Latest Basketball News
Victor Wembanyama Drops 38 Points and 16 Rebounds in Spurs' Win Over Pistons
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to victory against the Detroit Pistons on March 5, 2026, with 38 points and 16 rebounds, marking his 42nd game with 25+ PTS and 10+ REB, tying LaMarcus Aldridge for 4th in franchise history. The Spurs improved to 45-17, while the Pistons fell to 45-16 in a potential Finals preview.
Highlights show Wembanyama's dominant plays, including putbacks and blocks.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Pledges 'Substantial Changes' to Combat Tanking
At the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference on March 6, 2026, Adam Silver announced major reforms for the 2026-27 season to address tanking, calling it a 'perfect storm' due to a deep draft. Options include divorcing draft order from records or modifying pick protections, with Silver describing himself as an 'incrementalist'.
He invited ideas to EVP Evan Wasch and noted discussions with governors and GMs.
Timberwolves Defeat Raptors 115-107 Behind Anthony Edwards' 22 Points
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 115-107 on March 5, 2026, improving to 40-23. Anthony Edwards scored 22 points with 5 threes, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Rudy Gobert added 12 rebounds on 7-8 shooting.
RJ Barrett led Toronto with 25 points and 6 rebounds in the loss, dropping them to 35-27.
Mavericks Win Thriller Against Magic with Last-Second Slam Dunk
Dallas Mavericks secured a dramatic victory over the Orlando Magic on March 5, 2026, thanks to an insane game-winner in the final 3:25. The buzzer-beating slam dunk decided the close contest in Orlando.
Highlights capture the thrilling finish in this high-stakes matchup.
Silver Teases Draft Lottery Overhaul to End Tanking Incentives
NBA plans include freezing lottery odds at trade deadline, prohibiting consecutive top-4 picks, or flattening odds to deter tanking. Silver highlighted issues like pick protections creating 'cliffs' and a deep 2026 draft fueling the problem.
Changes aim to update incentives without targeting legitimate rebuilds.
Spurs-Pistons Clash Features Standout Performances from Cunningham and Castle
In the Spurs' win over Pistons, De'Aaron Cunningham scored 20 points with three threes, while Castle dished 9 assists and blocked shots. The Spurs dominated the paint 26-16 and pulled away late.
Wembanyama's blocks and putbacks were pivotal in the victory.
NBA Accelerates Local Streaming Hub Amid RSN Uncertainty
The NBA is fast-tracking a centralized streaming service for local games as RSN operator Main Street nears bankruptcy. Plans announced in March 2026 aim to provide a national streaming hub.
This addresses ongoing broadcast challenges for fans.
Silver Calls Tanking 'Worse' Than Ever in 2025-26 Season
Commissioner Silver stated tanking this season is worse than recent memory, prompting every possible remedy. Examples include Utah pulling stars like Lauri Markkanen late in games.
Reforms will be implemented before July 2026.
Raptors' RJ Barrett Shines with 25 Points in Loss to Timberwolves
RJ Barrett topped Toronto with 25 points and 6 rebounds against Minnesota on March 5, but the Raptors fell 115-107. Players like Scottie Barnes and others showed promise in the effort.
Minnesota's defense and Edwards' scoring proved decisive.
Potential Anti-Tanking Measures: No Top-4 Picks for Repeat Losers
Proposed changes prohibit top-four picks in consecutive years or after bottom-three finishes. Other ideas restrict pick protections between top-4 and top-14.
Silver emphasized incremental steps over radical overhauls.
Pistons Drop Key Game to Spurs Despite Competitive Effort
Detroit Pistons lost to San Antonio on March 5, slipping to 45-16 after a strong season. Players like Cunningham and Harris fought back, but Wembanyama's dominance sealed it.
The matchup highlighted top Western Conference contention.
NBA Eyes Two-Year Record Window for Lottery Odds
Among reforms, allocating lottery odds over a two-year window is under discussion to smooth incentives. This aims to prevent late-season tanking spikes.
Silver's comments signal broad league consensus for change.