NBA

Lakers 128, Raptors 111

By trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, the Raptors committed to at the very least a retool, but losing 14 games in a row this season probably wasn’t a part of the plan. In the short term, Toronto can stand to improve its defense, as the Raps have surrendered 145, 135, and 128 points in their past three games, respectively.

Wizards 117, Bucks 113

In early April, strange outcomes pop up throughout the NBA, and this is a perfect example. Corey Kispert is a capable scorer and shooter, so he’s been deserving on the runway he’s received recently from the Wizards. The forward shot 10-for-18 last night, scoring 27 points.

Milwaukee was missing Damian Lillard yesterday, but the Bucks need to give Giannis Antetokounmpo more help or it’ll be another early playoff exit for the team. Antetokounmpo tallied 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in this game.

76ers 109, Thunder 105

Philadelphia plummeted in the Eastern Conference standings without Joel Embiid, so it’s fitting the team secured a victory in the reigning MVP’s first game back. Embiid isn’t fully in game shape yet, but that didn’t prevent him from scoring 24 points in this contest.

This loss by the Thunder is kind of a whatever to me, as the team was without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The young Thunder will be judged on how the playoffs unfold.

Heat 109, Knicks 99

Terry Rozier is a lightning bolt at times on offense, and he hasn’t struck enough since being traded to the Heat. Last night was peak Rozier, though, as the guard exploded for 34 points on just 15 field goal attempts. When Rozier plays like that, he’s good enough to single-handedly win a playoff game.

Josh Hart delivered a difficult reality recently when he stated Julius Randle and OG Anunoby may not return this season. If that proves true, the Knicks probably don’t have enough ammunition to make a playoff run. Jalen Brunson can’t be superhuman every night, and he wasn’t in this tilt, shooting just 5-for-18.

Timberwolves 113, Rockets 106

In chasing the Warriors for the West’s final play-in spot, the Rockets don’t have much room for error, making this loss sting. Houston shouldn’t hang its head though — a loss to the current No. 2 seed in the Western Conference stinging is a sign the Rockets are making progress. Progress is certainly a way to describe Jalen Green’s game, as well. Green recorded 26 points, five rebounds, and six assists last night.

Nuggets 110, Spurs 105

One day, it’ll be Victor Wembanyama’s time. That time isn’t now. Not when Nikola Jokic is at his peak. Basketball’s best player was his typical self in this game, posting 42 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Jokic’s dominance was enough to survive off nights from Michael Porter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Reggie Jackson.

The NBA hasn’t seen a quadruple-double since 1994, but it almost happened in this game by San Antonio’s young phenom, Wembanyama. Over the course of the 2023 No. 1 overall pick’s career, he’ll probably accomplish the feat, and he may have last night if this game had gone to overtime, as Wembanyama finished just two assists and one block shy of the mark.

Cavaliers 129, Jazz 113

Cleveland hasn’t quite had its ducks in a row lately, but those struggles were forgotten in this game. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen bullied the young Jazz inside to the tune of a combined 42 points and 19 rebounds. Caris LeVert’s two-way exploits helped, too.

Keyonte George has received plenty of fanfare throughout his rookie season, but are we sure he’s Utah’s most promising first-year player? George struggled in this contest, shooting 2-for-11 and isn’t a sure bet to have a better career than fellow rookie Taylor Hendricks. Hendricks was drafted ahead of George by the Jazz for a reason, and offers more upside as a defender than his counterpart. Henricks scored 18 points yesterday.

NCAAB

South Dakota State transfer SG Zeke Mayo commits to Kansas

This will be a homecoming of sorts for the Lawrence native, and Mayo isn’t coming home to sit the bench. The guard averaged 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game for the Jackrabbits, good enough to win Summit League Player of the Year. Kansas entered this season as the top-ranked team in the country. That likely won’t be the case this fall, but the 2025 Jayhawks should be better than this year’s underachieving iteration.

South Carolina transfer SG Meechie Johnson commits to Ohio State

Another homecoming. The Cleveland native spent the first two seasons of his college career with the Buckeyes, and he should be better equipped to provide a positive contribution this time around. This past season, Johnson posted 14.1 points per game for the 26-8 Gamecocks.