Basketball – Winnipeg Free Press

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Dakota’s Daniel Rom is looking to end the Lancers’ 24-year title drought.

Mellow Rom go-to player for Lancers

Joshua Frey-Sam 9 minute read Yesterday at 6:36 PM CDT

Unassuming. Relaxed. Reserved.

Those aren’t characteristics used to describe every star athlete, but they’re qualities that have helped shape Daniel Rom, the top-ranked high school varsity boys basketball player in the province.

You wouldn’t be the first to be surprised by Rom. The 6-5 guard’s mellow demeanour off the court might leave some questioning if they’re watching the same player when his elite competitive nature takes over on it.

“I’ve heard that from a couple of people where my demeanour is very, I don’t know, ‘relaxed.’ When I’m on the court, I don’t really pay attention to it,” said Rom, who is in Grade 11.

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Wembanyama leads Spurs by Suns to end 6-season playoff drought, stirring memories of historic run

Raul Dominguez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Wembanyama leads Spurs by Suns to end 6-season playoff drought, stirring memories of historic run

Raul Dominguez, The Associated Press 4 minute read 2:27 AM CDT

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson held his head high through several dismal seasons, promising fans it would not always be so bleak.

That vow was fulfilled in dramatic fashion on Thursday night as San Antonio rallied in the final minute to beat the Phoenix Suns 101-100 and clinch its first playoff berth since 2019.

Victor Wembanyama’s 17-foot, pullup jumper with a second left ended a six-season postseason drought as the Spurs secured a top-six finish in the Western Conference.

“When you're building something, it doesn’t happen overnight,” Johnson said. “It’s not something that you get all these players and then you just say, ‘Oh, damn, we good.’ It took some time and it took some development. It took some growing up and those type of things. And slowly but surely we here.”

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2:27 AM CDT

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is celebrated by fans after he hit a game-winning score against the Phoenix Suns in the final seconds of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Dakota heads back to final after defeating St. Paul’s

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Preview

Dakota heads back to final after defeating St. Paul’s

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Yesterday at 10:41 PM CDT

The punches from the Dakota Lancers came in bunches.

By the time the bell rang at the end of Thursday night’s heavyweight bout, it was the Lancers left standing after a heated 102-91 decision in the AAAA boys’ provincial basketball semifinals at Investor’s Group Athletic Centre.

The Lancers advance to the provincial championship for the second year in a row and will face the Maples Marauders back at IGAC on Monday (8 p.m.).

“It’s all about our defence, not giving up,” said forward Jed Godfrey-Ehichoya, who scored 17 points and added seven rebounds. “Coach told us ‘never give in.’ If they score, get back on defence, get the ball back, score back. It’s all about perseverance.”

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Yesterday at 10:41 PM CDT

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
The Dakota Collegiate Lancers host the visiting St. Paul’s High School Crusaders in the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association AAAA varsity boys provincial semi-final at Investors Group Athletic Centre at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, March 19, 2026. The Dakota Lancers earned a 102-91 victory over the St. Paul’s Crusaders to advance to the championship game. Pictured: Lancers guard Alexandre Jean (No. 6) drives to the hoop with the ball while Crusaders guard Joaquin (No. 4) and Crusaders teammte forward Edris Sajadi (No. 7) defend him during first quarter action.

Winnipeg’s Lasu one of five Canadians on LIU battling in March Madness

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg’s Lasu one of five Canadians on LIU battling in March Madness

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:32 PM CDT

It is perhaps the closest thing Canada could have to a team in the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament and — of course — Winnipeg has a hand in it.

Most No. 16 seeds won’t garner much attention in the 68-team tournament, as many believe they are there for a good time, not a long time, but Long Island University has been an exception as five of its most important players hail from north of the border.

There are a pair of Ontario-born starting guards, Scarborough’s Malachi Davis and Toronto’s Jamal Fuller, who have played together since high school. Coming off the bench to play important minutes are freshman guard Max Ndlovu-Fraser and senior forward Caleb Johnson, who are rooted in opposite ends of the country, born in North Vancouver and North Preston, N.S., respectively.

And then there is Shadrak Lasu, the starting sophomore forward who is right in the middle of them all — Winnipeg.

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Yesterday at 2:32 PM CDT

LIU ATHLETICS PHOTO
Winnipeg’s Shadrak Lasu (22) had 13 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks in the Northeast championship clinching victory.

The Lakers say Luka Doncic should be in the MVP conversation. A 60-point game is the latest proof

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

The Lakers say Luka Doncic should be in the MVP conversation. A 60-point game is the latest proof

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 11:12 PM CDT

MIAMI (AP) — Luka Doncic stepped to the foul line in the final moments and couldn't help but hear what the crowd was yelling, over and over and over again.

An MVP chant.

On the road, no less.

"I think every player wants to hear it," Doncic said. "I got a lot of goosebumps, so it was pretty special.”

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Yesterday at 11:12 PM CDT

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James, right, embrace after defeating the Miami Heat in an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Ace Bailey has 7 3-pointers as Jazz crush Bucks 128-96 to snap 4-game losing streak

John Coon, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ace Bailey has 7 3-pointers as Jazz crush Bucks 128-96 to snap 4-game losing streak

John Coon, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 10:33 PM CDT

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Ace Bailey made seven 3-pointers and scored 33 points and the Utah Jazz snapped a four-game skid with a 128-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.

Bailey also had nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Cody Williams scored 19 of his 23 points before halftime to give Utah’s offense an early spark. Elijah Harkless added 23 points and 10 assists, while Kyle Filipowski had 16 points and eight rebounds.

Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 15 points and five assists. Cam Thomas added 14 points and Ousmane Dieng had 13 for the Bucks.

Utah allowed just two baskets over a six-minute stretch while building a 30-17 lead in the final seconds of the first quarter. The Jazz used a 21-9 run fueled by three baskets from Williams to go up double digits.

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Yesterday at 10:33 PM CDT

Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) reacts to making a 3-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)

Coby White leads Hornets’ 3-point surge in 130-111 win over Magic

The Associated Press 6 minute read Updated: 12:07 AM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Reserve Coby White had 27 points and led the Charlotte Hornets’ 3-point barrage in a 130-111 rout of the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.

White shot 5 of 8 from beyond the arc and was one of four players with three or more 3-pointers, joining Brandon Miller (5 of 10), Kon Knueppel (4 of 9) and LaMelo Ball (3 of 8) as the Hornets finished 21 of 46 overall to win their fourth game in their last five.

Miller had 25 points and eight assists, Knueppel scored 23 points and Ball added 20 for Charlotte, which improved to 36-34. It’s the first time the Hornets have been two games over .500 since late in the 2021-22 season when the franchise had its last winning record at 43-39.

Desmond Bane had 24 points and Paolo Banchero 20 to lead Orlando.

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Murphy sparks Pelicans past Clippers 105-99 and New Orleans stretches home streak to 7 games

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Murphy sparks Pelicans past Clippers 105-99 and New Orleans stretches home streak to 7 games

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:57 PM CDT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Trey Murphy III scored 27 points and the New Orleans Pelicans extended their home winning streak to seven games with a 105-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Saddiq Bey had 20 points and Zion Williamson added 15 for the Pelicans, who swept the two-game set against the Clippers after 124-109 win, also at home, on Wednesday night.

Dejounte Murray was held out to rest as part of his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He had 17 points and a season-high 11 assists Wednesday night in his ninth game since making his season debut last month.

Derrick Jones Jr. scored 22 points, John Collins had 18 and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 for the Clippers, who lost their fourth in a row.

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Yesterday at 9:57 PM CDT

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) shoots a three-pointer over Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) and forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Wembanyama hits winner as Spurs beat Suns 101-100 to end 6-season postseason drought

Raul Dominguez, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Wembanyama hits winner as Spurs beat Suns 101-100 to end 6-season postseason drought

Raul Dominguez, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:54 PM CDT

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama hit a 17-foot, pull-up jumper with a second left and the San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a playoff spot to end a six-season drought, beating the Phoenix Suns 101-100 on Thursday night.

Wembanyama had 34 points and 12 rebounds. His winning jumper capped a furious final-minute rally to secure the top-six finish in the Western Conference.

De'Aaron Fox added 23 points and Julian Champagnie had 14 in the Spurs' fourth straight victory.

Collin Gillespie scored 24 points and Devin Booker had 22 for the Suns. They remain seventh in the West.

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Yesterday at 9:54 PM CDT

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, center, celebrates with teammates after he hit a game-winning score against the Phoenix Suns in the final seconds of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Luka Doncic scores 60, LeBron James ties games-played mark and Lakers top Heat for 8th straight win

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Luka Doncic scores 60, LeBron James ties games-played mark and Lakers top Heat for 8th straight win

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:01 PM CDT

MIAMI (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 60 points, LeBron James had a triple-double on a night where he tied the NBA record for games played, and the Los Angeles Lakers pushed their season-best winning streak to eight games with a 134-126 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

It tied the second-most points Doncic ever scored in a game, behind a 73-point night against Atlanta in 2024 and matching a 60-point night against New York in 2022. Doncic also broke the record for a Heat opponent, topping the 58-point effort from James Harden for Houston on Feb. 28, 2019.

Doncic — the NBA's scoring leader — has now scored at least 30 points in eight consecutive games, reached 50 for the second time in his last five games and did so on the second night of a back to back. James finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, and Austin Reaves scored 18 for the Lakers.

Bam Adebayo had 28 points for Miami, which has dropped three straight. Tyler Herro scored 21 points and Norman Powell had 20 for Miami, which led by as many as 15 in the early going.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:01 PM CDT

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) attempts to pass as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, right, goes for the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Coby White scores 27 as Hornets make 21 3-pointers in 130-111 win over Magic

Richard Walker, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Coby White scores 27 as Hornets make 21 3-pointers in 130-111 win over Magic

Richard Walker, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:05 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Reserve Coby White had 27 points and led the Charlotte Hornets' 3-point barrage in a 130-111 rout of the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.

White shot 5 of 8 from beyond the arc and was one of four players with three or more 3-pointers, joining Brandon Miller (5 of 10), Kon Knueppel (4 of 9) and LaMelo Ball (3 of 8) as the Hornets finished 21 of 46 overall to win their fourth game in their last five.

Miller had 25 points and eight assists, Knueppel scored 23 points and Ball added 20 for Charlotte, which improved to 36-34. It’s the first time the Hornets have been two games over .500 since late in the 2021-22 season when the franchise had its last winning record at 43-39.

Desmond Bane had 24 points and Paolo Banchero 20 to lead Orlando.

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Yesterday at 9:05 PM CDT

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) gestures after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Duren powers the Pistons past the Wizards 117-95 in their first game without Cunningham

Ian Nicholas Quillen, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Duren powers the Pistons past the Wizards 117-95 in their first game without Cunningham

Ian Nicholas Quillen, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:43 PM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jalen Duren had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Detroit never trailed in a 117-95 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, the Pistons' first game since All-Star guard Cade Cunningham was ruled out for at least two weeks with a collapsed left lung.

Duren got his 37th double-double in just 25 minutes, two nights after scoring a career-high 36 points for Eastern Conference-leading Detroit in their 130-117 win over Washington.

Paul Reed added 17 points, while Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and Kevin Huerter each had 14 for the Pistons.

Detroit outrebounded Washington 55-33 and led 66-26 in points in the paint.

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Yesterday at 8:43 PM CDT

Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) battle for the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

A deserved tribute for Dell Curry, who has his No. 30 jersey raised to the Charlotte rafters

Richard Walker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

A deserved tribute for Dell Curry, who has his No. 30 jersey raised to the Charlotte rafters

Richard Walker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:01 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dell Curry was fighting back happy tears Thursday night.

He knew what was coming. He'd known for the last two months or so that the Charlotte Hornets were finally going to retire his No. 30 jersey, that it was forever going to hang in the rafters as a tribute to the team's first pick in the 1988 expansion draft.

And it still took everything he had, in the moment, to keep his emotions in check. The Hornets raised the jersey at halftime of their 130-111 win over the Orlando Magic, and it'll eventually hang beside the one that immortalizes the Charlotte tenure of Bobby Phills.

“I can’t thank them enough for this. I’m just a country boy from Grottoes, man,” Curry said, referencing his Virginia hometown. “I had no idea that this was even happening. I’m just playing basketball because I love it and now to have my jersey in (these) rafters besides Bobby, I cannot explain how grateful, blessed, fortunate I am to be here in this moment.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:01 PM CDT

Former Charlotte Hornets player Dell Curry, fifth from left, poses alongside family at halftime as his jersey is retired during an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

WNBA players briefed on a transformational 7-year CBA with a $7M 2026 salary cap

Doug Feinberg, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

WNBA players briefed on a transformational 7-year CBA with a $7M 2026 salary cap

Doug Feinberg, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:33 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — WNBA players are having information sessions over the next day or two to learn more about the new collective bargaining agreement that was agreed to in principle early Wednesday morning.

Through zoom calls and one-on-one conversations, the players are hearing about some of the details of the transformational new deal that will last for the next seven years with an opt-out after six, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.

Lawyers on both sides are finalizing the term sheet, which should be done in the next day or so. It will then get put to a vote of the players with a majority needed to ratify the CBA. The league’s Board of Governors will then need to approve the deal before it becomes official.

The deal came after the two sides spent the past eight days in intense in-person negotiations that lasted for more than 100 hours. They came to the agreement about 2:20 a.m. Wednesday after spending more than 10 hours of discussions on Tuesday.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:33 PM CDT

FILE - Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) plays against the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game Sept. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell misses game against Bulls because of bruised left eye

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell misses game against Bulls because of bruised left eye

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 6:58 PM CDT

CHICAGO (AP) — Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell missed the Cavaliers' game Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls because of a bruised left eye.

Mitchell was hurt in a collision in practice with Evan Mobley. The seven-time All-Star played through the injury in Cleveland’s victory at Milwaukee on Tuesday night and finished with 19 points on 4-for-14 shooting. He said after the game that he was having trouble seeing.

Coach Kenny Atkinson said the injury is “nothing serious,” but the Cavaliers need to “let it clear up.”

Mitchell is eighth in the NBA in scoring at 28 points per game while shooting a career-high 47.9%. He’s averaging 5.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals.

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Yesterday at 6:58 PM CDT

Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks' Ousmane Dieng during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

James Harden scores 36 as Cavaliers hang on to beat Bulls 115-110 with Mitchell sidelined

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

James Harden scores 36 as Cavaliers hang on to beat Bulls 115-110 with Mitchell sidelined

Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:58 PM CDT

CHICAGO (AP) — James Harden scored 36, Evan Mobley added 26 points and 14 rebounds and Cleveland hung on to beat the Chicago Bulls 115-110 on Thursday night even though Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell missed the game because of a bruised left eye.

Harden nailed seven 3-pointers. Jaylon Tyson chipped in with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the Cavaliers hung on after a 29-point lead in the third quarter dwindled to one in the game’s closing minutes.

Chicago’s Tre Jones cut it to 103-102 when he made two free throws with 3:33 remaining. Sam Merrill answered with a 3 for Cleveland.

The Cavaliers were up 110-107 when Jones missed a potential tying 3 and Leonard Miller missed a layup with about a minute left. Harden hit a pull-up jumper to make it a five-point game with 33 seconds left and Cleveland hung on for the win.

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Yesterday at 9:58 PM CDT

March 20, 2026

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