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Archives for February 15, 2026

NBA All-Star Game: We Are the World

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INGLEWOOD – Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey scored nine points and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards added eight as USA Stars came out on top during the All-Star Game on Sunday with an easy 47-21 mini-tournament victory over USA Stripes. The three-team round-robin tournament of short 12-minute games also included Team World, made up of international stars, and was the latest incarnation of the ever-changing All-Star Game format that went with four teams in a tournament-style bracket last year.

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Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder also scored eight points and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons added six as the younger USA Stars avenged an earlier 42-40 defeat to the veteran USA Stripes in the three-game round robin.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ Maxey went 4 of 8 from the floor in the 12-minute title game and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Edwards went 3 of 5 with a pair of 3-pointers. Edwards scored 32 total points in his teams’ three games and was named MVP.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell scored six points and the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James added five for USA Stripes.

USA Stars took control early in the title game by grabbing an early 12-1 lead, with Maxey scoring seven of the points. Team Stripes was within 18-9 with 7:03 remaining after consecutive 3-pointers from James and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, but USA Stars dominated from there.

A 15-0 run eliminated any potential drama as USA Stars led 33-9 with 4:19 remaining.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard scored just one point in the title game, while going 0 of 4 from the floor. It came after he dominated the final round-robin game with 31 points in 12 minutes of a 48-45 victory over Team World to advance his side to the final.

In the opening game of the three-team round robin, USA Stars defeated Team World 37-35 in extra time on a 3-pointer from the Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes.

–Field Level Media

Morikawa Ends an 848 Day Drought

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

PEBBLE BEACH – Collin Morikawa had a pretty good weekend. First, he and his wife announced they are expecting. (Congrats, all around). Then, he broke an 848 day drought between PGA Tour wins. And, since the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a Signature event on TOUR, he pocketed $4m dollars for the baby to get “new shoes.”

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Morikawa (Winner/-22) earned seventh PGA TOUR victory in his 145th start at age of 29 years, 9 days. He won again in his 46th PGA TOUR start since his last victory at the 2023 Baycurrent Classic (span of 848 days).

Morikawa’s PGA TOUR wins (7): 2019 Barracuda Championship, 2020 Workday Charity Open, 2020 PGA Championship, 2021 WGC-Workday Championship at The Concession, 2021 The Open Championship, 2023 Baycurrent Classic, 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

It is his third TOUR victory in California (2019 Barracuda Championship, 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park); his first win in a TOUR Signature Event

Morikawa earned a cool 700 FedExCup points and moved to No. 3 in the FedExCup standings. He also moved from No. 19 to No. 5 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

 

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am | Final Leaderboard

1 Collin Morikawa 69 SH 68 PB 62 PB 67 PB 266 (-22)

T2 Min Woo Lee 67 SH 65 PB 70 PB 65 PB 267 (-21)

T2 Sepp Straka 66 PB 66 SH 67 PB 68 PB 267 (-21)

T4 Scottie Scheffler 72 PB 66 SH 67 PB 63 PB 268 (-20)

T4 Tommy Fleetwood 67 SH 68 PB 67 PB 66 PB 268 (-20)

Full Leaderboard: (link)

FRIAR SCHMUCK!

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PROVIDENCE – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – No. 17/17 St. John’s extended its win streak to 11 games with a road win at Providence, while Villanova moved to 6-1 in BIG EAST away games with a victory at Creighton.  Xavier made a season-high 16 3-pointers at home in a win over Marquette, and No. 6/5 UConn saw Alex Karaban become the program’s winningest player, pulling away late against Georgetown.
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At the St. John’s vs Providence game, seven players were ejected between both teams in the second half, including a technical foul for fighting by Providence’s Duncan Powell at the 14:25 mark.
St. John’s 79, Providence  69 – Box Score 
Of Note:
Villanova 80, Creighton 69 – Box Score
Of Note:
Xavier 96, Marquette 88 – Box Score 
Of Note:
UConn 79, Georgetown 75 – Box Score 
Of Note:
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Today’s action: There is one game scheduled for Sunday, as Seton Hall heads to Butler for a 6 p.m. ET tipoff on FS1.

NBA Says World “Be” Me

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INGLEWOOD – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Inside an arena covered by a shell that could pass for a globe, the NBA will try to entertain on Sunday while also reaching out to the rest of the world.

The NBA All-Star Game’s latest concept involves a team of the league’s top international players competing against two teams composed of domestic talent. The format will be a round-robin, leading to a championship game after one of the three teams is eliminated through a series of head-to-head matchups.

Team World will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada, yet still features the talents of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of Serbia, Luka Doncic of Slovenia and Victor Wembanyama of France among its nine players.

The USA Stars team skews younger with Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards, while USA Stripes boasts experience with Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard of the host Los Angeles Clippers.

Leonard is eager to showcase what the Clippers’ two-year-old Intuit Dome is all about. He appears less enthusiastic about the All-Star Game format that departs from traditional norms.

“I know it’s three teams and I’m like, ‘Is it a pickup game where we wait until somebody (wins)?” Leonard said. “I’d rather just be East and West and go out there and compete and see what the outcome is.”

At first glance, the setup appears to give players worldwide a chance to represent themselves in basketball’s best league, but even that opportunity feels somewhat empty. At least until the competition kicks off, it does.

“For me, I’m going to play like I played every year,” Jokic said Saturday. “… I’m not sure that it is going to bring (more) fire to me, no, because I play (that way) every game the same.”

The NBA is known for setting trends, but Sunday’s format appears to draw inspiration from the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off last year and the ongoing international showdown that is the Milan Cortina Olympics.

And yet, it doesn’t seem to be generating the same passion as either event. Jokic even has a prediction about how it all will unfold.

“We are going to have (veteran) OGs and maybe they’re going to play the most. They’re going to try to prove they can still be in this league,” Jokic said. “They are really good players. Probably all of them are Hall of Famers.

“I think Europeans are going to probably pass the ball a lot and have fun out there. OGs (are) probably going to win it, and the third team is probably going to dunk the most times.”

For all of the complaints that All-Star Weekend no longer moves the needle, Jokic does point out what is on the line for each squad. Perhaps that is the lens to use come Sunday.

“They need something to complain about (and) I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, to be honest, the All-Star Game, All-Star Weekend,” Durant said about All-Star Game criticism. “Just here to celebrate the game of basketball. People still coming to celebrate the game of basketball. They’re coming to watch.”

–Doug Padilla, Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Feb 15

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people inside stadium watching baseball game

By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – As pitchers and catches reported to Spring Training and Major League Baseball turned towards the 2026 season, three MLB teams took a gut punch, right in the very first inning.

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll, and Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday all suffered the same exact injury – broken hamate bones in their wrists.

There’s nothing as bad as losing a star player on the first day of Spring Training, and, in each case, it was a foundational talent for their respective teams.

The human wrist is an amazing joint, chock full of small bones that allow the wrist to move in every direction. A hamate bone injury is a fracture or stress reaction of the key bone, which is located within the wrist. The injury is often caused by activities that require a strong grip, such as baseball or golf. Symptoms typically include pain and swelling on the palm side of the wrist, particularly near the pinky finger, and recovery can take several weeks. Severe cases can require surgery. The procedure and rehabilitation (often difficult and painful) can take, at least, six weeks.

From first hand experience, and in layman’s terms – “It is never the same again.”

The most noticeable talent of major league baseball players resides in the eyes and wrists of the most successful batters. Yes, power can come from the arms, thighs and legs planted in a proper stance, but seeing the ball and then moving the hands and often turning the wrists to create bat speed is the secret all of the best hitters possess. Great eyes and great wrists can not be taught. It is innate.

Six or maybe eight weeks in a cast (or even a soft cast) will result in atrophy and soreness, no matter how great the rehabilitation process is managed. When hands/wrist/bat speed is lost, even milliseconds, it can take .010 or more off a batting average.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: Noting from the NBA’s official news release, – At the 26th NBA All-Star Technology Summit at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel and the world’s most-followed basketball YouTube creator, Jesser, previewed a new AI-powered technology that allows fans to watch live games from a player’s vantage point in real time. … During a live onstage demo, Jesser activated “POV mode,” enabling viewers to watch the Jan. 29 game between the Mavericks and Hornets from the on-court perspective of Flagg and Knueppel in real time. The presentation showcased the limitless ways that fans will be able to watch live NBA games through immersive angles and personalized customizations. The prototype animations from the demonstration will ultimately be replaced with visualizations of the actual players. It can be viewed HERE.

TIDBITS & NUGGETS: Veteran NBA guard and former president of the NBA Player’s Association Chris Paul announced his retirement during NBA All-Star Weekend in LA. He did it with a short social media post, quickly picked up by fans and some 200 media “influencers” stationed at the festivities. “This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote on Instagram. … NBA Commissioner Adam Silverissued the following statement to note the contributions made by Paul: – “After 21 remarkable seasons, Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and a true steward of our sport. From the moment he entered the league, Chris distinguished himself with his savvy playmaking skills, elite competitiveness and intense work ethic. He also poured enormous time and energy into his role as President of the Players Association – offering thoughtful and principled perspectives to strengthen our game and our business. His leadership on behalf of the players was essential in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, helping guide the league through a pandemic, addressing important societal issues and so much more. On behalf of the NBA, I congratulate Chris on an extraordinary career and thank him for his friendship, partnership and lasting contributions to our game.”

PREZ: President Barack Obama spoke at the NBA’s Tech Summit in Los Angeles. The seminar is an “off the record” event, but a very simple message from Obama resonated worldwide: “Sports is one of America’s greatest exports,” he said. “Sports can bring the world together. I’m a big believer that joy brings about change.” – That comment is no secret to anyone who has worked in, or competed in sports and should be shouted from the highest mountains, everywhere in the world.

SLAM: There’s often talk of the career Grand Slams in professional golf and tennis, but did you know Anthony Davis, now of the Washington Wizards, is the only male player to win the grand slam-dunk for basketball. Davis has won:

  • NCAA National Championship: 2012 (University of Kentucky)
  • Olympic Gold Medal: 2012 (London) and 2024 (Paris)
  • FIBA World Cup Gold: 2014 (Spain)
  • NBA Championship: 2020 (Los Angeles Lakers)

On the women’s basketball side, the feat has been accomplished far more often. In fact there’s a dozen players. Here is the list of women who have won the “Grand Slam-Dunk”

  • Breanna Stewart
  • Sue Bird
  • Diana Taurasi
  • A’ja Wilson
  • Maya Moore
  • Brittney Griner
  • Tamika Catchings
  • Sheryl Swoopes
  • Cynthia Cooper
  • Swin Cash
  • Asjha Jones
  • Kara Wolters

SPORTS BIZ: Over the NBA All-Star break, the Boston Celtics extended their advertising agreement with Experience Abu Dhabi through the conclusion of the 2027–28 season. This renewal broadens Experience Abu Dhabi’s presence across Celtics platforms and fan-engagement initiatives. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Experience Abu Dhabi as we look to expand the global reach and engagement of both the Boston Celtics and Experience Abu Dhabi brands,” said Ted Dalton, Boston Celtics Chief Partnership Officer. “Their commitment to creating special fan moments, both in Boston and internationally, aligns closely with our vision, and this renewed agreement will allow us to deliver even more impactful experiences over the coming years.” … Under the renewed agreement, Experience Abu Dhabi will continue as an Official International Marketing Partner of the Boston Celtics. The partnership includes extensive in-arena visibility during Celtics home games, with courtside signage, basket stanchion signage, center-hung scoreboard LED rings, and commercial spots, all of which will extend into the playoffs. Experience Abu Dhabi will also receive banner advertising on Celtics.com. … “We are delighted to extend our relationship with the Boston Celtics through to the 2027-28 season,” said Steve Cox, Acting Strategic Marketing & Communication Sector Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Abu Dhabi is a welcoming destination defined by culture, community and memorable experiences, and this agreement reflects that spirit. Sport continues to enrich Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a destination, while allowing us to build meaningful and lasting connections with travelers worldwide.”

The NBA and USA Basketball have played exhibition games in Abu Dhabi, including the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers this past October.

INJURED: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmapo are both injured and out for the World team. Alperen Şengün and De’Aaron Fox will replace the injured players. Fox, the Spurs’ guard joins USA Stripes while Heat swingman Norman Powell (Jamaica) moves from USA Stripes to Team World. Steph Curry of the USA Stripes is also out (right knee) and will be replaced by Brandon Ingram.

COLLEGE SPORTS RANKINGS: While everyone in the Fall is focused on the CFP rankings, and college basketball fans are now watching the NCAA Coaches and Associated Press Top 25s, some might care to see two other polls. The men’s college ice hockey and the NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse poll is worth a look. In each case, I’ll provide the Top 10 with links for the rest.

College Hockey: (via U.S. College Hockey Online) – (link)

  1. Michigan State
  2. Michigan
  3. North Dakota
  4. Western Michigan
  5. Quinnipiac
  6. Penn State
  7. Providence
  8. Denver
  9. Cornell
  10. Minnesota Duluth

Division I Men’s Lacrosse (via Inside Lacrosse poll) – (link)

  1. Maryland
  2. Syracuse
  3. Princeton
  4. Cornell
  5. Georgetown
  6. North Carolina
  7. Notre Dame
  8. Richmond
  9. Duke
  10. Ohio State

SECOND HAND, ERRR, CHANCE NEWS: In a category touching upon “you can’t make it up,” the POTUS pardoned five former NFL football players — one posthumously — for various crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.

The pardons were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson just days after the NFL Super Bowl. Ex-NFL players Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon were granted the clemency.

“As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation,” Johnson wrote on the social media site X.

Klecko, a former lineman for the New York Jets, pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a federal grand jury that was investigating insurance fraud. A defensive lineman, Klecko was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Newton, an offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities discovered $10,000 in his pickup truck as well as 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car driven by another man. Newton was a two-time All-Pro player and six-time Pro Bowler.

Lewis, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, had previously pleaded guilty in a drug case in which he used a cellphone to try to set up a drug deal not long after he was a top pick in the 2000 NFL draft. Lewis, a running back, was named an All-Pro once and was a one-time Pro Bowler. He was named the 2003 AP Offensive Player of the Year.

Henry, who played for the Denver Broncos, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine for financing a drug ring that moved the drug between Colorado and Montana. He was a running back for three teams and a one-time Pro Bowl star.

Cannon, who played for the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s after a series of bad investments and debts left him broke. He was a two-time All-Pro player and a two-time Pro Bowler. Cannon also won the 1959 Heisman Trophy while starring for Louisiana State University, where he had one of the most memorable plays in college football history: an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. He died in 2018.

MASCOT MANIA: For fans of Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, and the event mascots, Milo and Tina, it’s been nearly impossible to find a plush toy of the stuffed siblings in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. … Many of the official Olympics stores in the host cities are already sold out, less than a week into the Winter Games. … “I think the only way to get them is to actually win a medal,” Julia Peeler joked Tuesday in central Milan, where Tina and Milo characters posed for photos with fans. The 38-year-old Peeler, from South Carolina, is on the hunt for the plushies for her niece. Buona fortuna – or Good luck.

LOOKING FORWARDS & BACKWARDS: This column is usually a forward-thinking document but today it’s important to look back to last week’s Super Bowl and the outstanding defensive performance by the Seattle Seahawks in their 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Credit must also be given to Seahawks QB Sam Darnold who threw for 202 yards and a TD to lead his club to the win while his running back Kenneth Walker III took MVP honors with a 27-carry, 135 yard performance which also added two catches for another 26 yards. … My forecast was for a New England victory with the Patriots’ defense making a game-long stand. … Seattle was far too good for the young Boston team, especially QB Drake Maye who was rushed, sacked, beaten and pummeled all day long. Seattle had the superior D and far superior team.

Looking forward, here’s a few dates and sporting events to circle:

  • February 18, 20-21 – Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey
  • February 19 – Women’s Olympic Ice Hockey medal round
  • February 25 – St. John’s at UConn (men’s basketball)
  • March 6-7 – MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (Boston)
  • March 11-14 – BIG EAST men’s basketball at MSG (New York)
  • March 15 – NCAA men’s Selection Sunday