On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to make MVP case in win vs. Pistons
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to make a strong case to win the NBA MVP in a 113-107 win over the Detroit Pistons.
Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 48 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals on 17-of-26 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. This was the 12th time this season that Gilgeous-Alexander has scored over 40 points in a game.
The 2018 first-round pick is averaging a league-leading 32.8 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 52.5% from the field.
Furthermore, the former Los Angeles Clippers guard currently has the Thunder in first place in the Western Conference standings with a 55-12 record.
The chase for the 2025 MVP is a two-man race between Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Jokic is aiming to win his fourth MVP in five years as he is also having a historic campaign. According to BetMGM, Gilgeous-Alexander is favored to win with -415 odds.
If Gilgeous-Alexander can continue this level of play, he could potentially become the third Thunder player to win the MVP after Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017).
More must-reads:
- Wizards rookie Alex Sarr has breakout performance in win vs. Nuggets
- Warriors' defense steps up in close win over Knicks
- The 'Active NBA players with the most 20-point games in a season' quiz
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Raptors Share Lengthy Injury Report Ahead of Suns Game
Jakob Poeltl will be sidelined again Monday night. The Toronto Raptors will rest their starting center against the Phoenix Suns, continuing their pattern of alternating rest games for Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley. Both players have missed every other game since March 7 as Toronto maneuvers for draft lottery positioning. Quickley will return to the lineup after sitting out Sunday but is expected to rest again Thursday when the Raptors face the Golden State Warriors. RJ Barrett will miss his second straight game due to illness. While there’s a chance he returns Thursday, his status remains uncertain. Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Ulrich Chomche all remain out, while Jared Rhoden continues his G League stint with Raptors 905. Expect Toronto to keep a close eye on Quickley and Scottie Barnes’ minutes, particularly if Monday’s game is close late. The Raptors have consistently pulled key players in crunch time to protect or improve their lottery odds. Barnes was limited to 27 minutes on Sunday, while Poeltl played just 24 before Toronto closed out the game with its bench unit. The Suns, meanwhile, will be on the second night of a back-to-back and have yet to release their injury report. Bradley Beal’s status remains uncertain as he continues working his way back from a hamstring issue. Further Reading
Extending Connor Bedard could be a challenge for Blackhawks
When the Chicago Blackhawks drafted Connor Bedard in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the organization expected the team to be better in the coming years. In 2025, the team has made little gain and is still a bottom-feeder in the NHL. While it is unlikely that Bedard would leave Chicago so soon, there is still the possibility that he may consider signing elsewhere. Blackhawks have been unsuccessful in adding talent Outside of their drafting, the organization has been struggling to sign or trade for top-end talent. Whether it be on offense or defense, GM Kyle Davidson hasn’t really attempted to add a right-hand man for Bedard. Since Bedard’s arrival in Chicago, the biggest addition the team received was Spencer Knight. Even though Knight is a promising young goaltender, his addition would only help Bedard’s defensive reliance. If the Blackhawks want to make the most out of Bedard, adding a superstar forward is the better option. There is arguably no forward that can come close to Bedard’s skill on the Blackhawks. Davidson has surrounded Bedard with some star players like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen, but they just can’t keep up with Bedard. Bedard is an extremely fast forward who has to slow down to maintain speeds with the two 30-year-olds. If he were given someone faster, like Maple Leafs’ superstar Mitch Marner, Bedard would be able to play to his full potential. Bedard may struggle with continued losing Nobody likes losing, but a lot of the time, players are forced to ignore post-loss frustrations. The Blackhawks are 31st in the league with a 20-37-9 record for 49 points in 66 games. Despite Bedard giving his all, the team still struggles to give theirs. Bedard is forced to play his own game and, as a result, hasn’t been able to produce to his full potential. The former first-rounder has 52 points in 66 games, consisting of 17 goals and 35 assists. Bedard has been getting frustrated with how things have been going in Chicago. The 19-year-old received a 10-minute game misconduct penalty and was clearly frustrated. Even though this had nothing to do with the Blackhawks, added tensions on the ice can lead into the locker room and cause a rift between the forward and the team.
Fraser Minten's outstanding performance sparks major regret over Leafs' deadline trade with Bruins
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog drops major statement on retirement
Gabriel Landeskog has been out since the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, but now, he's got a message for those thinking he's headed to retirement. The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup back in 2022, and since that point, they're yet to see captain Gabriel Landeskog take the ice again, with many believing that he could be headed towards retirement. There has been hints that he could be returning at some point in 2024-25, but thus far we've not had any significant updates, with all signs hinting that he'll miss his second straight full NHL season. However, for those that believe he's headed towards retirement, No. 92 has a message that he firmly delivered on Episode 2 of "A Clean Sheet: Gabe Landeskog," hinting that he's not done yet. "Those people that are worried about retirement, they might have to re-think things a little bit." At 32 years of age, there's still plenty of time for Landeskog to get back on the ice in the NHL. But with his growing list of injuries continuing to mount, it's easy to see why fans don't expect to see him back anytime soon. Way back in May 2023, Landeskog underwent cartilage transplant surgery, the same one that Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball underwent, and while it took him a few years to get close to 100%, he has finally got through his recovery and made his way back to the court. This doesn't mean that Landeskog will be returning anytime soon, but with the team pushing for a Stanley Cup in 2025, if there's any time for their longtime captain to make his long awaited return, that could be the most dramatic and positive time for him to do so. Ultimately though, it may not be until next year, but at the very least, this comment shows that he's committed to a return.
Red Sox Send Clear Message About Who They Want To Win Starting 2B Job
Roster decisions are coming soon, but the Boston Red Sox may still have some things undecided. Top prospect Kristian Campbell has struggled so far in spring training, possibly spoiling his chances to win the starting second base job. That complicates things for the Red Sox, who are weighing moving franchise player Rafael Devers from third base to designated hitter to make way for Gold Glover Alex Bregman. Campbell winning the second base job would have made everything easier; selling Devers on a permanent switch to DH while starting David Hamilton at second base over Bregman would be a tougher gambit. But Campbell hasn't earned it; he's 5-for-33 so far in official spring training games. The Red Sox are hoping to have their position player decisions made by Friday, per manager Alex Cora, so there aren't many opportunities left for Campbell to impress. But the team has split-squad games on Monday, and the "A" lineup against the Baltimore Orioles still should provide the 22-year-old with some hope. Not only is Campbell starting at second base, alongside shortstop Trevor Story, but everything else about the lineup looks like it could be the team's Game 1 look. They haven't come all that close to a possible Opening Day lineup for any other spring game yet. Here is the Red Sox's lineup for the Baltimore contest, posted on the team's official X (formerly Twitter) account: 1. Jarren Duran, LF 2. Rafael Devers, DH 3. Alex Bregman, 3B 4. Triston Casas, 1B 5. Trevor Story, SS 6. Wilyer Abreu, RF 7. Connor Wong, C 8. Kristian Campbell, 2B 9. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF Based on everything we've heard from Cora this spring, everyone besides Campbell is in the exact position and spot in the batting order they'll most likely be siloed into once the season begins. How Hamilton performs on Monday, and every day until Friday, could still have some level of impact on the team's decision. There's also no reason for the Red Sox to send Campbell to the minors solely based on bad spring training statistics. Players are working on a lot of different things throughout the spring and it's such an insignificant sample size in the grand scheme of things that how he looks in his at-bats should be just as important as the numbers. Every day for a top prospect is a chance to make an impression. Campbell will have more eyeballs on him Monday than is typical for a spring training outing, and it's up to him to make the day count.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
