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NBA News

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

Thursday, March 5

Kon Knueppel Leapfrogs Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year Favorite

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Charlotte's Kon Knueppel has overtaken Cooper Flagg as the betting favorite for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Knueppel, who is currently priced at -155, has surged while Flagg has been sidelined with an injury. Knueppel recently set an NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a season, with a quarter of the schedule still remaining, drawing significant betting handle and interest.

Jaylen Brown Reflects on Struggles After Celtics Loss

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Jaylen Brown took accountability for Boston's 118-89 loss to the Hornets, citing poor energy and execution. Brown recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting 7-for-19. While he has shouldered a heavy workload this season, his efficiency has dipped recently, with his shooting percentages falling over the last 23 games. Brown remains a key figure as the Celtics prepare for the potential return of Jayson Tatum.

Joel Embiid's Contract Deemed Among NBA's Most Problematic

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Joel Embiid has been named in a report detailing the 15 worst contracts in the NBA. The analysis points to the significant financial burden of his deal, which is expected to hinder the Philadelphia 76ers' ability to manage their payroll and build a competitive roster in the coming years.

Paul George Included in List of NBA's Worst Contracts

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Paul George has been identified in recent analysis as holding one of the 15 worst contracts in the NBA. The evaluation suggests that his current deal is not only underperforming this season but also poses a long-term risk to payroll flexibility and roster construction for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jabari Walker Provides Spark with Back-to-Back 20-Point Games

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Jabari Walker has surged for the Philadelphia 76ers, recording consecutive 20-point performances, including a key effort in a 99-98 win over the Utah Jazz. Despite a difficult day off the court involving a minor car accident, Walker excelled, shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. Coach Nick Nurse praised Walker's mindset and growth, noting that these performances may secure him a consistent spot in the rotation as he battles for backup minutes.

Devin Vassell Records Historic Plus-Minus in Spurs Victory

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Devin Vassell delivered a standout performance in the Spurs' recent win over the 76ers, finishing with a +43 plus-minus, the second-highest mark in franchise history, trailing only Tim Duncan's +45. Vassell's efficiency helped San Antonio secure a dominant victory, contributing to a balanced scoring effort that saw eight different Spurs players reach double digits. The team continues to show strong collective play as they prepare to return to the Frost Bank Center.

Wednesday, March 4

Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Victory Amid Officiating Controversy

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Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 26 points, eight assists, and three rebounds in a 103-100 win over the Knicks. Returning from an abdomen issue, he hit clutch shots to secure the Thunder's fourth straight win. He was the subject of post-game criticism from Knicks coach Mike Brown, who suggested Gilgeous-Alexander excels at convincing referees to grant him favorable calls. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the night 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.

Brunson Records Double-Double and Sustains Black Eye in Loss to Thunder

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Brunson tallied 16 points and a season-high 15 assists in a 103-100 loss to the Thunder, though he struggled with efficiency, shooting 5-for-18 and missing a late game-tying three. He briefly exited in the third quarter with a leg injury after taking a charge and later revealed he suffered a black eye during the game. Brunson expressed frustration over officiating, specifically regarding a collision with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that went uncalled.

Darius Garland Makes Home Debut in Clippers' Win Over Pacers

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Darius Garland recorded 12 points in his first home game for the Los Angeles Clippers since being acquired in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers last month. Garland's contribution helped the Clippers secure a 130-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, extending the team's winning streak to three games. The Clippers controlled the game throughout, leading by double digits for much of the second half.

Bennedict Mathurin Shoots 8-for-11 in Loss to Clippers

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Bennedict Mathurin recorded 23 points on efficient 8-for-11 shooting during the Indiana Pacers' 130-107 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Despite Mathurin's offensive production, the Pacers struggled to contain the Clippers, who shot 55.1% from the floor. The defeat marks Indiana's seventh consecutive loss, leaving them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-47 record.

Kawhi Leonard Scores 29 Points as Clippers Rout Pacers

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Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers to their third straight win on Wednesday, scoring 29 points in a 130-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Leonard was instrumental in the team's early dominance, racking up 20 points by halftime as the Clippers built a 63-51 lead. The team utilized a 16-2 run in the third quarter to pull away, with Leonard's performance anchoring the offense throughout the contest.

Brook Lopez Contributes 17 Points in Clippers' Third Straight Win

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Brook Lopez scored 17 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers secure a 130-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The win marks the Clippers' third consecutive victory as they continue to build momentum. Lopez played a supporting role in a dominant offensive performance where the team shot 55.1% from the field, leading by as many as 21 points in the second half.

Pascal Siakam Returns With 29 Points in Loss to Clippers

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Pascal Siakam returned to the Pacers' lineup Wednesday after a three-game absence due to a left wrist sprain. Despite his team-high 29 points in the 130-107 loss to the Clippers, Indiana fell to 15-47 on the season. Siakam, who averages 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, remains a central figure for the Pacers as they navigate a difficult stretch, having now lost seven consecutive games.

Xavier Tillman Returns to TD Garden in Hornets' Win Over Celtics

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Xavier Tillman made an emotional return to TD Garden on Wednesday, receiving a tribute video and warm applause during the Charlotte Hornets' 118-89 victory over his former team, the Boston Celtics. Traded last month, Tillman has quickly integrated into Charlotte's culture, reuniting with head coach Charles Lee and other former Boston staff. Tillman, who played a key role in Boston's 2024 championship run, continues to be lauded for his veteran leadership and locker room presence.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores 24 in Return; Bucks Lose Fourth Straight

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Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 24 points in his second game back from a five-week absence due to a right calf strain during a 131-113 loss to the Hawks. In two games since returning, he has totaled 43 points and 16 rebounds in 51 minutes. The Bucks remain on a minutes restriction with their star, who received a technical foul for frustration late in the game. Milwaukee has lost four consecutive games by a combined 97 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns Dominates Boards in Loss to Thunder

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With Mitchell Robinson sidelined, Karl-Anthony Towns stepped up for the Knicks against the Thunder on Wednesday, recording 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting and grabbing 17 rebounds, including nine offensive boards. Despite the 103-100 loss, Towns emphasized his commitment to his role and team defense. While he has not scored 20 points in four of his last five games, he remains focused on defensive adjustments as the team prepares for the final 20 games of the regular season.

Mitchell Robinson Sidelined by Ankle Management

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New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson was ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder due to ankle management. This absence aligns with his established pattern of sitting out the second leg of back-to-back sets. With Robinson sidelined, the team relied on Ariel Hukporti for backup center minutes. His absence forced Karl-Anthony Towns to take on an increased rebounding load to help the Knicks compete against the defending champions.

Jalen Johnson Adds 20 Points and 9 Assists in Hawks' Victory

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Jalen Johnson contributed 20 points and nine assists to help the Atlanta Hawks defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 131-113 on Wednesday. The win extended the Hawks' winning streak to five games and pushed the team above .500 for the first time since December. Johnson played a key role in the second-half comeback, as Atlanta outscored Milwaukee 65-42 to erase an early 16-point deficit.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Scores 23 in Hawks' Win Over Bucks

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Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Atlanta Hawks with 23 points in a 131-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. The win marked the Hawks' fifth straight, moving the team above .500 for the first time since December. Alexander-Walker was instrumental in a second-half surge where Atlanta outscored Milwaukee 65-42, helping the team overcome an early 16-point deficit.

Onyeka Okongwu Dominates Boards in Hawks' Fifth Straight Win

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Onyeka Okongwu recorded 21 points in the Hawks' 131-113 win over the Bucks, helping Atlanta secure their fifth consecutive victory. Okongwu has been a force on the glass, averaging 9.2 rebounds over his last six games and recording double-digit rebounds in five of those contests. His interior presence was key as the Hawks erased an early 16-point deficit to move above .500 for the first time since December.