Sunday evening saw actor and director Ben Stiller making waves at the 97th Academy Awards while simultaneously cheering for his favorite basketball team, the New York Knicks. After the Knicks triumphed over the Miami Heat in an exhilarating overtime match, Stiller took to social media to celebrate, tweeting 'KNICKS WIN' to his followers. Jalen Brunson was the star of the game, scoring 31 points and rallying the Knicks back from a daunting 19-point deficit. OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns also made significant contributions, helping secure New York's third consecutive victory, placing them third in the Eastern Conference standings.

Stiller’s die-hard fandom for the Knicks is well-known, as he previously mentioned his preference for viewing games from the comfort of home. This allows him to express excitement freely, a sentiment he shared with ESPN back in April 2024. His passion for basketball is evident in his frequent social media posts, where he keeps track of player performances and team dynamics. With just over a month left in the NBA regular season, the Knicks are positioning themselves as a formidable contender in the playoffs, thanks to their recent stellar performances.

Dyson Daniels is having a standout season with the Atlanta Hawks, leading the NBA in steals per game. His defensive prowess is particularly highlighted as the Defensive Player of the Year race heats up following Victor Wembanyama's season-ending injury. Currently, Evan Mobley is the frontrunner, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Daniels closely behind. However, the Hawks' below-average defensive stats and modest record may hinder Daniels' chances for the award.

Despite his impressive statistics, including a recent seven-steal game against the Miami Heat, Daniels faces challenges due to Atlanta's overall defensive rankings and their current position in the playoff standings. Voters often favor players from teams with elite defenses, making his path to the award more difficult. Yet, with over a month left in the season, a turnaround could enhance his candidacy.

The landscape of the NBA is evolving, and the race for who will be the next face of the league is gaining traction as stars like Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell continue to impress. Both players are already six-time All-Stars by age 28, joining an elite group. The conversation is shifting from the likes of established icons like LeBron James and Stephen Curry to younger talents such as Tatum and Mitchell, who are currently steering their teams toward championship contention.

Despite their impressive stats and performances, both players often find themselves overshadowed in MVP discussions. While players like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić receive more attention, Tatum's and Mitchell's achievements continue to validate their greatness. As the debate about the 'next face' rages on, the league is witnessing the emergence of multiple stars ready to take the torch beyond the iconic trio of James, Curry, and Durant.

The Brooklyn Nets secured a 97-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, showcasing their improving form under coach Jordi Fernandez. Nic Claxton led the way with 16 points, while Cam Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe contributed 14 points each. The Nets have now won five of their last six games, a promising trend as they head into the All-Star break.

The Hornets struggled significantly after LaMelo Ball exited the game early due to an ankle injury, leaving them with a disappointing record of 1-16 in games Ball has missed this season. Moussa Diabate shined for Charlotte, scoring a career-high 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds before also leaving the game due to an eye abrasion. The Nets extended their lead following a pivotal 9-0 run in the second quarter, which set the tone for the remainder of the game.

The Dallas Mavericks made a bold move by trading star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, a decision that caught the league by surprise. Reports suggest the relationship between Dončić and the Mavericks was more strained than previously acknowledged. The Mavs received Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick in exchange for Dončić and forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. This trade raised eyebrows, as many believe they could have fetched a better return for the 25-year-old star.

Concerns about Dončić's conditioning issues and the impending supermax contract extension played a significant role in the decision to trade him. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison stated that the Lakers were the only team he engaged with regarding a deal. The trade has shifted the Mavericks' trajectory significantly, leaving fans questioning the long-term implications of parting with their franchise face.