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Deadspin | NBA roundup: Wolves down Pacers, subsequently clinch playoff berth Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which sits in sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday. Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who took their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points. Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness. Thunder 123, Lakers 87 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in 28 minutes as Oklahoma City demolished the Lakers for the second time in five days, prevailing in Los Angeles. The Thunder, by earning their sixth consecutive win and their 18th in 19 games, moved within one win or one San Antonio Spurs loss of clinching the top spot in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season. Chet Holmgren had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain added 18 and 15 points off the bench, respectively. The Lakers fell a game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 spot in the West with their third consecutive loss. They are now tied with Houston after the Rockets beat the Suns. Rui Hachimura led Los Angeles with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. No other Los Angeles player scored more than 11. Rockets 119, Suns 105 Kevin Durant had 24 points and five 3-pointers in his return to Phoenix and Houston overcame a 21-point deficit for its largest comeback of the season, producing a victory over the host Suns. Amen Thompson logged 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and Jabari Smith Jr. had 20 points and five 3-pointers for the Rockets, who have won seven in a row and nine of 11. The Rockets are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth place in the West and are one game behind the Denver Nuggets with three to play. Devin Booker had 31 points and eight assists and Mark Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who had a 24-0 run in the first quarter to build a 26-5 lead before fading. Pelicans 156, Jazz 137 Jeremiah Fears scored a career-high and franchise-rookie-record 40 points and as New Orleans set a club record for points in a blowout of visiting Utah. Jordan Poole added 34 points, Jordan Hawkins put up a season-high 25 and rookie Micah Peavy scored a career-high 20 as the Pelicans ended an eight-game losing streak. Kennedy Chandler scored a career-high 31 points and rookie Bez Mbeng added a career-best 26 for the Jazz, who lost their 10th consecutive game. Celtics 113, Hornets 102 Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds to propel Boston past visiting Charlotte. The Celtics received 23 points from Jayson Tatum and 12 apiece from Neemias Queta, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Boston has won four straight and 11 of its past 13 games. LaMelo Ball tossed in a game-high 36 points for the Hornets, but he failed to score in the fourth quarter. Charlotte was held to 15 points in the final period as its four-game winning streak ended. Bulls 129, Wizards 98 Rob Dillingham’s career-high 26 points off the bench highlighted a balanced scoring effort as Chicago rolled past host Washington. Chicago left little doubt on the way to snapping a seven-game losing streak, pouncing on Washington with a 9-0 run midway the first quarter. Tre Jones put up 20 points, his third effort of 19-plus points in his past five games, and he wound up one assist shy of his first double-double since January. Patrick Williams added 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Bilal Coulibaly led the Wizards with 19 points. First-year forward Julian Reese posted his fourth double-double in his 10 NBA games, going for 17 points and 11 rebounds. Nets 96, Bucks 90 E.J. Liddell scored 21 points to lead Brooklyn to a victory over visiting Milwaukee. It was the second win in a row for Brooklyn and third in its last five contests. Ben Saraf added 19 points while Malachi Smith and Drake Powell each scored 11. AJ Green led the Bucks with 20 points on six 3-pointers (6-for-12). Taurean Prince scored 16 points with 11 rebounds while Cormac Ryan added 14. Jericho Sims tallied 12 points, eight boards and six assists, and Ousmane Dieng had 10 points and seven rebounds. Clippers 116, Mavericks 103 Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as Los Angeles improved its play-in tournament seeding possibilities with a victory over Dallas in Inglewood, Calif. John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland. Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks fell to 2-9 since March 16. Flagg, 19, coming off consecutive games of 51 and 45 points. Raptors 121, Heat 95 Scottie Barnes scored 25 points and Brandon Ingram added 23, leading Toronto to a victory over visiting Miami. Jakob Poeltl had 17 points while RJ Barrett chipped in 16 for the Raptors, who pulled within a game of the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. Toronto had dropped three of its previous four games. The Heat got 24 points from Andrew Wiggins and 14 points apiece from Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Miami shot just 27.3% (12 of 44) on 3-point attempts while dropping its ninth game in 12 tries. Warriors 110, Kings 105 Stephen Curry capped his 17-point performance with a game-tying 3-pointer, then turned his own miss into an offensive rebound and assist on Brandin Podziemski’s go-ahead trey as Golden State outlasted Sacramento in San Francisco. De’Anthony Melton had a game-high 21 points and Podziemski finished with 20 for the Warriors, who ended a four-game losing streak while resting Kristaps Porzingis on the first night of a four-games-in-six-days sequence. Killian Hayes led a balanced attack with 18 points off the bench for the Kings, who dropped their second in a row. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Wolves #Pacers #subsequently #clinch #playoff #berth

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Wolves down Pacers, subsequently clinch playoff berth
Deadspin | NBA roundup: Wolves down Pacers, subsequently clinch playoff berth Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which sits in sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday. Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who took their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points. Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness. Thunder 123, Lakers 87 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in 28 minutes as Oklahoma City demolished the Lakers for the second time in five days, prevailing in Los Angeles. The Thunder, by earning their sixth consecutive win and their 18th in 19 games, moved within one win or one San Antonio Spurs loss of clinching the top spot in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season. Chet Holmgren had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain added 18 and 15 points off the bench, respectively. The Lakers fell a game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 spot in the West with their third consecutive loss. They are now tied with Houston after the Rockets beat the Suns. Rui Hachimura led Los Angeles with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. No other Los Angeles player scored more than 11. Rockets 119, Suns 105 Kevin Durant had 24 points and five 3-pointers in his return to Phoenix and Houston overcame a 21-point deficit for its largest comeback of the season, producing a victory over the host Suns. Amen Thompson logged 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and Jabari Smith Jr. had 20 points and five 3-pointers for the Rockets, who have won seven in a row and nine of 11. The Rockets are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth place in the West and are one game behind the Denver Nuggets with three to play. Devin Booker had 31 points and eight assists and Mark Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who had a 24-0 run in the first quarter to build a 26-5 lead before fading. Pelicans 156, Jazz 137 Jeremiah Fears scored a career-high and franchise-rookie-record 40 points and as New Orleans set a club record for points in a blowout of visiting Utah. Jordan Poole added 34 points, Jordan Hawkins put up a season-high 25 and rookie Micah Peavy scored a career-high 20 as the Pelicans ended an eight-game losing streak. Kennedy Chandler scored a career-high 31 points and rookie Bez Mbeng added a career-best 26 for the Jazz, who lost their 10th consecutive game. Celtics 113, Hornets 102 Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds to propel Boston past visiting Charlotte. The Celtics received 23 points from Jayson Tatum and 12 apiece from Neemias Queta, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Boston has won four straight and 11 of its past 13 games. LaMelo Ball tossed in a game-high 36 points for the Hornets, but he failed to score in the fourth quarter. Charlotte was held to 15 points in the final period as its four-game winning streak ended. Bulls 129, Wizards 98 Rob Dillingham’s career-high 26 points off the bench highlighted a balanced scoring effort as Chicago rolled past host Washington. Chicago left little doubt on the way to snapping a seven-game losing streak, pouncing on Washington with a 9-0 run midway the first quarter. Tre Jones put up 20 points, his third effort of 19-plus points in his past five games, and he wound up one assist shy of his first double-double since January. Patrick Williams added 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Bilal Coulibaly led the Wizards with 19 points. First-year forward Julian Reese posted his fourth double-double in his 10 NBA games, going for 17 points and 11 rebounds. Nets 96, Bucks 90 E.J. Liddell scored 21 points to lead Brooklyn to a victory over visiting Milwaukee. It was the second win in a row for Brooklyn and third in its last five contests. Ben Saraf added 19 points while Malachi Smith and Drake Powell each scored 11. AJ Green led the Bucks with 20 points on six 3-pointers (6-for-12). Taurean Prince scored 16 points with 11 rebounds while Cormac Ryan added 14. Jericho Sims tallied 12 points, eight boards and six assists, and Ousmane Dieng had 10 points and seven rebounds. Clippers 116, Mavericks 103 Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as Los Angeles improved its play-in tournament seeding possibilities with a victory over Dallas in Inglewood, Calif. John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland. Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks fell to 2-9 since March 16. Flagg, 19, coming off consecutive games of 51 and 45 points. Raptors 121, Heat 95 Scottie Barnes scored 25 points and Brandon Ingram added 23, leading Toronto to a victory over visiting Miami. Jakob Poeltl had 17 points while RJ Barrett chipped in 16 for the Raptors, who pulled within a game of the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. Toronto had dropped three of its previous four games. The Heat got 24 points from Andrew Wiggins and 14 points apiece from Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Miami shot just 27.3% (12 of 44) on 3-point attempts while dropping its ninth game in 12 tries. Warriors 110, Kings 105 Stephen Curry capped his 17-point performance with a game-tying 3-pointer, then turned his own miss into an offensive rebound and assist on Brandin Podziemski’s go-ahead trey as Golden State outlasted Sacramento in San Francisco. De’Anthony Melton had a game-high 21 points and Podziemski finished with 20 for the Warriors, who ended a four-game losing streak while resting Kristaps Porzingis on the first night of a four-games-in-six-days sequence. Killian Hayes led a balanced attack with 18 points off the bench for the Kings, who dropped their second in a row. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Wolves #Pacers #subsequently #clinch #playoff #berthApr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which sits in sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.

Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who took their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.

Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.

Thunder 123, Lakers 87

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in 28 minutes as Oklahoma City demolished the Lakers for the second time in five days, prevailing in Los Angeles.

The Thunder, by earning their sixth consecutive win and their 18th in 19 games, moved within one win or one San Antonio Spurs loss of clinching the top spot in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season. Chet Holmgren had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain added 18 and 15 points off the bench, respectively.

The Lakers fell a game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 spot in the West with their third consecutive loss. They are now tied with Houston after the Rockets beat the Suns. Rui Hachimura led Los Angeles with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. No other Los Angeles player scored more than 11.

Rockets 119, Suns 105

Kevin Durant had 24 points and five 3-pointers in his return to Phoenix and Houston overcame a 21-point deficit for its largest comeback of the season, producing a victory over the host Suns.

Amen Thompson logged 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and Jabari Smith Jr. had 20 points and five 3-pointers for the Rockets, who have won seven in a row and nine of 11. The Rockets are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth place in the West and are one game behind the Denver Nuggets with three to play.

Devin Booker had 31 points and eight assists and Mark Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who had a 24-0 run in the first quarter to build a 26-5 lead before fading.

Pelicans 156, Jazz 137

Jeremiah Fears scored a career-high and franchise-rookie-record 40 points and as New Orleans set a club record for points in a blowout of visiting Utah.

Jordan Poole added 34 points, Jordan Hawkins put up a season-high 25 and rookie Micah Peavy scored a career-high 20 as the Pelicans ended an eight-game losing streak.

Kennedy Chandler scored a career-high 31 points and rookie Bez Mbeng added a career-best 26 for the Jazz, who lost their 10th consecutive game.

Celtics 113, Hornets 102

Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds to propel Boston past visiting Charlotte.

The Celtics received 23 points from Jayson Tatum and 12 apiece from Neemias Queta, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Boston has won four straight and 11 of its past 13 games.

LaMelo Ball tossed in a game-high 36 points for the Hornets, but he failed to score in the fourth quarter. Charlotte was held to 15 points in the final period as its four-game winning streak ended.


Bulls 129, Wizards 98

Rob Dillingham’s career-high 26 points off the bench highlighted a balanced scoring effort as Chicago rolled past host Washington.

Chicago left little doubt on the way to snapping a seven-game losing streak, pouncing on Washington with a 9-0 run midway the first quarter. Tre Jones put up 20 points, his third effort of 19-plus points in his past five games, and he wound up one assist shy of his first double-double since January. Patrick Williams added 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Bilal Coulibaly led the Wizards with 19 points. First-year forward Julian Reese posted his fourth double-double in his 10 NBA games, going for 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Nets 96, Bucks 90

E.J. Liddell scored 21 points to lead Brooklyn to a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

It was the second win in a row for Brooklyn and third in its last five contests. Ben Saraf added 19 points while Malachi Smith and Drake Powell each scored 11.

AJ Green led the Bucks with 20 points on six 3-pointers (6-for-12). Taurean Prince scored 16 points with 11 rebounds while Cormac Ryan added 14. Jericho Sims tallied 12 points, eight boards and six assists, and Ousmane Dieng had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Clippers 116, Mavericks 103

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as Los Angeles improved its play-in tournament seeding possibilities with a victory over Dallas in Inglewood, Calif.

John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland.

Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks fell to 2-9 since March 16. Flagg, 19, coming off consecutive games of 51 and 45 points.

Raptors 121, Heat 95

Scottie Barnes scored 25 points and Brandon Ingram added 23, leading Toronto to a victory over visiting Miami.

Jakob Poeltl had 17 points while RJ Barrett chipped in 16 for the Raptors, who pulled within a game of the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. Toronto had dropped three of its previous four games.

The Heat got 24 points from Andrew Wiggins and 14 points apiece from Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Miami shot just 27.3% (12 of 44) on 3-point attempts while dropping its ninth game in 12 tries.

Warriors 110, Kings 105

Stephen Curry capped his 17-point performance with a game-tying 3-pointer, then turned his own miss into an offensive rebound and assist on Brandin Podziemski’s go-ahead trey as Golden State outlasted Sacramento in San Francisco.

De’Anthony Melton had a game-high 21 points and Podziemski finished with 20 for the Warriors, who ended a four-game losing streak while resting Kristaps Porzingis on the first night of a four-games-in-six-days sequence.

Killian Hayes led a balanced attack with 18 points off the bench for the Kings, who dropped their second in a row.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Wolves #Pacers #subsequently #clinch #playoff #berth

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Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which sits in sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.

Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who took their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.

Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.

Thunder 123, Lakers 87

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in 28 minutes as Oklahoma City demolished the Lakers for the second time in five days, prevailing in Los Angeles.

The Thunder, by earning their sixth consecutive win and their 18th in 19 games, moved within one win or one San Antonio Spurs loss of clinching the top spot in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season. Chet Holmgren had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain added 18 and 15 points off the bench, respectively.

The Lakers fell a game behind the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 spot in the West with their third consecutive loss. They are now tied with Houston after the Rockets beat the Suns. Rui Hachimura led Los Angeles with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. No other Los Angeles player scored more than 11.

Rockets 119, Suns 105

Kevin Durant had 24 points and five 3-pointers in his return to Phoenix and Houston overcame a 21-point deficit for its largest comeback of the season, producing a victory over the host Suns.

Amen Thompson logged 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and Jabari Smith Jr. had 20 points and five 3-pointers for the Rockets, who have won seven in a row and nine of 11. The Rockets are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth place in the West and are one game behind the Denver Nuggets with three to play.

Devin Booker had 31 points and eight assists and Mark Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who had a 24-0 run in the first quarter to build a 26-5 lead before fading.

Pelicans 156, Jazz 137

Jeremiah Fears scored a career-high and franchise-rookie-record 40 points and as New Orleans set a club record for points in a blowout of visiting Utah.

Jordan Poole added 34 points, Jordan Hawkins put up a season-high 25 and rookie Micah Peavy scored a career-high 20 as the Pelicans ended an eight-game losing streak.

Kennedy Chandler scored a career-high 31 points and rookie Bez Mbeng added a career-best 26 for the Jazz, who lost their 10th consecutive game.

Celtics 113, Hornets 102

Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds to propel Boston past visiting Charlotte.

The Celtics received 23 points from Jayson Tatum and 12 apiece from Neemias Queta, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Boston has won four straight and 11 of its past 13 games.

LaMelo Ball tossed in a game-high 36 points for the Hornets, but he failed to score in the fourth quarter. Charlotte was held to 15 points in the final period as its four-game winning streak ended.

Bulls 129, Wizards 98

Rob Dillingham’s career-high 26 points off the bench highlighted a balanced scoring effort as Chicago rolled past host Washington.

Chicago left little doubt on the way to snapping a seven-game losing streak, pouncing on Washington with a 9-0 run midway the first quarter. Tre Jones put up 20 points, his third effort of 19-plus points in his past five games, and he wound up one assist shy of his first double-double since January. Patrick Williams added 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Bilal Coulibaly led the Wizards with 19 points. First-year forward Julian Reese posted his fourth double-double in his 10 NBA games, going for 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Nets 96, Bucks 90

E.J. Liddell scored 21 points to lead Brooklyn to a victory over visiting Milwaukee.

It was the second win in a row for Brooklyn and third in its last five contests. Ben Saraf added 19 points while Malachi Smith and Drake Powell each scored 11.

AJ Green led the Bucks with 20 points on six 3-pointers (6-for-12). Taurean Prince scored 16 points with 11 rebounds while Cormac Ryan added 14. Jericho Sims tallied 12 points, eight boards and six assists, and Ousmane Dieng had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Clippers 116, Mavericks 103

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as Los Angeles improved its play-in tournament seeding possibilities with a victory over Dallas in Inglewood, Calif.

John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland.

Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks fell to 2-9 since March 16. Flagg, 19, coming off consecutive games of 51 and 45 points.

Raptors 121, Heat 95

Scottie Barnes scored 25 points and Brandon Ingram added 23, leading Toronto to a victory over visiting Miami.

Jakob Poeltl had 17 points while RJ Barrett chipped in 16 for the Raptors, who pulled within a game of the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. Toronto had dropped three of its previous four games.

The Heat got 24 points from Andrew Wiggins and 14 points apiece from Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Miami shot just 27.3% (12 of 44) on 3-point attempts while dropping its ninth game in 12 tries.

Warriors 110, Kings 105

Stephen Curry capped his 17-point performance with a game-tying 3-pointer, then turned his own miss into an offensive rebound and assist on Brandin Podziemski’s go-ahead trey as Golden State outlasted Sacramento in San Francisco.

De’Anthony Melton had a game-high 21 points and Podziemski finished with 20 for the Warriors, who ended a four-game losing streak while resting Kristaps Porzingis on the first night of a four-games-in-six-days sequence.

Killian Hayes led a balanced attack with 18 points off the bench for the Kings, who dropped their second in a row.

–Field Level Media

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Men Are Buying Hacking Tools to Use Against Their Wives and Friends<div><p><span class="lead-in-text-callout">Thousands of men</span> are members of <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/pavel-durov-arrest-telegram-content-moderation/" class="text link">Telegram</a> groups and channels that advertise and sell hacking and surveillance services that can be used to harass friends, wives and girlfriends, and former partners, new research has uncovered. The findings, from a European nonprofit group, also say that the communities are involved in extensive trading, selling, and promotion of a huge variety of abusive content, including nonconsensual intimate images of women, so-called <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/ai-deepfake-nudify-bots-telegram/" class="text link">nudifying</a> <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/ai-nudify-websites-are-raking-in-millions-of-dollars/" class="text link">services</a>, plus folders of images that sellers claim include child sexual abuse material and depictions of incest and rape.</p><p class="paywall">Over six weeks earlier this year, researchers at the algorithmic auditing group AI Forensics <a data-offer-url="https://aiforensics.org/work/telegram-harassment-infrastructure" class="external-link text link" data-event-click="{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://aiforensics.org/work/telegram-harassment-infrastructure"}" href="https://aiforensics.org/work/telegram-harassment-infrastructure" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">analyzed nearly 2.8 million messages</a> sent across 16 Italian and Spanish Telegram communities that are regularly posting abusive content targeting women and girls. More than 24,000 members of the Telegram groups and channels took part in posting 82,723 images, videos, and audio files over the course of the study, the analysis says. Many posts target celebrities and influencers, but men in the groups also frequently victimize women they know.</p><p class="paywall">“We tend to forget that most victims are ordinary women who sometimes don’t even know that their pictures are shared or manipulated in these types of channels,” says Silvia Semenzin, a researcher at AI Forensics who previously exposed Italian Telegram channels engaging in similar behavior <a href="https://www.wired.it/internet/web/2019/01/23/telegram-chat-stupro-virtuale-minori-stalking-revenge-porn/" class="text link">as far back as 2019</a>. “The majority of this violence is directed towards people who the perpetrators know,” she says, suggesting that Telegram, which has over 1 billion monthly active users, <a data-offer-url="https://t.me/durov/404" class="external-link text link" data-event-click="{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://t.me/durov/404"}" href="https://t.me/durov/404" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">according</a> to company founder Pavel Durov, should be subject to stricter regulation and classed as a “very large online platform” under <a href="https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/dsa-vlops" class="text link">Europe’s online safety rules</a>.</p><p class="paywall">The findings come as Durov is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/telegrams-durov-says-russia-triggered-payment-system-problem-by-blocking-vpns-2026-04-04/" class="text link">fighting</a> <a data-offer-url="https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/04/04/telegram-founder-says-65-million-russians-use-app-daily-via-vpn-despite-blocking-attempts" class="external-link text link" data-event-click="{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/04/04/telegram-founder-says-65-million-russians-use-app-daily-via-vpn-despite-blocking-attempts"}" href="https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/04/04/telegram-founder-says-65-million-russians-use-app-daily-via-vpn-despite-blocking-attempts" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">back</a> against Russia’s efforts to block the messaging app in that country, which has long positioned itself as a messaging app that allows free speech but has simultaneously been <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/cc3e3854-5f76-4422-a970-9010c3bc732b?syn-25a6b1a6=1" class="text link">used</a> by some to share <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/brandon-russell-baltimore-trial/" class="text link">terrorist</a>, <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/a-deepfake-porn-bot-is-being-used-to-abuse-thousands-of-women/" class="text link">sexual abuse</a>, and <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/the-internets-biggest-ever-black-market-shuts-down-after-a-telegram-purge/" class="text link">cybercrime materials</a>. Durov is <a data-offer-url="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/11/13/france-removes-travel-ban-for-telegram-founder-pavel-durov_6747429_7.html" class="external-link text link" data-event-click="{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/11/13/france-removes-travel-ban-for-telegram-founder-pavel-durov_6747429_7.html"}" href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/11/13/france-removes-travel-ban-for-telegram-founder-pavel-durov_6747429_7.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">under criminal investigation</a> in <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/telegram-pavel-durov-indictment/" class="text link">France</a> relating to alleged criminal activity taking place on Telegram, although he has consistently denied the allegations.</p><p class="paywall">A Telegram spokesperson tells WIRED that the company removes “millions” of pieces of content per day using “custom AI tools” and has <a data-offer-url="https://telegram.org/tos/eu-dsa" class="external-link text link" data-event-click="{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://telegram.org/tos/eu-dsa"}" href="https://telegram.org/tos/eu-dsa" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">policies in Europe</a> that do not allow the promotion of violence, illegal sexual content including nonconsensual imagery, and other content such as doxing and selling illegal goods and services.</p><p class="paywall">Among the extensive types of abusive content and services observed by the AI Forensics researchers were frequent references to the access, publishing, and doxing of women’s private information, sharing their Instagram or TikTok content, as well as references to spying or hacking. “Victims are often named, tagged, and locatable via shared profile links,” the group’s report says.</p><p class="paywall">One translated post on Telegram titled “Professional hacking on commission” claimed to be able to give customers “access to phone gallery and extraction of photos and videos,” as well as “anonymous social media hacking.” Another message says: “I hack and recover any type of social media service. I can spy on your partner’s account. Send me a private message.”</p><p class="paywall">Across the dataset there were more than 18,000 references to spying or spy content. One post reads: “Hi, do you have the desire to spy on a girl’s gallery? We sell a bot that does it for info DM.” Meanwhile, users were observed asking if people could find phone numbers connected to Instagram accounts and other requests, “who exchanges spy photos and videos?”</p></div>#Men #Buying #Hacking #Tools #Wives #Friendscrime,privacy,security,cybersecurity,hacking,surveillance,telegram

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Deadspin | Calais Campbell’s brother charged in mother’s murder Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records. Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut. Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.” Campbell signed a one-year, .5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murderDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records.

Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams.

The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut.


Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday.

“We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said.

Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.”

Campbell signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts).


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murder">Deadspin | Calais Campbell’s brother charged in mother’s murder Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Ciarre Campbell faces murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of his mother, Nateal Campbell, according to Fulton County (Ga.) police records. Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has played 18 seasons with multiple teams. The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Nateal Campbell’s death. Police records said the 71-year-old woman’s body was discovered in her home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and that her throat was cut. Ciarre Campbell’s defense attorney, Jay Abt, issued a statement to WSBTV.com on Wednesday. “We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” Abt said. Calais Campbell, 39, was a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. In partnership with his mother, he launched the Charles Richard Campbell (CRC) Foundation focused on “inspiring youth to chase their dreams.” Campbell signed a one-year, .5 million contract in April to play his 19th NFL season in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has recorded 117 sacks and 960 tackles in 278 games (259 starts). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Calais #Campbells #brother #charged #mothers #murder

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, 0 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.Lakers grade for Walker Kessler tradeKessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, 0 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.Jazz grade for Walker Kessler tradeTalk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least. #Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah

according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah
#Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges">Wimbledon 2026: Sinner cruises to second round with straight sets victory over Borges iDefending champion Jannik Sinner progressed to the third round of Wimbledon with a straight sets victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Centre Court on Wednesday.The World No.1 had to dig deep in the first round to overcome Miomir Kecmanovic in a five-set thriller but got past his opponent in the second round without much trouble to defeat Borges 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.Sinner will face fellow Italina Matteo Berretini in the third round.Published on Jul 01, 2026 #Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges

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