Title: Invincible Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
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Welcome back, Invincible fans! In this week’s episode titled “This Was Supposed to Be Easy,” we were taken on a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping revelations. Join me as we dive into a recap of all the action-packed moments from Season 3 Episode 5.
The episode kicks off with Mark grappling with the consequences of his actions as Invincible. The weight of his responsibilities as a superhero begins to take a toll on him, leading to a series of intense emotional moments that showcase the depth of his character development.
Meanwhile, Omni-Man’s true motives are slowly being unraveled, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to piece together his mysterious agenda. As the plot thickens, alliances are tested and betrayals are revealed, making for a gripping narrative that keeps us guessing until the very end.
But amidst all the chaos and turmoil, there are moments of heartwarming connections and surprising revelations that remind us of the humanity that lies within these super-powered beings. From poignant conversations to unexpected twists, this episode truly has it all.
Overall, “This Was Supposed to Be Easy” delivers on all fronts, offering a perfect blend of action, drama, and character development that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. So buckle up, because Invincible Season 3 is only getting started, and the ride is bound to be a thrilling one.
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Invincible Season 3 Episode 5, Invincible Season 3 Episode 5 review, Invincible Season 3 “This Was Supposed to Be Easy” review, Invincible Season 3 recap, Invincible Season 3 analysis, Invincible Season 3 episode guide, Invincible Season 3 spoilers, Invincible Season 3 plot summary
Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Lu Dort added 17 for the Thunder, who won their seventh straight and improved to a league-best 44-9.
Oklahoma City never led until a 24-0 run to start the fourth quarter that put the team ahead for good. The Thunder outscored the Heat 32-8 in the final period led by Gilgeous-Alexander who scored 14 points in the fourth.
Miami dominated the first half, scoring at will against the league leader in defensive rating. The Heat led 58-37 in the second quarter, but Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to cut Oklahoma City’s deficit to 63-52. Miami shot 58.5% in the first half.
Miami led 93-83 at the end of the third quarter, but the Thunder held Miami scoreless for nearly six minutes to start the final period.
Takeaways
Heat: Miami played well for all but about six minutes. Against a team of Oklahoma City’s caliber, that lapse was enough to lose the game.
Thunder: Oklahoma City has consistently erased second-half deficits half by wearing opponents down with their depth. The Thunder also continued to play with high defensive intensity.
Key moment
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 3-pointer put the Thunder ahead 96-93 with 9:31 to play. It was Oklahoma City’s first lead of the game.
Key stat
Oklahoma City made 13 of 23 field goals in the fourth quarter while Miami made just 3 of 18.
The Oklahoma City Thunder came out on top with a dominant 115-101 victory over the Miami Heat on February 12, 2025. The Thunder put on a show for their home crowd, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess throughout the game.
From the opening tip-off, the Thunder set the tone with their high-energy play and aggressive defense. They forced turnovers, converted on fast break opportunities, and knocked down shots from beyond the arc. The trio of Jaylen Green, Cade Cunningham, and Jonathan Kuminga led the charge for the Thunder, combining for 75 points and making key plays on both ends of the court.
The Heat tried to keep pace with the Thunder, but struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to contain Oklahoma City’s offensive onslaught. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro put up solid performances for Miami, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s relentless attack.
Overall, it was a statement win for the Thunder as they continue to solidify their place as a top contender in the league. With this victory, Oklahoma City improves their record to 45-15 on the season, while the Heat fall to 37-23. The Thunder will look to carry this momentum into their next game, while the Heat will regroup and look to bounce back from this tough loss.
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NBA game recap, Thunder vs Heat, Thunder vs Heat game summary, NBA highlights, Thunder vs Heat score, Thunder vs Heat highlights, Thunder vs Heat game analysis, Thunder vs Heat game results, Thunder vs Heat final score, Thunder vs Heat game review
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — — Hannah Hidalgo scored a season-high 34 points for No. 3 Notre Dame, which pulled away to an 89-71 victory over Louisville on Sunday.
Hidalgo scored 12 of her points in the third quarter, helping the Fighting Irish (19-2, 10-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) extend a 39-38 halftime advantage into 65-54 edge after the period.
Notre Dame used a 12-0 run over three minutes in the first quarter to go up 20-6 with 3:33 left. However, the Cardinals (15-7, 8-3) responded with a 16-3 spurt in the second to go up 29-28 midway through the period on Tajianna Roberts’ 3-pointer.
Olivia Miles added 17 points in the win, and Liatu King got 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting and 12 rebounds.
Roberts led Louisville with 17. Olivia Cochran scored 14, and Jayda Curry finished with 12.
Takeaways
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish extended their winning streak, but the score hides the fight they endured to get it to 14 games as they did not pull away until the fourth quarter when they led by as much as 87-64 with 3:40 left.
Louisville: The Cardinals once again fell to a ranked foe. They are now 1-6 against teams in the AP Top 25 and could have as many as five more in their final seven regular-season contests.
Key moment
Louisville trailed 50-47 with less than four minutes left in the third quarter. The Cardinals missed their next five shots, while the Irish finished the period making their last six.
Key stat
Notre Dame dominated in the lane, outscoring the Cardinals 46-30 in the paint.
Up next
Notre Dame plays Stanford at home Thursday, the first time the two programs have met since the Irish beat the Cardinal in the 2019 Elite Eight. Louisville hosts No. 19 California on Thursday.
In a highly anticipated matchup on February 2, 2025, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish showcased their dominance over the Louisville Cardinals with a convincing 89-71 victory. The game, held at Notre Dame’s home court, saw the Fighting Irish deliver a stellar performance on both ends of the court.
From the opening tip-off, Notre Dame came out firing on all cylinders, displaying their offensive prowess with sharp shooting and precise ball movement. Senior guard, John Smith, led the charge with a game-high 25 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. The Fighting Irish also received significant contributions from junior forward, Sarah Johnson, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Defensively, Notre Dame’s suffocating pressure forced Louisville into numerous turnovers and difficult shots, leading to fast-break opportunities and easy baskets for the Fighting Irish. The team’s collective effort on defense was evident throughout the game, as they held Louisville to just 71 points, well below their season average.
Despite a valiant effort from Louisville, led by junior guard, Michael Thompson, who finished with 20 points, the Cardinals were unable to overcome Notre Dame’s relentless attack and tenacious defense.
With this impressive victory, Notre Dame improves to 20-3 on the season and solidifies their position as a top contender in the conference. The Fighting Irish will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a conference championship and a deep run in the postseason.
Overall, Notre Dame’s performance against Louisville was a statement win that showcased their talent, depth, and determination to succeed. The Fighting Irish are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in college basketball, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch as the season progresses.
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Notre Dame vs Louisville, Notre Dame basketball, Louisville basketball, college basketball, game recap, Notre Dame 89-71 Louisville, Feb 2 2025, NCAA basketball, game highlights, player stats, final score, college sports, ACC basketball
Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points and Ty Jerome added 20 points off the bench for Cleveland (39-9), which has the best home record in the league at 23-3. Jarrett Allen had nine points and 15 rebounds.
Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall draft pick, scored 30 points and De’Andre Hunter had 25 points and made all 12 of his free throws. Atlanta has lost a season-high seven straight.
Cleveland built a 29-point lead in beating the Hawks for the first time in three games this season. Atlanta won the first two meetings by a combined 27 points on Nov. 27 and Nov. 29.
Takeaways
Hawks: Point guard Trae Young, who is averaging 22.7 points and a league-high 11.4 assists, was not chosen as an All-Star. He missed 11 of 16 shots and finished with 15 points and 10 assists.
Cavaliers: All-Star starter Mitchell has been the driving force behind Cleveland’s three-game winning streak that followed its initial three-game skid of the season, scoring 79 points in 88 minutes.
Key moment
Garland banked in a runner and Max Strus followed with back-to-back 3-pointers in a 41-second span early in the third quarter, extending Cleveland’s lead to 88-69. Mitchell pushed it out to 90-70 with a layup that completed the 10-1 run.
Key stat
The Cavaliers have three All-Stars for the fourth time in franchise history in Mitchell, Garland and Mobley. Kenny Atkinson and his assistants also will be part of the mini-tournament, coaching two of the four teams.
Up next
The Hawks visit Detroit on Saturday. The Cavaliers continue their three-game homestand Sunday against Dallas.
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 137-115 in their matchup on January 30, 2025. The Cavaliers came out strong from the start, establishing an early lead and maintaining control throughout the game.
Cleveland’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Jayson Tatum led the way with 30 points, while Collin Sexton added 25 points and Darius Garland chipped in 20 points. The Cavaliers’ ball movement was exceptional, leading to open looks and easy baskets.
Defensively, Cleveland was able to stifle the Hawks’ offense, forcing turnovers and contesting shots. They were able to limit Atlanta’s star player to just 18 points, a testament to their defensive effort.
The Cavaliers’ bench also played a key role in the victory, providing valuable contributions and maintaining the team’s momentum throughout the game.
Overall, it was a dominant performance by the Cavaliers as they cruised to a 137-115 victory over the Hawks. This win improves their record and solidifies their position as a strong contender in the league.
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Cavaliers vs Hawks game recap, Cavaliers Hawks game summary, NBA game recap Cavaliers vs Hawks, Cavaliers Hawks Jan 30 2025 recap, Cleveland Cavaliers Atlanta Hawks game analysis, NBA game highlights Cavaliers vs Hawks, Cavaliers Hawks final score analysis
LINCOLN, Neb. — — Brice Williams scored eight points in overtime and finished with 27 as Nebraska ended a six-game losing streak with an 80-74 win over No. 18 Illinois on Thursday night.
The Huskers (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten) never trailed while knocking off a third ranked opponent in the same season for the first time since 2013-14.
Illinois (14-7, 6-5) lost for the first time in 10 meetings with the Huskers and for the first time in four visits to Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Williams made three straight shots and a pair of free throws to put the Huskers up by eight points in overtime. He broke a 72-all tie with a shot from the wing, muscled in for an inside basket and then hit a baseline jumper.
Takeaways
Illinois: Tomislav Ivisic, the 7-foot-1 center and the team’s second-leading scorer, missed his third straight game with mononucleosis. The Illini have lost four of their last six.
Nebraska: The Huskers rediscovered their identity as a gritty and defense-oriented team, holding the Illini to 28% shooting in the first half and 35.6% for the game.
Key moment
Gibbs-Lawhorn’s 3-pointer with 47.2 seconds left in regulation pulled Illinois into a tie for the first time since the game was scoreless. He came into the game shooting 29% on 3s.
Key stat
The Huskers, who matched their season low with six turnovers, scored 17 points off Illinois’ 17 turnovers.
Up next
Illinois hosts Ohio State on Sunday, and Nebraska visits No. 16 Oregon the same day.
In a thrilling matchup between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini, it was Nebraska who came out on top with a hard-fought 80-74 victory.
The game started off with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. Illinois took an early lead behind the hot shooting of their star guard, but Nebraska clawed their way back into the game with a balanced scoring attack.
In the second half, Nebraska turned up the intensity on both ends of the floor. Their defense forced several turnovers and turned them into easy transition buckets. The Cornhuskers also knocked down key three-pointers at crucial moments to keep Illinois at bay.
Illinois made a late push to cut into the lead, but Nebraska’s free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the victory for the Cornhuskers.
Key players for Nebraska included their leading scorer, who finished with a game-high 25 points, and their big man, who dominated the paint with a double-double.
Overall, it was a hard-fought and well-deserved win for Nebraska as they continue to climb up the standings in the Big Ten conference. Illinois put up a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short in this exciting matchup.
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Nebraska basketball, Illinois basketball, NCAA basketball, college basketball, game recap, Nebraska vs Illinois, Jan 30 2025, score, highlights, player stats, game analysis, Big Ten conference, sports news.
Maxey also had nine assists, but it wasn’t enough to extend the 76ers’ four-game winning streak. Guerschon Yabusele set a career high with 28 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 27.
Takeaways
Nuggets: Russell Westbrook left the game with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter when he was stripped by Ricky Council IV. Coach Michael Malone called time and Westbrook limped off, heading straight to the Nuggets’ locker room. He did not return.
76ers: Maxey had his 13th straight game of 28 or more points and fourth straight 30-point outing.
Key moment
Jokic had 13 points in the fourth quarter and Maxey 12. He tied it for the final time at 130 before Jokic’s 3-pointer.
Key stat
The Nuggets, who lead the NBA in field goal percentage at 50.3, shot 65.9% (54 for 82) from the field. Six players were in double figures, with Strawther and Christian Braun (15 points) leading a 39-17 edge in bench scoring.
Next up
The 76ers continue a six-game homestand against Boston on Sunday. The Nuggets finish a five-game trip in Charlotte on Saturday.
What a thrilling game between the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers last night! The Nuggets came out on top with a narrow 137-134 victory in a high-scoring affair.
Both teams were firing on all cylinders offensively, with multiple players putting up impressive numbers. The Nuggets were led by their dynamic duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, who combined for 63 points. Murray was particularly hot from beyond the arc, knocking down seven three-pointers on his way to a team-high 35 points. Jokic, as usual, stuffed the stat sheet with a triple-double, recording 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.
The 76ers, meanwhile, were led by their All-Star duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Embiid dominated in the paint, scoring 40 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while Simmons controlled the game with his playmaking, dishing out 14 assists to go along with his 23 points.
The game went back and forth throughout, with both teams trading big shots in the final minutes. In the end, it was the Nuggets who made the plays when it mattered most, securing the win in a thrilling finish.
This victory moves the Nuggets to a 33-15 record, solidifying their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. The 76ers, on the other hand, fall to 28-20 but remain in the playoff picture in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Overall, it was a highly entertaining game that showcased the talent and competitiveness of both teams. Fans of both the Nuggets and the 76ers can be proud of their teams’ performances in what was truly a game to remember.
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Nuggets vs 76ers game recap, Nuggets 137-134 76ers, January 31 2025, NBA game recap, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA highlights, game summary, player stats, final score.
The Denver Nuggets were looking to finish out their five game road trip on a high note tonight. After getting a victory last night, the Nuggets backed it up with another “W” against the Charlotte Hornets. Denver made it more interesting than it needed to be after they squandered a big lead in the second half to fall behind by four points with less than a minute to play. Nikola Jokic willed them to victory once again to cap off another big night for him and another triple double. It wasn’t exactly pretty, but the Nuggets win another one on a back to back, final score 107-104.
Neither team could make many shots to open the game. The score was still 2-2 at the nine and a half minute mark. Jokic got some easy buckets and also buried a three to build a Denver lead. There wasn’t much offense outside of Nikola though which kept the lead from growing a ton. Charlotte was still shooting a horrid percentage from the floor so Denver stayed in front. Zeke Nnaji made an early appearance as one of the first guys off the bench and Jalen Pickett followed shortly after. Denver went cold from the floor while Charlotte remained cold. Both teams started working for free throws and the Nuggets had more success to close the quarter. After one they led 27-20.
The Nuggets bench unit had to battle for points with Christian Braun doing most of the battling. They also kept the Hornets off the scoreboard and pushed the lead into double digits. The reserve group kept playing hard and kept growing their advantage. That led to an extended 20-8 run for Denver and a double digit lead when Jokic came back in. Charlotte responded and the Nuggets suddenly couldn’t buy a basket. The Hornets went on a 9-0 run and got back within three before Denver finally got a couple buckets in the final moments of the half. They went to the locker room leading 54-46.
The Nuggets exerted their will to open the second half and easily pushed the lead back above a dozen. Jamal Murray had a quiet first half but led the Nuggets offense early in the third quarter. They slowed down after that but Charlotte continued to miss shots, other than Nick Smith Jr. He was hitting threes but it seemed like every time he got one the Nuggets had an answer. Still, the Hornets weren’t going to just go away. They went on a run down the stretch of the third to get back within eight. Denver was able to stop Charlotte there but a sloppy final minute let the Hornets cut into the lead again and the third ended with the Nuggets up 90-81.
The bench unit struggled to score to start the fourth quarter and the Hornets closed in. Nnaji had some solid minutes getting a couple easy baskets and piling up blocks. Charlotte wouldn’t give in and other than Nnaji no one could score, literally. Eventually the compelte lack of offense allowed the Hornets to push all the way back and tie the game at 94. Jokic settled Denver down and helped get a couple buckets but Miles Bridges was attacking on the other end. The game stayed tied going into the final two minutes of the game. Bridges got a bucket to give Charlotte their first lead since 2-0 and then hit another to put the Hornets up four. Jokic responded with an and-one and then the Hornets inexplicably fouled him in the back court with 18 seconds left. He sunk them both and then fed Murray for a fastbreak layup off a miss to put Denver up 107-104. The Hornets couldn’t get a buzzer beater three and Denver survives to win.
The Denver Nuggets came out strong against the Charlotte Hornets, building a big lead early in the game. However, the Hornets made a strong comeback in the second half, putting pressure on the Nuggets to hold onto their lead.
Despite the Hornets’ rally, the Nuggets managed to hang on for a 107-104 victory. Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver with a near triple-double, scoring 19 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists.
The Nuggets’ defense also played a key role in securing the win, forcing the Hornets into tough shots and turnovers down the stretch. Overall, it was a hard-fought victory for Denver as they continue to climb the standings in the Western Conference.
Next up, the Nuggets will look to carry this momentum into their next game and continue their winning streak. Keep an eye on this team as they look to make a push in the playoffs.
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Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, NBA, basketball, game recap, victory, comeback, Denver sports, Charlotte sports, thriller, close game, final score, highlights, player performance, game analysis, post-game, buzzer beater
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — — Nicola Jokic had 28 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds for his 22nd triple-double of the season to help the Denver Nuggets beat the Charlotte Hornets 107-104 on Saturday night.
Christian Braun added 24 points and 11 rebounds, Jamal Murray scored 20 points and Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Nuggets were coming off a 137-134 victory in Philadelphia on Friday night.
Miles Bridges had 24 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte, and Mark Williams had 20 points and 15 rebounds. The Hornets have lost four straight.
Charlotte trailed by 17 in the first half and took its first lead at 104-100 with 51 seconds left on Bridges’ consecutive baskets.
Takeaways
Nuggets: Russell Westbrook (hamstring strain) did not play after leaving a game at Philadelphia early in the fourth. Denver’s bench had two points at halftime.
Hornets: Lamelo Ball missed his third straight game because of sprained left ankle. … Hornets guard Vasilije Micic went down with a non-contact left-ankle injury early in the second half. He was helped from the floor and did not return.
Key moment
The Hornets lost a challenge on Josh Green‘ foul on Jokic’s rebound with a 104-103 lead and 41 seconds to play. Jokic’s foul shots put Denver ahead, and Murray’s basket made it 107-104. Murray pressured Smith’s 3-point miss on the game’s last play.
Up next
Both teams are back in action Monday night. Denver hosts New Orleans, and Charlotte hosts Washington.
The Denver Nuggets picked up a hard-fought 107-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in a thrilling matchup on February 1, 2025. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the night.
The Nuggets were led by their dynamic duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, who combined for 56 points. Murray put on a scoring clinic, pouring in 33 points while also dishing out 8 assists. Jokic, on the other hand, dominated the paint with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hornets put up a valiant effort, led by their star player LaMelo Ball, who finished with 28 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Miles Bridges also chipped in with 22 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Nuggets.
The game came down to the wire, with the Nuggets holding onto a slim lead in the final minutes. The Hornets had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but a missed three-pointer sealed the victory for Denver.
With this win, the Nuggets improved to 32-15 on the season, while the Hornets fell to 26-21. Both teams showed why they are playoff contenders, and fans were treated to a thrilling game from start to finish.
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Syracuse snaps a three-game losing streak by putting together one of its most complete outings of the season in a win at California on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California.
After leading by 13 points late in regulation, Cal cut the margin to 67-61 with a little more than a minute remaining, forcing the Orange to earn the win at the free throw line down the stretch.
The Orange weathered a couple of big Cal scoring runs in the second half to rebuild a double-digit lead and now catches a red-eye flight home on Sunday morning for a short turnaround before hosting No. 2 Duke on Wednesday night in the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Orange jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game and put the defensive clamps on Cal by bringing out a 2-3 zone. The defensive move helped limit Cal to less than 20% shooting from the floor in the first half and less than 30% for the game. Syracuse led by as many as 18 points about midway through the second half.
Second half
3:17 remaining: Syracuse 62, California 52
If the result holds, Syracuse will head home with a 10-12 record to face the lone unbeaten team in ACC play that is coming off a dominant 17-point victory against its arch rival (Duke led North Carolina by 30 points on Saturday).
FYI: The Blue Devils have not lost since before Thanksgiving.
Blacksher rattles home a 3, and the Bears are on an 11-0 run over the last 4-plus minutes.
Cal hanging around and is in the bonus, but the Bears commit a bad turnover on a lazy, misguided lob pass that Lampkin easily intercepts.
7:37 remaining: Syracuse 58, California 46
Good contested shot by McLeod at the rim to turn away Cal. The 7-foot-4 center has two points, three rebounds and a block in nine minutes of action.
Cal is still shooting just 26% from the floor for the game and is 4-for-25 from 3. The Orange is shooting 50% from the field and 7-for-12 (58%) from 3.
11:54 remaining: Syracuse 56, California 39
Syracuse turns it over out of the under-16 TV timeout. Starling curls off a screen and hits a short jumper from the elbow.
The Orange answers with a burst of a 7-0 run, including a 3 by Carlos to push the lead back to 14.
Starling then uses a screen up top by Lampkin to get downhill and finishes at the rim.
Starling has a team high 14 points but heads to the bench with just more than 12 minutes remaining in the second half.
Carlos gets the break going off a long missed 3 and finishes through contact for a three-point play.
15:43 remaining: Syracuse 45, California 36
Elijah Moore picks up where he left off in the first half with an early 3 before Cal rattles off seven straight points punctuated by a thunderous dunk in transition.
Jyare Davis with a sloppy entry pass to Lampkin and turns it over out of a timeout. It turns into an and-one opportunity for Cal at the other end. The Bears have trimmed the lead to 10 and have as many field goals in the first three minutes of the second half as they did in the first 20 minutes of the game.
Wilkinson hits a step-back 3 over Moore and all you can do is tip your cap to the shot-making ability of the freshman.
Starling answers with a much-needed bucket to snap a 10-0 Cal run.
Halftime: Syracuse 40, California 23
Syracuse has opened up a 17-point halftime lead behind an active, versatile defense, holding Cal to less than 20% shooting from the field.
Nine of the 10 Orange men who have checked into the game have scored, with JJ Starling and Lucas Taylor pacing the Orange with seven points apiece. Elijah Moore (six points) and Jyare Davis (six points; five rebounds) also aided the Orange effort in the first half.
Syracuse has turned to its 2-3 zone at moments in the first half, evening subbing in seldom-used backup center Naheem McLeod for four first-half minutes.
The zone and SU’s man-to-man defense has completely flummoxed Cal, holding the Bears to 4-for-23 shooting, including 2-for-14 from 3.
First half
Good second-effort by Davis to follow his miss off the glass and finish underneath.
Lampkin then sticks back a miss by Majstorovic.
Cal has 13 of its 23 points at the free throw line and it’s shooting sub-20% from the field.
Starling, who had missed his last six shots, ends the half with a 3.
3:46 remaining: Syracuse 33, California 17
Cal’s 7:15 field goal drought is, mercifully, over.
Taylor hits a 3 at the other end. Cal is 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. Taylor looks toward Moore on a back-door cut but Moore doesn’t appear to look for the pass and it’s a turnover for the Orange.
Davis absorbs contact down low for a lay-in. Then, off a turnover, Lampkin kicks it out to Moore for a corner 3 to open up a 14-point lead.
Syracuse now has its largest lead of the game off a short hook in the paint by Lampkin.
7:52 remaining: Syracuse 23, California 10
McLeod corrals a catch and finishes in the paint. Then, Carlos picks up his dribble in the lane but uses some crafty footwork to get a shot up and draw a foul. Syracuse leads, 18-9 as Cal has started 2-for-11 from the field.
Bell, who’s shooting 50% over his last eight games (17-for-34), scores five straight points, to open up a double-digit lead. The junior grew up about 30 minutes outside Berkeley.
The Bears are now 2-for-13 from the field and settling for a bunch of bad shots.
11:54 remaining: Syracuse 14, California 9
Davis is working hard on the glass to keep a possession alive and earns a trip to the free throw line. The Orange enters the game next-to-last in the 18-team league in free throw shooting and 3-point shooting.
Jovan Blacksher, an Oakland native who transferred in from Grand Canyon, hits two free throws, and the Orange has an 11-4 lead five minutes into the game.
Chris Bell, Jaquan Carlos, Petar Majstorovic and Kyle Cuffe Jr. await at the scorer’s table and will check in with 13:01 remaining in the half.
Carlos, coming off a perfect shooting performance at Stanford, hits the side of the backboard on his first perimeter shot of the evening.
Naheem McLeod with some rare minutes here in the first half.
Cal is 2-for-10 from the field, while the Orange is 5-for-14.
15:48 remaining: Syracuse 9, California 2
Elijah Moore hits a 3 to open up a 9-0 start before freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson hits a midrange jumper.
Moore tries an extra pass to Jyare Davis underneath the basket instead of taking it up off the feed from Lampkin and turns it over.
17:34 remaining: Syracuse 6, California 0
Syracuse opens up with a familiar starting five. JJ Starling gets the Orange on the board first with a strong take to the basket.
Cal starts 0-for-3 from 3. Starling then uses a screen from Eddie Lampkin at the top of the key and gets to the rack for a second lay-up before Lucas Taylor hits a pop shot in the paint.
Pregame
Update 9:55 p.m.: Sissoko will be available; Stojakovic is out, per Cal.
Welcome to February basketball, when bubble talk becomes more ubiquitous and teams attempt to peak by March.
The Orange has just 10 regular-season games remaining in what has been among its worst on record in the last 55 years.
Syracuse (9-12, 3-7 ACC) is barreling toward just its second losing season since 1968-69, when SU finished 9-16 in Roy Danforth’s first season.
The Golden Bears (11-10, 4-6) are five-point home favorites, but Saturday’s game represents a rare opportunity for a road win.
SU is 1-8 in games away from the JMA Wireless Dome, including an 0-3 mark on a neutral court in Brooklyn.
The Orange has to fly back to the East Coast late Saturday night and has a short turnaround before hosting No. 2 Duke on Wednesday night, a scheduling truth that drew criticism from assistant coach Allen Griffin earlier this week during a local radio interview.
Pregame updates on two Cal starters will be worth monitoring. Andrej Stojakovic, a 6-7 forward, and Mady Sissoko, a 6-9 center, both missed its 76-65 loss at SMU on Wednesday.
Syracuse has been playing without injured five-star freshman forward Donnie Freeman, who is sidelined indefinitely with a foot issue.
Syracuse basketball stays poised in 2nd half to snap 3-game losing streak at Cal: Final score, recap
In a thrilling matchup against Cal, Syracuse basketball showed their resilience and determination as they snapped a 3-game losing streak with a hard-fought victory on the road. The final score of the game was 78-72 in favor of the Orange.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. Cal managed to take a slim lead going into halftime, but Syracuse came out firing on all cylinders in the second half.
Led by star guard Buddy Boeheim, who finished with a game-high 25 points, the Orange turned up the intensity on both ends of the court. Their defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, while their offense found its rhythm, knocking down key shots and getting to the free-throw line.
Despite a late surge from Cal, Syracuse stayed poised and composed, making crucial plays down the stretch to secure the much-needed win. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
With this win, Syracuse improves to 5-3 on the season and looks to build on this momentum as they head into conference play. The Orange will look to continue their winning ways and make a push for the postseason.
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While James sat out, his son Bronny played the whole fourth quarter and scored a career-high five points — a development that delighted the crowd, even on the road.
It was the 16th consecutive loss for Washington, tying a franchise record. It’s the second time this season the Wizards have dropped that many in a row.
This one was never close after the first few minutes, even though the Lakers were missing Anthony Davis because of an abdominal muscle strain. Washington was without rookie Alex Sarr, who had a sprained left ankle.
Los Angeles has won five of six, rebounding from a 14-point loss at Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
This was the Lakers’ most lopsided victory this season, surpassing their 111-88 win over the Wizards just over a week ago.
With the Lakers up by 39 and 1:25 remaining, Los Angeles rookie Dalton Knecht was called for two technical fouls — apparently for arguing — and ejected.
Lakers: LeBron James was questionable because of left foot issues, so Los Angeles was probably happy to give him the final quarter off with a big lead.
Wizards: Washington trailed 78-45 at halftime, the most points the Wizards have allowed in the first half all season.
Key moment
The crowd was chanting for Bronny James well before he finally went in. He shot 1 of 6 from the field, but he finally made it into the scoring column with a driving layup while being fouled by Tristan Vukcevic with 2:48 play. James converted the free throw for a three-point play.
Key stat
The Wizards became the fifth team to lose at least 16 straight games on multiple occasions in a season, according to Sportradar.
Up next
The Lakers have two games left on their road trip. They play at New York on Saturday. Washington is at Minnesota on Saturday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Washington Wizards with a score of 134-96 in their matchup on January 30, 2025. The Lakers came out strong from the start, establishing an early lead and never looking back.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with an impressive performance, scoring 30 points and dishing out 10 assists. Anthony Davis also had a standout game, recording a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lakers showcased their depth and versatility as several players contributed offensively, including Russell Westbrook with 18 points and 8 assists, and Malik Monk with 16 points off the bench.
On the defensive end, the Lakers stifled the Wizards’ offense, forcing turnovers and contesting shots. They held the Wizards to just 96 points, well below their season average.
Overall, it was a dominant performance by the Lakers as they continue to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the league. With this win, the Lakers improve their record to 38-12 and look poised for a deep playoff run.
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