Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving shared his thoughts about how his season ended earlier this mo...

<p>Dallas Mavericks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> shared his thoughts about how his season ended earlier this month when he tore the ACL in his left knee in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.</p><p>Irving discussed the emotional moment on a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azlP2lv1gtI">Twitch</a> stream over the weekend, revealing that the late Kobe Bryant was one of the first people he thought about when he realized his season was likely over. </p><p>"I'm tearing up at the free-throw line, and I could just sense that my body was in shock," the 33-year-old said, according to <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/dallas-mavericks-kyrie-irving-explains-crying-free-throw-line-after-tearing-acl-">Sports Illustrated's Austin Veazey</a>. "And the moment that I got up there and dribbled, I was thinking about thanking God from the outset - right from the start. But I just started thinking about all my predecessors. Especially Kobe.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You know, at that moment, I could feel the sense of - my season is done. I'm hurting. I'm crying. I got millions of people watching me. I got millions of people praying for me. I got millions of people that are involved in this journey with me, so they're feeling the same pain that I'm feeling. They might not feel the physical pain, but they're feeling the pain I'm feeling. And I just wanted to be strong."</p><p>Bryant famously made two free throws after tearing his left Achilles tendon April 12, 2013, during a game against the Golden State Warriors. The Los Angeles Lakers legend missed the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign and the start of the next season, eventually returning to the lineup Dec. 8, 2013.</p><p>Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season before the injury.</p>

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 3: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks free throw during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Tom Brady admits his relationship with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wasn...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/1333" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/1333">Tom Brady</a> admits his relationship with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wasn't at its best during his final years with the team.</p><p>The future Hall of Fame quarterback opened up about the "tension" between him and Belichick in his <a href="https://ckarchive.com/b/mvu7h5hq9olo4av5oo45wir86oqqqt3">weekly newsletter</a>, explaining how it led to his decision to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency in 2020.</p><p>"For me, it was a creeping decision that lived passively in the back of (my) mind for two to three years until March of 2020 when a whirlwind of a few days made me realize that a decision was coming sooner rather than later," Brady wrote. "The reality was, after 20 years together, a natural tension had developed between where coach Belichick and I were headed in our careers, and where the Patriots were moving as a franchise. It was the kind of tension that could only be resolved by some kind of split or one of us reassessing our priorities."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brady and Belichick spent 20 seasons together in New England, winning 17 division titles and six Super Bowl championships. Brady went on to capture another Super Bowl title during his first season with the Bucs.</p><p>Belichick, 72, parted ways with the Patriots at the end of the 2023 season and was out of coaching in 2024. He was hired by North Carolina in December, marking his first time coaching at the collegiate level.</p><p>Brady is now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and works as a color commentator for the NFL on Fox.</p>

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady #12 chat before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

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Jimmy Butler will return to Miami to face the Heat on Tuesday for the first time since being trad...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> will return to Miami to face the Heat on Tuesday for the first time since being traded to the Golden State Warriors, but he's approaching the game like he would any other.</p><p>Butler downplayed the significance of the matchup following Saturday's 124-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, saying he's focused solely on helping the Warriors win.</p><p>"Yeah, I was traded from there, yada, yada, yada," Butler said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44365896/jimmy-butler-shrugs-miami-return-just-another-game">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "Yeah, it didn't end the way that people wanted to, yada yada yada.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"But that's so far behind me now. I don't even think about it. I don't pay attention to nothing except for the trajectory of this squad."</p><p>The six-time All-Star added that he isn't concerned about the reaction he'll receive from Heat fans.</p><p>"Not really, don't make no difference," Butler said. "I'm a member of the Golden State Warriors. I love that fan base. They showed me a lot of love while I was there. But I'm there to win now. I'm on the opposing team."</p><p>Butler was traded to Golden State in early February after six seasons in Miami. Since his debut on Feb. 8, the Warriors are 16-4, while the Heat are currently riding a 10-game losing streak.</p><p>The 35-year-old pointed to the lack of a championship when asked to characterize his Miami tenure.</p><p>"We were alright," Butler said. "We didn't win nothing like we were supposed to. So I don't know. We made some cool runs. We had some fun. I think that's all we did."</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on February 25, 2025 in San Francisco, 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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Butler downplays Miami return: 'That's so far behind me now'

Former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban admitted to struggling to make sense of the tea...

<p>Former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban admitted to struggling to make sense of the team's decision to trade <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.</p><p>Cuban shared his thoughts on the blockbuster deal on a recent episode of the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUwmA0lOWwM">Your Mom's House</a><em>"</em> podcast," saying it wouldn't have happened if he was still in charge of basketball operations. </p><p>"I love Luka. We weren't best buddies, but I would text him all the time and DM him," Cuban said. "I would give him all these motivational quotes, even gave him books to read and stuff to read. We had a good relationship, got along great with his dad. I was just as dumbfounded as everybody else."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cuban added that he's still "mourning" Dallas losing Doncic.</p><p>"It's just brutal. It's painful no matter how you look at it," he said. "It's like talking about ... like a pet dying. I'm in mourning, kind of, still."</p><p>Cuban joined the Mavs' ownership group in 2000 and remained the majority owner until he sold his stake in December 2023. The franchise won its only NBA championship in 2011.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 30: Mark Cuban and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 30, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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The top-seeded teams in this year's NCAA Tournaments appear to be fan favorites heading into the ...

<p>The top-seeded teams in this year's NCAA Tournaments appear to be fan favorites heading into the first round.</p><p>Geotagged X data gathered since Selection Sunday shows No. 1 Duke is the overwhelming favorite on the men's side with 19 states predicting a championship win for the Blue Devils. <a href="https://www.betonline.ag/">BetOnline.ag</a> created a corresponding map based on over 290,000 March Madness-related tweets.</p><p>No. 1 Florida was the second-most popular pick with nine states, followed by fellow 1-seed Houston, with four states.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776046/march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411688" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776046/march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411688 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776046/march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411688 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776046/march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411688 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776046/march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411688 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776046/march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411688 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>Here are the full results for the men's tournament:</p><p>Duke: 19 states<br>Florida: 9 states<br>Houston: 4 states<br>Auburn: 3 states<br>Alabama: 1 state<br>St. John's: 1 state<br>Tennessee: 1 state<br>Kentucky: 1 state<br>Purdue: 1 state<br>Michigan State: 1 state<br>Wisconsin: 1 state<br>Illinois: 1 state<br>Iowa State: 1 state<br>Kansas: 1 state<br>Clemson: 1 state<br>Arizona: 1 state<br>BYU: 1 state<br>Gonzaga: 1 state<br>Maryland: 1 state</p><p>The women's tournament map, which is based on over 110,000 tweets, shows that more than half of the United States expects No. 1 UConn to win it all. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776047/womens_march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411735" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776047/womens_march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411735 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776047/womens_march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411735 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776047/womens_march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411735 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776047/womens_march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411735 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776047/womens_march_madness_2025.jpg?ts=1742411735 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>Here are the full results for the women's tournament:</p><p>UConn: 29 states<br>South Carolina: 14 states<br>USC: 3 states<br>UCLA: 1 state<br>Notre Dame: 1 state<br>Texas: 1 state<br>LSU: 1 state</p><p>The first round of the men's tournament gets underway Thursday, while the women's bracket begins Friday.</p>

PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 19: The March Madness logo shown on the floor before the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - First & Second Rounds Practice Day at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on March 19, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.

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The WNBA will be the focus of a new scripted TV series.  Peacock is collaborating with two-time W...

<p>The WNBA will be the focus of a new scripted TV series.</p><p>Peacock is collaborating with two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike and "Glow" creators Carly Mensch and Liz Flahive on a comedy series about the world of professional women's basketball titled "The W," <a href="https://deadline.com/2025/03/wnba-comedy-series-peacock-chiney-ogwumike-1236326837/">Deadline's Peter White</a> reports.</p><p>The half-hour show will follow a WNBA rookie and her agent and delve into the "glamour and grind" of women's sports. Ogwumike and her longtime business partner and agent, Allison Galer, loosely inspired the program.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ogwumike, who last played in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023, will executive produce the series through her company, Victorious.</p><p>The WNBA experienced a surge in popularity last season thanks largely to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-delivers-record-setting-2024-season">setting</a> multiple TV and attendance records. The 2025 regular season gets underway May 16.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 30: A view of the WNBA logo before the game between the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena on August 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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EA Sports is giving players greater incentive to appear in its College Football video game series...

<p>EA Sports is giving players greater incentive to appear in its College Football video game series.</p><p>Players who opt in to College Football 26 will be paid at least $1,500 and will receive a Deluxe Edition copy of the game for a console of their choice, an EA Sports representative told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ea-sports-college-football-26-nil-payment-more-than-doubles-for-players-opting-to-participate-in-video-game/">CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello</a>. That amount is more than double the $600 compensation players received for allowing use of their name, image, and likeness in last year's iteration of the game.</p><p>EA Sports has yet to announce any details about College Football 26 but did confirm that the game is due out this summer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The college football video game series, which was previously known as NCAA Football, was revived last July, ending an 11-year hiatus. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, and Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter appeared on the College Football 25 cover.</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: A video billboard adverting for EA Sports College Football 25 on the outside of an office building on January 31, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

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Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan appears to be in good spirits after falling ill at Monday's game ...

<p>Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan appears to be in good spirits after falling ill at Monday's game between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat.</p><p>Morgan shared a photo Tuesday on Instagram of himself in a hospital bed, letting fans know he's doing okay and that food poisoning is what caused him to get sick. The 56-year-old New York native also joked that his sickness may have been good luck for the Knicks.</p><p>"I'm doing ok now and doctors say it was food poisoning," Morgan wrote. "Appreciate my MSG family for taking such good care of me and I need to shout out the crew that had to clean that up. Appreciate you!</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"More importantly, the Knicks are now 1-0 when I throw up on the court so maybe I'll have to break it out again in the playoffs."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHWCOw6vhE0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHWCOw6vhE0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHWCOw6vhE0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Tracy Morgan (@tracymorgan)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Morgan sat courtside at Madison Square Garden when the incident occurred and was escorted away in a wheelchair during the third quarter. The game was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244949" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244949">briefly delayed</a> so workers could clean up the area surrounding his seat.</p><p>The Knicks defeated the Heat 116-95 to improve to 43-24 on the season.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 2: Tracy Morgan sits courtside during the game during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Tracy Morgan: Food poisoning caused incident at Knicks-Heat game

Luka Doncic expects a tough matchup when the Los Angeles Lakers host Nikola Jokic and the Denver ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> expects a tough matchup when the Los Angeles Lakers host <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.</p><p>"I think the team that has Jokic on it is always dangerous," Doncic told reporters after the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM6Op9beJiI">House of Highlights</a>. "And with him on the court, there's always danger.</p><p>"It's hard to play against him. He knows all the tricks. He's an amazing basketball player. ... That's a challenge for us and it's fun. We like challenges and I think it's going to be a great game."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jokic finds himself in the MVP race again this season, averaging a career-high 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game while helping lead the Nuggets to third place in the Western Conference with a 44-25 record.</p><p>Wednesday's game will be the fourth meeting of the season between the Lakers and Nuggets. Denver leads the season series 2-1. The Lakers are fourth in the West at 42-25.</p>

DENVER, CO - MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets talks to Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the game on March 14, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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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Doncic: 'The team that has Jokic on it is always dangerous' 

Dirk Nowitzki was glued to his phone after news broke in early February that the Dallas Mavericks...

<p>Dirk Nowitzki was glued to his phone after news broke in early February that the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>Nowitzki revealed on the latest episode of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQdOIcqKxac">41 Campus</a> podcast that he was on vacation in the Maldives when his phone "exploded with calls and messages from all over the world" about the trade, per <a href="https://basketnews.com/news-221337-dirk-nowitzki-still-processing-shocking-luka-doncic-trade-says-it-hurt.html">BasketNews</a>.</p><p>"I was so stunned that I just put everything aside," the Mavs legend said. "We were supposed to go for a quick lunch with the family before flying out, but instead, I sat in my room for an hour, scrolling through X, trying to figure out if it was real."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While Nowitzki remains loyal to the Mavs, he admitted that he was hurt by the team's decision to part ways with Doncic.</p><p>"It's a tough situation, but in my tweet, I made it clear - I will always be a Mavs fan, but this trade really hurt," he said. "And it will take a while before everyone processes it and moves on."</p><p>Nowitzki played one season with Doncic in Dallas before retiring from the NBA in 2019. He attended Doncic's Lakers debut against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 10.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 15: Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki talks with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after the Mavericks defeated the Suns 123-90 in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 15, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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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Nowitzki skipped family lunch after Doncic trade: 'I was so stunned'

Warning: Story/video contains coarse language  Luka Doncic's recent move to Los Angeles earned hi...

<p><em>Warning: Story/video contains coarse language</em></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>'s recent move to Los Angeles earned him a shoutout from Grammy-award-winning rapper and Compton native Kendrick Lamar.</p><p>The Slovenian superstar is name-dropped in Lamar's guest verse on the new Playboi Carti song "Good Credit," which was released Friday. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The numbers is nothing, the money is nothing, I really been him, I promise / Say Kenny been heavy out West and I carry the weight, n---, I'm Luka Doncic," Lamar <a href="https://genius.com/Playboi-carti-good-credit-lyrics">raps</a> on the track.</p><p>Doncic was traded to the Lakers in early February after seven years in Dallas, where he earned five All-Star nods and helped lead the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance last season.</p><p>Doncic is averaging 27.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.7 assists through 35 games this season.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 4: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena 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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Kendrick Lamar name-drops Doncic on new song

The Chicago Bulls' six championship banners were removed from the rafters at the United Center af...

<p>The Chicago Bulls' six championship banners were removed from the rafters at the United Center after being damaged during a concert headlined by heavy metal band Disturbed on Saturday night.</p><p>The banners sustained significant heat damage from a pyrotechnics display, which caused the bottom halves of the fabric to warp, <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/13/chicago-bulls-championship-banners-damaged-united-center/">Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune</a> reports. The United Center initially hoped to return the banners in time for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets, but the repairs won't be completed until after the NBA regular season ends in April.</p><p>"United Center is currently working with the Bulls to explore options to repair these banners," United Center communications said in a statement. "While the banners will not be in place for the remainder of this season, we do anticipate them being back in place next season."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The banners commemorate the Bulls' championships from 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. </p><p>Chicago sits 10th in the Eastern Conference at 28-38 and holds the final play-in spot.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 22: Chicago Bulls Championship banners during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 22, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Bulls' championship banners damaged by concert pyrotechnics

Like many people in the sports world, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was in disbelief a...

<p>Like many people in the sports world, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/120335" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/120335">CeeDee Lamb</a> was in disbelief after learning about the blockbuster trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> to the Los Angeles Lakers in early February. </p><p>Lamb shared his thoughts on the Mavericks' decision to part ways with Doncic in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OpBBYYeB8A">video</a> posted on streamer N3on's YouTube channel Wednesday, saying the move "killed" Dallas. </p><p>"I ain't gonna lie, they killed the city with that one," Lamb said. "I wasn't even expecting that. I don't even know what time that happened, but I remember where I was when I saw it, and I thought it was fake. 'Cause I saw it on a tweet and it didn't have ... it was just a tweet, just the words."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Doncic, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, had spent his entire seven-year career in Dallas prior to being dealt in early February. The trade was met with backlash from Mavs fans and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3212698" href="https://thescore.com/news/3212698">reportedly</a> led to general manager Nico Harrison receiving death threats.</p><p>Lamb will enter his sixth season with the Cowboys this year and is under contract through 2028.</p>

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 25: CeeDee Lamb smiles during the game with the Dallas Mavericks Mascot, Champ against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE

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Cowboys' Lamb: Mavs 'killed the city' by trading Doncic

Stephen Curry only has one thing on his mind now that his NBA career is beginning to wind down.  ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> only has one thing on his mind now that his NBA career is beginning to wind down.</p><p>Ahead of his 37th birthday Friday, the Golden State Warriors star spoke about his desire to win a fifth NBA championship.</p><p>"Somebody asked me this summer, like, 'What are you still playing for?' That's literally the only thing you're playing for," Curry said during an appearance on 95.7 The Game's "<a href="https://www.audacy.com/podcast/steiny-and-guru-11093/episodes/gary-payton-ii-joins-the-show-c8c39?action=AUTOPLAY_FULL&amp;actionContentId=201-7ca5b4ef-f999-4b81-ad3a-7c36c447c8e6">Steiny &amp; Guru</a>" show Wednesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Warriors have been on a roll since acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline, posting a 12-2 record. However, Curry knows there's still work to be done.</p><p>"I like where we're at right now. I think we have what it takes to do it, but I'm not fast-forwarding to say we're a championship team right now because we have another level to get to before we get to a playoff-type environment," Curry said. "I'm excited about that challenge. All I wanted to be was in the fight. All I wanted was a chance."</p><p>The Warriors enter Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference standings at 37-28.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 6: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 6, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Steph: Winning 5th title is 'only thing' I'm playing for

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic both a...

<p>Oklahoma City Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> and Denver Nuggets center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> both appear to be fan favorites in this season's NBA MVP race.</p><p>A map created by <a href="https://www.betonline.ag/">BetOnline.ag</a> based on geotagged X data, including over 140,000 tweets related to the 2025 NBA MVP award, shows the United States is divided on which player is most deserving of the honor. Gilgeous-Alexander is the most popular pick to win the award in 26 states, while Jokic is favored in 24 states.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774876/jokic_vs_sga_mvp.jpg?ts=1741806934" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774876/jokic_vs_sga_mvp.jpg?ts=1741806934 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774876/jokic_vs_sga_mvp.jpg?ts=1741806934 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774876/jokic_vs_sga_mvp.jpg?ts=1741806934 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774876/jokic_vs_sga_mvp.jpg?ts=1741806934 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774876/jokic_vs_sga_mvp.jpg?ts=1741806934 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game this season for the Thunder, who own the best record in the Western Conference at 53-12.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jokic, meanwhile, is averaging a career-high 28.9 points and 10.5 assists through 59 games.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets sit on the bench during the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

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X map shows U.S. split on whether SGA, Jokic should win NBA MVP

Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur isn't hiding his bias on who he thinks should be the f...

<p>Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur isn't hiding his bias on who he thinks should be the first quarterback off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><p>The former NFL head coach told reporters Tuesday that he's advised teams to draft either Colorado quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> or teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a>.</p><p>"I've told (all 32 teams) all this - and I really believe it having worked with him at this level and knowing how he's going to project to the next level: If you need a quarterback, draft Shedeur. If you don't need a quarterback, take Travis," Shurmur said, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pat-shurmur-if-you-need-a-quarterback-draft-shedeur-sanders">Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward are considered the top quarterbacks in this year's draft and are widely projected to be top-10 selections. Hunter is also projected to be a top pick.</p><p>The 2025 NFL Draft will be held April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.</p>

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 09: Shedeur Sanders #2 and Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes talk with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas.

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Colorado coordinator Shurmur: 'If you need a quarterback, draft Shedeur'

A big audience tuned in Saturday night to watch Luka Doncic's first game against the Boston Celti...

<p>A big audience tuned in Saturday night to watch <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>'s first game against the Boston Celtics as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>The matchup averaged 4.61 million viewers on ABC and peaked at 5.3 million, making it the NBA's most-watched regular-season game (excluding Christmas Day) in seven years, the league <a href="https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1899510752815280416">announced</a> Tuesday. It was also the most-watched prime-time program Saturday.</p><p>The Lakers lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3237255" href="https://thescore.com/news/3237255">111-101</a> to the defending champion Celtics, ending their eight-game winning streak. Doncic finished with a team-high 34 points and eight rebounds, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> led the way for the Celtics with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The game marked Doncic's first visit to Boston since he and the Dallas Mavericks lost Game 5 of the NBA Finals to the Celtics last year. </p><p>The Lakers and Celtics previously met Jan. 23 when L.A. won 117-96.</p>

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 8: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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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Lakers-Celtics tops Saturday prime-time ratings for best mark in 7 years

Klay Thompson hasn't lost faith in the Dallas Mavericks amid their recent struggles.  The four-ti...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a> hasn't lost faith in the Dallas Mavericks amid their recent struggles.</p><p>The four-time NBA champion expressed optimism about the franchise's future following Monday night's 133-129 win over the San Antonio Spurs, saying he wants to help lead the Mavs back to "glory."</p><p>"We still have big goals, we still want to make a run," Thompson said, via <a href="https://x.com/JoeyMistretta_/status/1899303391165087808">Joey Mistretta of Clutch Points</a>. "The injuries have been awful, but I still love our team. We have an amazing frontcourt. We miss those guys dearly, obviously, you can tell with the lack of size out there. They're probably the strong point of our team, but we're showing as much heart as we can. It's just a pleasure to go to battle with each and every person who suits up. That's all you can control, at the end of the day, is your attitude and effort.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I still believe in this franchise. I'm here for two more seasons after this, so I'd love to help them return to glory that they were brought to in 2011."</p><p>The Mavs snapped a five-game losing streak with Monday's win despite having just eight players available. They currently sit 10th in the Western Conference at 33-33.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Chase Center on December 15, 2024 in San Francisco, 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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Klay wants to help Mavs 'return to glory'

Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis is trying to ease fans' frustration with the organization ...

<p>Dallas Mavericks big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> is trying to ease fans' frustration with the organization for trading away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>.</p><p>The 10-time NBA All-Star delivered a message to Mavs fans in an interview posted on the team's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPYdhJYTK3A&amp;t=240s">YouTube channel</a> Friday, letting them know he can fill the void left by Doncic's departure.</p><p>"I know the city was down because of the Luka thing," Davis said. "At the same time, I know who I am as a player. I'm top 75 of all time, and I just want to let the Dallas fans know, I got y'all. I'm here. I'm here now. I know you lost a superstar in Luka, but you also gained a superstar in myself."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Mavs acquired Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in February in exchange for Doncic, who had spent his entire seven-year NBA career in Dallas.</p><p>Davis has played in only one game since the trade, as he suffered a left adductor strain late in the third quarter of his Mavs debut on Feb. 8. The Mavs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3235764" href="https://thescore.com/news/3235764">announced</a> Friday that Davis "is improving daily," but there's still no timetable for his return.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 04: Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks looks on after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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AD: Mavs fans lost Luka, but 'you also gained a superstar in myself'

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay used some liquid courage in an attempt to lure Aaron Donal...

<p>Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay used some liquid courage in an attempt to lure Aaron Donald out of retirement last season.</p><p>McVay made the revelation on the "<a href="https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/1898034892006466041">Pardon My Take</a>" podcast, explaining how he broached Donald about potentially returning to the Rams while they were celebrating his son's birthday in October.</p><p>"(Donald) was at my house after we played Minnesota earlier on in the season," McVay said. "It was a Thursday night game, so we had a birthday (party) for my son Jordan. It was his first birthday. ... I think I caught a couple vodka sodas too many, and I definitely was trying to convince him (to return). He was like, 'Hey bro, we've already been down this road, man. You know that's not happening.'"</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Donald spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Rams, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a Super Bowl.</p><p>The 33-year-old announced his retirement in March 2024, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2873718" href="https://thescore.com/news/2873718">explaining</a> that he was "burnt out" and no longer had the passion to play football.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts with Aaron Donald #99 during the second half of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.

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McVay tried to coax Donald out of retirement after 'too many' vodka sodas

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