With the Duke Blue Devils' recent 89-66 win over Baylor, players Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen expressed confidence in their alma mater's potential for a national championship as they advance to face Arizona in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. Jones, the 2015 Final Four MVP, praised Duke's blend of talent, teamwork, and defensive prowess, stating they possess the characteristics essential for success in the tournament. He noted the importance of team unity and anticipation of celebrating with his teammate, Royce O'Neale, a Baylor alum, after the match.

Allen echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his own championship experiences and pointing to the current Duke team’s competitive edge. Key player Cooper Flagg, projected as a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, continues to impress after recovering from an ankle injury, contributing significantly to Duke's success this season. Both former Duke stars are hopeful that the team, now led by head coach Jon Scheyer, can bring home another title.

The Phoenix Suns enter their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers with high stakes, as they aim for a crucial play-in spot. Despite the absence of LeBron James due to injury, the Suns will have to contend with Luka Doncic, who is probable for the game. Doncic's recent performances have been impressive, notably scoring 45 points against the Bucks. This matchup marks Doncic’s debut against the Suns as a member of the Lakers, and his history of big games against them adds an exciting layer to the encounter.

Currently, the Suns are positioned just outside playoff contention, sitting at 31-36, while the Lakers are comfortably in the fifth spot at 40-25. Phoenix has shown resilience, recently bouncing back from a two-game slump with a victory over Sacramento. Tyus Jones emphasized the need for the Suns to maintain focus and continue pushing for a postseason berth, as they trail Dallas for the final play-in position.

The Phoenix Suns have experienced a dramatic shift from a promising start to facing a precarious situation as the NBA season unfolds. After beginning the season with a 9-2 record, expectations soared, especially with standout performances from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant during the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the Suns now find themselves at 29-33, sitting outside the play-in tournament at the 11th seed in the Western Conference.

In a bid to revitalize their roster, the Suns have sent Oso Ighodaro, their 2024 second-round pick, to the G League affiliate, Valley Suns. Despite a solid start with a role on the team, a decline in minutes and the emergence of players like Bol Bol and Mason Plumlee have made Ighodaro expendable. With a crucial game against the Denver Nuggets approaching, the Suns hope to regroup and reclaim their earlier momentum.

Bradley Beal's return to the Phoenix Suns' starting lineup brings a renewed sense of vigor as he replaces Tyus Jones, who had been a constant presence on the floor this season. Coach Mike Budenholzer's decision to start Beal—who last played this role on January 4—signals a potential shift in the Suns’ strategy. With Beal alongside scoring threats Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the Suns aim to elevate their offensive output amidst a disappointing 26-29 record.

This new formation addresses the team’s recent struggles, particularly their positioning in the Western Conference. Budenholzer emphasized the collaboration between Beal and Booker, hinting at a possible new offensive dynamic that could redefine the Suns' approach as they look to recapture their championship aspirations.

Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns with 26 points, while Kevin Durant added 24 in a tense matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, finishing 111-109. Despite building a strong lead at 103-90 late in the game, the Suns faced a scare as the Clippers mounted a 10-0 run, narrowing the gap to just one point. Grayson Allen's late free throws secured the win. Allen contributed 18 points off the bench, and Tyus Jones added 17. The Suns showcased their shooting prowess, tying a season high with 22 three-pointers. Ivica Zubac had a standout performance for the Clippers, scoring 25 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. James Harden and Norman Powell also made significant contributions, scoring 24 and 23 points, respectively. Although the Clippers made a valiant effort to erase a halftime deficit, they ultimately fell short.