BASKETTBALL

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Caitlin Clark was eager to step back onto a WNBA court on Saturday, even if the moment came in a preseason setting rather than a regular season matchup.

The game marked her first appearance in nine months after injuries cut short her second season. She played only 13 games in 2025, making her return a significant personal milestone.

Although the matchup did not count in the standings, Clark said the team approached it with seriousness and intent. She wasted no time making an impact, scoring the opening points with a short floater before adding a stepback three pointer shortly after.

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The Los Angeles Sparks have announced a franchise-record 31 nationally televised games for the 2026 season, surpassing the previous high of 23 set in the prior year. Of these matchups, 17 will be shown exclusively on national television, highlighting the growing visibility of the team across major broadcast platforms.

Sparks games will be available live throughout the season on ABC, CBS, ESPN, ION, NBC, Peacock, Prime Video, USA Network, and NBA TV. The team will open its nationally televised slate on Opening Night at home against the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, with coverage airing on USA Network.

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Nikola Jokić was ejected late in the game after an on court altercation with Jaden McDaniels as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets to move closer to advancing in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The incident occurred with just 1.3 seconds remaining and Minnesota comfortably ahead by 14 points in Game 4. As the clock wound down, McDaniels drove in for an uncontested layup instead of letting time expire, which appeared to catch the Nuggets off guard as they had expected the Timberwolves to run out the clock.

Jokić reacted strongly to the play, viewing it as unnecessary given the game situation. He sprinted from mid court to confront McDaniels and pushed him, which quickly escalated into a brief confrontation involving players from both teams. The benches became involved as tensions rose in the closing moments.

Officials responded by ejecting Jokić, a three time NBA Most Valuable Player, along with Timberwolves forward Julius Randle for their roles in the altercation. McDaniels, however, was not ejected.

After the game, McDaniels said he was unsure what Jokić said during the confrontation, adding that he simply noticed the Serbian star approaching him. The 25 year old has been a vocal presence throughout the series and previously stirred reactions from Denver after calling their defense weak following Minnesota's Game 2 win.

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The Phoenix Suns have joined a growing list of teams voicing frustration with officiating following a playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a 120-107 defeat in Game 2, which gave the defending champions a 2-0 series lead, Suns star Devin Booker openly criticized the referees, singling out James Williams for his performance.

Booker said it was the first time in his 11-year career that he had publicly called out an official by name, describing the officiating as harmful to the integrity of the sport. He added that the situation felt disrespectful and suggested that if accountability is not enforced, the game risks being viewed as entertainment rather than fair competition. His frustration was heightened by a technical foul he received late in the third quarter, which he said was never properly explained.

Forward Dillon Brooks also voiced concerns, focusing on calls involving Oklahoma City's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 37 points and went perfect from the free throw line, converting all nine of his attempts. Brooks argued that playoff basketball should allow for more physical play and criticized what he saw as excessive fouls being called in favor of offensive players.

Brooks, who scored 30 points before fouling out late in the game, said he needed to adjust but maintained that the flow of playoff basketball should not be dominated by stoppages and free throws. He pointed to earlier eras of the league, referencing players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, when postseason games were typically more physical and less interrupted.

Gilgeous-Alexander dismissed the criticism, saying he was focused only on helping his team win. He acknowledged Brooks' competitive nature, noting that his energy adds intensity to the game. The two players exchanged words during the contest, including a moment in the second quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander responded to earlier trash talk by scoring and celebrating directly at Brooks.

Tensions also extended to other players, with Brooks involved in a brief altercation with Luguentz Dort that resulted in double technical fouls. Despite the exchanges, Dort described Brooks as a fierce competitor whose style demands respect.

Booker acknowledged that his public comments could result in a fine but said speaking out was necessary, insisting that his frustrations were clear for anyone watching the game.

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Taylor Jenkins, who spent six seasons as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, was set to be hired as coach of the NBA Milwaukee Bucks, according to multiple reports on Thursday.

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Indiana Fever made significant roster decisions during the 2026 offseason, including a major extension for Aliyah Boston and a one year deal to bring back guard Sophie Cunningham. However, Cunningham recently moved to clarify comments she made about her contract ahead of the new season.

The guard addressed the situation on social media after earlier remarks suggested frustration with her deal. She explained that her concerns were not about salary but about the length of the contract. Cunningham said she simply wanted more years because she enjoys being part of the team and sees long term potential in Indiana. She added that she had even hoped to settle down more permanently, mentioning plans to get a home and bring her pets with her.

Her clarification came after comments on her "Show Me Something" podcast, where she admitted feeling some frustration about the contract situation. She said she tends to be direct about her feelings and would have spoken up if something felt off. At this stage of her career, she emphasized that her main focus is winning and contributing to a successful team.

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Victor Wembanyama will travel with the San Antonio Spurs to Portland for Friday’s NBA playoff game, coach Mitch Johnson said, but he remains in concussion protocols with an uncertain playing status.

The 22-year-old French superstar was diagnosed with a concussion after taking a hard fall to the court in Tuesday’s 106-103 Portland victory at San Antonio, which evened their best-of-seven first-round series at 1-1.

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Superstar LeBron James warned Thursday that Kevin Durant isn’t the only threat the depleted Los Angeles Lakers must be wary of in their NBA playoffs first-round clash with the Houston Rockets.