NBA roundup: Suns prevail on Devin Booker's late jumper
Tue Mar 25 2:34am ET
Field Level Media
Devin Booker knocked down a 20-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds remaining to give the Phoenix Suns a 108-106 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Kevin Durant recorded 38 points, eight rebounds and five assists as the Suns (35-37) won their fourth consecutive game. Booker added 19 points and 12 assists, Ryan Dunn had 12 points and nine rebounds and Nick Richards contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix.
The contest marked the first time Phoenix's Mike Budenholzer coached against Milwaukee since the Bucks fired him after the 2022-23 season. Budenholzer guided the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2020-21 NBA title.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Bucks (40-31), who dropped to 2-2 on a five-game road trip. Brook Lopez added 23 points and 10 rebounds but his 18-foot baseline jumper bounced off the rim as time retired.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 19 points off the bench and Kyle Kuzma scored 15 points for Milwaukee, which was without Damian Lillard (right calf strain) for the third straight game.
Bulls 129, Nuggets 119
Coby White scored 37 points, Josh Giddey had 26 points and nine assists, and visiting Chicago beat short-handed Denver.
Dalen Terry and Jalen Smith scored 14 points each, Nikola Vucevic had 13 points and Matas Buzelis contributed 10 for the Bulls, who finished 4-2 on their longest road trip of the season.
Jamal Murray scored 28 points and Peyton Watson added a career-high 24 for the Nuggets, who were without Nikola Jokic (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (calf).
Mavericks 120, Nets 101
Anthony Davis finished with 12 points in a 27-minute stint during his return from a left adductor strain as Dallas never trailed and took control early in a victory over Brooklyn.
In his first action since getting hurt against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 8, Davis played in short bursts, shot 6-of-9 and helped the Mavericks (35-37) win consecutive games for the first time in over a month. Naji Marshall led the way with 22 points off the bench as Dallas saw its reserves finish with 55.
Nic Claxton scored 19 points to lead the Nets (23-49), who lost their fourth straight and for the 15th time in 18 games. Cameron Johnson added 17 while Trendon Watford contributed 12 as the Nets shot 51.3 percent.
Magic 118, Lakers 106
Powered by 32 points from Franz Wagner and 30 from Paolo Banchero, Orlando blew past visiting Los Angeles.
The victory snapped a six-game home losing streak for the Magic.
Luka Doncic matched Wagner with 32 points for the Lakers, while LeBron James added 24 but the Lakers faltered on defense in the second half, allowing the Magic to take over. Orlando outscored the Lakers 34-18 in the third quarter.
Raptors 112, Wizards 104
Jakob Poeltl scored an efficient 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Toronto to a win over host Washington.
Poeltl made nine of his first 10 attempts on the way to a 10-of-13 performance from the field, helping Toronto end its four-game losing streak. Immanuel Quickley added a less efficient 21 points, making five of his 16 attempts from the floor.
Jordan Poole finished with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Wizards, who took their fifth loss in a row. Alex Sarr added 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting, while fellow rookie AJ Johnson scored a career-high 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting off the bench.
Pelicans 112, 76ers 99
Rookie Karlo Matkovic matched his career-high 19 points to lead a balanced scoring effort as host New Orleans pulled away from Philadelphia.
Kelly Olynyk finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Antonio Reeves scored 17, and Yves Missi added 16 for the Pelicans, who won for just the third time in 12 games.
Justin Edwards and Jared Butler scored 19 points each, and Jeff Dowtin Jr., Guerschon Yabusele, and Chuma Okeke added 12 each to lead the Sixers, who lost their fifth straight game and 20th in the past 23.
Pacers 119, Timberwolves 103
Tyrese Haliburton recorded a 24-point, 11-assist double-double, and Indiana scored its fifth consecutive win with a defeat of Minnesota in Indianapolis.
Haliburton's 11th consecutive double-double dating back to Feb. 23 paced Indiana offensively. Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 20 points, shooting 6-of-9 from outside. Aaron Nesmith shot 3-of-3 from 3-point range en route to 17 points. Bennedict Mathurin's 11 points extended his run of double-digit scoring performances to five games.
Anthony Edwards went 1-of-11 from deep, the same rate at which he shot in Indiana's 132-130 win at Minnesota on March 17. Edwards finished with 17 points. Julius Randle finished with nine points, less than half of his season average. Naz Reid's 20 points off the bench led the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.
Celtics 113, Kings 95
Jayson Tatum poured in a game-high 25 points before spraining his left ankle, Payton Pritchard came off the bench to contribute 22 points and Boston ran away from host Sacramento for its sixth straight win.
Tatum also had seven rebounds and eight assists in 26 minutes before he came down on Domantas Sabonis' foot after a 3-point attempt with 3:35 left in the third period. Tatum shot 8-for-15 overall and Pritchard 8-for-18 as Boston avenged a 114-97 shellacking at home by the Kings in January.
DeMar DeRozan and Sabonis put up double-doubles for the Kings, DeRozan with a team-high 20 points and game-high 10 assists, Sabonis with 16 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
- Jazz F Jaren Jackson Jr. has surgery to remove growth in left knee
- Former Nuggets coach Doug Moe dies at 87
- New NBA All-Star Game format draws highest ratings in 15 years
- Jaylen Brown: Beverly Hills PD's account of event shutdown not true
- Stephen Curry commits to 2027 All-Star 3-point contest
- Giannis Antetokounmpo says he is 'committed to the Milwaukee Bucks'
- NBA commissioner Adam Silver sends message to tanking teams
- Suns agree to deal with F Haywood Highsmith
- David Kelly named executive director of NBPA
- Kings' Zach LaVine set for season-ending hand surgery
- Spurs' Carter Bryant tabbed as replacement for Rising Stars game
- Raptors waive veteran G Chris Paul
- NBA roundup: LeBron James becomes oldest player to log triple-double
- Jazz fined $500K, Pacers $100K for tanking maneuvers
- Bucks coach Doc Rivers (funeral) to miss game at Thunder
- F Jeremy Sochan signing with Knicks after clearing waivers
- NBA suspends Suns F Dillon Brooks 1 game after 16th technical foul
- Spurs' De'Aaron Fox replaces Giannis Antetokounmpo in ASG
- Jazz F Jaren Jackson Jr. to undergo surgery on left knee
- Wizards' Alex Sarr (hamstring) out for Rising Stars game
The Orlando Magic released center Orlando Robinson from his two-way contract to create space for wing Alex Morales. Robinson, 25, played in four games this season and averaged 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds in 6.2 minutes. With Moritz Wagner healthy and Wendell Carter Jr. entrenched as the starter, Robinson faced a limited path to rotation minutes. He is not expected to hold value in standard leagues and will likely return to the G League to continue his development.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, free-agent center Mason Plumlee is signing a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs, his agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports told ESPN. The 35-year-old underwent right groin surgery in late December and was waived earlier this month after a trade from Charlotte to Oklahoma City. Plumlee appeared in 14 games with Charlotte this season, averaging 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes. With Victor Wembanyama anchoring the frontcourt and Luke Kornet and Bismack Biyombo in reserve roles, Plumlee profiles as emergency depth. He can remain on waiver wires in standard formats.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley finalized a deal with the team Tuesday, according to Michael Scotto of USA Today. The 38-year-old has averaged 4.4 points, 1.0 three, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 18.5 minutes over 44 games this season. He is expected to slot into a reserve role behind Donte DiVincenzo, while Ayo Dosunmu continues to handle second-unit playmaking duties. That role caps Conley's fantasy ceiling to deeper formats, with Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle driving the offense.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Washington Wizards are signing guard Alondes Williams to a 10-day contract from their Capital City G-League affiliate. The 26-year-old earns a call-up from Capital City after averaging 20.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the G League, highlighted by four 30-point efforts. With Trae Young (knee) sidelined and the Wizards leaning into youth, Williams will compete with Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley for backcourt minutes. He is a watchlist name in deeper formats, but immediate standard-league value is unlikely without a clear rotation role.
According to Derek Bodner, guard/forward Tyrese Martin is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers once the team converts Jabari Walker to a standard NBA deal. The 26-year-old averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 18.8 minutes across 37 games with the Nets earlier this season before being waived. Martin will fill an open two-way slot but joins a crowded backcourt featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes. He projects as G League depth and is not a standard-league option barring multiple injuries.
According to Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors are signing guard Nate Williams to a two-way contract. The 27-year-old has averaged 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the G League this season and will likely spend most of his time with the affiliate. With Jimmy Butler (knee) out for the season and Stephen Curry (knee) working back from injury, Golden State adds wing insurance. Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski remain the primary beneficiaries for minutes. For now, Williams looks like extra depth for the roster and isn't someone you need to consider in standard fantasy leagues.
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Jabari Walker intends to sign a new two-year deal with the team, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, after maxing out his games on a two-way contract. The 23-year-old averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes across 45 games this season. With Paul George suspended, Walker adds depth but will compete with Dominick Barlow and Trendon Watford for reserve minutes. Barlow is still the better deep-league gamble if the minutes settle in his favor, while Walker feels more like extra depth up front than someone you need to add in standard formats.
According to Marc Stein, free-agent guard Cameron Payne plans to sign a rest-of-season deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after securing a buyout overseas. The 31-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 15.1 minutes across 72 games with New York in 2024-25 and posted 9.3 points and 3.1 assists in 19.4 minutes over 31 games with Philadelphia in 2023-24. Payne joins a crowded backcourt led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, with Quentin Grimes also in the mix. He projects as a deep-league assists streamer and insurance option, but consistent top-150 value remains unlikely barring injuries.
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama delivered 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting with two rebounds in 10 minutes during Team World's 48-45 loss to Team Stripes, finishing the event with 33 total points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and four triples. Managers heading into the fantasy playoffs get a reminder of the ceiling. Wembanyama is averaging 26.6 points and 2.2 blocks over his last five outings, giving him top-tier impact in points, boards, and defensive categories. San Antonio's offense continues to flow through him, limiting high-end scoring upside for De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard poured in 31 points on 11-of-13 shooting, including six triples, with three rebounds and two steals in 12 minutes during Team Stripes' 48-45 win over Team World on Sunday. He totaled 37 points across the event. The exhibition carries no direct fantasy impact, but Leonard enters the stretch run locked in, averaging 29.6 points, 2.2 threes, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 steals over his last five games. With James Harden traded and Darius Garland (toe) lacking a clear timetable to return, Leonard's 34.5 percent usage should remain elite, while John Collins and Brook Lopez profile as complementary options.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards earned top honors Sunday after leading Team Stars to a 47-21 championship win, scoring eight points with four rebounds and two assists in eight minutes in the final. He piled up 32 points across the event and secured 10 of 14 MVP votes. The All-Star spotlight does not change anything for fantasy managers. Edwards heads into the break in rhythm, averaging 26.4 points, 3.0 threes, 5.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks over his last five games. The offense continues to run through him with a 32.1 percent usage rate, cementing his first-round value. Julius Randle remains the secondary scorer, but this is clearly Edwards' team from a fantasy perspective.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Malik Beasley signed Friday with the Santurce Crabbers of Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional league, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The 29-year-old averaged 16.3 points last season and shot 41.6 percent from three, drilling 319 triples, a franchise record. With his NBA future tied to an ongoing gambling investigation, this move positions him as out of the 2025-26 fantasy pool for now. In Detroit, Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson should continue absorbing perimeter volume, while Ausar Thompson maintains wing minutes without Beasley competing for shots. Beasley was not on the standard-league radar this season and remains off draft boards.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns, joined by former Knick Allan Houston, won the 2026 NBA All-Star Shooting Stars event Saturday, outscoring Team Cameron in the final round. The Knicks trio closed with 47 points after posting 31 in the opener to advance. While the exhibition carries no fantasy weight, both stars enter the second half in strong form. Brunson is averaging 26.6 points, 3.0 threes, 4.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in 36.6 minutes over his last five games, while Towns has posted 19.4 points and 12.4 rebounds in 28.8 minutes. Their usage keeps Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart in complementary roles.
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, defeating Carter Bryant in the final round. The second-year forward advanced with 92.8 points in the opening round and sealed the title with 97.4 in the finale, edging Bryant despite a 50-point dunk from his opponent. The trophy boosts Johnson's profile, but his fantasy outlook remains unchanged. He is averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.6 minutes across 21 games and is not a viable option outside deep formats, with Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins handling steady frontcourt roles.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) captured his third career 3-Point Contest crown Saturday, edging Devin Booker in the final round of the 2026 event. The 35-year-old posted 27 points in the opening round and 29 in the championship heat, drilling seven of his final 10 attempts, including a deep logo make. Lillard remains sidelined while rehabbing a torn left Achilles and is targeting a return for the 2026-27 season. His absence continues to stabilize usage for Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, keeping both firmly rostered in standard leagues.
Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith agreed to a multiyear contract Saturday, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The 29-year-old wing is healthy after undergoing knee surgery in August and most recently averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 24.6 minutes in 74 games with Miami last season. Highsmith profiles as a defensive-minded depth option behind Royce O'Neale and Dillon Brooks. His arrival could trim a few bench minutes from Amir Coffey or Ryan Dunn, but he remains off the fantasy radar outside deep formats.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will start Sunday's All-Star Game but is expected to play limited minutes in the opening matchup only. The 26-year-old missed the Lakers' final four games before the break with a mild left hamstring strain, though his participation signals progress ahead of Friday's meeting with the Clippers. Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 3.6 threes, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 28.4 minutes over his last five contests. Fantasy managers should anticipate a full workload next week, trimming short-term upside for Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) stated he feels ready to play. "I feel good. I feel 100 percent," reported the two-time MVP while speaking to the media during All-Star festivities on Saturday. "I'm ready to go. I feel like I can play a game today." Antetokounmpo acknowledged that he still has some "boxes" to check as it relates to working his way back from multiple right calf injuries. However, once players return from vacation, he'll be able to ramp up his activity level. The 31-year-old continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 boards, 5.6 assists, and a career-high 39.5% shooting from downtown in 30 appearances this season. At this rate, it's realistic to assume he'll be back on the floor before the end of February, barring a setback. In the meantime, Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins are expected to do most of the heavy lifting offensively. Ousmane Dieng, producing a double-double with six assists and four blocks in Thursday's win over OKC, also figures to remain in line for more action.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forward Riley Minix to a two-way contract on Friday, according to Michael Scotto. Minix began the season on a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He made three appearances with the team before being waived in December. The Cavs have decided to give the 25-year-old a chance after he posted impressive numbers in the G-League. Minix averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 32.3 minutes in the G-League. He probably won't see much time in Cleveland, but is depth in case injuries start to pile up. For now, Minix isn't someone to bother rostering in fantasy formats.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is on track to play during Sunday's All-Star Game, according to Marc Stein. He's expected to play a short stint in the game after missing the final four games ahead of the break due to a lingering hamstring injury. Doncic reportedly looked good during a recent workout and should be available for his exhibition, barring any setbacks. His role is unlikely to be significant, but basketball fans will be happy to see Doncic involved in any capacity. The fact that he's almost certainly going to play on Sunday should mean that Doncic will play during the first game after the break.
