Leonard scores 29 as the Clippers beat the Pacers 130-107 for a third straight win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 on 8-for-11-shooting, and the Los Angeles Clippers won their third in a row, 130-107 over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Pacers Clippers Basketball

Brook Lopez had 17 points for the Clippers while Darius Garland had 12 in his first home game since beingacquired in a tradefrom the Cleveland Cavaliers last month.

Pascal Siakam had 29 points in his return after sitting out three games with a left wrist sprain to lead Indiana, but the Pacers lost their seventh in a row and fell to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-47 record.

Jay Huff had 18 and was 4 of 8 on 3-pointers, and Jarace Walker finished with 17.

The Clippers led 42-25 after one quarter and 63-51 at halftime, with Leonard racking up 20 points. The Clippers pulled away with a 16-2 run in the third quarter to extend a seven-point lead to 21 points.

The Clippers shot 12.2 percentage points better from the field (55.1%) than the Pacers (42.9%).

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Norchad Omier had only one basket but according to the Clippers, became the first Nicaraguan to score in the NBA.

Up next

Pacers: At the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

Clippers: Visit San Antonio on Friday night.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/nba

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided byData Skriveand data fromSportradar.

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March 05, 2026

Leonard scores 29 as the Clippers beat the Pacers 130-107 for a third straight win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 on 8-for-11-shooting, and the Los A...

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The Thunder aren't dominating. Knicks game shows why they're still team to beat.

NEW YORK — Chet Holmgren knew that, for theOklahoma City Thunder, it could've gone the other way.

Minutes before he tried to fit his 7-foot-1 frame into a padded folding chair here at Madison Square Garden, his team escaped witha 103-100 winWednesday, March 4 over the Knicks that didn't come without drama.

New York whittled an eight-point deficit inside the final three minutes, eventually putting upa pair of clean looksinside the final six seconds with the chance to tie the game. The first shot was long — the second one, short.

And so, the Thunder outlasted New York in another reminder that, for Oklahoma City, things won't come easy.

"We made enough plays down the stretch on both ends to close it out," Holmgren told reporters. "They made some plays, too — they just didn't quite convert. If they do, it's a different-looking game."

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

This Thunder team isn't nearly as dominant as the one that won the championship last season. For one, Oklahoma City already has more losses (15) than it did last year (14), with 18 games still remaining. For another, points are more difficult to come by; this season's Thunder ranks seventh in offensive rating, scoring 116.9 points per 100 possessions, after it ranked third in the league (119.2) last year.

Ultimately, it may not matter. The Thunder (49-15) remain the best team in the NBA and are a legitimate threat to become the first team to repeat as NBA champions since the Warriors did so in 2018. This is only magnified when you consider that they've done all this despite being saddled with injury issues since training camp.

Jalen Williams, an All-Star last season, has played just 26 games and is currently out with a strained right hamstring. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just returned from a nine-game absence. Center Isaiah Hartenstein has played just 35 games, and he left the Knicks game Wednesday midway through the third quarter with left calf tightness. Alex Caruso (left hip contusion) was also knocked out.

But as they have all season long, role players filled in.

"We're a pretty deep team," Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. "With the injuries we've gone through this year, for us to still be in the mix for the top seed in the league and in the West is pretty impressive."

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Against the Knicks, third-year guard Cason Wallace started his 51st game of the season. He was the primary defender on Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson andswiped 4 steals on the night. Veteran forward Kenrich Williams played just 6:13 in the game — all in the fourth quarter — and hit a big 3 early in the period that quieted a New York run.

"It just speaks to the guys that have had to step up, like Isaiah Joe, Cason — the past few weeks have transformed their game and have shown what they can be as basketball players in big roles," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Guys like myself come back and kind of diminish their role and it's a little bit unfair. Hats off to those guys for doing whatever the team asks from them, literally. If the team asks them to do more, they do more. If the team asks them to do less, they do less.

"To win a championship, no matter how good your best players are, you need to have those guys on your team. We know that, and we're thankful for them, for sure."

Prior to Wednesday night's game, Williams went through an extended shootaround session in which he moved with ease and didn't appear hampered whatsoever. He was loose, he joked with Gilgeous-Alexander, and he laced shot after shot.

If he can stay on the floor, he'll provide a massive boost for the Thunder on both sides, especially late in games. Williams earned All-Defensive second-team honors last season and his shot creation in the NBA Finals helped the Thunder close the Pacers.

Yet, the final 18 games of the regular season will test this team more than any stretch since winning the title.According to Tankathon.com, the Thunder have the NBA's third-toughest remaining schedule (.535), and Oklahoma City only has a 3½-game lead on the Spurs for the top seed in the West.

And if the Thunder are to retain the No. 1 seed, it will be because of games like these — games against great teams, on the road in iconic venues — games in which the Thunder are shorthanded, for them to pave the foundation to get there.

"I don't have pixie dust," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "It's those guys. They're the ones executing. They've got the competitive maturity at this point to understand how to win. That doesn't mean we'll win every game, but they understand the path you have to walk through.

"Their ability to click in the way they did tonight is a necessary skill. And it's great for us to get experiences like this — and have success in those experiences. That's how you build your muscle through the course of the regular season to make yourself as mentally tough as you can be."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Thunder aren't dominating NBA standings ... but still are team to beat

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March 05, 2026

The Thunder aren't dominating. Knicks game shows why they're still team to beat.

NEW YORK — Chet Holmgren knew that, for theOklahoma City Thunder, it could've gone the other way. Minutes b...

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South Korea beats the Philippines 3-0 for a second straight Group A win at the Women’s Asian Cup

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — South Korea scored two quick goals to take a commanding lead after 15 minutes before finishing off a 3-0 win over Philippines on Thursday, making it back-to-back Group A victories for the 2022 runners-up at theWomen's Asian Cup.

Women's Asia Cup Soccer India Vietnam

Jeon Yu-gyeong opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Park Soo-jeong doubled the lead in the 15th. Mun Eun-Ju put the result beyond doubt ni the 56th with a close-range volley.

Mun scored moments after Olivia McDaniel made an impressive fingertip save to deny Son Hwa-yeon's curling left-foot shot.

The South Koreans scored from the resulting corner with Mun pouncing after McDaniel punched away the curling incoming kick but not getting it clear of the box.

South Korea leads Group A with six goals from two wins following its opening3-0 result against Iran on Monday.Philippines' bid for a quarterfinal spot is precarious after losing to the Koreans after an opening1-0 loss to Australia.

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Australia, the 2023 World Cup semifinalist, was playing Iran later Thursday at the Gold Coast.

In her pre-match news conference, strikerSara Didar choked back tearsas she shared the concerns of her Iranian team for their families and loved ones amid thewarat home while they're away contesting the continental championship.

State of play

In Group B openers on Tuesday, Myong Yu Jong had a first-half hat trick inNorth Korea's 3-0 win over Uzbekistanand defending champion China beat Bangladesh 2-0.

In Group C,Japan beat Taiwan 2-0 and Vietnam edged India 2-1with a goal in stoppage time to edge India 2-1 at Perth on Wednesday.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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March 04, 2026

South Korea beats the Philippines 3-0 for a second straight Group A win at the Women’s Asian Cup

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — South Korea scored two quick goals to take a commanding lead after 15 minutes before finishi...

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Stefon Diggs to be free agent after Patriots release

Add another veteran wide receiver to the list of pendingNFL free agents.

TheNew England Patriotsinformed wide receiverStefon Diggsthat they will release him after the start of the new league year, which is set for March 11.

Diggs, 32, signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with New England in free agency last offseason. He will end hisPatriotstenure after playing one year on that contract.

"THANK YOU for a hell of a year," Diggswrote in an Instagram story. "We family forever (heart emoji)."

During the 2025 season, Diggs' 11th season in the NFL, he caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. His receptions and yardage total, along with his 104 targets, led all Patriots pass-catchers this season.

The Maryland product will have a chance to join a fourth team in four seasons when he becomes a free agent next week after spending 2023 with the Buffalo Bills, 2024 with the Houston Texans and 2025 with New England.

NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE:USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast

2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – OT Spencer Fano, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – DL Caleb Banks, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – WR Makai Lemon, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 30. Denver Broncos – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection after Trent McDuffie trade

Mike Vrabel recently discussed Stefon Diggs' future with the Patriots

At the NFL combine last week, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel praised Diggs for his contributions on the field as well as his leadership.

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"He worked extremely hard in the time that he was rehabbing from the knee," Vrabel said, referring to Diggs' recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in 2024. "I think he was just a really good presence each and every week."

The Pats' head coach said at the time that he and other members of New England's front office were still evaluating Diggs' future, including how Diggs' legal troubles factored into the decision.

The veteran wide receiver is facing strangulation and assault allegations after a physical altercation with his personal chef in December last year. Diggs was arraigned on Feb. 13, days after the Patriots' loss in Super Bowl 60, and pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

Vrabel said at the NFL combine that Diggs "or anybody else that has something, have done exactly what they're supposed to do, been where they're supposed to be, communicated with the court when they're supposed to communicate with them. So we're going to let all that take care of itself, and then we'll have to see what the judgments are in those particular cases."

Diggs is due for another pre-trial hearing on April 1.

Stefon Diggs stats

• Games (starts): 17 (17)

• Receptions: 85

• Receiving yards: 1,013

• Yards per reception: 11.9

• Touchdowns: 4

• Games (starts): 161 (153)

• Receptions: 942

• Receiving yards: 11,504

• Yards per reception: 12.2

• Touchdowns: 74

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Patriots to release star WR Stefon Diggs

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March 04, 2026

Stefon Diggs to be free agent after Patriots release

Add another veteran wide receiver to the list of pendingNFL free agents. TheNew England Patriotsinformed wide ...

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