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NBA News

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

Friday, February 27

Victor Wembanyama Dominates During Spurs' 11-Game Win Streak

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Victor Wembanyama has been a dominant force during the San Antonio Spurs' 11-game winning streak, averaging 22.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 1.4 steals in 29.3 minutes per game. He's shooting 67% in the lane and averaging nearly eight free-throw attempts. His defensive presence is profound, with 38 blocks during the streak and opponents shooting just 46% on 2-point shots when he's on the court. The Spurs have outscored opponents by 179 points in his 323 minutes. Wembanyama is also a strong candidate to become the new face of the NBA.

Jabari Smith Out With Ankle Sprain

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Jabari Smith has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat due to a right ankle sprain. He rolled his ankle during Thursday's game against Orlando and will be sidelined at least one game. Smith is considered day-to-day ahead of Monday's game against the Wizards. Reed Sheppard is expected to start in his place.

Tyrese Maxey Breaks Sixers Franchise 3-Point Record

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Tyrese Maxey, the 25-year-old All-Star guard, has set a new Philadelphia 76ers franchise record for made three-point shots, surpassing Allen Iverson's previous total of 885. This achievement underscores his rapid ascension and significant impact as a sharpshooting perimeter player for the team, solidifying his place in franchise history.

Anthony Edwards Named All-Star MVP, Downplays Face of NBA Role

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Anthony Edwards, 24, has publicly stated his disinterest in becoming the next face of the NBA after LeBron James's retirement, suggesting "They got Wembanyama." Despite this, his star power was evident at the All-Star Game, where he was named MVP, impressing with his charm and humor. While considered a top candidate for the league's next marquee player, his apparent apathy towards the ceremonial role has been noted.

LeBron James Nearing Retirement, League Seeks New Face

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LeBron James, at 41 years old, is reportedly nearing retirement, initiating discussions about who will succeed him as the face of the NBA. Having been the league's premier superstar since his No. 1 overall selection in 2003, his impending departure marks a significant transition for the league.

Devin Booker Nearing Return Next Week from Hip Strain

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Devin Booker (hip strain) is progressing well and is expected to return to the Phoenix Suns' lineup next week, with potential appearances either Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings or Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. He missed four games due to the hip strain, which occurred in his first game back after a seven-game absence from an ankle injury. Booker will likely face minutes restrictions upon his return. The Suns went 1-3 in his last four missed games. Teammate Jordan Goodwin is approximately a week behind Booker in his recovery timeline.

Mason Plumlee Signs with Spurs for Remainder of Season

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Mason Plumlee has signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs, securing his place with the team for the rest of the current season. The agreement was confirmed by his agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports. This move provides depth to the Spurs' roster as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Daniel Gafford Cleared from Ankle Injury

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Daniel Gafford has been removed from the injury report for Friday's game against the Grizzlies, having recovered from an ankle issue. With Marvin Bagley sidelined due to a neck injury, Gafford is expected to see increased minutes, potentially around 30 per contest. In his last 10 games, Gafford has averaged 8.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks, shooting 61.8% from the field.

Marvin Bagley III Featured in DFS Picks

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Marvin Bagley III is highlighted in the optimal NBA DFS lineup advice for Friday, Feb. 27, according to SportsLine's Mike McClure, a seasoned daily Fantasy professional with over $2 million in winnings. The article provides daily Fantasy basketball picks for DraftKings and FanDuel.

Isaiah Stewart Embodies Detroit's Enforcer Legacy: Intimidation and Blocks

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Isaiah Stewart is highlighted as Detroit's modern-day enforcer, continuing a legacy reminiscent of Ben Wallace. His on-court persona, characterized by intimidation and electric blocks, is central to the 'Beef Stew experience.' The article notes that even his suspensions contribute to this image, underscoring his significant impact and unique role within the Detroit Pistons' identity and history. This blend of aggressive play and impactful defense defines his contribution to the team.

Thursday, February 26

Edwards Fined $25K, Drops 31 Points, Clashes with Coach Finch in Clutch Win

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Anthony Edwards was fined $25,000 by the NBA for a ball heaving incident. He later scored 31 points (12-24 FG, 2-6 3Pt), 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, leading the Timberwolves to a 94-88 win over the Clippers. Edwards sealed the victory with a clutch step-back three. Post-game, there were murmurs about an interaction with coach Chris Finch, where Edwards stated Finch advised him to pass on a prior play, to which Edwards responded, "That's what I do." Finch denied this, but Edwards affirmed their strong relationship. He scored Minnesota's final nine points, helping the team improve to 5-1 since Feb. 9.

Clint Capela Claps Back at Deandre Ayton's 'Not Clint Capela' Remarks

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Clint Capela playfully responded to Deandre Ayton's locker room comments, "They're trying to make me Clint Capela. I'm not no Clint Capela!", by posting on Instagram, "U got 2 of the best floor general in the game my dawg Lockinnn." Capela himself recorded 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks in 7 minutes during the Rockets' 113-108 win over the Magic.

Ayton Struggles with 2 Points, Draws Criticism After 'Not Clint Capela' Remarks

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Deandre Ayton's recent comments, "They're trying to make me Clint Capela. I'm not no Clint Capela!", drew a playful clap back from Clint Capela on Instagram. Ayton then struggled significantly in the Lakers' 113-110 loss to the Suns, posting just 2 points (1-3 FG) and 4 rebounds in 23 minutes, with his team outscored by 24 points while he was on court. This performance, amid questions about his effort, highlights the team's need for him to accept a pivotal role.

Kon Knueppel Shatters Rookie 3-Point Record with 8 Treys, 28 Points

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Kon Knueppel put on a shooting display, tying his career-best with eight three-pointers and finishing with 28 points (10-17 FG, 8-12 3Pt), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in 31 minutes. He broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for most made threes in a season, reaching 209 in just 59 games, and now leads the NBA in 3-pointers. Knueppel, who has scored 20-plus points in four straight games and is shooting 44.2% from deep, is a strong Rookie of the Year candidate.

Keegan Murray Out with Re-Aggravated Ankle Sprain; Rookie 3-Point Record Broken

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Keegan Murray has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas due to a re-aggravated sprained left ankle, an injury that previously sidelined him for 20 games. He is considered day-to-day, and his absence will open up increased minutes for Daeqwon Plowden and Patrick Baldwin. Separately, Kon Knueppel recently surpassed Murray's NBA rookie record of 206 three-pointers, which Murray set in 80 games during the 2022-23 season.

Donte DiVincenzo Adds 18 Points in Timberwolves' Win Over Clippers

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Donte DiVincenzo contributed 18 points to help the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 94-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. He scored 12 points by halftime, playing a key role alongside Anthony Edwards in the surging Timberwolves' win.

Ayo Dosunmu Adds 12 Points in Timberwolves' Victory

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Ayo Dosunmu scored 12 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 94-88 win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. His contribution helped the surging Timberwolves improve their record to 5-1 since February 9th.

Jaden McDaniels Scores 12 Points in Timberwolves' Win

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Jaden McDaniels contributed 12 points to the Minnesota Timberwolves' 94-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, helping the team improve to 5-1 since Feb. 9.

Rudy Gobert Grabs 13 Rebounds in Timberwolves' Victory

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Rudy Gobert contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 94-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Michael Porter Breaks Out of Slump with 25 Points, 14 Boards for Nets

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Michael Porter of the Brooklyn Nets is emerging from his worst shooting slump, attributed to rhythm, rust, and mentality after missing games and the All-Star break. He averaged 19.0 points and shot 10-of-55 from deep in his prior seven games. However, he showed signs of his old form against San Antonio, recording team-highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds. Coach Jordi Fernández noted his aggression but desired fewer than his six turnovers. Porter is adjusting to the Nets' rebuilding situation, emphasizing growth and chemistry for the team's future.