Jokic Does It Again

Nikola Jokic’s stat line on Thursday was the kind that would make most players hang their jerseys in the rafters: 27 points, 20 rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals. Yet, for the three-time MVP, it was just another day at the office, albeit in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That triple-double was Jokic’s 139th career milestone, moving him past Magic Johnson for third place on the all-time list. The only two ahead of him are his teammate Russell Westbrook with 200 and Oscar Robertson with 181.

Jokic’s ability to casually pile up historic numbers while making it look effortless is part of his magic. At this rate, it feels like he might casually climb to the very top of that leaderboard before anyone notices.

Bucks Get Their Boost

The Milwaukee Bucks are about to get a major boost. All-Star forward Khris Middleton is set to make his season debut on Friday against the Boston Celtics. Middleton has been sidelined since offseason double ankle surgery, leaving Bucks fans scratching their heads over his prolonged absence.

Back in October, Middleton said, “I feel good, just not good enough to play,” a cautious approach for someone who’s dealt with recurring injuries. Now, after missing the first 21 games of the season, Middleton’s ready to suit up, and his timing couldn’t be better.

The Bucks stumbled out of the gate with a 2-8 start but have since rallied, going 9-2 in their last 11 games. Sitting at 11-10, they’re fifth in the Eastern Conference, a position they’ll surely improve with Middleton back in action.

Pelicans End Losing Streak in Thrilling Fashion

Brandon Ingram’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the New Orleans Pelicans. His 29 points helped the Pelicans snap a nine-game losing streak with a nail-biting 126-124 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

But it wasn’t just Ingram. Herb Jones, in his first game back from a shoulder injury, sealed the win in dramatic fashion. With just three seconds left, Jones blocked Devin Booker’s potential game-winning shot, capping off his 12-point, four-steal performance.

The Pelicans, now featuring five of their top six players for the first time since October, looked rejuvenated. CJ McCollum chipped in 25 points, and Jones’ clutch left-corner three in the final minutes proved the spark New Orleans needed.

This win showed flashes of the Pelicans' potential when healthy, something fans hope to see a lot more of moving forward.

Did Big Baller Brand Hurt His Career?

Lonzo Ball’s injury-plagued career might have an unexpected culprit: his shoes. Specifically, the much-maligned Big Baller Brand kicks his father, LaVar Ball, created.

In an eye-opening ESPN interview, Lonzo revealed he never wanted to wear the shoes and described the first pair as kickball shoes. He even admitted to swapping them out mid-summer league games in 2017 for sneakers from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour.

While there’s no definitive proof the shoes caused his injuries, Ball isn’t ruling it out.

Ime Udoka’s Costly Call-Out

Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka’s frustration boiled over during a heated 120-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings, earning him a $50,000 fine for directing profanity at referee John Goble, delaying his exit after being ejected, and criticizing officials in his postgame comments.

Udoka’s outburst stemmed from what he perceived as missed fouls against Domantas Sabonis on a key Alperen Sengun drive. After receiving two technical fouls, Udoka expressed his frustration bluntly:

Udoka denied that his actions were meant to inspire his players, stating he simply wanted to voice his frustrations.

NBA Set to Return to China

For the first time since 2019, the NBA is heading back to China with two preseason games between the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets scheduled for 2025. The games, to be held at the Venetian Arena in Macao, mark a significant milestone in repairing the NBA’s strained relationship with China.

The fallout began when then-Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted in support of Hong Kong protests, leading to a blackout of NBA games in China and substantial revenue losses for the league. Commissioner Adam Silver’s backing of free expression further strained ties, costing the NBA hundreds of millions of dollars.

The games in Macao will be hosted by the Venetian Arena, owned by the Las Vegas Sands group. The NBA’s return to China reflects a step toward rebuilding its global footprint and financial ties in the region.

Connecticut Sun Welcome a New Coach

Big moves in Connecticut. The Sun have tapped Rachid Meziane as their new head coach, replacing Stephanie White, who’s now with the Indiana Fever.

Meziane, fresh off leading French side ESB Villeneuve-d’Ascq to a league title and EuroLeague runner-up finish, brings international pedigree to a Sun team hungry for a championship after falling in the semifinals two years in a row.

With a stellar 28-12 season under their belt and some of the league's top talent, Connecticut is looking to break through the playoff ceiling. Could Meziane be the missing piece? Only time will tell.

Jewell Loyd Requests Trade Amid Storm Drama

Say it isn’t so! Jewell Loyd, a 10-year veteran and face of the Seattle Storm, wants out. Reports suggest her trade request is tied to a recent investigation into harassment and bullying within the franchise.

Although an external review cleared the Storm of any violations, Loyd has made it clear she’s ready to move on. Loyd signed a two-year extension in 2023, but this surprising development raises big questions about where she’ll land and what Seattle’s future looks like without her.

Toronto’s New Team Sets the Tempo

It’s official: Toronto’s WNBA expansion team will be called the Tempo, and the name couldn’t be more fitting. Representing speed, rhythm, and the city’s vibrant culture, the Tempo will hit the court in 2026, playing at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

The Tempo joins the league alongside Portland in 2026, continuing the WNBA’s focus on expansion and international reach. With three new teams set to debut in the next three years, the league is on pace to hit its most competitive stride yet.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you on Monday!

— The Players Unlimited Team