USC guard Chad Baker-Mazara is no longer on the team, the Trojans announced Sunday.  The 26-year-...

<p>USC guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85291" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85291">Chad Baker-Mazara</a> is no longer on the team, the Trojans announced Sunday.</p><p>The 26-year-old graduate student, who's averaging 18.5 points in 25 games this season, scored 14 points in 19 minutes in USC's 82-67 defeat to Nebraska on Saturday. He's been the Trojans' leading scorer since starting guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103348" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103348">Rodney Rice</a> underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in December.</p><p>He appeared to head to the locker room during the second half of Saturday's contest with an injury. Upon re-emerging, however, Baker-Mazara did not return to the USC bench and instead sat in an open courtside seat adjacent to the team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting part of Nebraska vs. USC game yesterday, Chad Baker-Mazara left the game with an injury briefly, came back out to the court but didn't sit on the main bench with the team rather courtside for the rest of the game.<br><br>Today, USC moves on from Baker-Mazara.⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/PQdAqQco8P">https://t.co/PQdAqQco8P</a> <a href="https://t.co/RXt0syRiDE">pic.twitter.com/RXt0syRiDE</a></p>— Chase Matteson (@ChaseMatteson) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaseMatteson/status/2028251280884306274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Trojans have two regular-season games remaining before the Big Ten Tournament begins March 10. They face Washington on the road Wednesday before hosting UCLA in their finale Saturday.</p><p>Baker-Mazara joined USC, his fourth Division I stop in five years, ahead of the 2025-26 campaign following two strong seasons at Auburn. After becoming a full-time starter in his second year with the Tigers, he helped the squad reach the NCAA Tournament Final Four before losing to Florida.</p><p>Saturday's defeat was the Trojans' fifth straight loss, dealing a huge blow to their hopes of an at-large bid for this year's March Madness tournament.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: USC Trojans guard Chad Baker-Mazara (4) dribbles up the court during the college basketball game between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans on February 21, 2026 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA.

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USC says Baker-Mazara no longer on roster

Toronto FC signed American striker Josh Sargent on Friday after a drawn-out transfer saga with No...

<p>Toronto FC signed American striker Josh Sargent on Friday after a drawn-out transfer saga with Norwich City.</p><p>The cost of the deal is approximately $22 million and could climb to $27 million with add-ons, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7036805/2026/02/20/josh-sargent-transfer-toronto-fc-norwich-city-usmnt/">Tom Bogert of The Athletic</a>. Sargent joins as a Designated Player on a contract until 2031.</p><p>The reported fee makes Sargent the most expensive recruit in Toronto's history. The previous club-record arrival was attacking midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo, who joined for just under $11 million USD (€9.1 million) from Genk in 2019, according to <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/toronto-fc/transferrekorde/verein/11141">Transfermarkt</a>. South Korea star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/12696" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/12696">Son Heung-min</a> currently holds the league record from when he switched Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC last August for a reported $26.5-million fee, meaning the amount of Sargent's transfer could eventually surpass that sum.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sargent moved to Norwich in August 2021 ahead of the club's return to the Premier League. The forward scored four times in 29 appearances across all competitions that season, but the club was relegated back to the Championship following a last-place finish.</p><p>Over four seasons in England's second tier, Sargent's netted 51 goals with 12 assists across 121 Championship matches. However, the 26-year-old missed Norwich's last 10 matches after asking to be left out of an FA Cup third-round visit from Walsall amid Toronto's reported interest. He was subsequently banished to train with the club's under-21 squad while the club dug in its heels over a transfer. Eventually, the Canaries approved the $27-million overall package offered by the MLS franchise.</p><p>"I get the fans' frustration completely," Norwich captain Kenny McLean told <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0n2j7qk">BBC Radio Norfolk</a> last Saturday about Sargent's situation with the club. "A couple of months ago, we were talking about having the best player in the Championship."</p><p>Norwich City have risen from 22nd to 17th place in the Championship since Sargent was frozen out. Former Toronto FC player Ali Ahmed has been among the key figures behind Norwich's upturn in fortunes.</p><p>As part of Sargent's move to Toronto FC, his new club has sent $500,000 in general allocation money to St. Louis City SC, who owned the right of first refusal for Sargent. St. Louis could receive another $225,000 in GAM depending on add-ons.</p><p>Sargent has scored five times in 29 appearances for the United States men's national team, but he's never played in the country's top domestic league. The Missouri native joined Germany's Werder Bremen as a youth player in January 2018 before making his first senior appearance in December of that year. He was relegated with Werder Bremen in 2021 after notching 11 goals in 70 Bundesliga appearances.</p><p>"He is a proven goalscorer, with a winning mentality and the intelligence that will lead our attack for years to come," Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez said in a statement.</p><p>Toronto FC were in search of an experienced attacker after cutting ties with Italian duo Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne in July. Robin Fraser's incoming transfers since those high-profile departures include a host of experienced MLS players, such as Djordje Mihailovic and Walker Zimmerman, who have a combined 56 caps for the USMNT; former Sporting Kansas City winger Daniel Salloi; and Raheem Edwards.</p>

Josh Sargent of Norwich City applauds after the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers at Carrow Road in Norwich, England, on November 29, 2025.

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Toronto FC sign USMNT's Sargent in reported club-record $27M deal

Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen will miss the next two weeks before being re-evaluated after an MR...

<p>Utah Jazz star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a> will miss the next two weeks before being re-evaluated after an MRI revealed a hip impingement, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2027204652199022612">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Markkanen reportedly suffered the injury, as well as one to his ankle, during practice Wednesday.</p><p>However, tests on the forward's ankle returned clean, according to Charania.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Markkanen is the third Jazz player in as many days to be ruled out for an extended period. The team announced Monday that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37599" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37599">Jusuf Nurkic</a> won't play again this season after undergoing a procedure on his nose. Hours later, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102781" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102781">Vince Williams Jr.</a> injured his knee against the Houston Rockets, with reports emerging Tuesday that the guard sustained a torn ACL.</p><p>Utah is also likely without trade acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> for the rest of the campaign after he underwent knee surgery to remove a noncancerous growth.</p><p>Markkanen has played just 42 games during the 2025-26 campaign, his fewest in a single year since joining the Jazz in September 2022. Still, the 7-foot-1 Finnish star is putting up some of the best numbers of his career, including a team-high 26.7 points per game. He's also contributing 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and one steal per game.</p><p>The NBA fined the Jazz $500K earlier in February for withholding Markkanen and Jackson from the fourth quarters of consecutive games against the Orlando Magic (Feb. 7) and Miami Heat (Feb. 9). Markkanen has appeared in only two of their five games since.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on February 09, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Report: Markkanen out at least 2 weeks with hip impingement

The NBA pushed back on claims made by Rick Carlisle during a radio appearance in which the Indian...

<p>The NBA pushed back on claims made by Rick Carlisle during a radio appearance in which the Indiana Pacers head coach vehemently disagreed with the team's $100K fine received earlier in February.</p><p>"Coach Carlisle's description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate," a league spokesperson said Tuesday in a statement provided to <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_amick/status/2026394355209302225">The Athletic's Sam Amick</a>. "An independent physician led the medical review. In addition, the Pacers' general manager and the team's senior vice president (of sports medicine and performance) were interviewed as part of the process.</p><p>"The Pacers confirmed that (they) had provided all of the information requested by the league, and the team reported that an interview with Coach Carlisle or a team physician wasn't necessary."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NBA fined Indiana for violating the league's player participation policy in a Feb. 3 game against the Utah Jazz. The league said that three Pacers starters - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> and two unnamed players - could've played despite being ruled out. The Pacers announced prior to tipoff that they would rest Siakam, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102757" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102757">Andrew Nembhard</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93847" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93847">Aaron Nesmith</a>, two of the team's most frequent starters this season, were listed out with respective back and hand injuries.</p><p>Carlisle addressed the penalty earlier Tuesday on <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-fan-morning-show/rick-carlisle-joins-us-and-discusses-league-fining-team-zubacs-potential-debut">105.7 The Fan</a>, criticizing the investigative process and disputing that Nesmith was healthy enough to participate.</p><p>"There was a league lawyer that was doing the interview that kind of unilaterally decided that Aaron Nesmith, who had been injured the night before and couldn't hold the ball, should have played in the game, which just seems ridiculous," he said. "And during the interview process - I was not on it, but I heard details - we asked them if they wanted to talk to ... our doctors about it because it's something that was documented by our doctors and trainers.</p><p>"They said no, they didn't need to. They talked to their doctors, who did not examine Aaron Nesmith. We asked them if they wanted to talk to the kid, and they said no, they didn't need to. This was shocking to me. And during the interview, they also asked if we considered medicating him to play in a game when we were thirty games under .500. So, I was very surprised."</p><p>Nesmith returned to Indiana's starting lineup for its next three games but didn't dress against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 11 due to low back soreness. He's since missed the team's last two games after spraining his right ankle during Thursday's loss to the Washington Wizards.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on February 20, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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Carlisle's complaints about Pacers' fine 'inaccurate,' NBA says

Utah Jazz guard Vince Williams Jr. will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL against...

<p>Utah Jazz guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102781" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102781">Vince Williams Jr.</a> will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL against the Houston Rockets on Monday, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2026385093107826789">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Williams sustained the injury when he awkwardly planted his left leg following a collision with Rockets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102780" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102780">Tari Eason</a> in the second quarter. As Williams ran back to defend a Rockets fast break, Eason appeared to bump the Jazz guard by Utah's bench, causing him to lose balance. The 25-year-old needed help off the court before being carried to the locker room.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Okogie steals the ball and Tari Eason finishes with the fastbreak dunk after bumping into Vince Williams Jr., who got injured and carried to the locker room (with replays)<br><br>Rockets and Peacock commentaries <a href="https://t.co/9HnovfEaTN">pic.twitter.com/9HnovfEaTN</a></p>— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/2026137757941203434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Eason said he didn't intend to hurt Williams on the play and that he checked in on the Jazz guard after the contest to apologize.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I've known Vince for a little bit, and he's just a really good dude, hard-working dude," Eason told <a href="https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/02/23/vince-williams-jr-knee-injury-utah-jazz/">Sarah Todd of Deseret News</a>. "It was just respect. I've got a lot of respect for him, and I know it's his contract year. ... I didn't intend on doing anything. My intentions are always just to play hard. So I went to go holler and just check on him.</p><p>"Obviously, nothing helps, but just tell him that I apologize. You know, nobody's trying to hurt anybody."</p><p>Williams, the 47th overall pick in 2022, arrived in Utah on Feb. 3 as part of the eight-player deal that also brought over big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> In 40 combined games with both teams this season, Williams is averaging 7.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds.</p><p>Williams is the third Jazz player expected to miss the rest of the season since the trade deadline. Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37599" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37599">Jusuf Nurkic</a> was ruled out Monday as he's set to undergo nose surgery, while Jackson is also likely to be sidelined following an operation to remove a noncancerous tumor in his knee.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 23: Vince Williams Jr. #0 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 23, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Report: Jazz guard Williams tore ACL in collision with Rockets' Eason

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after he undergoes a ...

<p>Utah Jazz center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37599" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37599">Jusuf Nurkic</a> will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after he undergoes a surgical procedure on his nose Wednesday, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2026028201114562906">Prime Video's Chris Haynes</a>.</p><p>Nurkic would join trade-deadline acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> and fourth-year big <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102795" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102795">Walker Kessler</a> as the third Jazz player who's expected to miss the rest of the campaign. Jackson <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3477567" href="https://thescore.com/news/3477567">underwent</a> a procedure earlier in February to remove a noncancerous growth in his left knee, while Kessler had season-ending shoulder surgery in November.</p><p>Nurkic, 31, has started 36 of his 41 games with Utah this season and is averaging a double-double of 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds. He's also tallied a career-best 4.8 assists per game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Jazz acquired the Bosnian center last summer in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, who received <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60062">Collin Sexton</a> and a second-round pick in return.</p><p>In January, Nurkic became the first player in Jazz history to register triple-doubles in three consecutive games, doing so against the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.</p><p>However, Utah held him out of the team's next matchup three days later against the Los Angeles Clippers with an unspecified injury or illness. Nurkic has played in half of the team's 10 games since.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 22: Jusuf Nurkic #30 of the Utah Jazz runs up the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of a game at the Delta Center on January 22, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Report: Jazz's Nurkic to miss rest of season after nose surgery

Kevin Durant isn't calling time on his international career just yet.  The Houston Rockets star r...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> isn't calling time on his international career just yet.</p><p>The Houston Rockets star revealed that he hopes to represent the United States at the Olympics for a fifth time when Los Angeles hosts the Summer Games in 2028.</p><p>"Hell yeah, I want to play," Durant told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48014969/kevin-durant-says-plans-play-2028-olympics-los-angeles">ESPN's Vincent Goodwill</a> recently. "I would love to, but I've got to stay on top of my game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm not expecting - I want to produce on the floor and make (Team USA managing director Grant Hill) and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team ... not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win. Today, yeah, I feel like I'll put my name in that hat."</p><p>Durant, 37, would likely be one of the oldest - if not the oldest - players on Team USA in two years' time. However, the four-time Olympic gold medalist is still crafting a strong case for his potential inclusion during his 18th NBA season. The 16-time All-Star is Houston's leading scorer with 26.1 points per contest through 52 games.</p><p>He's also close to registering a third 50-40-90 season, with 50.6/40.4/88.1 shooting splits, and ranks second among all players aged 30 or older with 1,909 total minutes this season, courtesy of <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/CSKyb">Stathead</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Minutes</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Julius Randle</td>
<td>MIN</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>1942</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>HOU</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>1909</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DeMar DeRozan</td>
<td>SAC</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>1867</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Derrick White</td>
<td>BOS</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>1855</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Harden</td>
<td>LAC/CLE</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>1752</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Durant suggested that he's motivated by critics who question the Americans' long-time dominance in the spot amid the rise of several European stars in the NBA.</p><p>"I just don't like the talk around the USA versus European style of how you approach the game," Durant said. "All I hear is, 'AAU is destroying the game; the Euros do it right, while the Americans do it wrong.' It's a lot of bullshit with that.</p><p>"I can read between the lines on that. It's a shot at Black Americans. We're controlling the sport. They're tired of us controlling the sport. 'France is coming for you.' Really? We smacked them boys."</p><p>Having compiled 518 points over four tournaments, Durant is USA Basketball's all-time men's scoring leader in Olympic competition. He was named MVP of the 2020 Tokyo Games after dropping a game-high 29 points in the final against France.</p><p>If Durant joins the national squad in 2028, another podium finish would likely see him overtake Carmelo Anthony for the most games played for Team USA at the Olympics. He needs four more appearances to pass his former American teammate's all-time mark of 31.</p><p> </p>

Basketball: 2024 Summer Olympics: USA Kevin Durant (7) in action, victorious with American flag following Gold Medal Game vs France at Bercy Arena. Paris, France 8/10/2024 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Set Number: X164583 TK1)

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Durant intends to play for U.S. at 2028 Olympics in L.A.

UCLA head coach Mick Cronin publicly apologized to Bruins big man Steven Jamerson II on Friday fo...

<p>UCLA head coach Mick Cronin publicly apologized to Bruins big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/106740" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/106740">Steven Jamerson II</a> on Friday for sending him to the locker room during Tuesday's defeat at Michigan State.</p><p>"I thought that he took the guy out, like the kid at Providence took the guy from St. John's out. It's the only reason I sent him to the locker room," Cronin told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/aaron_heisen/status/2024901146855526705">Aaron Heisen of Southern California News Group</a>. "I thought he literally made a dirty play and tried to wipe the guy out. ... He still got a (flagrant-1 foul). To be honest with you, I don't even know if he deserved that. But I watched it. Coach (Tom Izzo) thought the same thing when I communicated with him."</p><p>Cronin added: "(Based on) their reaction, I thought he tried to crush this kid. ... So, I apologize to Steve."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With 4:26 left in the second half and UCLA down 27 points, Jamerson committed a hard foul at the rim after chasing down a fast break by Spartans center Carson Cooper. The two briefly went face to face before Cronin demanded that Jamerson go to the locker room. The 6-foot-10 forward didn't return to the contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After the foul, UCLA HC Mick Cronin ejects his own player, Steven Jamerson III. <a href="https://t.co/KOFMCDRYjg">pic.twitter.com/KOFMCDRYjg</a></p>— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBBonFOX/status/2023966358242025978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>However, that wasn't the only viral incident involving Cronin on Tuesday. The Bruins bench boss also garnered attention postgame when a reporter's question about Michigan State's student section prompted a cagey response.</p><p>"I could give a rat's ass about the other team's student section. I would like to give you kudos for the worst question I've ever been asked," Cronin said before interrupting another reporter's question to continue the exchange.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UCLA coach Mick Cronin's thoughts on the Michigan State student section. <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisistheIZZONE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThisistheIZZONE</a> <a href="https://t.co/7pJJHEs7sQ">pic.twitter.com/7pJJHEs7sQ</a></p>— Owen Oszust (@Owen_Oszust) <a href="https://twitter.com/Owen_Oszust/status/2023987592555847753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 54-year-old didn't specifically address the postgame incident Friday but said he needed to "dial back some of my humor."</p><p>"You have to realize - and I have to do a better job of this - that, in this climate, you've got to be careful with what you say," Cronin said. "I'm a good fit here because I know I'm not bigger than the brand. And the brand matters here. The school matters. The last thing I want to do is bring negative publicity to our school.</p><p>"It's not about me. I don't care what people think about me. I need to do a better job knowing, well I am the coach here, and I need to make sure I don't do anything to embarrass our school. So, for that, I apologize. That I don't want. I apologize to our people: school, students, everybody in our community."</p><p>Tuesday's loss was UCLA's third in the last five games, dropping the team to 9-6 in Big Ten play. It also dealt another blow to its NCAA Tournament hopes; <a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2026-march-madness-men-field-predictions">ESPN's Joe Lunardi</a> currently has the Bruins slotted for one of the last four at-large bids in his latest Bracketology projection.</p>

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 17: UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin sends forward Steven Jamerson (24) to the locker room after a hard foul during a college basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and UCLA Bruins on February 17, 2026 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI.

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Mat Ishbia is not on Team Tank.  The Phoenix Suns owner strongly rebuked teams attempting to secu...

<p>Mat Ishbia is not on Team Tank.</p><p>The Phoenix Suns owner strongly <a href="https://x.com/Mishbia15/status/2024531384581165102">rebuked</a> teams attempting to secure a higher draft pick by effectively punting on the 2025-26 season, calling out the practice on X as "behavior done by losers" while commenting on a related column by Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh.</p><blockquote>
<p>This is ridiculous! Tanking is losing behavior done by losers. Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. Embarrassing for the league and for the organizations. And the talk about this as a "strategy" is ridiculous.</p>
<p>If you are a bad team, you get a good pick. That makes sense. But purposely shutting down players and purposely losing games is a disgrace and impacts the integrity of whole league.</p>
<p>This is much worse than any prop bet scandal. This is throwing games strategically. Horrible for fans that pay to watch and cheer on their team. And horrible for all the real teams that are competing for playoff spots.</p>
<p>Awful behavior that Adam Silver and the NBA will need to stop with massive changes, and I have complete confidence that with his leadership, he will fix it. Those of us in a position of influence need to speak out… the only "strategy" is doing right by fans, players, and the NBA community.</p>
</blockquote><p>Ishbia did not name specific teams. However, the NBA issued substantial fines to the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers ahead of the All-Star break for personnel decisions that undermined "the foundation of NBA competition," according to commissioner Adam Silver.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Utah, which received a $500,000 fine, held forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> out for consecutive fourth quarters against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat despite the two being "able to continue" in both, per the league. The Pacers were dinged $100,000 after an independent review ruled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> and two other starters should not have been held out in a loss to the Jazz on Feb. 3.</p><p>The Jazz lost to Orlando but defeated Miami, a point Jazz owner Ryan Smith raised in response to the league's statement.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🙄 agree to disagree … Also, we won the game in Miami and got fined? That makes sense … <a href="https://t.co/sHQrggB2Xa">https://t.co/sHQrggB2Xa</a></p>— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanQualtrics/status/2022126389093446149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Neither the Jazz nor the Pacers own the worst records in their respective conferences, however.</p><p>The 14-39 Washington Wizards sit last in the Eastern Conference by winning percentage despite having one fewer loss than Indiana. The race to the bottom may be even tougher in the West; Utah (18-38) sits third last ahead of both the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings, teams that ostensibly entered the season with playoff hopes (the Pelicans don't even own a first-round pick this year).</p><p>The Wizards and Kings don't seem keen to make a late-season push, either. Sacramento announced Wednesday that center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for meniscus and hand tendon injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, Wizards debuts for both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> still seem far off despite Young last playing for the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 27 and Davis last appearing for the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 8.</p><p>Ishbia's Suns appeared set for a rebuild this past summer when the team traded away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, bought out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a>, and hired a first-year head coach in Jordan Ott. However, the team has defied expectations, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> leading a new-look core to the seventh-best record in the West.</p><p>This year's draft class contains several highly touted prospects, headlined by a likely top three of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172510" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172510">Cameron Boozer</a> (Duke), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/173442" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/173442">AJ Dybantsa</a> (BYU), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172193" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172193">Darryn Peterson</a> (Kansas).</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 8: Mat Ishbia owner of the Phoenix Suns talks to the media during his introductory Press Conference on February 8, 2023, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Suns' Ishbia rips tanking teams: 'Losing behavior done by losers'

Kansas head coach Bill Self expressed some unease after cramping forced star guard Darryn Peterso...

<p>Kansas head coach Bill Self expressed some unease after cramping forced star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172193" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172193">Darryn Peterson</a> out for most of the second half in the Jayhawks' 81-69 win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday.</p><p>"It's a concern," Self said postgame, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47974456/kansas-darryn-peterson-misses-most-2nd-half-due-cramping">ESPN</a>. "I thought we were past it, but obviously we're not.</p><p>"You get into the NCAA Tournament, you're playing a team just as good as you, and you need to have all your best players available, so to speak. All it takes is for one day like that to derail not only a game, but a season. It's concerning, but I do think we're making progress with it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Peterson shot 6-of-10 from distance Wednesday as part of a game-high 23 points. However, the standout freshman checked out of the contest for good just three minutes into the second half with Kansas leading by 10.</p><p>Although Oklahoma State never got any closer, Self lamented what he saw as a missed opportunity for Peterson.</p><p>"I didn't anticipate that tonight at all," Self said, according to <a href="https://x.com/HenryGreenstein/status/2024337956119437551">Henry Greenstein of the Lawrence Journal-World</a>. "I thought he was good to go. But we only got 18 minutes out of him. That's disappointing because he could have had a really good night."</p><p>This isn't the first time cramping has affected Peterson. The 19-year-old played just 20 minutes in the Jayhawks' 90-82 win over BYU on Jan. 31, after which Self cited cramps as the reason behind Peterson's exit. The first-year guard left both matchups at similar points, departing against the Cougars with 16:46 left and subbing out Wednesday with 17:22 remaining.</p><p>Hamstring and ankle issues have also limited Peterson this campaign, with a hamstring strain sidelining the Kansas star for seven games in November.</p><p>Despite the injuries, Peterson is still widely projected as a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Ohio native is averaging a team-high 20 points while shooting 48.5%, including 43.1% on threes, through 15 starts.</p>

AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 14: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs down the court in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 14, 2026 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 74-56 over the Kansas Jayhawks.

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Self airs 'concern' after Peterson exits win early with cramps

Texas Tech star JT Toppin will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL during Tues...

<p>Texas Tech star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110546" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110546">JT Toppin</a> will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL during Tuesday's loss to Arizona State, the school announced Wednesday.</p><p>Toppin is the ninth-leading scorer in the nation (21.8 points per game) and the Red Raiders' top rebounder (10.8).</p><p>The junior forward fell to the court while grabbing his right knee after driving against Arizona State center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/175006" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/175006">Massamba Diop</a> with six minutes to play. Trainers tended to Toppin for several minutes before he was ruled out for the rest of the contest. He finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and two steals in 32 minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JT Toppin heads to the locker room following an apparent right leg injury. <a href="https://t.co/1JDSGcYK5J">pic.twitter.com/1JDSGcYK5J</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2024001357875642416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>A preseason All-American selection, Toppin has been the driving force for head coach Grant McCasland's team, which is 9-4 in the Big 12 (19-7 overall) and sits two games off Houston for the top spot in the conference. Texas Tech went 11-3 in games this season in which the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year scored more than 20 points.</p>

WACO, TEXAS - JANUARY 20: JT Toppin #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders looks on during the second half of a game against the Baylor Bears on January 20, 2026 at the Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas.

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Texas Tech loses Toppin for rest of season due to torn ACL

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will be out for an indefinite period due to a high left ankle ...

<p>Orlando Magic forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a> will be out for an indefinite period due to a high left ankle sprain, the team announced.</p><p>The 24-year-old requires more time to rehabilitate the lingering injury, according to the Magic. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks.</p><p>Wagner came off the bench in Orlando's last two games - both against the Milwaukee Bucks - but was on a strict minutes restriction. He'd missed nine straight contests and 25 of the Magic's last 27 games before appearing in both matchups before the All-Star break.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Before suffering the injury early in a Dec. 7 loss to the New York Knicks, Wagner was averaging 23.4 points on 48.7/35.4/82.3 shooting splits through 24 games, helping Orlando to a 14-10 start. When his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> missed 10 games during that stretch with a groin strain, Wagner led the Magic to a 7-3 record in Banchero's absence.</p><p>The two Magic forwards have played 18 games together this year, totaling just 349 shared minutes. Orlando's most frequently deployed duo - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60230" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60230">Wendell Carter Jr.</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93901" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93901">Desmond Bane</a> - have shared the court for 1,227 minutes in 2025-26.</p>

LONDON, ENG - JANUARY 18: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the 2026 NBA London Game on January 18, 2026 at The 02 Arena in London, England. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Franz Wagner out indefinitely due to ankle sprain

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving won't return this season from the torn ACL he suffered in Mar...

<p>Dallas Mavericks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> won't return this season from the torn ACL he suffered in March 2025, the team confirmed Wednesday.</p><p>The Mavericks will allow Irving to continue recovering from surgery with the goal of him returning for the 2026-27 campaign.</p><p>"This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one," Irving said in a statement. "I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates, and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"And I wanted to send a huge shoutout to ALL of my brothers and sisters out there who've torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day. THANK YOU for the inspiration. No fear!"</p><p>Dallas reportedly held early optimism that the 33-year-old would be back by January, approximately 10 months after the procedure on his left knee. However, the franchise has undergone significant changes that have altered its outlook in recent weeks, including the trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> to the Washington Wizards and the prioritization of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171822" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171822">Cooper Flagg</a>'s development.</p><p>The Mavericks (19-35) have lost nine straight and sit 12th in the Western Conference. They're seven games back of the 10th-seeded Los Angeles Clippers, who currently own the conference's final play-in spot.</p><p>"This is about Kyrie being 1,000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season," Irving's agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2024136736331214997">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 50 games before tearing his ACL last season. He shot 47.3% from the floor, 40.1% from three, and 91.6% on free throws.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 15: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 15, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Kyrie won't return for Mavericks this season

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards was named the MVP of the 2026 All-Star Game...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> was named the MVP of the 2026 All-Star Game on Sunday, claiming the award for the first time in his career.</p><p>The 24-year-old scored eight points with four rebounds and two assists in the championship game, helping lift his USA Stars teammates over their fellow Americans on the Stripes team by a score of 47-21.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANT: 2026 <a href="https://twitter.com/Kia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kia</a> ALL-STAR MVP!<br><br>He receives the Kobe Bryant Trophy 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/eHypNna1DN">pic.twitter.com/eHypNna1DN</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2023203067257385377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Edwards scored a combined 32 points throughout the USA Stars' three contests, including a team-high 13 in their first game - a 37-35 overtime victory over the World squad.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The four-time All-Star <a href="https://x.com/NBAPR/status/2023207075128685045">received</a> 10 of 14 possible votes for the honor. Los Angeles Clippers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a>, playing for the Stripes team in his own arena at the Intuit Dome, was the only other player named on ballots.</p><p>The Timberwolves highflier joins Kevin Garnett (2003) as the only players in team history to win the All-Star Game MVP award.</p><p>"It's a step in the right direction," Edwards said when asked by <a href="https://x.com/Timberwolves/status/2023203497433354421">NBC's Zora Stephenson</a> about winning the All-Star Game MVP trophy. "That's all that is.</p><p>"We chose to compete today, and we came out on top."</p><p>With competitiveness at the All-Star Game a hot topic amid several format changes in recent years, Edwards credited the effort shown by San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> on the World team for setting the tone at the event.</p><p>The T-Wolves star said he had no reservations about going toe-to-toe against multi-time All-Stars like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> in Sunday's showdown.</p><p>"I wanna cook them every time. You know that," Edwards said.</p><p>The two-time All-NBAer is putting up career bests in scoring (29.3 points) and efficiency (49.3% from the field, 40.2% from distance) through 46 regular-season games this year. He's also contributing 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for Minnesota, which entered the All-Star break in sixth place in the Western Conference.</p><p> </p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Team USA Stars holds up the Most Valuable Player trophy after the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

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Anthony Edwards named All-Star Game MVP

JT Toppin poured in 31 points with 13 rebounds as No. 16 Texas Tech knocked off top-ranked Arizon...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110546" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110546">JT Toppin</a> poured in 31 points with 13 rebounds as No. 16 Texas Tech knocked off top-ranked Arizona 78-75 in overtime in Tucson on Saturday.</p><p>Toppin is the only player to put up at least 30 points and 10 rebounds with zero turnovers against a top-ranked team in at least 20 years, according to <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/2022856102212182498?s=20">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On a different level 🌟<br>📊 31 PTS | 13 REB | 13-22 FG<br><br>JT Toppin Highlights vs. #1 Arizona 🎥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12MBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Big12MBB</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasTechMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TexasTechMBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/gYiZxT8wEO">pic.twitter.com/gYiZxT8wEO</a></p>— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) <a href="https://twitter.com/big12studios/status/2022861105903632727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Toppin also joins former North Carolina forward Luke Maye as the only players to put up 30 and 10 in a road victory over a No. 1 team. Maye scored 30 points with 15 rebounds in a February 2019 win over rival Duke.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Saturday's win is the Red Raiders' fourth of the year against a ranked opponent. Grant McCasland's squad has also picked up victories against BYU (then No. 11), Houston (No. 6), and Duke (No. 3).</p><p>The program had not beaten a No. 1 team since a 65-62 win over Baylor in January 2022. Texas Tech's last matchup against a top-ranked squad ended in a 30-point blowout loss to Purdue on Nov. 21.</p><p>Sophomore guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121850" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121850">Christian Anderson</a> added 19 with eight assists and six rebounds for Texas Tech. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103625" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103625">Donovan Atwell</a> was the only other Red Raider to finish in double digits (11 points).</p><p>It's the second straight defeat for Arizona, which had its perfect 23-game start to the season halted by Kansas on Monday.</p><p>The Wildcats played Saturday's entire second half and overtime period without second-leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172118" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172118">Koa Peat</a> after the forward suffered a lower-body injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172119" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172119">Brayden Burries</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103001" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103001">Tobe Awaka</a> scored 16 apiece for Tommy Lloyd's side, with Awaka contributing 12 rebounds off the bench. Starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110423" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110423">Motiejus Krivas</a> also had a double-double for Arizona with 10 points and 11 boards.</p>

TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 14: JT Toppin #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates as time expires in overtime to defeat the Arizona Wildcats 78-75 at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena on February 14, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona.

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Texas Tech takes down top-ranked Arizona in OT

Miami Heat wing Keshad Johnson won the 2026 Slam Dunk contest, defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie...

<p>Miami Heat wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121718" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121718">Keshad Johnson</a> won the 2026 Slam Dunk contest, defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171819" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171819">Carter Bryant</a> in the final.</p><p>Johnson scored a combined 97.4 points with his two dunks in the final round, concluding with a monster one-handed windmill for 47.8 points.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RUNNING WINDMILL JAM FOR THE WIN!<br><br>Keshad Johnson is your 2026 <a href="https://twitter.com/ATT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATT</a> Slam Dunk Champion 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/jAhyHzesvr">pic.twitter.com/jAhyHzesvr</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2022835829203169458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bryant put up the night's only 50-point dunk with his first attempt of the final, a through-the-legs cram off a self-assisted bounce pass in which he nearly went eye-level with the rim.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">5️⃣ 0️⃣!!! <a href="https://t.co/0wFX02vfew">pic.twitter.com/0wFX02vfew</a></p>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/2022834418851905881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>However, needing a 48 or better to hold off Johnson for the Slam Dunk crown, Bryant struggled to convert his second attempt, forcing him to resort to a simple two-handed throwdown for 43 points before his allotted time expired. He finished with a combined score of 93 in Round 2 after leading the Round 1 field with 94.8 points.</p><p>Johnson impressed out of the gate with his first slam. The second-year Heat forward easily jumped over rapper E-40 while posing with one hand behind his head as he dunked it with the other.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keshad Johnson over E-40 at <a href="https://twitter.com/ATT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATT</a> Slam Dunk 😳<br><br>Tap to watch: <a href="https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC">https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC</a> <a href="https://t.co/zGQfU8kDdR">pic.twitter.com/zGQfU8kDdR</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2022828000140517544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Orlando Magic guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171810">Jase Richardson</a> and Los Angeles Lakers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a> also competed in Saturday's competition. Richardson had a scary moment during his second dunk attempt when the ball got caught on the side of the backboard, causing him to fall hard on his back.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oh my goodness, what a horrible fall <a href="https://t.co/HHM0r2kUj4">pic.twitter.com/HHM0r2kUj4</a></p>— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletClubIta/status/2022829839128957090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 20-year-old recovered but finished Round 1 with the lowest combined score of all four competitors at 88.8.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Keshad Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat dunks the ball during the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 14, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Heat's Johnson holds off Spurs' Bryant to win Slam Dunk contest

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, who has not played this season while recovering from ...

<p>Portland Trail Blazers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a>, who has not played this season while recovering from a torn Achilles, defeated fellow finalists <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171826" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171826">Kon Knueppel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> to claim the NBA's 3-Point Contest on Saturday.</p><p>Lillard put up a final-round score of 30 to win the event for the third time in his career. He joins Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to accomplish the feat.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dame knows.<br><br>3-TIME <a href="https://twitter.com/StateFarm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateFarm</a> NBA 3-POINT CONTEST CHAMP! <a href="https://t.co/tPr5P06lbU">https://t.co/tPr5P06lbU</a> <a href="https://t.co/fVfCUuRjTM">pic.twitter.com/fVfCUuRjTM</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2022808953395253391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Knueppel opened Round 2 with a 17-point showing. Booker had a chance to match Lillard's score but missed what would've been a tying shot off the front of the rim.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I was praying on his downfall," Lillard told NBC's Zora Stephenson when asked about Booker's hot start.</p><p>Lillard's first-round score of 27 matched Knueppel's and was behind only Booker (30) in the opening phase. The trio eliminated four All-Stars in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> in Round 1, as well as Milwaukee Bucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a>, who posted the lowest score of any competitor.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>1st Round</th>
<th>Final</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kon Knueppel</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Portis</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"It means a lot," Lillard said about winning the event despite not playing this season, according to reporter <a href="https://x.com/MarkG_Medina/status/2022812487742296451">Mark Medina</a>.</p><p>"Being able to get involved in some competition, feel a little bit of pressure, to do something I haven't been able to do all year. But just as a shooter, anytime you can get in this competition and win it amongst other great shooters, I think that's one of the greatest honors you can have as a shooter in this league. And then to get my third and kind of join a different group was special, too."</p><p>The 35-year-old has now won three of the last four 3-Point Contests. He missed out on the final round in 2025 by a single point to Miami Heat guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a>, who went on to win that edition of the event.</p><p>Lillard is not expected to suit up this season for the Blazers, who reacquired the franchise icon as a free agent last summer after the Bucks waived him. However, the nine-time All-Star suggested his Achilles recovery is proceeding as planned and said he intends to patiently work his way back into real action.</p><p>"I'm at the stage where I'm testing it," Lillard said Saturday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MarkG_Medina/status/2022815176001794207">Medina</a>.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers receives the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Champion award during the State Farm 3-Point Contest as part of the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Injured Lillard tops Knueppel, Booker to win 3-Point Contest

NBA All-Star Weekend got underway with Friday's Rising Stars game. Here's everything you need to ...

<p><em>NBA All-Star Weekend got underway with Friday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3476235" href="https://thescore.com/news/3476235">Rising Stars game</a>. Here's everything you need to know about the remaining events as the Los Angeles Clippers host the 2026 festivities at the Intuit Dome.</em></p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnba-all-star&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3451220">Check out All-Star Weekend events and odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h2>Saturday, Feb. 14</h2><p><strong>When: </strong>5 p.m. ET<br><strong>How to watch:</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Channel</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>TSN5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>NBC/Peacock</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>3-Point Contest</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821806/cropped_GettyImages-1247278128.jpg?ts=1770927711" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821806/w220xh124_GettyImages-1247278128.jpg?ts=1770927711 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821806/w320xh180_GettyImages-1247278128.jpg?ts=1770927711 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821806/w640xh360_GettyImages-1247278128.jpg?ts=1770927711 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821806/w768xh432_GettyImages-1247278128.jpg?ts=1770927711 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821806/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1247278128.jpg?ts=1770927711 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>In a minor tweak to All-Star Saturday, the 3-Point Contest will open this year's festivities. The Skills Challenge used to be Saturday's curtain-raiser, though it's conspicuously absent from the 2026 itinerary after Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama hilariously tried to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKli3A1EVMA">skirt</a> a few rules in last year's event. More on its replacement below.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The eight-man field for this 3-Point Contest boasts multiple players shooting better than 40% this season. However, the most intriguing entrant has yet to hit a three (or any shot): Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, who isn't expected to play at all in 2025-26 while recovering from a torn Achilles, will attempt to claim his third title in the event since 2023.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>3P%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Portis Jr.</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>45.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kon Knueppel</td>
<td>Hornets</td>
<td>42.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>42.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>39.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>Sixers</td>
<td>37.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>37.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>31.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>Blazers</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Shooting Stars competition</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821813/cropped_GettyImages-2255094886.jpg?ts=1770928316" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821813/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255094886.jpg?ts=1770928316 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821813/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255094886.jpg?ts=1770928316 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821813/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255094886.jpg?ts=1770928316 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821813/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255094886.jpg?ts=1770928316 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255094886.jpg?ts=1770928316 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>With the Skills Challenge on ice, the NBA is bringing back the Shooting Stars competition for the first time since 2015. It will feature four teams comprised of two stars and one "legend" each. All four teams have a theme, including one that includes five-time NBA champ Ron Harper Sr. and his two sons, Dylan and Ron Jr.</p><p>All three players on each team must make a shot from seven marked spots on the floor in 70 seconds. Once all three players have converted from the first location (a layup or dunk), the team can move to the second shot (an 18-footer from the right baseline). Shots are worth between two and four points based on range, and the two teams with the best score move on to the final round.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team All-Star</th>
<th>Team Knicks</th>
<th>Team Cameron</th>
<th>Team Harper</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Barnes (Raptors)</td>
<td>Jalen Brunson (Knicks)</td>
<td>Kon Knueppel (Hornets)</td>
<td>Dylan Harper (Spurs)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren (Thunder)</td>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)</td>
<td>Jalen Johnson (Hawks)</td>
<td>Ron Harper Jr. (Celtics)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Richard Hamilton (Legend)</td>
<td>Allan Houston (Legend)</td>
<td>Corey Maggette (Legend)</td>
<td>Ron Harper Sr. (Legend)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Slam Dunk contest</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821808/cropped_GettyImages-2248653360.jpg?ts=1770928146" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821808/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248653360.jpg?ts=1770928146 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821808/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248653360.jpg?ts=1770928146 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821808/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248653360.jpg?ts=1770928146 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821808/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248653360.jpg?ts=1770928146 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821808/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248653360.jpg?ts=1770928146 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There will be a new Slam Dunk champion for the first time in four years Saturday after three-peat winner Mac McClung chose not to compete for a fourth straight crown. Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes will be the only 7-footer in the event and the only participant with more than two seasons of NBA experience. However, Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson, the shortest of the 2026 contestants, could have some surprises in store as the son of two-time dunk champ Jason Richardson.</p><p>Each player will be scored on two dunks apiece in Round 1, and the two with the best combined score will advance to the championship round. Both finalists will again attempt two dunks each. The player with the highest combined score in the final wins the event.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Height</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jaxson Hayes</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>7-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keshad Johnson</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carter Bryant</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jase Richardson</td>
<td>Magic</td>
<td>6-1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h2>Sunday, Feb. 15</h2><h3>All-Star Game</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821819/cropped_GettyImages-2201223523.jpg?ts=1770929189" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821819/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201223523.jpg?ts=1770929189 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821819/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201223523.jpg?ts=1770929189 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821819/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201223523.jpg?ts=1770929189 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821819/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201223523.jpg?ts=1770929189 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821819/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201223523.jpg?ts=1770929189 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>5 p.m. ET<br><strong>How to watch:</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Channel</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Sportsnet</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>NBC/Peacock</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>For the first time, the NBA All-Star Game will be an international, multi-contest affair between two teams of Americans and a third team consisting of the league's top international players. The three squads will play a total of four 12-minute games Sunday evening, though only the two teams with the best records will advance to the final in Game 4.</p><p>If all three teams are 1-1 after Game 3, then the team with the worst point differential will be eliminated.</p><p>The schedule breaks down as follows:</p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Game 1: </strong>USA Stars vs. World</li>
<li>
<strong>Game 2: </strong>USA Stripes vs. Winner of Game 1</li>
<li>
<strong>Game 3: </strong>USA Stripes vs. Loser of Game 1</li>
<li>
<strong>Game 4:</strong> Final</li>
</ul><p><strong>USA Stars</strong></p><p>Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is in charge of a team made up of some of the league's emerging stars, including three first-time selections: Jalen Johnson, Chet Holmgren, and Pistons center Jalen Duren.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Devin Booker</td>
<td>Suns</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Maxey</td>
<td>Sixers</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>T-Wolves</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Barnes</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Johnson</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chet Holmgren</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Duren</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>USA Stripes</strong></p><p>San Antonio Spurs bench boss Mitch Johnson will lead a veteran group of All-Stars that includes Kawhi Leonard, who was added to the reserves after Karl-Anthony Towns was moved to Team World. Johnson will also get to coach his own player in De'Aaron Fox. The Spurs guard joined USA Stripes after Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out for the international side and Jamaican international Norman Powell was flipped to the World roster.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steph Curry*</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Brown</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kawhi Leonard</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Ingram¹</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>De'Aaron Fox²</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Injured and will not play<br>¹ Injury replacement for Curry</em><br>²<em> Injury replacement for Antetokounmpo</em></p><p><strong>Team World</strong></p><p>Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic will be at the helm of a stacked international squad featuring three MVPs and a trio of first-timers in Powell, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, and Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>ASG nods</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander* 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo* 🇬🇷</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luka Doncic 🇸🇮</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pascal Siakam 🇨🇲</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija 🇮🇱</td>
<td>Blazers</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns 🇩🇴</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama 🇫🇷</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic 🇷🇸</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell 🇯🇲</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alperen Sengun¹ 🇹🇷 </td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* Injured and will not play<br>¹ Injury replacement for Gilgeous-Alexander</em></p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: An unclose detailed shot of the seating during the Rising Stars Practice and Media Availability as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Everything you need to know about 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102789">Jeremy Sochan</a> will sign with the New York Knicks once the former San Antonio Spurs forward clears waivers, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2022027547203322294">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Sochan, whom the Spurs cut Wednesday, will sign with New York for the rest of the season, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2022027635719803288">Charania</a>.</p><p>The former ninth overall pick chose the Knicks after receiving interest from 10 teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sochan averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 212 games over three-and-a-half years in San Antonio but had fallen out of the rotation entirely this season. He didn't see the floor in 19 of his last 31 games with the Spurs and played just 7.5 minutes on average during that span.</p><p>San Antonio reportedly attempted to find a new home for Sochan at the trade deadline before deciding to release the 22-year-old.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks against the New York Knicks in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 19, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Sochan to join Knicks after clearing waivers

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo won't participate in Sunday's All-Star Game as he reco...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> won't participate in Sunday's All-Star Game as he recovers from a calf strain, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Antetokounmpo has missed Milwaukee's last eight games and remains without an official timetable for return.</p><p>San Antonio Spurs guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> was named Antetokounmpo's injury replacement for the contest, marking the second All-Star selection of his career. Fox will join the USA Stripes squad, while Miami Heat guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a>, who represents Jamaica in international competition, will take Antetokounmpo's place on the World roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Bucks said Antetokounmpo will be in Los Angeles to support his teammates on Team World in Sunday's mini-tournament. The international squad is still well-equipped with several healthy MVP-caliber All-Stars, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>.</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 11: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on prior to a game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on February 11, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

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Giannis out of ASG due to calf strain, Fox named replacement

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Jonathan Soveta

News Editor

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