Jokic has 100th triple-double; Nuggets down Rockets 133-112
HOUSTON (AP) — Nikola Jokic recorded his 100th career triple-double and Jamal Murray had 32 points as the Denver Nuggets coasted to a 133-112 win over the Houston Rockets. The hapless Rockets were done in by a balanced scoring attack by the Nuggets Tuesday, a game after allowing Damian Lillard to score a career-high 71 points in a loss to the Trail Blazers Sunday. Jokic had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 24th triple-double this season and his 15th in the last 20 games. The Nuggets have won each game in which he’s had a triple-double this season and 28 straight dating back to last season.
Rangers acquire star winger Patrick Kane from Blackhawks
The New York Rangers have acquired Patrick Kane in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Rangers sent a conditional second-round draft pick and a future fourth-rounder to Chicago and a third-rounder in 2025 to Arizona to complete the deal. Kane joins the Rangers after waiving his no-movement clause to leave the only NHL organization he has played for. The 34-year-old won the Stanley Cup three times with the Blackhawks and was playoff MVP in 2013. Getting Kane is the latest big move by New York in the team’s pursuit of its first championship since 1994.
Kobe Bryant family settles photo lawsuit for $28.5 million
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The family of the late Kobe Bryant has agreed to settle legal issues surrounding photos of the body of the of the NBA star and others who were killed in a 2020 helicopter crash. Attorneys say Los Angeles County agreed to pay Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, and their daughters $13.5 million on top of the $15 million that jurors awarded her at a trial in August. County deputies and firefighters had shot photos of the bodies and shared them with others in their departments. A county lawyer said the pictures were part of their job, but Vanessa Bryant’s lawyer said they were shared as “visual gossip.”
Rodgers, QBs become top attractions at NFL combine
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Green Bay Packers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether or where he’ll play next season. Other teams at the NFL’s annual scouting combine seem to be jockeying for other quarterbacks. As coaches and general managers kicked off one of the league’s biggest offseason events, the discussions took off. Marcus Mariota was cut, Derek Carr became a hot commodity, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected to discuss how they’ll replace the retired Tom Brady.
Giannis returns, Bucks beat Nets 118-104 for 15th straight
NEW YORK (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 15 rebounds, and the Milwaukee Bucks extended their winning streak to 15 games by beating the Brooklyn Nets 118-104. Jrue Holiday had 14 points and eight assists for the Bucks, who went 10-0 in February and have passed the Boston Celtics for the best record in the NBA. Brook Lopez added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Khris Middleton had 18 points off the bench. Milwaukee held Brooklyn to 42 second-half points, dealing the Nets their third straight loss and seventh in their past nine games. Mikal Bridges led Brooklyn with 31 points.
AP source: NFL owners to discuss Snyder at upcoming meeting
A person familiar with the docket tells The Associated Press that Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s future is on the agenda to be discussed at upcoming committee meetings in Florida before the annual NFL meeting in Arizona scheduled for late March. The person tells the AP that voting to oust Snyder if he doesn’t sell the team remains a possibility. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay in October said there was merit to remove Snyder as Commanders owner amid multiple ongoing investigations. Dan and wife Tanya hired a firm two weeks later to explore possible transactions related to selling part or all of the team.
With James injury, Lakers face challenge to reach postseason
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — LeBron James’ injury hasn’t changed the Los Angeles Lakers’ goal of reaching the postseason. Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Tuesday that James is still going through medical evaluations before the team makes a decision on how long the NBA’s career scoring leader may be unavailable after injuring his right foot Sunday in a victory over Dallas. Ham added that he is uncertain on an exact return date for James.
“A little scary:” Iditarod begins with smallest field ever
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The second half-century for the world’s most famous sled dog race is getting off to a rough start. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Saturday, the smallest field ever to take their teams nearly 1,000 miles over Alaska’s wilderness. The small turnout is raising concerns about the future of an iconic race that has taken hits from the pandemic, climate change, inflation and the loss of deep-pocketed sponsors, just as multiple big-name champions are retiring. Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach says the race’s financial health is good, and payouts should be a little higher this year.
Dodgers SS Gavin Lux out for season after knee injury
Gavin Lux will miss the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers because of torn ligaments in his right knee. The 25-year-old was in line to become their new starting shortstop before getting hurt in a spring training game. Lux says the toughest part is knowing the opportunity he had before getting hurt. He ducked to avoid a throw when running between second and third base during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres. He then took a couple of steps before his right knee buckled. He says it was a freak thing.
Bills GM: Hamlin’s return hinges on his medical progress
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane says safety Damar Hamlin has a few more visits to doctors before determining whether he can pursue his goal of returning to play football after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on field in January. Beane says all is well with the test results Hamlin’s had so far in providing the update from the NFL’s combine in Indianapolis. He says further testing is required before specialists and the Bills doctors can provide Hamlin clearance to return to the field.
