Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts


Top Men's NCAA Basketball Transfer Portal Stars by Position: Meet Donovan Dennis

A key strategy for assembling a successful team in college basketball involves leveraging the transfer portal, which has recently become accessible.

Despite March Madness being well underway, more than 600 players (including even Michigan's Justin Pippen , whose squad remains competitive in the NCAA men's basketball tournament) joined the transfer portal on the initial day of the window. By the second week of the window, over 1,600 players had enrolled in the portal.

A number of additional players are expected to join the transfer portal in the next several days. However, some key athletes have already committed to moving early. This group comprises Dailyn Swain from Xavier, Mackenzie Mgbako from Indiana, and Owen Freeman from Iowa.

Three ex-five-star prospects (which includes Mgbako along with Arizona State Jozan Sanon from 'Joson Sanon' and Jalil Bethea from Miami joined the transfer portal on the initial day, bringing the current total to nine. As additional prominent players clarify their decisions in the upcoming weeks, we will keep updating this article accordingly.

Participants are ranked according to projected performance, opponents' toughness, and multiple impact factors.

Note: Nick Kalinowski , Evan Miya , Bart Torvik , Ken Pom , and CBB Analytics The sources utilized for this research were.

POINT GUARD

  1. Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Maryland to Tennessee)
  2. Donovan Dent (from New Mexico to UCLA)
  3. KJ Lewis (from Arizona to Georgetown)
  4. Tre Donaldson (from Michigan to Miami)
  5. Silas Demary Jr (from Georgia to Connecticut)
  6. Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh to Kentucky)
  7. Quimari Peterson (from East Tennessee State to Washington)
  8. Rodney Rice (Maryland)
  9. Nicholas Boyd (from San Diego State to Wisconsin)
  10. Robert O Wright III (Baylor)
  11. Tre Holloman (Michigan State)
  12. Elliot Cadeau (from North Carolina to Michigan)
  13. Hayden Gray (University of California, San Diego)
  14. Duke Miles (from Oklahoma to Virginia)
  15. Frankie Collins (from TCU to Vanderbilt)
  16. Dylan Darling (Idaho State)
  17. Moe Odum (from Pepperdine to Arizona State)
  18. Nathan George (Georgia Tech → Syracuse)
  19. Sebastian Mack (from UCLA to Missouri)
  20. Brock Harding (from Iowa to TCU)
  21. Dallin Hall (from BYU to Virginia)
  22. Adam Clark (Merrimack → Seton Hall)
  23. Kyan Evans (from Colorado State to North Carolina)
  24. Jacari Land (North Alabama)
  25. Nik Graves (Charlotte → Creighton)

SHOOTING GUARD

  1. Bennett Stirtz (Drake to Iowa)
  2. RJ Luis (Saint John's)
  3. Tucker DeVries (from West Virginia to Indiana)
  4. Dailyn Swain (Xavier → Texas)
  5. Ryan Conwell (from Xavier to Louisville)
  6. Tayton Conerway (Troy)
  7. Malik Thomas (San Francisco)
  8. Josh Dix (Iowa → Creighton)
  9. Tre White (Illinois → Kansas)
  10. Wesley Yates III (USC)
  11. Xaivian Lee (Princeton)
  12. Dan Skillings (Cincinnati)
  13. True Washington (from New Mexico to Miami)
  14. Ian Jackson (North Carolina)
  15. Isaac McKneely (from Virginia to Louisville)
  16. Keyshawn Hall (from UCF to Auburn)
  17. Christian Davis (Bradley)
  18. Jason Edwards (Vanderbilt to Providence)
  19. Riley Kugel (from Mississippi State to UCF)
  20. Lamar Wilkerson (University of Sam Houston)
  21. Adrian Wooley (from Kennesaw State to Louisville)
  22. Melvin Council Jr (St. Bonaventure)
  23. Joshua Sanon (Arizona State → St. John's)
  24. Sencire Harris (from West Virginia to Cincinnati)
  25. Nate Kingz (from Oregon State to Syracuse)

SMALL FORWARD

  1. Morez Johnson Jr (Illinois to Michigan)
  2. Mouhamed Dioubate moved from Alabama to Kentucky.
  3. Dillon Mitchell (Cincinnati)
  4. Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
  5. Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)
  6. Keonte Jones (from Cal State Northridge to USC)
  7. Devin Tillis (UC Irvine)
  8. Solomon Washington (from Texas A&M to Maryland)
  9. Kanon Catchings (BYU)
  10. Pryce Sandfort (Iowa to Nebraska)
  11. Amarion Dickerson (transferred from Robert Morris to USC)
  12. Kimani Hamilton (High Point)
  13. Jadrian Tracey (Oregon)
  14. Tyeree Bryan (from Santa Clara to Texas Tech)
  15. LeJuan Watts (Washington State)
  16. Kaleb Banks (from Tulane to DePaul)
  17. Allen David Mukeba (from Oakland to Arizona State)
  18. Reed Bailey (from Davidson to Indiana)
  19. Tre Carroll (Florida Atlantic)
  20. Bobby Durkin (Davidson to Minnesota)
  21. Camden Heide (from Purdue to Texas)
  22. Taylor Bol Bowen (from Florida State to Alabama)
  23. Marcus Adams Jr (California State University Northridge → Arizona State)
  24. Bryce Hopkins (Providence → St. John's)
  25. Evan Mahaffey (from Ohio State to Akron)

POWER FORWARD

  1. Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB to Michigan)
  2. Darrion Williams (Texas Tech)
  3. Oscar Cluff (from South Dakota State to Purdue)
  4. Henri Veesaar (from Arizona to North Carolina)
  5. Jayden Quaintance (from Arizona State to Kentucky)
  6. Nick Davidson (from Nevada to Clemson)
  7. Malik Reneau ( Indiana to Miami )
  8. Alvaro Folgueiras (Robert Morris)
  9. Pharrell Payne (from Texas A&M to Maryland)
  10. Ernest Udeh (from TCU to Miami)
  11. KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State)
  12. Malique Ewin (Florida State)
  13. Ante Brzovic (College of Charleston)
  14. Amani Hansberry (from West Virginia to Virginia Tech)
  15. Jacob Cofie (from Virginia to USC)
  16. Brennen Lorient (North Texas → West Virginia)
  17. Basheer Jihad (Arizona State)
  18. Jacob Ognacevic (Lipscomb to Washington)
  19. Corey Chest (from LSU to Ole Miss)
  20. AK Okereke (Cornell)
  21. JaKobe Coles (Grand Canyon)
  22. Jarin Stevenson (Alabama)
  23. Michael Rataj (from Oregon State to Baylor)
  24. Izaiyah Nelson (from Arkansas State to South Florida)
  25. Guillermo Diaz Graham (Pittsburgh)

CENTER

  1. Aday Mara (UCLA)
  2. Owen Freeman (from Iowa to Creighton)
  3. Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas to Illinois)
  4. Dishon Jackson (from Iowa State to Pittsburgh)
  5. Quincy Ballard (from Wichita State to Mississippi State)
  6. Christoph Tilly moved from Santa Clara to Ohio State.
  7. Eddie Lampkin (Syracuse)
  8. Ben Middlebrooks (NC State)
  9. Blake Buchanan (from Virginia to Iowa State)
  10. Luke Bamgboye (VCU)
  11. Michael Nwoko (from Mississippi State to LSU)
  12. Efton Reid (Wake Forest)
  13. Mason Nicholson (from Jacksonville State to Vanderbilt)
  14. Lawson Lovering (Utah)
  15. Jeremiah Cherry (from UNLV to Sacramento State)
  16. Noah Williamson (from Bucknell to Alabama)
  17. Hosana Kitenge (Louisiana-Lafayette)
  18. Juslin Bodo Bodo (High Point)
  19. Duke Brennan (Grand Canyon)
  20. Josh Gray (Missouri)
  21. Caden Powell (Rice)
  22. Harlan Obioha (from UNC Wilmington to West Virginia)
  23. Parsa Fallah (Oregon State)
  24. Fredrick King (from Creighton to Murray State)
  25. Will Berg (Purdue)

The article initially appeared on For The Win. The top NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal players by position, featuring Donovan Denton, are highlighted here.



Doncic's Stellar Performance Sparks Emotional Video Tribute in Dallas Return

All eyes in the basketball universe will be fixed on Dallas tonight as Luka Doncic He is set for his highly-anticipated comeback in Texas. This marks Doncic's first appearance in Dallas since the incident. major deal that transferred the All-Star guard to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.

At the start of the game, when the Dallas public address announcer was about to introduce the player from Slovenia, he didn’t complete the introduction. Rather, he directed those present to look at the videoboard instead. a video tribute to Doncic was played.

The emotive video began with the NBA Commissioner unveiling the Mavericks' selection of Doncic as the fifth choice in the 2018 NBA Draft. It was followed by an array of highlight reels showcasing Doncic’s transition from playing abroad to excelling in a Dallas jersey.

The ESPN cameraman eventually turned to Doncic, sitting courtside. You can clearly see how emotional the 26-year-old was, as his eyes began to swell, understandably.

Doncic quickly turned the Lakers from an average team in the West into a formidable competitor. As they head into Wednesday’s matchup, they stand at third spot in the Western Conference standings. They hold a slim lead over several teams, with the Minnesota Timberwolves, presently ranked eighth, trailing by only two games behind them.

So, as much as this night means to Luka, it means just as much for the Lakers’ playoff hopes at home-court advantage.

At the same time, this match holds equal significance for the Mavericks. They presently stand at tenth place in the Western Conference standings. Securing a victory against the Lakers would ensure their position in the play-in tournament.

Anthony Davis, who has become the counterpart to Doncic following an unexpected trade, has recently made his return after being injured. Davis was injured during his initial match. With Dallas, fans have even more reasons to feel outraged about the trade.

Initially, Luka has shown great aggression. He scores 14 points in the first quarter with a shooting record of 5 for 9. Every time he makes a basket, Doncic gets cheered loudly by the away supporters from Dallas.

Initially, Luka has been quite assertive. He has scored 14 points in the first quarter, making five of his nine shots. Every time he scores, the away supporters from Dallas cheer enthusiastically for Doncic.

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Related: LeBron James embraces a tearful Luka Doncic following a tribute video.

Related: Lakers' Luka Doncic makes a backward jump shot from beyond the arc over Anthony Davis.

The post Lakers' Luka Doncic impresses with standout performance during video homage in his return to Dallas appeared first on Diwida | .



Doncic's Emotional Return Sparks Lakers' Playoff Clinch

When did you catch sight of the Shams Charania tweet stating that the Dallas Mavericks had traded Luka Dončić? That evening will be etched into NBA history forever. The trade remains just as astonishing now as it was upon initial announcement. All that has happened since then culminates in this instant: witnessing Luka Dončić play for Dallas with the Lakers’ signature purple and gold jersey on his back.

This game had been highlighted by the public for months, yet nobody could have predicted the events that unfolded both before, throughout, and following the match.

The feelings ran high for everyone involved. During warm-ups, Doncic received an outpouring of affection from the fans, signaling how he would be regarded by the devoted supporters in Dallas. The most emotionally charged instance came when the Mavericks showed a heartfelt tribute video dedicated to Doncic.

Feelings washed over Doncic’s expression. The affection remains strong between him and the supporters. This clip was intended to air once he had hung up his playing boots, yet now he is sporting a new uniform as it unfolds.

The preliminary ceremony proved challenging. However, once the game began, Doncic transformed into a force of nature. Throughout the match, he racked up 45 points (including an impressive 31 in the opening period), along with eight rebounds and six assists, guiding the Lakers to triumph with a score of 112-97.

The audience had gathered to cheer on their ex-superstar with enthusiastic applause. The moment Doncic got hold of the ball and notched his initial points, the supporters created an atmosphere reminiscent of a home court for him. Yet, they simultaneously expressed their backing by shouting "Fire Nico." This chant targeted the individual responsible for trading away Doncic—Nico Harrison.

Last night wasn’t your typical comeback when an athlete is at the peak of their career. Both LeBron James and Kevin Durant faced off against their old squads, which led to a tense atmosphere filled with animosity. Their return brought together feelings of affection and sorrow. Doncic along with the audience weren’t anticipating this event. Nonetheless, here they were facing this situation head-on as he provided everyone one final performance before their next encounter.

Although this match held significant importance for both Doncic and the Mavericks supporters, it was equally vital for the Lakers. Securing the victory would ensure the Lakers' place in the playoffs.

With a record of 49-31, the squad holds down the third seed position as they have two more games remaining.

Looking for more articles like this? Follow Diwida |on MSN to discover additional exclusive NBA content we offer.

More must-reads:

  • Florida's 7-foot-9 center brings down the championship net unaided by a ladder.
  • Video from Caitlin Clark's impressive scrimmage with the men's team surfaces
  • NBA Mock Draft: Projecting all 59 selections, with Cooper Flagg as the top pick

Popular slide show: The Top 25 College Basketball Teams That Didn’t Claim a National Championship (Provided by Diwida |)



Lakers Respond to Emotionally Charged Mavericks Victory With Luka Doncic News

Although it was clearly an emotionally charged evening for the Lakers when they played in Dallas on Wednesday, they still had work to do. They required one more victory to secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference and guarantee their avoidance of the high-stakes play-in tournament this season.

Moreover, securing a victory was crucial for maintaining their grip on the third seed in the Western Conference, guaranteeing them an opening-series advantage at home. With just two games left—a match against the Rockets on Friday and another versus the Trail Blazers on Sunday—they couldn’t afford to slip up.

And then there was the situation where Luka Doncic played his inaugural game against the Dallas team, just two months following his career took an unexpected turn due to being unexpectedly traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers.

The mission has been completed across all fronts as the Lakers defeated the Mavericks, 112-97. Luka Doncic led the charge with an impressive 45-point performance, hitting 16 of his 28 shots, and finishing with a plus-minus rating of +26 for the game.

The Lakers made special note of the Doncic showing, his best of the 2024-25 season, as the team showed on Twitter/X with the caption: "Season-High for Luka."

Doncic was visibly shaken before the start of the game, watching a video recapping the seven seasons he played with the Mavericks before the trade was made.

"So many emotions, I can't even explain it," Doncic told ESPN after the game. "As a young kid I came here in the NBA and they made me feel like home. Just a lot of great, great memories. ... I don't know how I did it. When I was watching that video, I was like, 'There's no way I am playing this game.' But all my teammates had my back, they really supported me."

And with a season-high in scoring to go with a win, it worked out for Doncic and his Lakers teammates.

Connected: Trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers Would Come at a High Price in Salary



Josh Giddey Makes NBA History in Electric Heat-Bulls Clash

On Wednesday evening, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Miami Heat at the United Center.

The Bulls emerged victorious with a score of 119-111.

Josh Giddey dominated with 28 points, 15 rebounds, ten assists, two steals, and three blocks, hitting 11 out of 19 shots overall and 3 out of 6 from beyond the arc, all within his 40 minutes on the court.

He also created an historic moment in the NBA.

Via Underdog NBA:

NBA players historically who have achieved at least 28 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a single game:

Josh Giddey (tonight)

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Larry Bird

Giddey has joined LeBron James and Nikola Jokic as the sole players achieving 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists for the season.

The article was initially posted on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as Josh Giddey Made NBA History During Heat-Bulls Match .



Blazers vs. Jazz: Second Half Showdown

Welcome to tonight’s Game Day Thread! Here you can hang out and discuss the game, bond with fellow Blazers fans, and enjoy visits from awesome guests. Please keep in mind that this should be a laid-back space free of profanity.

  • Tip-off: 6:00 p.m.
  • Television: Available via the Rip City TV Network
  • Streaming: BlazerVision in Oregon/Washington, NBA League Pass everywhere else

FAQ for Watching Games | Blazers 2024-25 Schedule | Tonight’s Game Notes

The Rules

  1. Be cool to each other. Don’t troll, concern troll , or be incessantly rude, negative, gimmicky, or generally obnoxious.
  2. Don’t link to unsanctioned streaming services. We have official streaming options now. Use those!


Dončić's Return Sparks Showdown: Lakers Triumph Over Mavericks

A brilliant opening period from Luka Dončić in his comeback game against Dallas aided the team Lakers defeat the Mavericks and secure their first playoff spot since 2020 on Wednesday with an 112-97 victory.

Luka Dončić scored 31 of his 45 points in the first half. LeBron James had 27 points, most of those coming in a strong fourth quarter, to go with his seven rebounds and three assists. Austin Reaves had a quiet night with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Rui Hachimura tallied 15 points with a 3-for-7 effort from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith contributed five points along with five assists.

Feelings ran strong as the match began with Mavericks supporters enthusiastically supporting whenever Luka got possession of the ball. The Lakers struggled with some easy opportunities and their gameplay appeared rushed and disorganized.

Eventually, LA adjusted to Luka’s dominant performance where he led the team with seven points. The game then became competitive with both teams trading leads, and when they called the first timeout, the Mavericks held a slim two-point advantage.

Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II contributed 11 out of Dallas' initial 24 points. However, Anthony Davis, who is a champion with the Lakers and familiar to them, had only managed to score two points so far for the Mavericks.

Luka found solace with his long-range shooting, making three out of his initial four attempts from beyond the arc.

In Los Angeles' offensive struggles, they managed only a 38% field goal percentage collectively. The team started poorly in the opening period, with two turnovers that allowed the Mavericks to take a lead of four points.

In the second quarter, Vando kicked things off with some tenacious defense. He intercepted the ball and swiftly passed it to LeBron for a smooth layup. Following this, Dorian delivered a remarkable assist to Vando, who completed an exhilarating slam dunk.

The play that got everybody roaring was when Austin tossed a lob to LeBron for the emphatic slam.

When Luka returned to the court, he promptly scored four consecutive points to even the score. Following his theft, he passed the ball to Dorian, who attempted a three-pointer from deep. Although Dorian’s shot fell short, Austin rushed in for an electrifying follow-up slam that left everybody stunned.

The Lakers had run off eight consecutive points when former acquaintance Max Christie sank a three-pointer. The Mavericks then responded with a swift four-point spurt, which injected new energy into their play.

Luka subsequently tallied five consecutive points, aiding in halting that brief surge. Meanwhile, Marshall kept up his impressive shooting for Dallas, amassing a total of 15 points. By the half’s end, the team clad in purple and gold led by a margin of three points.

In the second half, Los Angeles began struggling with their shooting and played at a much slower pace until they eventually perked up when Luka scored four consecutive points. Following a three-point shot by Rui, the Lakers' lead had grown to nine points.

Los Angeles' defense against Anthony Davis was stifling. They consistently doubled teamed him, which led to poor passes and turnovers. Following a Mavericks timeout, Marshall hit a jump shot, helping to stem their losing streak.

LeBron added four points and Rui contributed five more, which helped maintain Los Angeles' advantage. Their substantial 13-point lead had dwindled to just seven as Dallas mounted a rally with about three minutes remaining in the period.

Until Luka sank a floating shot, the Lakers had gone without points for three minutes. Despite the Mavericks mounting several attempts to narrow their substantial lead, Los Angeles managed to maintain control. By the close of the quarter, the Lakers held onto a seven-point advantage.

The concluding period started poorly for the Lakers since they missed their initial shot, allowing the Mavericks to score six consecutive points. With a dunk by Christie, Dallas grabbed the lead by one point. In response, LeBron made a layup to reclaim the lead for Los Angeles.

A persistent weakness for Los Angeles has always been turnovers. These mistakes have been haunting them, with the Mavericks capitalizing on every opportunity. After a three-point shot by ex-Splash Brother Klay Thompson following another turnover, Dallas forced Los Angeles to call a timeout.

Coming out of the timeout, Rui hit a jump shot near the basket. Following an 9-0 surge by the Lakers, PJ Washington consecutive scoring streak amounted to six points for Dallas.

It was of no consequence, however, since Los Angeles maintained pressure with LeBron leading the offensive charge. He managed to score several tough layups despite the presence of numerous Mavericks defenders.

In the final moments of the game, Luka dominated with seven points, accompanied by continuous cheers from both his teammates and the Dallas supporters.

Key Takeaways:

Having Luka take over in the first half and LeBron taking charge in the second half is quite an amazing advantage. We're grinning from ear to ear, unable to fathom that this is really our reality.

Groups with size could pose significant challenges for the Lakers, but when they tighten their defense and play suffocatingly, they manage to navigate these problems effectively, just like we've observed.

The Lakers' upcoming game will be versus the Houston Rockets On Friday at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.

You can follow Karin on Twitter there. @KarinAbcarians .



Dončić's Return Sparks Showdown: Lakers Triumph Over Mavericks

A brilliant first-half performance from Luka Dončić in his comeback game against Dallas aided the team. Lakers defeat the Mavericks and secure their first playoff spot since 2020 on Wednesday with an 112-97 victory.

Luka Dončić scored 31 of his 45 points in the first half. LeBron James had 27 points, most of those coming in a strong fourth quarter, to go with his seven rebounds and three assists. Austin Reaves had a quiet night with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Rui Hachimura tallied 15 points with a field goal of 3 out of 7. Dorian Finney-Smith contributed five points along with five assists.

Feelings ran strong as the match began with Mavericks supporters enthusiastically supporting whenever Luka received possession. The Lakers failed to convert several easy chances and appeared flustered throughout their play.

Eventually, LA got accustomed to the game dynamics as Luka emerged as the top scorer with seven points. The contest then became intensely competitive, and when they called the first timeout, the Mavericks led by two points.

Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II contributed 11 out of Dallas' initial 24 points. Anthony Davis, a champion with the Lakers and an acquaintance of the team, had only managed to score two points early on for the Mavericks.

Luka found solace with his long-range shooting, successfully making three out of his initial four attempts from beyond the arch.

In Los Angeles' offensive struggle, they managed only a 38% field goal percentage collectively. The team started poorly in the opening period, with two turnovers that allowed the Mavericks to take a lead of four points.

In the second quarter, Vando kicked things off with some tenacious defense. He intercepted the ball and swiftly passed it to LeBron for a successful layup. Following this, Dorian delivered a remarkable assist to Vando, who then completed a powerful dunk.

The play that got everybody roaring with approval was when Austin tossed a lob pass to LeBron, who finished it off with an emphatic slam dunk.

When Luka returned to the court, he promptly scored four consecutive points to even the score. Following his theft, Luka passed the ball to Dorian, who attempted a three-pointer but couldn’t make it go in. However, Austin rushed over for an emphatic follow-up slam that left everybody stunned.

The Lakers had run off eight consecutive points when former acquaintance Max Christie sank a three-pointer. The Mavericks responded with a swift four-point spurt, which injected them with renewed energy.

Luka subsequently tallied five consecutive points, aiding in halting that brief surge. Meanwhile, Marshall kept up his impressive shooting for Dallas, amassing a total of 15 points. By the half’s end, the team clad in purple and gold led by a margin of three points.

In the second half, Los Angeles began by misfiring on their shots and played at a much slower pace until they eventually perked up when Luka scored four consecutive points. Following a three-point shot by Rui, the Lakers' lead had grown to nine points.

Los Angeles' defense against Anthony Davis was stifling. They consistently doubled teamed him, which led to poor passing decisions and turnovers. After a(timeout taken by the Mavericks), Marshall managed to score with a jump shot, helping stem their losing streak.

LeBron contributed four points, and Rui added five more, which helped extend Los Angeles' advantage. Their lead had been reduced from 13 points to just seven when Dallas went on an scoring spree with about three minutes remaining in the period.

Until Luka sank a floater, the Lakers had gone through a three-minute scoring drought. Despite the Mavericks mounting several attempts to narrow their sizable lead, Los Angeles managed to maintain control throughout. By the close of the third quarter, the Lakers held onto a seven-point advantage.

The concluding period started poorly for the Lakers since they missed their initial shot and the Mavericks went on to score six consecutive points. With a dunk from Christie, Dallas grabbed the lead by one point. In response, LeBron made a layup to reclaim the lead for the Lakers.

A recurring weakness for Los Angeles has consistently been turnovers. These mistakes have cost them dearly, with the Mavericks capitalizing on every opportunity. Following a 3-point shot by ex-Splash Brother Klay Thompson from one such turnover, Dallas prompted Los Angeles to call a timeout.

Coming out of the timeout, Rui hit a jump shot near the basket. Following an 9-0 surge by the Lakers, PJ Washington consecutive scoring streak amounted to six points for Dallas.

It was inconsequential, however, since Los Angeles maintained pressure with LeBron leading the offensive surge. He managed to score several tough layups despite the presence of numerous Mavericks defenders.

In the final moments of the match, Luka dominated with seven points, accompanied by ceaseless encouragement from both his fellow players and the crowd in Dallas.

Key Takeaways:

Having Luka shine in the first half and LeBron take over in the second half is truly an amazing advantage. We're beaming with joy throughout it all; it feels surreal living this dream.

Teams that have depth can cause the Lakers consistent problems, but if they tighten up their defense and play suffocatingly, they manage to navigate these challenges quite effectively as demonstrated before.

The Lakers' upcoming game will be versus the Houston Rockets On Friday at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.

You can follow Karin on Twitter there. @KarinAbcarians .



Doncic's Stellar 45-Point Performance Powers Lakers Past Mavericks in Dallas Homecoming, 112-97

On an emotionally charged evening, the Dallas Mavericks welcomed the Los Angeles Lakers to the American Airlines Center, marking Luka Doncic’s return for the first time since his trade in February. Emotions ran high prior to the match, with Doncic shedding tears during a commemorative video tribute; these feelings continued affecting him throughout the opening quarter.

For their 46th distinct starting lineup this season, the Mavericks began with Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II, whereas the Lakers sent out Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes onto the court.

READ MORE: Crowd at Mavericks yells 'Fire Nico' as Luka Doncic returns against the Lakers

Dončić displayed his emotions openly yet started strong, scoring 14 points in the opening quarter on 5-of-9 shooting, along with grabbing several rebounds and dishing out an assist. However, Dallas managed to stay close thanks to long-range shots from Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Spencer Dinwiddie.

As soon as Dončić went to sit out for a break, the Lakers struggled to maintain control over the ball. This allowed the Mavericks, particularly Naji Marshall, to swiftly advance up the court and reach the hoop easily. By the close of the opening period, the Mavericks held a narrow advantage at 28-26, with Dončić topping the scorer’s list. Despite this, Marshall was not too distant behind, having racked up nine points himself.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Dallas extended their lead to as many as six points thanks largely to strong performances inside from Daniel Gafford and Naji Marshall. However, once Luka Dončić returned to the court, he promptly led a run to even things out again. Adding to the excitement was an unexpected alley-oop dunk by Austin Reaves, eliciting quite a response from LeBron James.

Dončić and Dorian Finney-Smith, who previously played for the Mavericks, hit consecutive three-pointers to give the Lakers their biggest lead of five points early in the game. Dončić maintained his scoring spree with a last-second three-pointer at the end of the quarter and made several trips to the free-throw line; by then, he had scored more points in this half than in his initial matchup against his old team in Los Angeles during February. Despite Dončić’s efforts, Dallas managed to stay close thanks largely to him. The Lakers held a slim advantage of 58-55 heading into halftime, fueled primarily by Dončić’s 31 points. In contrast, Anthony Davis contributed only four points throughout the period.

LEARN MORE: LeBron James Makes NBA History in Mavericks vs Lakers Game

Early in the third quarter, Dallas tied the game when Anthony Davis made a difficult reverse layup. However, the Lakers countered with a 9-0 surge. Luka Doncic accounted for seven of those points, contributing four himself and finding Rui Hachimura with an impressive behind-the-back, two-bounce assist during their fast break. Shortly thereafter, LeBron James drove to the hoop, extending the Lakers' lead to double digits.

The Lakers extended their advantage when Rui Hachimura scored consecutive buckets, pushing the lead to 13 points and prompting another timeout from coach Jason Kidd. However, after this break, his team emerged firing off a 7-0 streak, narrowing the gap down to just six points as they managed to contain the Lakers’ scoring effectively. Nevertheless, the Lakers regained some momentum midway through the period thanks to a swift series of scores by Doncic, securing an 83-76 edge heading into the final quarter.

The Mavericks initiated the final quarter with an 8-0 surge, primarily focusing on layups near the basket. This scoring burst allowed them to seize their initial advantage since halftime, coinciding with Anthony Davis becoming increasingly dominant. Subsequently, Klay Thompson responded defensively before sinking a fast-break three-pointer, which compelled coach JJ Redick to call for a timeout.

When Doncic returned to the court, the previous dynamics were swiftly restored, as the Lakers embarked on a 9-0 scoring streak led largely by LeBron James, giving them a commanding seven-point advantage. Following this surge, both teams' offensive strategies began to click again once P.J. Washington found his rhythm. However, James maintained their substantial lead with an agile drive for a layup that deftly bounced off the backboard. He then made another strong finish at the rim despite taking contact, extending their edge to ten points with roughly four minutes remaining. From there, the Lakers comfortably held onto their lead; when Doncic departed amidst applause, the final score stood at Lakers 112, Mavericks 97.

For the Mavericks, Naji Marshall performed impressively as their starting point guard, ending up with 23 points and dishing out 8 assists. He was supported closely by P.J. Washington who contributed 14 points, Anthony Davis adding a double-double of 13 points along with 11 rebounds and 6 assists, Max Christie scoring 11 points, and Daniel Gafford chipping in with 10 points.

Luka Doncic topped the scoring with 45 points, achieving an impressive 16 out of 28 from the field, along with contributing 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. He was closely trailed by LeBron James who scored 27 points, Rui Hachimura adding 15 points, and Austin Reaves chipping in with 11 points.

Dallas will remain at home to face the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

READ MORE: Lakers' Luka Doncic returns to face Mavericks and sheds tears

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More Dallas Mavericks News

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This piece was initially published on www.si.com/nba/mavericks as Luka Doncic's 45 points lead Lakers over Mavericks in his Dallas return, 112-97 .



Syracuse Star Turns Heads: Transfer phenom commits to Mississippi State (Report)

In Syracuse, New York, Quincy Ballard—a previous star player from Henninger High School who was regarded as one of the better center choices in the current NCAA transfer portal—has decided to commit to Mississippi State, as reported by 247 Sports' Dushawn London.

London cited Ballard’s agent.

When Ballard opted for Florida State right after high school, Syracuse still showed interest in him. Similarly, they reached out again during his initial transfer when he chose Wichita State instead.

It appears that Syracuse did not pursue him on this occasion.

Ballard, standing 6 feet 11 inches tall as a center, significantly improved throughout the previous two years at Wichita State. During his fifth season playing collegiate basketball, he managed to average almost a double-double.

In more than 33 games, Ballard maintained an average of 10 points and 9.2 rebounds over 27.6 minutes of playtime. Additionally, he showcased his defensive prowess as a shot blocker, with 1.9 blocks per game.

Ballard hit 75.1% of his field goals but just 55.7% of his free throws. Last season, Wichita State ended with a record of 19-15.

Because he had one season affected by the coronavirus pandemic and another cut short by an injury, he qualifies for a sixth year of collegiate basketball eligibility.

Ballard was rated as the No. 8 center in the NCAA transfer portal and the No. 89 overall transfer prospect according to the rankings. EvanMiya.com, and the number 13 center along with the number 124 player On3.com.

Before attending Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ballard spent one year playing varsity basketball at Henninger High School.

Syracuse indeed needed to add several centers during the off-season, and so far, they have signed a lesser-known duo for this position. UCLA’s William Kyle III and Georgia Tech’s Ibrahim Souare.

The largest transfer additions for Syracuse have been at the point guard position. (Naithan George) and wing (Nate Kingz).

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Adelman Signals Nuggets Are Still "In the Mix" After Malone's Firing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In his initial gathering with the team following Mike Malone’s dismissal, Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman stressed the importance of maintaining unity and keeping their focus on securing a playoff spot.

On Wednesday, prior to their matchup with the Kings in Sacramento, Adelman addressed the team and stressed that the Nuggets remain part of the tightly contested playoff competition in the Western Conference.

The past 30 hours have been quite chaotic and very stressful for all involved," stated Adelman, who served as Malone’s lead assistant. "However, the key point is that we must remain united. It was beneficial for everyone to gather in one place and acknowledge that our recent performance has fallen short of expectations. This realization applies not only to the players but also to every individual associated with us.

After leading the Nuggets to their sole NBA title two campaigns ago, Malone was relieved of his duties on Tuesday. This move comes as the team aims to recover from a downturn that saw Denver plummet from being second in the Western Conference down to sharing fourth place with four other teams before their match against the Kings scheduled for Wednesday.

Should the Nuggets triumph in their last three regular-season matches, they might rise as high as the third spot in the Western Conference standings.

We are right in the middle of things here," Adelman stated. "I believe people often overlook this fact. We still possess an excellent opportunity to achieve something remarkable. This has been discussed with the team, and they appear confident, which leads me to anticipate a strong performance tonight.

Besides dismissing Malone, the Nuggets notified general manager Calvin Booth that his contract would not be renewed.

The Nuggets' president and Governor Josh Kroenke also addressed the players, conveying a straightforward message.

"To put it succinctly: Improve," Adelman stated when questioned about Kroenke’s message.

Even with the end-of-season turmoil, Adelson mentioned that the Nuggets haven't got a lot of time to dwell on the newest drama.

It’s just another NBA moment, you have to handle it," Adelman stated. "We’ll strive to make the most of this situation and get things back on track.

“We have to get to a better level to play in that tournament. The West is ridiculous. And if you want to go into that tournament not playing at your best, you’ll be done quick.

Adelman admitted to having conversations with Malone following the termination, yet chose not to elaborate further. He instead used this moment to commend the individual he has collaborated with over eight years.

What he has done for this team makes him the best coach in history; you can't dispute that," Adelson stated. "In terms of win percentages, championships reached, and the knowledge I gained from his guidance, which helped my development as a coach, speaks volumes.

What we're experiencing right now, whether you call it the national narrative or something else, I see it as an incredible journey. He isn’t finished yet. It’s an honor to serve under him and an honor to hold this position and do my absolute best.

___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba



Adelman Signals Nuggets Are Still "In the Mix" After Malone's Firing


categories: , ,

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In his initial gathering with the team following Mike Malone’s dismissal, Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman stressed the importance of unity and maintaining focus on securing a playoff spot.

Before their matchup with the Kings in Sacramento on Wednesday, Adelman addressed the team and stressed to the Nuggets that they remain part of the tightly contested playoff scramble in the West.

The past 30 hours have been quite chaotic and highly stressful for all involved," stated Adelman, who served as Malone’s lead assistant. "However, the key point remains that we must remain united. It was beneficial for everyone to gather in one space and acknowledge that our recent performance has fallen short of expectations. This realization applies not only to the players but also to every individual associated with us.

Following two seasons where he led the Nuggets to their sole NBA championship, Malone was let go on Tuesday as the team aims to recover from a slump that caused Denver's standing to fall from second place in the Western Conference down to sharing fourth with four other teams before their matchup with Sacramento on Wednesday.

Should the Nuggets triumph in their last three regular-season matches, they might rise as high as the third position in the Western Conference standings.

We’re right in the middle of things here," Adelman stated. "I believe folks often overlook this fact. We still possess an excellent opportunity to achieve something remarkable. This has been discussed, and the team seems very confident. Therefore, I anticipate a strong performance from them tonight.

Along with dismissing Malone, the Nuggets notified general manager Calvin Booth that his contract would not be renewed.

The Nuggets' president and Governor Josh Kroenke also addressed the players, conveying a straightforward message.

“ succinctly put: Improve,” Adelman stated when questioned about Kroenke’s message.

Even though there’s late-season turmoil, Adelman mentioned that the Nuggets don’t have ample opportunity to dwell on the newest drama.

It’s just another NBA moment, you have to handle it," Adelman stated. "We’ll strive to make the most of this situation and turn things around.

“We need to elevate our game to compete in that tournament. The Western competition is insane. If you enter that tournament without giving your best performance, you won’t last long.”

Adelman admitted to having conversations with Malone following the dismissal but chose not to elaborate further. He used this moment instead to commend the individual he has collaborated with over eight years.

What he has done for this team makes him the best coach ever; you can't dispute that," Adelman stated. "In terms of win percentages, championships reached, and the invaluable experience he provided which allowed me to develop as a coach.

What we're experiencing right now, whether you call it the national narrative or something else, I see it as an incredible journey. He isn’t finished yet. It’s an honor to serve under him and an honor to assume this position with the aim to perform at my highest capacity.

___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba



Suns Unveil Critical Starting Five for Crucial Match Against Thunder

PHOENIX -- It's now a win-or-bust situation for the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns might face elimination before their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder starts if the Dallas Mavericks manage to win, but all Phoenix can do at this point is focus on controlling the situation directly ahead of them.

Oklahoma City has sidelined four crucial players, among them the probable 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; however, this does not guarantee an easy win for the Suns tonight.

Kevin Durant continues to sit out due to a seemingly severe ankle sprain he sustained on March 30, and Nick Richards has also been declared unavailable for selection.

Once again, Phoenix head coach Mike Budenholzer found himself making several crucial choices for the starting lineup as he continued to test out different combinations over the past couple of months because of various issues.

In the end, Budenholzer chose to stick with the lineup that started last night’s game against the Golden State Warriors but made a minor adjustment.

  • Bradley Beal
  • Devin Booker
  • Grayson Allen
  • Ryan Dunn
  • Oso Ighodaro

Beal is back with the starting unit for the third straight game following his absence of almost three weeks because of a hamstring injury.

Booker has been a standout performer for Phoenix during their losing streak—though he may not make the cut for a third All-NBA team, the conclusion of this season could reignite optimism that better days lie ahead.

Allen steps in for Royce O'Neale, who has been struggling with his shot over the past couple of games. Bringing in Allen seems like a final attempt to generate some traction before the season concludes.

Dunn and Ighodaro are each concluding their impressive rookie campaigns; they've both demonstrated themselves to be key long-term assets and have exhibited noticeable improvement throughout the season.

The Suns-Thunder game is scheduled to begin shortly after 7 P.M. local time in Arizona tonight.

The article was initially published here www.si.com/nba/suns as Suns Unveil Starting Five Against Thunder in Crucial Match-Up .



LeBron James and Luka Doncic Crack Up Over Austin Reaves’s Epic Putback Dunk Against the Mavericks

On Wednesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Mavericks during Luka Doncic Night in Dallas. During the first half, Doncic scored an impressive 31 points, though he wasn’t the lone Laker making waves that night. very welcoming home crowd with a highlight.

LeBron James completed a lovely alley-oop from Austin Reaves And then Reaves made an even more unexpected dunk moments later after Jarred Vanderbilt missed a shot; Reaves grabbed the rebound and completed a powerful lay-in amidst the defenders.

The most incredible aspect was that nobody could fathom it, not even Reaves.

The broadcast highlighted the strong responses from James and Doncic. While Doncic covered his face with his hands, LeBron responded with a big grin and flailed his arms, seemingly unsure how to react in that moment.

A spectator verified that Reaves was equally astonished at his own ability to Dunk this shot once again.

That bunch sure seems to be enjoying themselves over there.

Los Angeles held a 60-57 advantage at halftime. Reaves contributed with eight points.

More National Basketball Association action on Sports Illustrated

The article was initially published on www.si.com as LeBron James and Luka Doncic had hilarious reactions to Austin Reaves's putback dunk against the Mavericks. .



Timberwolves and Spurs: Potential Trade Partners for the Nets This Summer

After unloading two veterans in late December, the Brooklyn Nets opted to stay pat at February's trade deadline—but it wasn't due to a lack of interest in their roster. While Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith were dealt following weeks of rumors, Cam Johnson—who found himself in a similar situation—was retained.

Nevertheless, Johnson's future remains uncertain. In yesterday’s game where Brooklyn secured a 119-114 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, Meghan Triplett from the YES Network reported this information. was joined As reported by NBA insider Michael Scotto for a segment exploring the possible resurgence of Johnson trade discussions.

The overarching question for the Nets is whether Cam Johnson will stay with them? Cam Johnson garnered significant attention during the trade deadline," Scotto stated. "[Other undisclosed teams included] the San Antonio Spurs seeking shooters alongside Victor Wembanyama, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New interest has emerged from San Antonio and Minnesota regarding Johnson, as most discussions about his potential suitors were centered mainly around the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers made an attempt to secure De’Andre Hunter, whereas Golden State strengthened their roster with Jimmy Butler, thereby reducing the necessity of pursuing Johnson further.

Although the Spurs and Timberwolves failed to reach an agreement before the trade deadline, they might both get another opportunity to bring aboard the experienced marksman during the off-season.

"I fully anticipate that Cam Johnson will attract considerable attention in the upcoming summer market. The key issue will be determining whether Brooklyn sees him as a player who can contribute to the team’s future plans," Scotto went on to say.

If General Manager Sean Marks decides to entertain proposals from San Antonio and Minnesota—both teams in the Western Conference—they possess sufficient assets to provide the kind of compensation the Brooklyn Nets have been seeking.

Even though,Marks might opt to retain Johnson. At only 29 years old, he set a career best with an average of 18.8 points per game this season and is scheduled to earn $20.5 million next year.

Despite Johnson's prospects with the squad remaining uncertain, Scotto's report implies that the seasoned forward's trading odyssey is not yet concluded.

This piece was initially published on www.si.com/nba/nets as Timberwolves, Spurs Could Emerge as Nets' Trade Partner This Summer .



Arizona Snags Buffalo's Becky Burke as Women's Basketball Coach

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The University of Arizona has appointed Becky Burke from Buffalo as the new head coach for their women’s basketball team.

Burke replaces Adia Barnes , who departed to take over as SMU's coach last week.

Our model focuses on selecting head coaches who emphasize success in teaching, recruitment, and fostering high-character student-athletes," stated Arizona Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois on Wednesday. "Coach Burke stands out as an accomplished program developer and a promising figure in college women’s basketball, boasting a history of groundbreaking achievements. She has a deep understanding of both the Wildcats and the close-knit community here in Tucson.

Over the last three years, Burke was with Buffalo, guiding the team to a record-breaking 30 victories and securing theWNITtitle in the 2024–25 season. Under her leadership, Buffalo made it to the finals of the Mid-American Conference tournament despite being predicted to place fourth in their conference.

Previously, Burke had a two-season tenure as the head coach for USC Upstate and another two seasons at the Division II level with the University of Charleston. Following her time as an assistant at both Saint Joseph’s and Cal State Fullerton, she went on to coach for two years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University located in Prescott, Arizona.

Burke participated in the NCAA Tournament with Louisville as a player on three occasions, which included an appearance in the 2009 national championship game.

___

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Arizona Tabs Becky Burke from Buffalo as Women's Basketball Coach

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The University of Arizona has appointed Becky Burke from Buffalo as the new head coach for their women's basketball team.

Burke replaces Adia Barnes , who departed to take over as SMU's coach last week.

Our model focuses on selecting head coaches who emphasize winning through effective teaching, attracting talented players, and nurturing young athletes with strong character," stated Arizona Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois on Wednesday. " Coach Burke has demonstrated her ability as an outstanding developer of successful programs and is emerging as a prominent figure in college women’s basketball. Her history shows transformative achievements. Additionally, she understands both the Wildcats and the close-knit community here in Tucson.

During his tenure over the last three seasons with the Buffalo team, Burke guided them to a record-breaking total of 30 victories and clinched the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) title for the season 2024-25. Despite being predicted to place fourth in their conference, he successfully navigated the squad into the finals of the Mid-American Conference tournament.

Previously, Burke had a two-season tenure as the head coach at USC Upstate and another two seasons at the Division II program for the University of Charleston. Following her time as an assistant at both Saint Joseph's and Cal State Fullerton, she went on to coach for two years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University located in Prescott, Arizona.

Burke participated in the NCAA Tournament with Louisville as a player on three occasions, which included an appearance in the 2009 national championship game.

___

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Doncic's Epic Shot Over Davis Goes Viral in Lakers-Mavericks Clash

On Wednesday night, Luka Doncic will be participating in his inaugural match in Dallas following the major exchange deal struck between the Lakers and Mavericks earlier this year.

In the opening period, Doncic managed to make a challenging basket over Anthony Davis, which gained significant attention on social media platforms.

Via The NBA : "Signature Luka Stepback.

He's scored 11 quickly upon returning to Dallas!

1Q on ESPN"

While playing for 11 minutes, Doncic recorded 14 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, with a shooting percentage of 5/9 from the field and 3/5 from beyond the arc.

Via Underdog NBA: Luka Dončić's performance in the first quarter against the Mavericks:

14 PTS

5-9 FG

3-5 3PT

In 7 out of his 27 games with the Lakers, Luka has scored 14 or more points in the first quarter.

In his initial 26 games with the Lakers, Doncic is putting up averages of 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, connecting on 42.2% of shots from the floor and 36.0% from beyond the arc.

Via The NBA:

Luka Dončić nets his initial points upon his comeback to Dallas!

Lakers/Mavericks underway on ESPN"

Doncic was with Dallas for seven years.

He led the team to the Western Conference finals on two occasions (as well as taking them to the NBA Finals once).

Through Jovan Buha from The Athletic

Q1 ended with the Mavericks at 30 points and the Lakers trailing behind at 26.

Luka Doncic tops the scoring charts with 14 points. He's had great accuracy with his jump shots coming from various spots on the court (5 out of 9 field goals, 3 out of 5 three-point attempts). Los Angeles' turnovers have really hurt them; five of these led to six points for Dallas. Additionally, the Mavericks' overall size advantage has made an impact early in the game.

This piece was initially released on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as Luka Doncic's Basket Over Anthony Davis Became an Internet Sensation During the Lakers-Mavericks Match .



Sixers vs. Wizards: Thrills and Takes - Second Half Live Updates

Game Details

When: Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Where: The Capital One Arena, located in Washington, D.C.,

Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Follow: @LibertyBallers



Sixers vs. Wizards: Thrills and Takes - Second Half Live Updates

Game Details

When: Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Where: Capital One Arena, located in Washington, D.C., is the venue mentioned.

Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Follow: @LibertyBallers