Brazilian basketball great Oscar Schmidt, the all-time leading scorer in both Olympic and World Cup history, has died aged 68 following a 15-year battle with a brain tumour.
His family confirmed the passing of the Hall of Famer on Friday in a public statement.
“Oscar leaves a legacy that transcends sport and inspires generations of athletes and admirers in Brazil and worldwide.”
An Olympic icon who rejected the NBA
Despite his status as one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history, the South American notably never played in the NBA.
He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the sixth round in 1984, but famously declined a professional contract to retain his eligibility for the national side.
During that era, NBA athletes were strictly prohibited from competing in international tournaments for their countries.
Instead, the 6ft 8in forward spent the majority of his domestic career in his homeland and Italy, where he became a childhood idol to a young Kobe Bryant.
Record-breaking international career
Nicknamed “Mão Santa”, or the Holy Hand, the 68-year-old was a pioneering three-point shooter long before the strategy became widely embraced by coaches.
He made 326 appearances for Brazil over a 19-year international career, maintaining an astonishing average of 23.6 points per game.
The sharpshooter represented his nation at a record-tying five Olympic Games and four World Cups.
He continues to hold the single-game scoring records for both prestigious tournaments, including a remarkable 55-point performance against Spain at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.
He was also the driving force behind a historic 120-115 victory over the United States in the 1987 Pan American Games final, scoring 46 points to hand the Americans their first major international tournament defeat on home soil.
A legacy cemented in history
“The biggest player of Brazilian basketball history bids farewell as an absolute symbol of sport, the holder of a trajectory that redefined the boundaries of what was possible in a court.”
By the time he retired in 2003 at the age of 45, the former international had amassed an incredible 49,737 career points for club and country.
That unofficial global milestone surpassed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and stood for two decades until it was finally eclipsed by LeBron James in 2024.
His monumental contributions to the game were formally recognised with inductions into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Following his retirement from professional sport, the Brazilian icon transitioned into a highly successful career as a motivational speaker.
The New York Liberty have secured the long-term futures of their championship-winning core after agreeing multi-year contracts with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones on Friday.
Stewart confirmed she has signed a three-year standard maximum contract worth $1.19m for the upcoming season, equating to 17% of the franchise’s salary cap.
Playmaker Ionescu has reportedly agreed to an identical deal, while standout centre Jones accepted a slightly reduced salary to ensure the team could retain all three cornerstone stars.
Championship core opts for stability
Many WNBA free agents have opted for one-year deals this off-season due to impending collective bargaining agreement negotiations next March.
However, the reigning champions’ elite trio deliberately chose long-term stability to build a basketball dynasty in Brooklyn.
“We need to make sure we’re able to really keep all the best players on the team,” Stewart explained on her podcast.
“That’s why you’ll see a few of us in the millions, and everybody else trying to get as much as they can while also having a great team.”
A historically dominant trio
Since the formation of this formidable partnership ahead of the 2023 campaign, the Eastern Conference heavyweights have set new standards across the league.
The franchise boasts a staggering 70-16 record when the three stars share the court, recording an exceptional +16.8 net rating across more than 1,700 regular-season minutes.
Two-time Finals MVP Stewart averaged 18.3 points last season, closely followed by the sharp-shooting Ionescu with 18.2 points and 5.7 assists per game.
The 2021 league MVP Jones contributed heavily in the paint, averaging 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds during their title-winning run.
‘Historic moment’ for New York
“This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise.”
Jonathan Kolb, General Manager
Kolb added that retaining the trio reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose required to redefine the standard of excellence across basketball.
The former Seattle Storm forward arrived via free agency in 2023, the same year the former Connecticut Sun centre was acquired in a blockbuster trade.
Meanwhile, the former first overall pick has spent her entire professional career in New York after being drafted in 2020.
“It was always about staying here in New York, because this is home,” Jones stated.
Dillon Brooks has spearheaded a dramatic cultural reset at the Phoenix Suns to lead the franchise to the brink of the NBA playoffs.
Following a disastrous campaign last year where the team finished 36-46 despite a record-breaking payroll, owner Mat Ishbia initiated a radical roster overhaul.
The ambitious billionaire abandoned his previous all-in strategy by trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and waiving Bradley Beal.
That high-profile Durant deal brought the fiercely competitive wing to Arizona, a move specifically targeted by the Phoenix hierarchy to change the dressing room dynamic.
A relentless new identity
Ishbia wanted his revitalised squad to reflect the hard-nosed toughness he learned playing college basketball under legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.
The veteran defensive specialist immediately delivered his trademark intensity, famously earning two technical fouls for arguing with local referees during a pre-season pickup game.
“He’s exactly the type of player who fits what we talk about here in Phoenix, what we want to be, the identity of the Suns.”
Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns owner
Exceeding offensive expectations
Widely tipped to miss the postseason again, Phoenix have instead shocked the league by finishing seventh in the Western Conference with a 45-37 record.
While signed primarily to instil a gritty mindset, the polarising forward is quietly enjoying the best offensive campaign of his nine-year professional career.
He has averaged 20.2 points per game this season, establishing himself as a reliable second option behind franchise cornerstone Devin Booker.
Phoenix now host the Golden State Warriors in a crucial play-in fixture on Friday.
A victory would secure a demanding first-round playoff series against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
San Antonio Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama has reflected on a record-setting regular season filled with viral highlights as he prepares to make his NBA play-off debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year-old Frenchman generated more than 2.4 billion views on the league’s social media channels during the 2025-26 campaign. Only Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James managed to surpass that staggering figure.
Now, the imposing centre is shifting his focus to the postseason. The Spurs will host Portland on Sunday, marking the storied franchise’s first play-off appearance since 2017.
Memorable moments on and off the court
Following a late-season victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the generational talent showcased his lighter side in the locker room. He humorously mocked reporters who had kept their cameras rolling by pointing his own phone flashlight back at them.
However, narrowing down his incredible on-court achievements proved to be a significantly tougher task.
“There were a lot of highlights in the first game, in the season opener,” Wembanyama told ESPN.
“Like, that reverse and-1 dunk I had. Actually, no, it’s the cross on Dereck Lively going back to the and-1 three-pointer. It had the best reaction. That’s my favourite.”
Coach praises defensive mindset
San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson possesses a slightly different perspective on what makes his star player so special. He believes the true value of the towering prodigy lies away from the highlight-reel dunks.
“My favourite Victor plays typically start with him in a defensive stance,” Johnson said.
“And I say that because when you really watch the film, when he’s in a stance, that typically means he’s switched on mentally.”
“As we sprint and transition from defence to offence, he throws an absolute strike to one of his teammates for a three-point shot. Those wow highlights get so much attention, but the other plays are just as impressive.”
Play-off expectations build
Entering the postseason, the former Parisian has cemented his status as a frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. His extraordinary blend of shot-blocking ability and perimeter skill has revolutionised the modern game.
The looming clash against the Trail Blazers will provide a fresh test for the young superstar. Fans across the globe will be eagerly watching to see if his regular-season magic can translate to the high-pressure environment of play-off basketball.
Former NBA player Damon Jones plans to plead guilty to charges of providing sports bettors with nonpublic injury information concerning Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
According to a court filing cited by ABC News on Thursday, the former guard intends to change his previous not-guilty plea submitted in November.
He will become the first defendant to admit guilt in a wider federal investigation targeting a network of illegal sports gambling.
Leaked messages and incorrect tips
Federal prosecutors accuse the 11-year league veteran of attempting to sell insider knowledge regarding James ahead of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2023.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer was not listed on the official injury report at the time, but was later ruled out with a lower-body issue.
Investigators intercepted communications showing the former unofficial Lakers assistant coach instructing a co-conspirator to capitalise on the unreleased news.
Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.
Intercepted text message from Damon Jones
In a separate incident during January 2024, prosecutors allege sports bettor Marves Fairley paid a $2,500 fee for advance warning that Davis would see limited minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Fairley proceeded to place a $100,000 wager on the Thunder, but the expensive insider tip proved to be entirely incorrect.
The standout centre played his regular rotation, contributing 27 points and 15 rebounds in a comfortable 112-105 Los Angeles victory.
Following the significant financial loss, the disgruntled bettor reportedly demanded a full refund of his initial payment.
Wider investigation and ongoing charges
The sweeping federal case also implicates several other individuals, including recently waived Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Rozier maintains his innocence and has formally requested a judge to dismiss the charges against him ahead of a hearing later this month.
During a playing career spanning from 1999 to 2009, the journeyman earned over $20m across stints with 10 different franchises.
He previously shared a locker room with James at the Cleveland Cavaliers between 2005 and 2008, forging a connection that led to his later coaching role.
The retired athlete also faces separate, ongoing charges relating to profiting from rigged poker games, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The Memphis Grizzlies are preparing to part ways with star point guard Ja Morant this summer as the franchise accelerates a massive roster rebuild.
The 25-year-old will not play again this season after sustaining a left elbow injury during a January game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman aggressively attempted to move the two-time All-Star ahead of the February trade deadline but failed to secure a deal.
With co-stars Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane already shipped out, the explosive playmaker is the last remaining piece of a core that once won 56 regular-season games.
End of an era in Memphis
The franchise has shifted entirely towards a long-term rebuild focused on acquiring future draft capital.
Jackson was recently dealt to the Utah Jazz for a package heavily featuring first-round picks, mirroring the earlier departure of Bane to the Orlando Magic.
This systemic dismantling highlights the sharp decline of a squad that was viewed as one of the NBA’s most promising young rosters just three years ago.
Kleiman was remarkably candid about the organisation’s intentions following the recent trade deadline.
“This is about organizational direction now. This is not about Ja in particular.”
Zach Kleiman, Memphis Grizzlies general manager
Injury and controversy take their toll
Morant suffered a UCL sprain after his elbow clipped the backboard during a spectacular chase-down block in his final appearance.
Two months later, the team officially ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign citing lingering discomfort.
The 2022 NBA Most Improved Player has endured a turbulent few seasons marred by significant injuries and multiple suspensions for off-court misconduct.
Memphis management will now spend the coming months searching for a suitable trade partner to finally close the chapter on their former franchise centrepiece.
Stephen Curry scored 35 points to help the Golden State Warriors erase a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit and defeat the LA Clippers 126-121 in Wednesday’s NBA play-in tournament game in Inglewood.
The 38-year-old point guard scored 27 of his points in a dominant second-half performance to keep his team’s postseason hopes alive.
Al Horford also proved crucial during the closing stages, sinking four three-pointers as the visitors surged to a dramatic victory.
Curry completes dramatic turnaround
The hosts appeared to be cruising toward the next round when they established a 98-85 advantage with under 10 minutes remaining.
However, the 10th-place franchise produced a devastating 16-6 run to completely flip the momentum of the contest.
The veteran sharpshooter broke a late tie with his seventh triple of the evening, leaving just 50 seconds on the clock.
Kristaps Porzingis was heavily involved in the comeback effort, contributing 20 points to support the offensive barrage.
Overcoming regular season adversity
Defensively, the victors smothered Kawhi Leonard during the final quarter, holding the experienced forward scoreless until the closing 16 seconds.
This resilient performance continues a turbulent campaign for a squad that limped to a 37-45 regular season record.
Their challenging year was heavily impacted by the loss of Jimmy Butler III to a season-ending injury in January.
Their star guard had also only returned five games ago following a lengthy 27-game absence with a knee issue.
Clippers streak comes to an end
The franchise will now travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, with the winner advancing to play the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Defeat means Los Angeles will miss the playoffs for only the third time during an impressive streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons.
Bennedict Mathurin led the scoring for the eliminated side with 23 points, while Darius Garland added 21 points and eight assists.
Despite recovering from a dismal 6-21 start to the year to finish 42-40, late-season defeats ultimately forced them into an unforgiving play-in position.
Four-time Most Valuable Player A’ja Wilson has signed a historic three-year, $5m supermax contract to remain with the Las Vegas Aces.
The groundbreaking deal is the largest in WNBA history and fully guarantees her future with the reigning champions.
Negotiated by Klutch Sports Group, the agreement ensures the franchise cornerstone will earn $1.4m for the upcoming season under the league’s next collective bargaining agreement.
Her salary will steadily increase over the subsequent two years, anchored to a 20% share of the team’s salary cap.
Paving the way for a new financial era
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell is currently the only other athlete on a supermax contract, although that arrangement is strictly for a single season.
These newly agreed terms solidify the financial future of a player who recently became the WNBA’s first-ever four-time MVP.
Aces president and general manager Nikki Fargas praised the American’s unmatched impact on the organisation.
“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” Fargas stated.
“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace.”
An unprecedented run of dominance
The South Carolina graduate enjoyed a phenomenal 2025 campaign, becoming the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win the scoring title, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season.
During that historic run, the dominant centre averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Securing her signature means Las Vegas will officially return 90% of their scoring power as they prepare to defend their title.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist had previously dismissed any speculation about a potential departure during a recent USA Basketball training camp.
“I love Vegas. I’m not leaving Vegas,” she told reporters last Friday.
“I’m looking to win another one. I’m looking to defend a championship that we have in Las Vegas.”
Drafted first overall in 2018, the 29-year-old has comprehensively transformed the Nevada-based franchise into a modern basketball dynasty.