton Pritchard Leads Celtics Bench in Win Over Mavericks

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Pritchard bounced back from a scoreless outing to record 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes during Friday's 120-100 victory over Dallas. Despite Jayson Tatum's return to the starting lineup, Pritchard maintained a heavy workload, proving his role as the primary spark plug for the Celtics' second unit remains secure. He contributed significantly as a playmaker and rebounder, helping Boston cruise to a comfortable win.

Neemias Queta Set for Expanded Role Following Vucevic Injury

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Queta dominated the glass with 16 points and 15 rebounds in 26 minutes during Friday's 120-100 win over Dallas. With Nikola Vucevic expected to miss 3-4 weeks due to a finger injury, Queta is locked in as Boston's primary interior option. Having recorded four double-doubles in his last seven games, Queta is expected to maintain a secure workload of 25-plus minutes for the remainder of the regular season as he anchors the Celtics' frontcourt.

Dillon Brooks Expected Out Until Late March

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Dillon Brooks is expected to remain sidelined until at least March 28 due to a hand injury. While the recovery timeline suggests a return in late March, there is speculation among team observers that his competitive nature could lead him to push for an earlier return to game action. The Suns are currently managing his absence as they look to maintain their position in the standings.

Nicolas Batum Involved in Costly Late-Game Error Against Spurs

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Batum was at the center of a chaotic final sequence in Friday's 114-112 road loss to San Antonio. With 16 seconds remaining, Batum received an inbound pass but failed to fully step onto the court, resulting in a crucial turnover. The Clippers' late-game struggles were compounded by giving up an offensive rebound on a missed free throw by Stephon Castle, allowing the Spurs to secure the win. The loss marked a frustrating moment for the Clippers as they push for a top-eight seed.

Jaylen Wells Emerging as Consistent Scoring Threat for Grizzlies

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Jaylen Wells has become a reliable offensive presence for the injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies. Averaging a career-best 12.7 PPG, his production has surged recently, with 20.3 points per game over his last three appearances. Across his last 14 games, he has averaged 15.9 points. As the Grizzlies prepare to host the Clippers on Saturday, Wells is expected to remain a primary scoring option, having previously posted double-digit scoring totals in three matchups against Los Angeles this season.

Wembanyama Powers Spurs Comeback and Climbs All-Time Blocks List

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Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to a 116-112 comeback win over the Clippers, recording 27 points and 10 rebounds, including the go-ahead basket. Beyond his offensive impact, Wembanyama continues to make defensive history. He recently surpassed Grant Hill and tied Marvin Williams and Andrew Wiggins with 577 career blocks, moving into 243rd place all-time. Averaging 3.47 blocks per game, he is currently on a historic trajectory that could see him challenge the all-time record by age 30.

Friday, March 6

Pacôme Dadiet Nets Career-High 11 Points in Knicks Blowout Win

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Knicks rookie Pacôme Dadiet delivered a career-best performance in Friday's 142-103 victory over the Nuggets, scoring 11 points in just nine minutes of action. The 20-year-old forward, who has spent much of the season in the G-League, shot a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Coach Mike Brown praised Dadiet's size and development, noting that the productive outing serves as a significant confidence booster for the young Frenchman as he continues to adjust to the NBA level.

Luka Dončić Dominates Pacers with 44 Points Amid Suspension Risk

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Luka Dončić led the Lakers to a 128-117 win over the Pacers, scoring 44 points, including 22 in a historic first quarter where he went 5-5 from deep. He added nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. Despite his dominance, Dončić faces a potential one-game suspension after receiving his 15th technical foul of the season. Coach JJ Redick praised his shot-making against elite defenders, and Dončić noted his focus on maintaining defensive intensity throughout the contest.

Victor Wembanyama Powers Spurs to Improbable 25-Point Comeback Win

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Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to a 117-112 comeback victory over the Clippers, erasing a 25-point deficit with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. Wembanyama dominated the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead dunk in the closing seconds. Following a 38-point, 16-rebound performance against the Pistons, he has averaged 4.6 blocks per game since the All-Star break. Wembanyama credited the team's resilience and collective trust for the win, calling it a career-best basketball experience.

Jayson Tatum Returns From 298-Day Achilles Injury With Double-Double

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Jayson Tatum made his season debut in a 120-100 win over the Mavericks, recording 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in 27 minutes. Returning from a 298-day recovery following a ruptured right Achilles, Tatum started slowly but finished strong, scoring his first points on a put-back dunk. The Celtics plan to monitor his workload as he reintegrates into the lineup. Tatum expressed gratitude for the support received during his long isolation from the team.

Cooper Flagg Returns from Injury, Battles Through Ankle Scare

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Rookie Cooper Flagg returned to action following an eight-game absence due to a left midfoot sprain, recording 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a 120-100 loss to the Celtics. Despite an early ankle scare, Flagg played 30 minutes. While he struggled with efficiency, shooting 9-of-32 across his return games, he led the Mavericks in rebounds and assists. The 19-year-old is expected to continue increasing his workload as he regains his rhythm after the extended layoff.

Nicolas Batum Commits Costly Out-of-Bounds Turnover in Clippers Loss

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In a stunning collapse, the Clippers blew a 25-point lead against the Spurs, ending in a 113-112 loss. With 16 seconds remaining, veteran Nicolas Batum was inserted to inbound the ball. After passing to Brook Lopez, Batum failed to step onto the court before receiving a return pass, resulting in an out-of-bounds turnover. The error erased a potential game-winning opportunity and allowed San Antonio to seal their comeback victory, marking a difficult moment for the 18-year veteran.

OG Anunoby Drops Season-High 34 Points in Dominant Rout of Nuggets

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OG Anunoby delivered a standout performance in a 142-103 win over the Nuggets, recording a season-high 34 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. He added seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 32 minutes. Praised by coach Mike Brown for his elite two-way impact, Anunoby has rediscovered his rhythm following a toe injury. His defensive versatility was key in containing Nikola Jokic, helping the Knicks secure a blowout road victory.

Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics to Victory in Tatum's Return

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Jaylen Brown recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in Boston's 120-100 win over the Mavericks. Brown has been a stabilizing force for the Celtics, averaging 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during Tatum's absence. He extended his streak of 20-plus-point outings to 23 games. As Tatum works back to game shape, Brown remains a primary offensive option and is committed to maintaining the team's championship-caliber mindset.

Kawhi Leonard Scores 30 in Narrow Loss to Spurs

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Kawhi Leonard recorded 30 points and nine rebounds in a 117-112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, snapping the Clippers' three-game winning streak. Leonard has seen an increased offensive role this season and continues to anchor the Clippers' lineup. Despite his strong scoring effort, the Clippers were unable to hold a 25-point lead, ultimately falling to a late rally by San Antonio.

Devin Booker Drops 32 Points to Lead Suns Past Pelicans 118-116

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Devin Booker powered the Phoenix Suns to a 118-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 32 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-12 from three-point range. Booker dominated the third quarter with 18 points, helping Phoenix secure its 36th win of the season. Since returning from a hip strain, he has averaged 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over three games, remaining the primary offensive engine for a team now within 1.5 games of the sixth seed in the West.

Tyler Herro Erupts for 35 Points in Heat Win Over Hornets

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Tyler Herro led the Miami Heat to a 128-120 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, recording 35 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Herro shot 8-of-10 from 3-point range, including a critical tie-breaking shot with 7:06 remaining. He finished with a plus-19 differential as the Heat secured their fourth consecutive win. Herro has been instrumental in Miami's recent success, consistently delivering high-impact offensive performances during the team's current winning streak.

Bam Adebayo Posts Double-Double in Heat's Win Over Hornets

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Bam Adebayo contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds to help the Miami Heat secure a 128-120 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, extending the team's winning streak to four games. Adebayo's performance was instrumental in snapping the Hornets' six-game winning streak. He remains a key interior presence for Miami as they continue their climb in the standings.

Grayson Allen Seals Suns' Victory with Late Free Throws

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Grayson Allen contributed 12 points and eight assists in the Suns' 118-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Allen proved critical in the closing moments, sinking two free throws with 9.8 seconds remaining to extend the Suns' lead to 116-113, helping Phoenix hold off a late Pelicans rally.