Open Thread: Spurs Week Paris created some indelible memories

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 24: The San Antonio Spurs poses for a team photo as part of the NBA Paris Games 2025 at the Eiffel Tower on January 24, 2025 in Paris, France. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

While the San Antonio Spurs were amassing one of the greatest months in franchise history, the Spurs Organization was over the pond in Paris, France building on the relationship launched last season.

Per a Spurs press release:

The San Antonio Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) held two sports leadership events as part of the ongoing “Spurs Week Paris” initiative. The Spurs and PSG hosted an executive learning session for their leadership teams, followed by the second iteration of Spurs Community Leadership Institute (SCLI) Paris, serving a diverse group of French women leaders in sport. This transformative collaboration is the result of the deep relationship that has grown between the two clubs, both known as leaders in the globalization of sport, which tipped off in 2025 with the Spurs competing in the NBA Paris Games.

The Spurs x PSG Executive Learning Session brought both organizations together offering a leadership development program with expert panels and hands-on workshops.

The Spurs Community Leadership Institute hosted a one-day leadership summit involving 50 women leaders in sports, government officials and community. The event centered on advancing women in sports, leadership development and leveraging sports as a catalyst for social impact.

Patricia Mejia, chief impact & inclusion officer for the San Antonio Spurs shared,

“From day one, our relationship with Paris-Saint Germain has been driven by innovative thinking, collaborative conversations and a shared commitment to community impact. Through innovative initiatives like these, in collaboration with highly regarded organizations like PSG, the Spurs will continue to build lasting relationships in France and inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers in the global sports industry.”

Spurs Week Paris, a week-long in-person fan engagement activation across the city, continued to expand its presence in France on and off the court.

The Spurs commitment to growing the game of basketball globally involved a full week including a Spurs Skills Challenge Clinic, exclusive retail experiences, a newly renovated basketball court in Nanterre, and a public game watch party.

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Golden Nuggets: It wouldn’t be a 49ers offseason without rampant trade speculation

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 23: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers interacts with defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders after an NFL preseason football game, at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

49ers reportedly moving on from DT Kalia Davis
“According to Jordan Schultz, the 49ers do not plan to place a tender on the restricted free agent, allowing him to hit the open market.” 

Report: 49ers in play for Maxx Crosby; Mac Jones trade market cools
“The San Francisco 49ers are seemingly one of a dozen teams in play for Crosby, whom the Las Vegas Raiders would move for a couple of draft picks (it doesn’t seem like they can get two first-rounders) and a player,” Barrows and Tafur wrote.” 

49ers schedule pre-draft meeting with Memphis OT Travis Burke
“According to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, the 49ers are among several teams scheduled to hold an in-person meeting with former Memphis offensive tackle Travis Burke ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.” 

49ers select O-lineman with one concern in Lance Zierlein’s mock draft
“Short arms have been a big discussion point since the Super Bowl and might cause [Spencer] Fano to slip, but I’m not sure the 49ers would allow him to get past them, considering the athletic talent and scheme fit he could provide at right tackle or a guard spot,” Zierlein wrote.” 

Mac Jones’ quiet market and other 49ers takeaways from the NFL combine (paywall)
“According to league sources, the 49ers are eyeing assistant offensive line coach Cameron Clemmons to replace Brian Fleury as the team’s tight end coach. Clemmons spent the last two seasons working under offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who helps draw up the team’s running plays.”

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How Maxi Kleber made a big impact in his short shift

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 1: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 1, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — On the season, Maxi Kleber has only played in 34 of the Lakers’ 59 games and averages fewer than 11 minutes per contest in those appearances.

On Sunday night, he brought life to every second he played.

While LA had both of its top centers available, Jaxson Hayes found himself in early foul trouble, so Lakers head coach JJ Redick turned to Kleber. Immediately, he ramped up LA’s intensity.

Kleber was cleaning up the glass while serving as a rim protector, rejecting a Drew Eubanks attempt. He even added an offensive highlight to his reel, posterizing Precious Achiuwa.

It's a poster fest!!!! pic.twitter.com/xFyPVGgXJk

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 2, 2026

“He had two poster dunks tonight,” Redick said postgame. “Things you get really excited about…Just the reaction from his teammates on that, it’s something that gives your group spirit.”

But it was a play that largely won’t show up in the box score that provided the most spirit for the group.

As Marcus Smart took a 3-point attempt, Malik Monk yelled out “Hell naw!” as the ball failed to touch the rim. On the ensuing Kings’ possession, Monk tried to go coast-to-coast but Kleber stood his ground and knocked the guard down, sending a clear message.

When Monk got up, he had words for Kleber, as did former Laker Russell Westbrook. Kleber wanted all the smoke before coaches, players and officials stepped in to make sure things didn’t further escalate.

The play doesn’t appear in the box score as anything more than a foul on Kleber, but it gave this game a bit more edge. The Lakers kept that intensity up even as Kleber went to the bench, and they entered the halftime break up 15.

At times, LA has a tendency to let go of the rope, particularly in games seen as easy wins. Kleber ensured that wouldn’t be the case, even on the second night of a back-to-back.

“He’s the guy that makes our team,” Rui Hachimura said. “He has good energy. He always brings good energy to the team. We always talk about how we need to be more like Maxi or we need to be like Maxi. We always talk about that. I know how he approaches this every day and brings positive energy. He always brings good energy to the team, whether he plays or not.

Kleber won’t always play, and when he does, it won’t always look as good as it did against the Kings.

However, each team needs everyone rowing in the same direction. Kleber is one of those veterans who not only knows how to be a pro but also sets the standard for his teammates, whether they are playing big minutes or riding the bench.

With the Lakers responding to their three-game losing streak with back-to-back wins, LA is having a moment of positivity. Still, the Western Conference race is as tight as ever, and as a vet, Kleber knows better than most that the work is far from done.

“I think the best thing for us is to just block out the noise from outside because we know what we got to focus on, what we got to do, and keep our composure,” Kleber said. “But obviously, having two wins like that obviously helps for the team chemistry, for like everything for the flow.

“But we know that we got to continue building on this now.”

Kleber’s qualities are exactly what teams want every player to have. He always brings that same level of passion, hustle and will to win regardless of his role.

On Sunday, his influence was obvious, and whether Lakers fans see it nightly or not, his impact is palpable.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Dolphins offseason buzz – The Splash Zone 3/2/26

We are a week away from the beginning of NFL Free Agency and we got a few rumors about the Miami Dolphins from the NFL Combine this past weekend. It sounds like QB Tua Tagovailoa will not be with the team much longer as the team is expected to release him by the third day of the league year and designate him as post June-1st cut. The Dolphins are also expected to make an offer to Malik Willis, but with the hit they are going to take from Tua’s contract this option doesn’t seem too likely. That means Quinn Ewers is viewed as the backup plan and the Dolphins may have to find a cheap vet option to add to the quarterback room.

Among other things, extensions for RB De’Von Achance, C Aaron Brewer, and LB Jordyn Brooks are also expected to be worked on as the new regime views them as key building blocks for the rebuild this team is about to go through.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

What to Make of the Dolphins-Related Combine Whispers and Reports
The Miami Dolphins are a team to watch as the new league year gets closer

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Dolphins Tight Ends

Three 2026 NFL Draft tight ends you should start giving the Dolphins in your mock drafts more after the NFL Combine
These three tight ends need to be taken seriously as fits for the Dolphins.

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Dolphins Offensive Line

One of the Dolphins’ best insurance policies of 2025 may be priced out of the equation in free agency this month
“In position for low-end starter money”.

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Dolphins Defensive Line

Three 2026 NFL Draft EDGE defenders you should start giving the Dolphins in your mock drafts more after the NFL Combine
These three EDGE defenders need to be taken seriously as fits for the Dolphins.

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Dolphins Secondary

Three 2026 NFL Draft defensive backs you should start giving the Dolphins in your mock drafts more after the NFL Combine
These DBs from the 2026 NFL Draft that should be mocked more to the Dolphins.

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Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Dolphins grade well in NFLPA report cards – The Splash Zone 2/28/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Dolphins free agents 2026: Walk, tag, re-sign – Elijah Campbell
Continuing our look at the soon-to-be free agents from the Miami Dolphins. What should the team do with defensive back Elijah Campbell this year?

Miami Dolphins Fans Share What Scares Them The Most
We ask Miami Dolphins fans what about this offseason scares them or concerns them the most.

Dolphins to work on extensions for key players
De’Von Achane, Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer are key extension candidates for Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: To Trade Down Or Not To Trade Down Edition
We ask Dolphins fans what their take is on the idea of trading down from the 11th spot in the first round of the draft.

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Warriors likely headed for NBA play-in tournament after Lakers loss

Warriors Gary Payton Jr.

SAN FRANCISCO — If they hadn’t already, the Warriors can probably kiss any hopes they had of avoiding the play-in tournament goodbye.

Golden State looked listless, lackadaisical and downright lost at times Saturday night against the team it would have to chase down to secure anything higher than the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

The Warriors quickly fell into a double-digit hole against the Lakers and never recovered in a lopsided 129-101 loss. In front of a national television audience, they fell behind by as many as 32 points — 17 just in the first quarter — and never cut the deficit to single digits.

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos, center, moves the ball between Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) and guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) AP

The loss means the Warriors trail the Lakers by 4.5 games with 22 to play and would need to win their final meeting April 9 just to even the season series at two games apiece.

“It’s a lot. It’s a lot to make up in 22 games,” coach Steve Kerr acknowledged.

Steph Curry (knee) missed his 10th consecutive game, Kristaps Porzingis (illness) was ruled out shortly before tipoff and what was left of the Warriors’ starting five crumbled against the Lakers’ Big 3.

LeBron James (22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds), Luka Doncic (26 points, eight assists, six rebounds) and Austin Reaves (18 points) had all checked out for the final time by the midpoint of the fourth quarter and still individually bested the Warriors’ top scorer, Gui Santos (14).

Rookie Will Richard added to the Warriors’ injury woes, rolling his ankle and leaving the game in the second quarter.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, speaks to Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, right, after an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) AP

Only more miles will be required to be put on the Warriors’ aging and ailing group the further they fall in the standings. As the No. 8 seed as it currently stands, they would need to either beat the seventh-seeded Suns on the road or prevail in a second play-in contest against the Trail Blazers or Clippers, who have the Nos. 9 and 10 spots all but locked down.

After the loss, the Warriors trail the Suns by three games for the No. 7 seed with a 2.5-game cushion on the Blazers in the No. 9 spot.

“We don’t even talk about it,” Kerr said. “That’s not anything that is worth discussing because we just have to try to go out there and win and see what happens.”

The Warriors emerged from the play-in last season to upset the Rockets in the first round. But the veteran group said the pedal-to-the-metal final two months of the season, including the play-in win, caught up to them as Curry went down injured and they lost to the Timberwolves in five games the following round.

Making matters more complicated, Golden State is already without Jimmy Butler for the rest of the season and is unsure when Curry will be cleared to return. The team is set to provide an update on his right knee Sunday, but Curry reportedly suffered a setback over the All-Star break and the ailment commonly known as runner’s knee already has a varying timetable.

In an interview with ESPN during the game, Curry said he expects it is “going to be a little longer” before he is cleared to return. Golden State hosts the Clippers on Monday.

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Golden Nuggets: The 49ers march toward a new season

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Christian McCaffrey #23 after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Would WR Mike Evans be a ‘perfect’ free-agent signing for 49ers?
“Evans made $20.5 million per year during his most recent contract with the Buccaneers, and it’s unclear if he’d want a similar deal. He’ll be 33 in August and is coming off a season in which he missed half the games due to various injuries. Evans had tallied at least 1,000 receiving yards in 11 consecutive seasons before 2025. For what it’s worth, Spotrac projects Evans’ contract to be for about two years and $26.6 million, which is certainly within the 49ers’ range.”  

49ers NFL Combine Watch: Defensive Backs and Tight Ends Risers and Fallers
“Kenyon Sadiq delivered one of the most eye-catching performances of the day, reportedly running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash — elite speed for the position. His athletic profile creates mismatch potential at the receiving tight end position.”

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Nuggets-Thunder get into heated scrum after Lu Dort trips Nikola Jokic in wild scene

Jokic Dort

The NBA got a little spicy in the Thunder’s 127-121 win over the Nuggets on Friday night in Oklahoma City.

The two teams got into a heated scrum in the fourth quarter after it appeared Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort tripped Denver star Nikola Jokic, leading to a heated scene at center court with both teams pushing and shoving.

Things all started after Jared McCain hit a two-point bucket for OKC, and on the ensuing inbound, Dort appeared to make an intentional step — almost like a hip check — into Jokic as he made his way back up the court.

Lu Dort was ejected after appearing to trip Nikola Jokic on this play.

Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams both received technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/ZFyNHpigsM

— ESPN (@espn) February 28, 2026

Another angle of Lu Dort's trip: https://t.co/qDwyDvXR1ppic.twitter.com/dPvJiKTkvT

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 28, 2026

Nikola Jokic was not happy with Lu Dort after the trip. ESPN/X

The Nuggets and Thunder got into it on Friday night. ESPN/X

Jokic immediately fell and tumbled onto the floor at Paycom Center. But that’s only where the fun began.

Dort was called for a foul, and he didn’t appear to agree with it, and as Jokic got back to his feet, he immediately got in his opponent’s face, eyes wide as he was incensed over what had just taken place, bumping Dort’s chest before anyone could step in.

The teams converged but officials eventually calmed things down before things could really escalate.

After reviewing the play, Dort was assessed a flagrant 2, meaning he was ejected from the game.

Jokic and the Thunder’s Jaylin Williams also received technicals in the bizarre scene in Oklahoma City.

Dort finished his night with eight points and six rebounds.

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