TOP NBA NEWS

February 27, 2025

1. Gregg Popovich Will Not Return This Season After Stroke

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has officially announced that he will not return to the sidelines this season as he continues to focus on his recovery from a stroke suffered earlier this year.

In a statement released Thursday, Popovich praised interim head coach Mitch Johnson and his staff for their leadership and commended the Spurs players for their resilience during a challenging season.

"I've decided not to return to the sidelines this season," Popovich said in the statement. "Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job, and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding.

"I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future."

2. Luka Dončić Feels Relief, Not Triumph, After Facing Mavericks

Luka Dončić led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-99 victory over his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on Tuesday night, but his postgame mood was not one of celebration.

Instead, Dončić sounded relieved that the game was over, citing the emotional weight of playing against Dallas just 3½ weeks after being traded.

"It was just a lot of emotions and not much sleep," Dončić said after the game. "I can't even explain [it]. It was a different game. ... Sometimes I don't know what I was doing.

"And I'm just glad it's over, honestly."

The trade from Dallas to Los Angeles was one of the biggest storylines of the season, and Dončić’s emotions reflected the deep connection he still has with his former franchise. The game carried added intensity, and Dončić admitted that he struggled to stay focused at times.

3. Knicks’ Ariel Hukporti Suffers Torn Meniscus in First NBA Start

The New York Knicks will be without center Ariel Hukporti for the next four to six weeks after the 22-year-old suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Hukporti sustained the injury during his first-ever NBA start on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he posted 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block before exiting the game.

The injury is a setback for both Hukporti and the Knicks, who have been managing frontcourt depth issues throughout the season. With Mitchell Robinson already sidelined, the Knicks may need to explore additional depth options at center while Hukporti recovers.

4. Anthony Edwards Suspended for 16 Technical Fouls, Faces Record Fines

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has reached 16 technical fouls this season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension per NBA rules.

As a result, he will be suspended on Friday, forcing him to miss the Timberwolves' next game. In addition, Edwards has been fined $5,000, bringing his total fines this season to $292,000, the most of any player in the league.

Per league rules, any player who receives 16 technical fouls in a season is automatically suspended for one game, with further suspensions applied for every additional two technical fouls.

Because Edwards’ 16th technical foul resulted in an ejection, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also has the discretion to issue an additional fine based on the circumstances surrounding the ejection.

5. Kevin Durant Interested in Potential 1-on-1 Tournament at 2026 All-Star Weekend

While the 2025 NBA All-Star Game has only just passed, excitement is already building for All-Star Weekend in 2026 due to rumors that the league is considering introducing a 1-on-1 tournament with a $1 million prize as part of the festivities.

Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star, has expressed interest in participating in such a tournament but stopped short of saying he would be the favorite to win.

Durant confirmed his willingness to compete during an appearance on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, while also listing some of the toughest potential opponents.

Durant specifically named Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving as two players he has played 1-on-1 with firsthand, making them formidable opponents.

He also mentioned Joel Embiid, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo as additional elite talents who would present challenges in a high-stakes 1-on-1 setting.

Though the NBA has yet to confirm the event, momentum appears to be building for what could become one of the most exciting additions to All-Star Weekend in recent history.