Video: Caitlin Clark, More Star in Nike's 1st Super Bowl Commercial in 27 Years
Feb 9, 2025
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 20: Caitlin Clark #22 of Team WNBA hugs A’ja Wilson #9 of Team USA after the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson and Sha'Carri Richardson were among the women athletes celebrated in Nike's first Super Bowl commercial in 27 years, with rapper Doechii narrating the spot.
There’s one guarantee in sport. You’ll be told you can’t do it. So do it anyway.
8 Spanish league championships in 11 years 1st Spanish-born footballer to win highest award in football, twice Best in the world... with a cup to prove it pic.twitter.com/sEyPGMW3eF
Youngest athlete in NWSL history to win MVP 1st teenager drafted in NWSL history Youngest NWSL athlete with 50+ goal contributions pic.twitter.com/ebHgEwqt8m
Fastest woman hooper to score 1,000 points Dropped 51 points to set the UCS single-game scoring record Set the USC record for most 30+ point games in a season pic.twitter.com/syCFE1nVPn
The Nike ad is part of the new "So Win" brand anthem, which it defines as a "celebration of the power of sport — harnessing Nike's iconic roster to encourage all athletes to block out the noise, dig in and let their hard work speak for itself."
Anthony Davis Out for Mavs vs. Kings with Adductor Injury After Lakers Trade
Feb 9, 2025
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 8: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 8, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks will have to wait until at least Wednesday to see Anthony Davis return for a second game.
Davis has been ruled out for Monday's home game against the Sacramento Kings.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (left adductor strain) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
Davis exited in the third quarter of his Saturday Mavericks debut with a lower-body injury, which he later identified as tightness around his groin and quadriceps.
He is out with a left abductor strain, according to the team.
"Leg got tight, like a little spasm," Davis told reporters after Saturday's game, explaining that he "tried to get it loose" because of his previous experience with an abdominal strain.
Davis added: "It's nothing serious, I'm fine."
Davis on his injury after the early emotion of the afternoon. Says he feels confident that injury not significant. pic.twitter.com/DpVKtRL0Wo
Davis previously suffered an abdominal muscle strain while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 28.
He missed three games with the Lakers prior to the blockbuster trade that sent him to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić, then sat out his first two contests as a Maverick with the injury.
Davis returned Saturday to make his Mavericks debut against the Houston Rockets, where he dominated with 25 points and 16 rebounds in 31 minutes prior to his injury.
After dealing with injury issues throughout his 13-year career, Davis played a career-high 76 games for the Lakers last season.
After making a major bet on Davis by sending out their 25-year-old superstar in order to acquire him from the Lakers, the Mavericks are hoping the 31-year-old will be available to lead the team down the stretch.
The Mavericks spend the rest of the week at home, facing the Golden State Warriors Wednesday before taking on the Miami Heat the following night.
If Davis is forced to miss more time with his latest injury, the team will at least hope he is able to return after the All-Star break when the Mavs return to action on Feb. 21.
NBA Rumors: Mark Cuban 'urged' Mavs GM Not to Trade Luka Dončić Before Lakers Deal
Feb 9, 2025
Mark Cuban once called the shots for the Dallas Mavericks as the majority owner, but he had no say in one of the biggest decisions the team has ever made.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, Cuban "urged" Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison not to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Anthony Davis. According to Stein, Cuban's pleading with Harrison came too late.
"By the time Cuban found out about the Luka-for-AD trade, it was too late," Stein wrote. "[Patrick] Dumont never approached for advice. Sources say Cuban urged Harrison not to go ahead with the swap ... only to find out that the deal had already been sealed with the Lakers by verbal handshake."
Cuban owned the majority of the Mavericks organization from 2000 until November 2023, when he sold his 73 percent stake. When he sold the team, he did so with the belief that he could still be a part of decisions like that which sent Dončić to Los Angeles.
According to Stein, being out of the loop on the Dončić deal hurt Cuban.
"In truth he has clearly been stung, league sources say, by the lack of advance warning he had on the deal — yet another harsh signal that he has been pushed farther and farther away from the front office than he ever imagined after his very public belief at the time of the sale of the team in November 2023 that he would retain oversight of basketball operations," Stein wrote.
Per Stein, Cuban was "forbidden this season by the NBA to take his customary seat behind the Mavericks' bench at road games." Cuban also told Stein in November that "he did not have the say-so over basketball matters that he anticipated when the sale was agreed to with the Adelson and Dumont families."
The Mavericks trading Dončić to the Lakers last week was one of the most surprising moves in NBA history. While Dallas got an outstanding player and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Davis, it costs the Mavs the face of their franchise who led them to the NBA Finals just one season ago.
The decision was understandably met with frustration by fans.
Mavs fans protesting outside of American Airlines Center 😳👀
The trade could end up working out in the Mavericks' favor, but for now, Cuban and Dallas fans alike remain shocked.
Haynes: Bucks' Giannis Out 2-3 Weeks with Calf Injury; Will Miss NBA All-Star Game
Feb 9, 2025
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks controls the ball against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at the TD Garden on October 28, 2024 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss two to three weeks due to a calf strain, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Beyond the implications on Milwaukee's season, Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for the league's All-Star festivities at Chase Center in San Francisco.
BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to be sidelined weeks with calf strain, forcing him to sit out of the All-Star game next weekend. #haynesbriefspic.twitter.com/gajc4KYyKQ
Through 41 games this season, Antetokounmpo has been off to a strong start with 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.
Antetokounmpo is hoping to bounce back after his quest for a second career NBA championship last season was deterred by a calf injury he suffered late in the year. He had appeared in 73 games during the 2023-24 campaign, his most since 2018-19, and averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 61.1 percent from the field.
The calf injury cost Antetokounmpo the entire postseason, and the Bucks were eliminated in the first round in six games against the Indiana Pacers.
Milwaukee's aspirations for another NBA title are on somewhat shaky ground despite the combined presence of Antetokounmpo and star point guard Damian Lillard. The floor general took some time to get acclimated in his first year with the Bucks but looks to be back to his old self this season with averages of 25.0 points and 7.5 assists per contest. He's also shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc..
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, Milwaukee will rely heavily on Lillard as the primary option on offense. Veteran forwards Bobby Portis and Taurean Prince will likely see more action in the frontcourt until the two-time NBA MVP is ready to return.
Jimmy Butler Praised by Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Steve Kerr After Warriors' Debut
Feb 9, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors high fives Jimmy Butler #10 against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr were all enthusiastic about Jimmy Butler after he made his debut for the team.
Butler had 25 points, two rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 29 minutes on the floor in Saturday's 132-111 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Curry pointed out how much he and Butler differ with their offensive approaches, which could make Golden State even tougher to stop.
"He's like the exact opposite player of me, which is kind of funny," he said, per The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "I shot 16 threes. He shot one. He got to the free-throw line a lot, dominated the paint. I'm dominating the outside, the perimeter. Guys working around us. It has the potential to be really fun."
Green also called the six-time All-Star a "great target" for passes, with the prime example being this acrobatic layup in the fourth quarter.
"Put the ball in his area, he's gonna get it," Green said.
Curry said Butler was "like a receiver" on the lob from Green.
"That was ridiculous," he said.
Kerr, meanwhile, told reporters it's "pretty fun having Jimmy on our team." Beyond what's visible on the court, he emphasized the "confidence and presence" Butler brings to a roster that wasn't lacking in either already.
Butler's debut couldn't have gone much better. He filled out the stat sheet and helped the Warriors turn a 24-point deficit midway through the first half into a blowout victory.
As Kerr laid out, Saturday night exemplified why Golden State acquired the 35-year-old. Even against a rebuilding Bulls squad, it was impressive to see him hardly miss a beat after returning from what proved to be a seven-game suspension from the Miami Heat.
The Warriors play the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets before they head into the All-Star break. Going up against three straight playoff contenders will provide a better indication of whether their blockbuster addition has made them meaningfully better.
Ja Morant's Dad Tee Ejected for 'Disrespectful' Comments About NBA Refs During Game
Feb 9, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 9: Tee Morant (Ja Morants father) and Mike Miller watch the game between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies on January 9, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)
The father of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was ejected from the stands during the team's 125-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Crew chief Josh Tiven said in the postgame pool report that Tee Morant made "very specific, overtly disrespectful comments" regarding "the integrity of the game."
"The fan continued to repeat overtly disrespectful comments about the integrity of the officiating crew, so as the Crew Chief I approached security and asked that he be removed," Tiven said.
Ja Morant told reporters he was unsure of what led to his father's ejection and said Tee "probably got kicked out so I didn't" receive an ejection. The two-time All-Star added his dad was "probably complaining about something to the ref."
Ja might have a long memory.
In a loss to the Thunder in December 2022, Morant picked up a pair of technical fouls inside the final minute of the first half and earned a one-way trip to the locker room.
Ray Acosta was one of the officials for that game, and Acosta also worked Saturday's contest.
While it appears the Morants weren't happy with the refs' performance in the Grizzlies' defeat, Oklahoma City was whistled for more fouls (27) than Memphis (21), and the Grizzlies had a significant advantage in foul shots. They went 28-of-39 from the charity stripe compared to 17-of-21 for the Thunder.
Jimmy Butler: 'I Get the Easy Job' in Duo with Stephen Curry After Warriors Trade
Feb 9, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 08: Jimmy Butler #10 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after the game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler says Stephen Curry's ability to draw defenders to him is making his job easier.
Butler put up 25 points in his team debut, while Curry scored 34, to lead the Golden State Warriors to a Saturday night victory over the Chicago Bulls.
"They say opposites attract in a lot of ways in life. I don't think I could be a better complement to him, and vice versa," Butler said after Saturday's win. "In the sense that, they're not leaving him, ever. Probably two people will never leave him, so there's so much space for everybody else.
"I get the easy job. I'm playing one-on-one, I'm playing in so much space. And then everybody's looking for him, everybody's looking to get him open. And at the same time, he's looking for everybody else. It's so great to play with somebody like that."
Jimmy Butler on this Steph Curry comment: “Opposites attract in life. I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa. They’re not leaving him ever. Maybe two people…I get the easy job. I’m playing 1-on-1 or in space.” https://t.co/KyXgUAVELcpic.twitter.com/3jt7TBOmAT
The Warriors trailed early Saturday before Curry's 24-point third quarter helped turn the deficit into a 132-111 blowout win.
It was Curry who first described Butler as the "exact opposite" to him in his own interview following the win.
"He's like the exact opposite player of me, which is kind of funny," Curry said. "I'm shooting 16 threes, he shot one. He's getting to the free-throw line a lot, he's dominating the paint. I'm dominating the outside, the perimeter. The guys working around us, it has the potential to be really fun."
Steph Curry on Jimmy Butler: “He’s like the exact opposite player of me. I took 16 3s and he shot one. He got to the free throw line a lot, dominated the paint. I dominate the perimeter. It has the potential to be really fun.” pic.twitter.com/cUzXtNfLzW
The Warriors entered the weekend as one of the five NBA teams taking the fewest free throws per game.
That could be set to change going forward, if Butler's debut is any indication. The former Miami Heat star got to the foul line 13 times and made 11 of his throws, setting a franchise record for free throws made in a debut game, according to the team.
Curry meanwhile had one of his highest-volume shooting nights of the season as he attempted at least 16 shots from behind the arc for the sixth time in 43 games.
The Warriors star made half of those shots from deep to help his team complete their second-half comeback.
Curry said after the Warriors traded for Butler he hoped the drama in Miami, which led to the Heat issuing three separate suspensions for Butler, would end now that the forward had agreed to an extension with the Warriors.
Butler's apparent happiness to be playing with Curry is an early sign that the change of scenery could ultimately be positive for both player and team.
Jayson Tatum Scores 40, Praised By NBA Fans as Celtics Blow Out Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Feb 8, 2025
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 08: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics heads for the net as Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks defends at Madison Square Garden on February 08, 2025 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett said last summer that Jalen Brunson's New York Knicks were "built to challenge this Celtics team."
The Knicks have yet to live up to that expectation.
Jayson Tatum scored 40 points to lead the Celtics to a blowout win over the Knicks for the second time this season Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
Tatum made history during the win by passing Jo Jo White and Dave Cowens for ninth on the Celtics' all-time points leaderboard (h/t Celtics broadcaster Sean Grande.)
He also joined Larry Bird and Paul Pierce as one of three Celtics with multiple 40-point outings against the Knicks, per Celtics statistician Dick Lipe.
His historic outing helped the Celtics win despite missing Jrue Holiday to a shoulder injury and Kristaps Porziņģis to an illness.
Jayson Tatum vs. Knicks this season: 72 points, 26/42 FG, 14/23 3pt FG.
Tatum's 40 points also helped convince fans the Knicks have yet to present a serious threat to the Celtics' hopes of repeating as champions.
The Knicks were seeking redemption after watching the Celtics challenge the single-game record for 3-pointers while opening the season with a blowout win over New York at TD Garden.
But the Celtics led from the jump Saturday, scoring 10 of the game's first 12 points and not slowing down from there.
Despite Brunson's 36-point effort, the visitors led by as many as 35 points. The Knicks trailed by 13 points at the half, 20 after the third quarter and 27 by the final buzzer.
6th time this year the Celtics have had a 35 point lead.
The Celtics had one of their most efficient team shooting nights of the season, making 54.1 percent of their shots from the floor and 48.7 percent from deep. Meanwhile the Knicks' second leading scorer, Karl Anthony-Towns, finished the loss with nine points after going 3-for-8 from the field.
The Knicks and Celtics meet again in just over two weeks when Brunson's team returns to TD Garden, then once more at Madison Square Garden on April 8.
The final matchup between these two teams could come in the playoffs as both fight to make it past the Cleveland Cavaliers and out of the Eastern Conference. The Knicks will need to work on solving their matchup issues with the Celtics before that time comes.
Jimmy Butler's Debut, Duo with Stephen Curry Hyped By NBA Fans as Warriors Beat Bulls
Feb 8, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 08: Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler is undefeated as a Golden State Warrior.
Butler and Stephen Curry combined for 59 points in their first game together to lead the Warriors to a 132-111 Saturday night comeback win over the Chicago Bulls.
The Warriors trailed by as many as 24 points before the team's new star duo stepped up and turned the night into a blowout win.
A slow second quarter, which included the Warriors allowing 18 unanswered points by the Bulls, left the visitors staring down a 14-point deficit at the half.
That was when Curry stepped up with a 24-point third quarter to pull Golden State back in front.
Butler closed out the victory with 25 points after going 11-for-13 from the foul line. The Warriors have struggled to get to the free-throw line this season, an issue fans hope is being solved after Butler set a new record for free throws made in a debut game with the franchise.
Curry led the Warriors with 34 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field, making eight of his 16 attempts from behind the arc and marking a third straight outing with at least 30 points.
Quinten Post contributed 18 points in his sixth NBA start, while Buddy Hield added 14 points and Draymond Green made three steals in the win. The Bulls were led by Coby White's 27 points.
The Warriors improved to 26-26 with the win, leapfrogging the Sacramento Kings— at least for now— for the final play-in spot in the West.
Given that adding Butler at the trade deadline was followed by one of Curry's best quarters of the season, Warriors fans may now have more reason to hope their team can hold on to a top-10 spot down the stretch.
NBA Rumors: Justin Edwards, 76ers 'Interested in Exploring Longer-Term' Contract
Feb 8, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 25: Justin Edwards #19 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards has played his way into a full-time NBA deal.
After joining the Sixers on a two-way contract this summer, Edwards will finish out the season on a standard contract with a team option for 2025-26, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
According to Pompey, both Edwards and the Sixers "are interested in exploring a longer-term deal in the offseason."
The #Sixers will sign two-way forward Justin Edwards to a standard contract for the remainder of the season with a team option for the 2025-26 season, according to league sources. Both sides are interested in exploring a longer-term deal in the offseason, the sources say. pic.twitter.com/wjHxVGxHp3
After joining the league as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky, Edwards has slotted into the Sixers' starting rotation over the team's last seven games.
Edwards played fewer than 10 minutes in four games while making sporadic starts for the Sixers in November and early January.
He first entered the rotation against the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 4 as the depleted Sixers looked to find replacements for injured players, including Joel Embiid, Jared McCain, Kelly Oubre Jr. and KJ Martin.
Edwards enjoyed a breakout game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 14, when he went 9-for-16 from the field to put up 25 points against one of the strongest defenses in the league.
That success, as well as the Sixers' myriad injuries, combined to earn Edwards the first start of his NBA career against the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 28.
In seven starts since then, Edwards has earned praise from Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and Nick Nurse while recording more than 31 minutes per game. Over that span, he has averaged 10.3 points and contributed 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
The injuries that have plagued the Sixers this season have contributed to a 20-31 record that has left the team outside the play-in bubble after the trade deadline.
On the bright side, they have also opened up playing time for Edwards— and the Philadelphia native has used the opportunity to play his way into the rotation and a standard contract.
