A Georgia businessman, Calvin Darden Jr., has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison following his conviction for defrauding former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons. Darden swindled Howard out of $7 million under the pretense of financing the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, while simultaneously convincing Parsons to invest $1 million in the development of now-turned NBA player James Wiseman. Darden was also ordered to forfeit $8 million and several luxury items acquired through fraud, including a $3.7 million mansion and luxury vehicles. His trial revealed that both Howard and Parsons were misled about the legitimacy of their investments, leading to significant financial losses.

The NBA playoff race is heating up as teams scramble for seating in the final week of the regular season. In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are on shaky ground as both prepare for potential play-in matchups. The Bulls, powered by Josh Giddey's playmaking, are on a positive trajectory but face the Miami Heat again, while the Hawks are struggling defensively against the Orlando Magic.

In the West, the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers are vying for playoff positions, with the Warriors also in the mix after a recent victory. Memphis needs to tighten up their ball control, especially Ja Morant, while the Clippers depend on Kawhi Leonard's continued health. The Minnesota Timberwolves, coming off a strong win, find themselves with a favorable schedule, giving them a solid chance to maintain their position.

In a thrilling contest, Anthony Davis delivered a standout performance with 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a hard-fought 120-118 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. He drove for a decisive floater with just 3.4 seconds remaining, showcasing his offensive prowess. Following the key basket, Davis exemplified his defensive skills by challenging Trae Young's last-second shot, ensuring the win for the Mavs.

Davis's return to form comes after a string of mediocre outings post-injury. His confidence surged as he embraced a dominant mindset, overcoming a mental hurdle that had hindered him since his return. Spencer Dinwiddie praised Davis as the team's cornerstone, emphasizing how critical his all-around game is for the Mavericks' success. As the Mavs sit ahead of the Sacramento Kings in the playoff race, Davis's ability to stay healthy and impactful will be vital as they navigate the postseason landscape.

Anthony Davis showcased an impressive performance in his latest outing with the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 34 points and grabbing 15 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite facing adversity after receiving an elbow to the face that sidelined him for a significant portion of the game, Davis returned to play a pivotal role in the Mavericks' 120-118 victory. With the game tied, he executed a game-winning floater with just 3.4 seconds left, sealing the deal for Dallas.

The match featured a dramatic conclusion, with the Mavericks almost relinquishing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter. Key to the win, Davis not only excelled offensively but also made crucial defensive plays, particularly contesting a potential game-winning three-pointer from Trae Young as time expired. His dual-threat capability has solidified his status as the Mavericks' go-to player in clutch moments.

Jeremiah Fears, a talented 6-foot-4 guard from Oklahoma, has declared for the NBA draft after an impressive season. Averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, he played a significant role in leading the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament. Fears expressed gratitude for his journey and support from the OU fan base and coaching staff. His standout performances included scoring 26 points against Arizona and a clutch four-point play that secured victory over Michigan. The buzz around him as a potential lottery pick is bolstered by former Sooner Trae Young's endorsement.