Gerald Bourguet: When I told Mason Plumlee he had the most rim contests per 75 possessions last year, he laughed: “I don’t know advanced stats that well, but that’s what I’m here to do….never been an elite shot-blocker, but to alter, make finishing tougher around the rim, is really important”
February 25, 2025 | 11:01 pm EST Update
Ja Morant powers Grizzlies past Suns in overtime
Drew Hill: That was the most fun game of the season. The Suns played really well. The Grizzlies win. Ja Morant overcomes tough shooting in the first 3 quarters to take over in the 4th and OT – 29 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds.
Taylor Snow: FINAL: Celtics 111, Raptors 101 ☘️ Brown: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST ☘️ White: 22 PTS (6-11 3P), 3 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK ☘️ Pritchard: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL ☘️ Tatum: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST, +20 ☘️ Hauser: 10 PTS, 5 REB
Josh Lewenberg: Darko Rajakovic on Jayson Tatum: “That guy is the best player on the best team in the NBA and I don’t think that he gets enough credit for what he does on both ends of the floor… They’re really lucky to have a guy like him. Amazing player. I’m a really, really big fan of his.”
FINAL: Rockets 100, Bucks 97 – Antetokounmpo 27pts/10reb/6ast – Lillard 22pts/3ast – Green 12pts/5reb – Lopez 12pts/8reb/3ast The Bucks are now 32-25 on the season. They play next play the Nuggets in Milwaukee on Thursday.
February 25, 2025 | 10:07 pm EST Update
Pelicans convert Brandon Boston two-way deal to standard contract
Shams Charania: The New Orleans Pelicans are converting two-way guard Brandon Boston Jr. on a standard two-year NBA contract, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Brandon Cavanaugh told ESPN. Boston has had a strong fourth NBA season, averaging 10.7 points after joining Pelicans on Oct. 21.
Mike Curtis: Jason Kidd said he hasn’t talked with Luka since they exchanged texts a few weeks ago. He was asked what was important to share when he finally does: “That he keeps smiling. When he’s smiling, he’s in a great place. He’s having fun. It’s good to see that he’s smiling here of late. Just understanding that the business of basketball can be shocking. It was shocking to the world, but you have to move forward. You have a job to do & that’s to play basketball at a high level & I think he can do that.”
Melissa Rohlin: Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic: “He is the game plan. He is a Picasso.”
Melissa Rohlin: Jason Kidd on Luka and LeBron: “Probably two of the greatest quarterbacks in the game.”
Tim Kawakami: Steve Kerr said he hasn’t thought specifically about Kuminga’s fit in the rotation when he comes back, but said he sat down with Kuminga today and went over some game tape — including looking at the things Butler is doing and what Kuminga can pick up.
Tim Kawakami: Kerr said he wants to make sure Kuminga doesn’t try to do everything at once — with the team going well and with his contract situation still pending. Kerr said he wanted to show Kuminga that Butler is special because he doesn’t force things.
Scott Agness: Tyrese Haliburton (right groin soreness) and T.J. McConnell (right ankle sprain) are question for Wednesday v Raptors. James Johnson (illness) is off the injury report. The team had the day off after playing on back-to-back nights.