Where were you when you found out about Saturday's blockbuster three-team trade involving Luka Do...

<p>Where were you when you found out about Saturday's blockbuster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207384" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207384">three-team trade</a> involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis?</p><p>For some NBA players, they were on the bench during an ongoing game.</p><p>News of the trade broke during garbage time of the Portland Trail Blazers' 127-108 home victory over the Phoenix Suns, and Devin Booker said postgame that he and some teammates were told of the trade from a fan seated near the bench.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"They said, 'Luka.' I said, ‘Luka Garza?'", Booker <a href="https://apnews.com/article/luka-doncic-anthony-davis-lakers-mavericks-trade-7c8064be5c8e941489f14500fa43f5e7?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=share">told</a> the Associated Press.</p><p>No, not the Minnesota Timberwolves' big man. The other Luka.</p><p>Booker added: "It’s crazy, man. I really don’t know what to say about it. Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again. Can’t predict. It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So don’t think you’re safer than you are."</p><p>Video surfaced of what appears to be Booker and his teammates reacting to reports of the trade.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/protectedpick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@protectedpick</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/scooperhoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scooperhoops</a> the moment Book heard about the Luka trade <a href="https://t.co/LOGskNkXF3">pic.twitter.com/LOGskNkXF3</a></p>— Mikey Duran (@mikeyduran) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikeyduran/status/1885924190001455492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There was also video of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal apparently reacting to the trade on the bench.</p><p>"Insane. It’s crazy. Crazy. Damn, would have never thought Luka Doncic would get traded," Durant told the Associated Press. "At his age, midseason, the NBA is a wild place, man. If he can get traded then anybody is up for grabs."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KD and Beal’s reaction to the Luka trade 😭 <a href="https://t.co/ALqUGLvIBI">pic.twitter.com/ALqUGLvIBI</a></p>— A ✩ (@adryanashton) <a href="https://twitter.com/adryanashton/status/1885944969808011574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Booker and Durant weren't alone in their reactions to the reported trade. Many NBA players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207400" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207400">shared opinions</a> on social media.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 128-114.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30085587/related

Suns react to Luka-AD swap during game

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue retained all of his titles with a fourth-round...

<p>Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue retained all of his titles with a fourth-round knockout win over Ye Joon Kim in Tokyo on Friday.</p><p>Kim 21-3-2 (13 KOs) waved Inoue forward after getting tagged with a left hook in the fourth round. Inoue obliged with a speedy two-punch combo to send Kim to the canvas.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That finish in slow motion.<a href="https://twitter.com/naoyainoue_410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NaoyaInoue_410</a> really is one of one 👹 <a href="https://t.co/sq2YpghubA">pic.twitter.com/sq2YpghubA</a></p>— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) <a href="https://twitter.com/trboxing/status/1882756013193056663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The referee promptly waved off the full ten count, and Inoue 29-0 (26 KOs) successfully defended his WBC, IBF, WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine titles at 122 lbs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The fight started slow before "The Monster" caught Kim with a series of rights in front of a partisan crowd at Ariake Arena. Kim responded with some combinations of his own in the third round before Inoue took several shots to Kim's head and body courtesy of his dangerous right hand.</p><p>Inoue would then seal the deal in the fourth round.</p><p>Oh, and his prefight walkout was pretty cool too. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS INOUE WALKOUT. UNREAL. <br><br>👑 <a href="https://twitter.com/naoyainoue_410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NaoyaInoue_410</a> | LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3HgL35nop">pic.twitter.com/B3HgL35nop</a></p>— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) <a href="https://twitter.com/trboxing/status/1882748841570820248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I am so happy to see loads of people in the arena," Inoue said postfight, according to <a href="https://boxingnewsonline.net/naoya-inoue-punishes-a-brave-ye-joon-kim-to-retain-his-undisputed-crown/">Oscar Pick of Boxing News Online</a>. "I feel lots of love from everyone.</p><p>"Kim, thank you so much for fighting me tonight. I didn’t have enough time to study my opponent, so I just took some time to see what was coming from him."</p><p>Inoue added: "I am pretty sure that 2025 will be a big year for me."</p><p>Kim took the fight with under two weeks' notice after Sam Goodman suffered multiple lacerations in training. The bout between Inoue and Goodman, who is undefeated according to all four governing bodies, was originally scheduled for Dec. 24.</p><p>Following the fight, Top Rank chief Bob Arum confirmed that Inoue will headline a show in Las Vegas this spring. The date has yet to be finalized.</p>

Japan's Naoya Inoue (L) fights against South Korea's Kim Ye-joon during their world super-bantamweight title boxing bout in Tokyo on January 24, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29961672/related

Inoue KOs Kim to retain undisputed crowns

The All-Star Game is quickly becoming an event that shines a spotlight on the NBA's best up-and-c...

<p>The All-Star Game is quickly becoming an event that shines a spotlight on the NBA's best up-and-coming talent.</p><p>No fewer than four players made their All-Star Game debuts in each of the last 11 midseason showcases, including the 2020 edition in which 10 players featured for the first time.</p><p>A year after Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Scottie Barnes, and Paolo Banchero earned their spots as first-time selections, we're taking a look at eight players who are deserving of a maiden All-Star nod for the Feb. 16 event in San Francisco.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WEMBANYAMA" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3koDj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3koDj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>47.3</td>
<td>35.4</td>
<td>84.5</td>
<td>10.8</td>
<td>3.7</td>
<td>24.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This one is as obvious as they come. Defensive Player of the Year front-runner Wembanyama has improved in nearly every category after a historic rookie campaign, including efficiency, where the Frenchman is seventh in the league at <strong> </strong>24.4 behind the likes of Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 19-22 Spurs are also exponentially better with him on the court (plus-3.7) than they are when he sits (minus-9.8).</p><p>The 21-year-old is currently top 15 in the NBA in scoring and rebounds, and his 4 blocked shots per game are 1.5 more than the next-closest competitor. Wembanyama can become just the sixth player in NBA history to average 25 points, 10 boards, three blocks, and three assists per game, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Patrick Ewing.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="J-DUB" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mAioK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAioK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td>47.5</td>
<td>33.8</td>
<td>78.1</td>
<td>5.7</td>
<td>5.2</td>
<td>20.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The West's All-Star roster is likely to be stacked with holdovers from last year, leaving little room for newcomers. But it would be irresponsible not to have a second Thunder standout join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in San Francisco, and this Thunder team is a force at both ends because of Williams, a superstar in the making.</p><p>Williams is one of six players averaging at least 20 points, five boards, five assists and 1.5 steals per game this season, and he's been an adaptable cure-all for a team that's played large portions of the campaign without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. In the absence of a rim-protecting big, 6-foot-6 J-Dub has assumed the role of frontcourt stopper's for the league's best defense and is fifth in the NBA with 3.6 deflections per game. Out with the old, in with the new.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MOBLEY (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Uy68a" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Uy68a/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>42</td>
<td>48.9</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>71.4</td>
<td>10.5</td>
<td>5.1</td>
<td>19.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The second-place Rockets merit a representative. And who better than Sengun to become the first player since James Harden and Russell Westbrook (2019-20) to represent Houston? Jalen Green is the Rockets' leading scorer (21.5), but Sengun is the central focus of an offense that has somewhat surprisingly vaulted into the top 10 in offensive rating (113.9).</p><p>Sengun's rebounding, assist, and block returns are up this season, and he's averaging a combined 4.9 steals, blocks, and deflections per game. The Rockets own the league's fourth-best defensive rating (107.7), and it's largely because of him. Few big men in the league have the same impact on winning as Sengun, and for that, he deserves a spot in the All-Star Game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="POWELL" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0Ycdm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0Ycdm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>44.1</td>
<td>83.2</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>2.2</td>
<td>23.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Clippers sit fifth in the Western Conference despite Kawhi Leonard missing a significant portion of the season. Powell is a big reason why. Once considered merely a defensive spark plug off the bench, Powell moved into Ty Lue's starting five this season and has emerged as an efficient point of attack.</p><p>His 23.7 points per game mark the highest average of his 10-year career, and he's been lights out from the perimeter, shooting 44.1% from deep on eight attempts per game - both career highs. It might be a bit of a stretch to get Powell to All-Star Weekend in a talent-rich West, but he deserves to be there.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="CUNNINGHAM" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GEIVh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GEIVh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td>45.3</td>
<td>37.3</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>9.3</td>
<td>24.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Like Wembanyama, Cunningham should be a lock for a maiden All-Star appearance. And like Wembanyama, the Pistons talisman is a first overall pick meeting lofty expectations. He's just doing so a little later than expected due to injuries and Monty Williams' turbulent spell in the Motor City.</p><p>Cunningham is enjoying career bests in nearly every statistical category and has led the Pistons to a 22-21 record that's already eclipsed their win total in four of the last five seasons. He's all but certain to snap the league's longest All-Star drought (the franchise's last representative was Blake Griffin in 2019).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MOBLEY" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Bq6Hy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bq6Hy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>38</td>
<td>57.3</td>
<td>42.1</td>
<td>77.4</td>
<td>8.8</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>18.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It's fair to assume the Cavaliers will send Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to the All-Star Game, but Mobley also deserves to be there. The fourth-year big has emerged as one of the league's best two-way talents. He was already an elite defender, and he's top 10 in blocks and contested shots, but he's now also blossoming into a star at the other end.</p><p>Once a head-fake savant, the 23-year-old is taking on more of the offensive load under Kenny Atkinson. He's posting a career high in points with significant upticks in both usage and efficiency - two metrics that often conflict - and should be a lock for a reserve frontcourt spot with perennial All-Stars Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo out of the picture.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WEMBANYAMA (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-t9ZNb" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/t9ZNb/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td>47.8</td>
<td>40.7</td>
<td>86.6</td>
<td>5.7</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The usually anchored Heat are lost at sea this season, largely due to Jimmy Butler's unsurprisingly mercenary approach to his tenure in South Beach. But things would be much worse without Herro's career-defining campaign, especially considering how atrocious Adebayo has been at the offensive end.</p><p>Herro is picking up the slack with career bests in points, field-goal percentage, and 3-point percentage, and his efficiency is the result of improved shot selection. Herro is taking fewer midrange shots and more from beyond the arc (a career-high 9.6 attempts per game). The Heat are also far better on offense with Herro on the floor versus when he sits (113.9 ORTG compared to 103.9). Not bad for a player who Pat Riley <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article298490363.html">labeled</a> as "fragile" last season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WHITE" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Jzn1j" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Jzn1j/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td>43.6</td>
<td>37.1</td>
<td>82.9</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>4.1</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A year removed from getting some All-Star recognition amid the Celtics' 64-win season, White could again be on the cusp in a weakened East, especially if injury replacements are required. White's case might not be as strong this year considering the Celtics are behind the Cavs, but there's still an argument he deserves to be there.</p><p>White is posting a career best in points and is eighth in the league in total 3-pointers made for a team that relies heavily on perimeter threats. He's shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc, an impressive percentage considering he attempts nine per game. He's also shooting an astounding 62.5% from the field in the <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/clutch-traditional?CF=PLAYER_NAME*E*Derrick%20Whi&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=FG_PCT">clutch</a> and leads all guards with 52 blocks, numbers that cement his value as an elite two-way contributor.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29937096/related

Making the case for 8 potential 1st-time All-Stars

For Gael Monfils, age is but a number.  Monfils is off to the round of 16 at the Australian Open ...

<p>For Gael Monfils, age is but a number.</p><p>Monfils is off to the round of 16 at the Australian Open courtesy of a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4 upset victory over fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz.</p><p>The 38-year-old Frenchman will look to progress to the quarterfinals in Melbourne for the third time in his career, his joint-best finish in the previous 18 times he's competed at the tournament.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Monfils next faces Ben Shelton, who defeated Lorenzo Mussetti 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) later Saturday.</p><p>After dropping the first set, Monfils stormed back to take the second before snatching a one-set advantage on the 27-year-old American thanks to a one-sided tiebreaker. </p><p>Monfils' diverse shot selection and robust serve were the difference, and that carried over to the fourth and final set. Monfils broke Fritz's serve to take a 5-4 lead before finishing off his opponent on his next service game to the delight of those in attendance at the Margaret Court Arena.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/Gael_Monfils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gael_Monfils</a> electrifies MCA and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2025</a>, eliminating no.4 seed Taylor Fritz.<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/atTcDY8tBQ">pic.twitter.com/atTcDY8tBQ</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1880501181077762472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It was vintage performance from Monfils, who paired 58 winners with 24 aces, including one to close out the match. He also won 82% of his first serves.</p><p>The result was Monfils' first win over a top-5 player at a major since 2008 and just his second against a top-5 player at a Grand Slam in 14 attempts: He beat David Ferrer at the French Open 17 years ago.</p><p>Despite never advancing beyond the semifinals at a Grand Slam, Monfils has been one of the most consistent players on the men's side. He's reached at least one ATP Tour singles final every year for 19 consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2023, and he is one of just five players in the Open Era to accomplish the feat in 19 or more seasons.</p><p>Earlier in January, Monfils won the ASB Classic in Auckland to surpass Roger Federer as the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title since the tour was established in 1990.</p><p>Monfils' wife, Elina Svitolina, was set to face the fourth seed in the women's draw, Jasmine Paolini, on the same court next. "I think I warmed up the court for her," Monfils said after the victory over Fritz.</p>

MELBOURNE, VIC - JANUARY 18: Gael Monfils of France in action during Round 3 of the 2025 Australian Open on January 18 2025, at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.

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Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.  When news broke Friday that Japanese sensation Roki Sasa...

<p>Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.</p><p>When news broke Friday that Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki opted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, social media immediately turned its attention to the lowly Toronto Blue Jays. Reported finalists for Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto's services, the franchise had again missed out on a prized signing.</p><p>Blue Jays fans were, however, handed a consolation prize earlier Friday when the organization acquired outfielder Myles Straw and international bonus pool space from the Cleveland Guardians. The swap notably gave Toronto more international pool money than either the Dodgers or fellow finalists the San Diego Padres could offer Sasaki.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Toronto Blue Jays lead all of baseball in silver medals, losing out to the Dodgers once again</p>— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/1880393412614234145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">honestly the jays could hoist a “finalist for ohtani, soto, burnes, &amp; sasaki” banner and it’d still be less embarrassing than the one they put up for making the wild-card round as a *7 seed* in a 60-game season</p>— Joe Wolfond (@joey_doubleyou) <a href="https://twitter.com/joey_doubleyou/status/1880393916765335905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays fans deserve better than this. So many exhausting near-misses &amp; the resulting team just isn’t good enough.</p>— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1880394841881993423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Blue Jays after another offseason in which they did next to nothing but came close to signing a lot of good players <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJaysInterested?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJaysInterested</a> <a href="https://t.co/C46bJloRqS">pic.twitter.com/C46bJloRqS</a></p>— Alex Chippin (@Chippin_13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chippin_13/status/1880393022246203423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Outside of money there really wasn’t a single thing in the Blue Jays favor when it came to signing Roki Sasaki <br><br>And if one thing was very clear was that money was not a big motivating factor for him considering he left MILLIONS on the table to post early in the first place</p>— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Kurland/status/1880401612503675007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So, I swung and missed on Roki Sasaki, as did the Blue Jays, who should invite Glenn Close to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day. She holds the record for most Oscar nominations without a win (8). The Jays and Glenn Close (as in CLOSE). Every time.</p>— Dave Hodge (@davehodge20) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehodge20/status/1880404237626262010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Roki Sasaki just became the Kevin Durant of baseball without throwing an MLB pitch, quite impressive</p>— Dalton Feely (@dfeely14) <a href="https://twitter.com/dfeely14/status/1880400014478045586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maybe if Schneider could play the bongos Sasaki would’ve chose us <a href="https://t.co/AmIoWrUXT5">pic.twitter.com/AmIoWrUXT5</a></p>— Daulton Varsho Fan (@JaysFan21) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaysFan21/status/1880404185923088665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Roki Sasaki: I'm signing with the Dodgers<br><br>Blue Jays fans: <a href="https://t.co/AGVTlCQ6wz">pic.twitter.com/AGVTlCQ6wz</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1880399942034026766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m sorry, Toronto.</p>— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1880395341801107577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wouldn’t mind this as much if not for paying to take on Myles Straw’s contract.<br><br>If he’s a free agent right now, what’s he getting 2-3 mil maybe on a 1-year deal? Instead you’ve got him for 2 and it counts against the CBT. Rough</p>— Josh Goldberg (@JGoldberg12) <a href="https://twitter.com/JGoldberg12/status/1880399343401972035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Designated for assignment by Cleveland in March 2024, newest Blue Jays acquisition Myles Straw is currently slated to be the team's 7th highest-paid player in 2026 ($7.4 million)</p>— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNstats/status/1880401188778279144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Honestly, did we really think Sasaki was signing with the Blue Jays?<br><br>Hey, at least we got another guy in Myles Straw to OPS under .600.</p>— Dave Worlin (@daveworlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/daveworlin/status/1880392976377213350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Myles Straw <a href="https://t.co/u3ICbVFh7M">pic.twitter.com/u3ICbVFh7M</a></p>— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenjnesbitt/status/1880395532507689164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: A close up view of a Toronto Blue Jays bird logo on a batting helmet on the infield dirt with natural turf grass during the Toronto Blue Jays versus Baltimore Orioles MLB game at Orioles Park at Camden Yards on Aug 23, 2023 in Baltimore, MD.

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Fifth-ranked Chinese star Zheng Qinwen was sent packing early at the Australian Open with a 7-6 (...

<p>Fifth-ranked Chinese star Zheng Qinwen was sent packing early at the Australian Open with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 second-round defeat to Germany's Laura Siegemund.</p><p>The 2024 Olympic champion progressed to last year's final in Melbourne - her best finish in a Grand Slam tournament - before losing to two-time winner Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2.</p><p>Zheng was also eliminated in the second round of the Aussie Open in 2022 and 2023. The 22-year-old did not play at the Brisbane Open, a warmup tournament, like many of her peers did.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Laura Siegemund, what have you done 😍👏<br><br>The world no. 97 has caused an upset at the John Cain Arena defeating last year's finalist and fifth seed Qinwen in straight sets 7-6 (3) 6-3 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/Txmr4dylyj">pic.twitter.com/Txmr4dylyj</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1879356244604944712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After the first set was determined by a tiebreaker, Zheng battled back from an early break in the second set to halve Siegemund's advantage at 2-1. The German veteran then broke her opponent once again after Zheng received a code violation for taking too long with her first serve.</p><p>That appeared to rattle Zheng, who framed the ensuing serve for a double fault and a second break point conceded in the set, gifting Siegemund the advantage again.</p><p>The victory was Siegemund's first against a top-10-ranked player in a major tournament after suffering defeat in her first seven attempts. The 36-year-old entered the tournament ranked 97th in the world.</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Qinwen Zheng of China plays a forehand against Laura Siegemund of Germany in the Women's Singles Second Round match during day four of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.

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<p>The Orlando Magic expect star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> to return from a torn oblique this week, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1877057191011553465">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Banchero will return to the lineup for either Thursday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Friday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks, Charania adds.</p><p>Banchero hasn't played since Oct. 30, missing the Magic's last 33 games after suffering an oblique injury in the fourth quarter of a defeat to the Chicago Bulls.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 22-year-old has appeared in only five games this season following a breakout 2023-24 campaign that resulted in a maiden All-Star selection.</p><p>Banchero's long-term absence was one of many key injuries for a Magic side that's also currently without Franz Wagner, who tore his oblique as well. Franz's brother, Moritz, will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in mid-December.</p><p>Banchero was averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in five games this season, including a 50-point display against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 28.</p><p>Despite the injuries to Banchero and Wagner, the Magic boast a 22-16 record ahead of Thursday's visit from the T-Wolves. They're currently fourth in the Eastern Conference.</p>

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 26: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on December 26, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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<p>The Milwaukee Bucks informed three-time All-Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> that they're removing him from the starting lineup, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1877030946139934843?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>.</p><p>Veteran forward Taurean Prince will start in Middleton place for Wednesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs, Haynes adds.</p><p>Bucks coach Doc Rivers approached Middleton on Sunday ahead of Monday's road game against the Toronto Raptors to tell him about the starting lineup change, Haynes reports. Middleton didn't play in the 128-104 victory due to an ankle injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rivers is reportedly making the switch to find continuity among the starting five while managing Middleton's minutes as he recovers from ankle tendinitis.</p><p>Middleton has appeared in only 12 games this season - five off the bench - after undergoing surgery on both ankles in the offseason.</p><p>The 33-year-old is in his 13th NBA season, with the last 12 of those as part of the Bucks. The Texas A&amp;M product was a key contributor to the 2021 championship-winning side and earned All-Star nods in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Middleton also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.</p><p>Middleton is available for Wednesday's home game against the Spurs.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 04: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles up court during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum on January 04, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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<p>Phoenix Suns guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a>'s agent says he's had no conversations regarding the star waiving his no-trade clause ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.</p><p>"There have been no discussions about trades with the Suns or any other team," Mark Bartelstein, Beal's agent, told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43332318/bradley-beal-agent-talked-waiving-no-trade-leave-suns">ESPN's Brian Windhorst</a>. "Bradley's total focus is on helping the Suns turn things around."</p><p>Phoenix didn't include Beal in the team's starting five for Monday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers and Tuesday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, sparking reports of a potential exit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Beal <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3182114" href="https://thescore.com/news/3182114">echoed</a> his agent's comments about his commitment to the Suns after Monday's contest, saying: "I'm not going to sit there and argue with (coach Mike Budenholzer). I'm not going to sit here and be a distraction. I'm not going to sit here and be an asshole."</p><p>But Bartelstein didn't completely rule out the possibility of a Beal trade if a "perfect" situation emerged, according to Windhorst.</p><p>The 31-year-old is in the third year of a five-year, $251-million contract, making a potential trade difficult. Reports indicate that Beal could be part of a swap for disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, with Phoenix apparently a preferred destination for Butler.</p><p>Since the Suns are a second-apron organization due to its $216-million payroll, Phoenix would have to include Beal in any trade for Butler. There's no indication the Heat have any interest in Beal.</p><p>Beal struggled off the bench in Tuesday's 115-104 road loss, scoring 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting in 31 minutes. The Suns have lost eight of their last 10 contests and sit 12th in the Western Conference.</p><p>Beal and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James are the only NBA players with no-trade clauses in their contracts.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 06: Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> appeared in his first game of the season in Saturday's 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Clippers forward says playing for the first time in 253 days was the "easy part."</p><p>"[There] was nothing hard about playing tonight," Leonard told reporters, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43292628/clippers-leonard-12-debut-calls-playing-easy-part">ESPN's Baxter Holmes</a>.</p><p>The two-time NBA Finals MVP posted 12 points in 19 minutes after missing the opening 34 games of the campaign and the preseason because of inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Leonard last played in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series versus the Dallas Mavericks in April.</p><p>"We did the right steps to get me to this point, and playing basketball was the easy part of it. This is what I love to do. The hard part is not playing and having to rehab and not competing with my teammates," Leonard added.</p><p>Leonard was 4-of-11 from the floor and 3-of-5 from deep along with three assists, a rebound, and a steal. Norm Powell's 20 points led the Clippers, who had eight players score in double figures.</p><p>"I took the shots that I got," Leonard said. "We're still easing me into the game. We're on nobody's, I guess, timetable. Anybody watching that wants me to score 20, 30 points or be aggressive, we are not on no one's time frame."</p><p>The 33-year-old Los Angeles native received a warm reception in his first game at the Clippers' $2-billion Intuit Dome. Leonard played just 3:36 in the second half as coach Ty Lue adhered to a minutes restriction.</p><p>"You see with his presence on the floor, it makes it a lot easier for everybody else," Lue told Holmes. "And so it was good to have him. Now he's got to continue to keep building off of it."</p><p>Lue continued, "He's cleared to play. Just like I said, we're treating this as a preseason for him so he gets his legs up under him. Make sure to come out of the game tonight feeling good. And our goal is just to keep progressing every game, and so tonight was a good start."</p><p>Leonard's knee injury was the latest in a string of setbacks since he joined the Clippers as a free agent in July 2019 after guiding the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title.</p><p>He has appeared in 257 regular-season and playoff games and missed 210 contests, according to ESPN. Leonard was sidelined because of a partially torn ACL in his right knee suffered in Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz. That was followed by a torn meniscus in the same knee sustained in the 2023 first-round playoff series versus the Phoenix Suns.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 4: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 4, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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<p>Reigning MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> was full of praise for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> after the two big men went head-to-head Friday in Denver.</p><p>Jokic credited the towering second-year Frenchman's growth after Wembanyama paired 35 points with 18 rebounds in the San Antonio Spurs' 113-110 victory over the Nuggets.</p><p>"I think he's better this year than last year," Jokic <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1875418530725949486">told</a> reporters postgame. "And I think he's going to get even better."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jokic continued: "I think he's a special player. I think he's one of a kind and is going to be remembered forever."</p><p>The Nuggets star was in fine form as well, recording 41 points, 18 boards, and nine assists to finish just shy of his 15th triple-double this season. Jokic also attempted 36 field goals, the second-highest mark of his career.</p><p>It was the sixth time since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976 - and the first since 2019 - where two opponents registered 35-point, 15-rebound displays.</p><p>Wembanyama relished the opportunity to measure himself against Jokic, saying, "Multiple-time MVP, soon to be MVP again. Can't ask for a better way to get better."</p><p>Wembanyama now has three career 35-point, 15-rebound games, surpassing Shaquille O'Neal for the second-most in NBA history before a player's 21st birthday. John Drew leads all players in the category with four. Wembanyama turns 21 on Saturday.</p><p>Meanwhile, Jokic recorded his seventh game of at least 40 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in his celebrated career, moving ahead of Joel Embiid. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the way with nine.</p><p>Jokic and Wembanyama will get another chance to go head-to-head when the two teams lock horns again Saturday in San Antonio.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 03: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter at Ball Arena on January 03, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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It's all getting a bit messy in Miami.  The Heat are now open for business, letting teams know th...

<p>It's all getting a bit messy in Miami.</p><p>The Heat are now open for business, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3178790" href="https://thescore.com/news/3178790">letting</a> teams know that they'll listen to trade offers for disgruntled star Jimmy Butler while he serves a seven-game suspension for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental" to the team. The statement is a change of stance from Pat Riley's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3170670" href="https://thescore.com/news/3170670">insistence</a> that the organization wouldn't trade the 35-year-old.</p><p>Butler was initially <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3170213" href="https://thescore.com/news/3170213">linked</a> with a quintet of preferred teams, but reports now indicate the two-way star and coffee aficionado doesn't care where he's dealt ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The only thing that reportedly matters is that he's not in South Beach.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are five potential destinations for the six-time All-Star, each of which takes into consideration his $48.8-million deal this season and $52.4-million player option (that he's likely to decline) for 2025-26.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WATCHABILITY: MAVERICKS (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OUpuN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OUpuN/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Need for Butler (out of 5): ☕☕</strong></p><p>Like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, the Grizzlies are a wild-card team in pursuit of Butler. But unlike the Thunder and Spurs, the Grizzlies have the contracts to work through the convoluted financial elements of an NBA trade. They're also a non-apron team, meaning they're not hard-capped and can receive more than they ship out in a trade.</p><p>The Grizzlies are second in the West and are the only team in the league to rank in the top five in both offensive rating (116.6) and defensive rating (108.3). They're leaning on their depth - they have 12 players who have appeared in at least 18 games this season and are averaging 15 or more minutes - and their roster construction caters well to an in-season trade.</p><p><strong>Miami's best realistic return:</strong> The contracts of Marcus Smart ($20 million), Brandon Clarke ($12.5 million), and Luke Kennard ($9.3 million) essentially comprise the money of a potential deal, and the Grizzlies have 10 picks across the next three drafts, including four first-round selections.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WATCHABILITY: MAVERICKS (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yNRkc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yNRkc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Need for Butler: </strong>☕☕</p><p>The Mavericks are candidates to return to a second successive NBA Finals after the offseason additions of Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Klay Thompson, plus the stellar play of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the latter of whom is currently injured.</p><p>They don't necessarily need a player like Butler to win the title, but recruiting the 35-year-old certainly wouldn't hurt their chances. It would also give them a third bona fide closer for late-game situations and improve their already exemplary defense. The one big drawback here is that Butler's acquisition would almost certainly hinder their depth.</p><p><strong>Miami's best realistic return:</strong> Boating enthusiast Thompson<strong> </strong>($15.9 million) could again find a coastal suitor, while Daniel Gafford ($13.4 million), P.J. Washington ($15.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) could all help boost Miami's frontcourt. The Mavs also have both of their first-round picks in the next two drafts.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WATCHABILITY: MAVERICKS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tbcRB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tbcRB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Need for Butler: ☕☕</strong></p><p>Despite a respectable 19-13 record and a spot in the Western Conference's top six, the Nuggets are an inferior facsimile of the side that won the 2023 NBA title. Chalk that up to a depleted bench, the play of Jamal Murray, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's exit, among other factors.</p><p>Nikola Jokic continues to single-handedly will this team to victory, and general manager Calvin Booth may feel it's time for a change. Michael Porter Jr., who's averaging 18.8 points while shooting 41.9% from deep and posting a career-high 61.4% effective field goal percentage, would likely be included in a swap. What the Nuggets would lose in Porter's 3-point exploits, they would gain in Butler's off-ball work and cutting on the offensive end - the perfect complement to Jokic's skill set.</p><p><strong>Miami's best realistic return:</strong> From a salary-matching and talent perspective, Porter ($35.9 million) makes a lot of sense for the Heat. But such a deal would come at a cost for the Nuggets, as he's among their most consistent players this season. Denver also owns its first-round picks in the 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2031 drafts and could include Dario Saric ($5.2 million) in a deal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WATCHABILITY: MAVERICKS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Gdssz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Gdssz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Need for Butler: ☕☕☕☕</strong></p><p>While a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158648" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158648">report</a> claimed that the Rockets were unlikely to pursue Houston-born Butler, Ime Udoka and Co. sit third in the West and could look to the veteran to help them get over the hump. The franchise is eyeing its first playoff berth since 2019-20.</p><p>The Rockets have the necessary assets to swing a move for Butler without giving up too much of their current core, and there were rumors in the summer that they were interested in trading for Kevin Durant, suggesting they're willing to accelerate a meticulous development that's guided by savvy draft picks like Alperen Sengun.</p><p><strong>Miami's best realistic return:</strong> Matching up money is no easy task here, but the Heat could be intrigued by a package that includes Jabari Smith Jr. ($9.8 million) and veteran pieces like Dillon Brooks ($22.3 million), Steven Adams ($12.6 million), or Jeff Green ($8 million). Cam Whitmore ($3.4 million) could also be a useful developmental option for the Heat, while the Rockets own some valuable draft picks and swaps over the next few years.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WATCHABILITY: MAVERICKS (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KUaaK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KUaaK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Need for Butler: ☕☕☕☕☕</strong></p><p>The Warriors are desperate to compete for another title during Steph Curry's waning prime, and Steve Kerr's squad is abysmal without the superstar on the floor after an underwhelming offseason.</p><p>Following a failed summer move for Lauri Markkanen, Golden State has been linked with Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram, and Butler as the organization strives to add a second legitimate star to the roster. The acquisition of Butler would suit the Warriors' culture and provide the team with a defensive stopgap. Furthermore, assuming Butler declines his option for next season, general manager Mike Dunleavy could sign him to a deal that would cement him as the core of a veteran trio alongside Curry and Draymond Green through 2027.</p><p><strong>Miami's best realistic return: </strong>Jonathan Kuminga ($7.6 million) is probably the most alluring player on the Warriors' roster from the Heat's perspective, and it's likely that Dunleavy will need to table an offer that includes the young forward plus some combination of Andrew Wiggins ($26 million), Gary Payton II ($9.1 million), Brandin Podziemski ($3.5 million), and picks.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 26: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Kaseya Center on November 26, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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<p>Los Angeles Lakers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> has achieved yet another milestone as part of a record-shattering career.</p><p>With 10 minutes played during Thursday's contest against the Sacramento Kings, James passed fellow Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most regular-season minutes in NBA history with 57,447.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingJames</a> of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lakers</a> for becoming the NBA's all-time leader in TOTAL MINUTES PLAYED in the regular season! <a href="https://t.co/XsiKE57OjB">pic.twitter.com/XsiKE57OjB</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1869951846069993808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It took the four-time MVP 1,517 games played to reach this mark. That amounts to 3,446,940 seconds, 957.5 hours, 39.9 days, and 5.7 weeks of NBA regular-season basketball played, <a href="https://x.com/Lakers/status/1869955794709721501">according</a> to the Lakers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>James, 39, became the league's all-time leading scorer when he surpassed Abdul-Jabbar on February 8, 2023. </p><p>The record 20-time All-Star also became the first player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists.</p><p>James finished the 113-100 victory over the Kings with 19 points on 8-of-21 shooting to pair with six rebounds and seven assists.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers points back to the Sacramento Kings' bench in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, 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.

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The Golden State Valkyries' roster is finally starting to take shape.  The WNBA's 13th franchise ...

<p>The Golden State Valkyries' roster is finally starting to take shape.</p><p>The WNBA's 13th franchise began the process of constructing a team Friday with an expansion draft that featured an opportunity to select one player from each of the league's other dozen organizations.</p><p>Here's a look at what went down with an explanation for the criteria and rules listed below:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PLAYER</th>
<th>PREVIOUS TEAM</th>
<th>POSITION</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Iliana Rupert</td>
<td>Atlanta Dream</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maria Conde</td>
<td>Chicago Sky</td>
<td>F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Veronica Burton</td>
<td>Connecticut Sun</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carla Leite</td>
<td>Dallas Wings</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Temi Fagbenle</td>
<td>Indiana Fever</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kate Martin</td>
<td>Las Vegas Aces</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephanie Talbot</td>
<td>Los Angeles Sparks</td>
<td>F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cecilia Zandalasini</td>
<td>Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td>F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kayla Thornton</td>
<td>New York Liberty</td>
<td>F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monique Billings</td>
<td>Phoenix Mercury</td>
<td>F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julie Vanloo</td>
<td>Washington Mystics</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Valkyries, which were not required to select a player from every team, chose not to make a selection from the Seattle Storm.</p><p>Each team privately submitted a list of six players - including pending free agents for whom they own the contract rights - the Valkyries couldn't select. Golden State could choose only one player set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and couldn't pick an unrestricted free agent who's been tagged with the core player designation for two or more seasons.</p><p>Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin revealed following the draft that she preferred to go "all-in" with the team's selections rather than ship them off immediately in possible trades she had been looking into, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/kendra__andrews/status/1865189092734177515">ESPN's Kendra Andrews</a>.</p><p>Of the 11 players selected, three did not feature in the WNBA last season: Rupert, Conde, and Leite. Rupert, a champion with the Aces in 2022, elected to sit out the 2024 campaign to focus on the Olympics in her native France. Her compatriot Leite was the ninth overall pick in April's WNBA draft. Conde was selected 27th overall by Chicago in the 2019 draft, but the Spanish guard has yet to play in the league.</p><p>The 11 picks were revealed in alphabetical order of their previous team. They were announced at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with the help of a few popular local faces: five-time LPGA TOUR winner Michelle Wie West announced the first four picks, Bay Area hip-hop icon E-40 revealed the second quartet, and former Golden State Warriors guard Baron Davis announced the final three, as well as the Storm non-selection.</p><p>Golden State gets its inaugural regular-season campaign underway when it hosts the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on May 16.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 04: Kate Martin #20 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts to a play against the Washington Mystics in the first quarter in their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Mystics 98-77.

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<p>Phoenix Suns veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> will miss one-to-two weeks after suffering a left ankle sprain during Tuesday's NBA Cup meeting with the San Antonio Spurs, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42777498/sources-kevin-durant-least-1-week-ankle-sprain">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Durant picked up the injury with 4:30 left in the second quarter when he landed on the foot of Spurs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102806" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102806">Julian Champagnie</a>. The 14-time All-Star exited shortly thereafter and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game.</p><p>"He stepped on somebody's foot in transition, and at halftime, it stiffened up," Suns coach Mike Budenholzer told <a href="https://nba.com/news/kevin-durant-left-ankle-sprain-spurs">NBA.com</a> following the 104-93 victory over the Spurs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Durant has missed seven of Phoenix's 20 games this season after a calf injury ruled him out for a stretch in mid-November. The Suns are 11-2 with him in the lineup and 1-6 in his absence.</p><p>The 36-year-old is averaging 25.8 points and 6.7 rebounds this season, his 16th campaign in the NBA.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 3: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during a Emirates NBA Cup game on December 3, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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<p>LA Galaxy talisman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/101240" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/101240">Riqui Puig</a> will miss the 2024 MLS Cup versus the New York Red Bulls after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in the Western Conference Final, the team announced.</p><p>Puig sustained the injury in the second half of the Galaxy's victory over the Seattle Sounders but stayed on the pitch for more than 30 minutes and set up Dejan Joveljic's 85th-minute winner.</p><p>The Spaniard's absence is a massive blow for the Galaxy, who are seeking a record-extending sixth MLS title.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old has been the club's key creative fulcrum since joining from La Liga giants Barcelona in August 2022. He recorded 17 goals and 20 assists in 36 matches in all competitions this season and added four goals and four assists in four outings in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.</p><p>The Galaxy host the Red Bulls on Dec. 7 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.</p>

COMMERCE CITY, CO - NOVEMBER 01: Riqui Puig #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy walks onto the field as flames and sparks are lit before a first round match against the Colorado Rapids during the MLS Cup playoffs at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on November 1, 2024 in Commerce City, Colorado.

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<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with eight games in group play. For an explanation on how the tourney works, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during Tuesday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125551" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125551">here</a>.</p><h3>Friday's results</h3><ul>
<li>Nets 98-113 <strong>76ers</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Celtics</strong> 108-96 Wizards</li>
<li>Pacers 117-129 <strong>Bucks</strong>
</li>
<li>Hawks 122-136 <strong>Bulls</strong>
</li>
<li>Blazers 88-116 <strong>Rockets</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Warriors</strong> 112-108 Pelicans</li>
<li>
<strong>Mavericks</strong> 123-120 Nuggets</li>
<li>Kings 88-104 <strong>Clippers</strong>
</li>
</ul><p>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for box score recaps for each game, and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3><p><strong>Jared McCain (Sixers):</strong> The Philadelphia 76ers rookie continues to step up in the absence of Joel Embiid and Paul George. McCain poured in a team-high 30 points against the Brooklyn Nets on 11-of-20 shooting. The Duke product was just four points shy of matching a career high and topped 20 points for a seventh straight game. Only one rookie in NBA history has averaged more points as a starter than McCain's 26 per game: Michael Jordan.</p><p><strong>Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): </strong>The Greek Freak recorded his 47th career triple-double in a dominant performance against the Indiana Pacers. The 29-year-old recorded 37 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds, and two steals while shooting 66.6% from the field. Antetokounmpo is now tied with Larry Bird and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with seven 35-point triple-doubles.</p><p><strong>Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): </strong>The three-time MVP returned with another staggering performance after missing the Denver Nuggets' previous three games due to the birth of his second child. In the Nuggets' loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Jokic recorded his seventh triple-double of the season, tallying 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Giannis Antetokounmpo is a MONSTER 😱 <a href="https://t.co/EUoaGHRT5M">pic.twitter.com/EUoaGHRT5M</a></p>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1860160972821868946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>While Reed Sheppard had an outstanding behind-the-back <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1860156577178927279">pass</a> to assist Tari Eason's transition dunk, the Greek Freak takes the cake for his hustle on both ends - denying Bennedict Mathurin's layup before running the lane and bringing home an alley-oop pass off the backboard from Gary Trent Jr.</p><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You made learning fun thank you for taking a picture with me 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/CWgeEhmhNg">https://t.co/CWgeEhmhNg</a> <a href="https://t.co/EYcvaXOl5J">pic.twitter.com/EYcvaXOl5J</a></p>— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCHWPO/status/1860168494198980817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jaylen Brown the Science Guy? The Boston Celtics wing was able to meet Bill Nye, the legendary television show host, after his team beat Nye's hometown Washington Wizards. Brown tweeted in November that he wanted to meet Nye, <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1860170161418023014">calling</a> it an "honor" to shake his hand after he influenced his educational journey - which led him to play basketball at Cal.</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><p>The Houston Rockets have been one of the pleasant surprises of the young NBA season, improving to 12-5 with a dominant 28-point victory over the lowly Portland Trail Blazers. Dillon Brooks recorded 28 points and six rebounds and was plus-13, putting him just <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1860157849722323430">behind</a> fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the NBA's highest plus-minus this season.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The Golden State Warriors are the only team to secure a knockout-round spot via Friday's results courtesy of their win over the New Orleans Pelicans and the Nuggets' loss to the Mavericks.</p><p>The NBA Cup picks up again Tuesday with a five-game slate including a matchup between the red-hot Rockets and slumping Minnesota Timberwolves, while LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns.</p><p><em>Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.</em></p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors takes a shot in front of New Orleans Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton #22 during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup game at Smoothie King Center on November 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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