All-Star Ja Morant scored a career-high 52 points including a massive dunk and a buzzer-beater as the Memphis Grizzlies won 118-105 over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
Morant's 52-point haul was the second highest of the NBA season, behind only Trae Young who scored 56 points for the Atlanta Hawks against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 3.
The 22-year-old guard went 22-of-30 from the field including four-of-four from beyond the arc. Morant also hit a ridiculous half-time buzzer-bester after Steve Adams' full-court pass, catching and shooting in one motion.
Earlier in the second quarter, Morant produced a monster one-handed dunk over Spurs center Jakob Poeltl.
Morant's half-century follows up his career-best 46 points against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. It was also the first 50-point game in Grizzlies franchise history.
Bucks bounce back with Giannis starring
Reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, had dropped four of their past five games but Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way as they bounced back with a 130-106 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Antetokounmpo scored 26 points with 16 rebounds, four blocks, two steals and six assists, with Bobby Portis adding 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Miami Heat took some ground in the race for top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 112-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls, with Tyler Herro contributing 20 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench. DeMar DeRozan's 10-game run of 30-point games was halted, managing only 18 for the Bulls.
D'Angelo Russell's good run of scoring continued with 25 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves boosted their playoffs hopes by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-22, with Karl-Anthony Towns () draining a key late three-pointer.
Short-handed Nets blown away
The Brooklyn Nets slumped to their 14th loss from their past 17 games, going down miserably 133-97 to the Toronto Raptors at home. Scottie Barnes dominated with 28 points, 16 rebounds and five steals for Toronto while the Nets, missing Kyrie Irving who is ineligible to play home games and head coach Steve Nash in protocols, had few winners
Russia and Belarus have been suspended from all International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions at both national and club levels.
The IIHF announced the sanctions on Monday following an extraordinary meeting of its Council in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, with neighbouring Belarus effectively used as a staging post for Russian military.
The suspension prohibits Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs from "participation in every age category and in all IIHF competitions or events until further notice".
In addition, Russia has been stripped of hosting rights for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.
A statement from the IIHF read in part: "These two actions have been initiated by the Council in order to enable the IIHF to ensure the safety of IIHF Championships and all participating players, officials, and fans.
"The IIHF Council has not left out the possibility of further actions impacting future events or other IIHF activities but hopes above all for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war."
"The IIHF is not a political entity and cannot influence the decisions being taken over the war in Ukraine," said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
"We nevertheless have a duty of care to all of our members and participants and must therefore do all we can to ensure that we are able to operate our events in a safe environment for all teams taking part in the IIHF World Championship program.
"We were incredibly shocked to see the images that have come out of Ukraine. I have been in close contact with members of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and we hope for all Ukrainians that this conflict can be resolved in a peaceful way and without the need for further violence."
Ben Simmons will not make his debut for the Brooklyn Nets this week, though Kevin Durant is getting closer to a return from injury.
Simmons has yet to play for the Nets since this month's blockbuster trade that ended his stand-off with the Philadelphia 76ers, with James Harden going in the other direction.
During his introductory media conference, Simmons had said he hoped to be ready to make his season debut against the Sixers in Philadelphia or March 10.
That prospect appears less and less likely after Nets head coach Steve Nash revealed Simmons, who has struggled with a back issue since the Nets upped his workload in practice, is not close to being ready to play.
Speaking ahead of the Nets' clash with the Toronto Raptors on Monday, Nash said: "Ben is still working through a number of things and reconditioning so he's not gonna play this week but we'll keep working on his timeline and hopefully he can progress.
There is better news on Durant as he looks to make his return from a left knee sprain. He will not play in either of the Nets' successive games with the Raptors but could feature against the Miami Heat on Thursday or the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
"Kevin's getting close, we're hopeful that he can play this week," added Nash. "He won't play tonight or tomorrow but hopeful I guess that [his return] would be Thursday or Sunday."
The Nets are 32-29, eight games back of the Eastern Conference-leading Heat having lost seven of their last 10 games.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council to discuss a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Ben Sulayem made the announcement on his social media page on Monday.
The council will meet on Tuesday "to discuss matters relating to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine", a Twitter post read.
The FIA was awarded full recognition status by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2013. The IOC has recommended Russian and Belarusian athletes be suspended from all sports.
In Formula One, such a ban would impact Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian driver on the grid for 2022.
The Russian Grand Prix has already been removed from the F1 calendar in the coming season.
Bryson DeChambeau described his battle with injury as "one of the hardest moments of my life" as he confirmed his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Hand and hip injuries that forced DeChambeau to withdraw from the Saudi International this month have kept the world number 12 out of action.
And he will not make his return at the prestigious PGA Tour event at Bay Hill this week, pointing to a desire not to risk re-injury by playing again before he is 100 per cent.
Setting his sights on The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass next week, the 2020 U.S. Open champion said in a video posted on Twitter: "Man, it's a tough decision right now.
"I have a lot of work to do to get everything back into order for this week and I just feel like it's too short of time for me to get back to 100 per cent and playing at 100 per cent capacity.
"Right now, I'm like 90 per cent. I don't want to go out there and hurt myself even more, and not be 100 per cent ready for the rest of the season.
"I don't want to come back early and then have to take more time off.
"It's a hard decision I have to make right now, but I'm going to have to unfortunately not play this week.
"At this point in time, I've got to take another week off and I'm going to try and get back and play for The Players.
"Right now, I just can't risk going out there and having it reaggravate. This has been one of the hardest moments of my life.
"I'm not able to do much, yes although I can hit some golf balls, it's not comfortable or fully comfortable.
"It's a bit frustrating but I appreciate your support. I want to get back out there as soon as possible but it's just not ready yet."
DeChambeau won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last year by one stroke ahead of Lee Westwood. That is his only victory since his sole major title at the U.S. Open two years ago.
Josh Taylor said he would be open to a rematch with Jack Catterall but at welterweight only as the British Board of Boxing Control said it was investigating the scoring of their controversial fight.
Taylor retained his world super-lightweight titles after a points win over Catterall that caused huge consternation.
The judges determined that Taylor had triumphed 112-113, 114-111, 113-112, despite his opponent dominating the first five rounds.
Taylor was also knocked down in the eighth round by 28-year-old Catterall, who stormed out of Glasgow's OVO Hydro following the judges' decision.
Catterall's trainer Jamie Moore, who spoke in the boxer's absence, said: "It's difficult to put into words.
"You're talking about a kid who has worked all his life for that moment, who waited three years for that opportunity. He then performs like that and beats the champion in his own backyard – and gets absolutely robbed."
The BBBofC announced on Monday it was investigating the scoring and would "advise accordingly".
Taylor, who said he took time off with his family before watching back footage of the fight, praised Catterall but insisted he felt the decision was fair.
"First and foremost, I want to congratulate Jack Catterall on a great fight. He rose to the occasion and fought a valiant fight. However, I believe I won a very close fight," Taylor said on Instagram.
"Many fans believe Jack deserved the decision, and that's fine. We both went in there and fought our guts out for 12 rounds… but the personal attacks on myself and especially my family are disgusting and uncalled for.
"My days at 140 are numbered. My future is at welterweight. Jack Catterall deserves another title shot, and as soon as possible. I've never ducked a challenge in my career, and I'd be happy to fight Jack again, but it would have to be at welterweight. Jack is a great sportsman, a helluva fighter, and deserves every bit of the admiration he's been receiving.
"Fighting as the undisputed champion on Scottish soil was a dream come true, but I'm only getting started. I'll be back and better than ever, this time ready to conquer the welterweight division."
Elina Svitolina will refuse to play Russian or Belarusian players unless tennis' governing bodies have them compete as neutral athletes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The world number 15, who has committed to donating all of her prize money to Ukrainian military and humanitarian efforts, has been drawn against Russia's Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the Monterrey Open.
In a post on Twitter, Svitolina announced she would not contest that match or any other against players from Russia or Belarus unless the ATP, WTA and ITF follow the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and remove any reference to their national identities.
Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, with neighbouring Belarus effectively used as a staging post for Russian military.
Svitolina wrote: "I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organisations: ATP, WTA and ITF. As such, we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems.
"Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow [Tuesday] in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organisations take this necessary decision."
Svitolina saluted the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russian players who have all spoken out against the war.
She added: "I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland.
"Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential."
New York Mayor Eric Adams has ruled out the prospect of making an exception to coronavirus rules that would allow Kyrie Irving to play at home for the Brooklyn Nets.
Irving is unvaccinated which means he is unable to play for the Nets when they have games at Barclays Center under current guidelines, even though he can play in the NBA on the road.
A quirk in the rules means away players from other teams can play in New York City even if they have not had the vaccine, a situation Adams accepts "makes no sense" and is "ridiculous".
Adams hopes Irving can play for the Nets at home soon but will not change the rules early for one person because of the example it would set to the city's employees.
"These are the rules and I have to follow the rules," Adams said to CNBC.
"If I don't, I'm going to open the door that is sending the wrong message to everyday employees.
"Listen, I want Kyrie on the court. I would do anything to get that ring. So badly, I want it.
"But there's so much at stake here. And I spoke with the owner of the team. We want to find a way to get Kyrie on the court, but this is a bigger issue."
Adams added: "I can't have my city closed down again.
"It would send the wrong message just to have an exception for one player when we're telling a countless number of New York City employees, 'If you don't follow the rules, you won't be able to be employed'.
"Businesses have their vaccine mandates. City employees have their vaccine mandates. I have to follow the rules. And trust me, I want Kyrie on the court.
"We are here right now opening our city because of vaccine mandates. We can't close down again. I can't have my city close down again."
Irving said at the weekend he could see "light at the end of the tunnel" in his bid to play home games for the Nets and appreciated comments from NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who questioned the rules that allow unvaccinated road players to take to the court in New York.
The Nets (32-29) are at home against the Toronto Raptors (32-27) on Monday, having earned a key road win at NBA champions the Milwaukee Bucks last time out, Irving starring with a game-high 38 points.
Hall of Famer Derek Jeter announced on Monday he will step down as CEO of the Miami Marlins, a position he held since September 2017.
The Marlins went 218-327 in his four full seasons at the helm, making the playoffs once in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season following last-place finishes in 2018 and 2019. They finished fourth in the NL East this past season, going 67-95.
"I will no longer serve as CEO nor as a shareholder in the club," Jeter said in a statement released through PR Newswire, and not the Marlins.
"We had a vision five years ago to turn the Marlins franchise around, and as CEO, I have been proud to put my name and reputation on the line to make our plan a reality.
"Through hard work, trust and accountability, we transformed every aspect of the franchise, reshaping the workforce, and developing a long-term strategic plan for success.
"That said, the vision for the future of the franchise is different than the one I signed up to lead."
The Marlins were last in MLB in attendance in 2021, drawing less than 8,000 fans per game, and ranked 27th out of 30 teams in payroll at $61million – stark differences than what Jeter was used to during his playing days with the New York Yankees.
A five-time World Series champion and 14-time All-Star during a career spent entirely with the Yankees from 1995 to 2014, Jeter ranks sixth on baseball’s all-time hits list with 3,465. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020.
Kyler Murray wants to stay in Arizona but needs the Cardinals to "prioritise" a new long-term contract for their quarterback, his agent says.
Murray's future has been the subject of some discussion at the start of the offseason after mixed messages emerging from his camp.
However, the Cardinals still see the 24-year-old as their QB "long-term", owner Michael Bidwill has said.
And a lengthy statement from Murray's agent Erik Burkhardt – widely released on Monday – has stated the two-time Pro Bowler also sees his future in Arizona.
"He absolutely wants to be your long-term QB [and] he desperately wants to win the Super Bowl," read a statement addressed to "loyal Arizona Cardinal fans".
To achieve this goal, however, Burkhardt said there needed to be "long-term stability for both the organisation and [Murray]."
Murray and his team have therefore proposed a lucrative deal for a player due just $5.5million in the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2022.
"To overtly communicate Kyler's desire to be the Cardinals' long-term QB, we sent a detailed contract proposal to the organisation," the statement said.
"It was important to Kyler that his proposal reflected all of the following: provides financial protection, is in line with the current QB market that compares his results alongside relevant comps, lowers his 2022-23 salary cap number to allow the Cardinals to re-sign other deserving team-mates and add additional free agents, and most importantly represents a real commitment from the organisation to see if their ultimate goals align with his two above (consistently competing for championships and Kyler being their QB)."
In an apparent challenge to the Cardinals, the statement continued: "Actions speak much louder than words in this volatile business.
"It is now simply up to the Cardinals to decide if they prioritise their rapidly improving, 24-year-old, already two-time Pro Bowl QB, who led the organisation from three wins before his arrival to 11 wins and their first playoff appearance in five years.
"Or rather, if they choose to financially prioritise committing to other areas and continuing to merely talk about addressing Kyler's long-term future as their QB.
"Unfortunately, every player, coach and executive in the NFL knows (or should know) that words and hypothetical contractual promises are regularly dismissed and fleeting in this business."
The 11-6 Cardinals finished second in the NFC West in 2021, following a 7-0 start.
Murray missed more than a month of the season due to an ankle injury, after which his and the team's form tailed off after MVP-calibre early performances.
He threw for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games, while he also had 423 yards and five TDs rushing on 88 carries.
The Green Bay Packers are set for their first ever game outside the United States after the NFL announced its international schedule for 2022.
The Packers, who become the 32nd and final NFL team to head abroad, will play in London, as will the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Elsewhere, the first Germany game will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Munich, while the Arizona Cardinals go to Mexico City.
"We are very excited to be staging five games outside the United States in 2022, and thank the owners for their continued commitment to growing the sport internationally," NFL executive vice president of club business and league events Peter O'Reilly said.
"Our fans in Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom can look forward to seeing some of the most iconic names and biggest stars in the league and enjoying an incredible series of events."
The Packers had previously been reluctant to move games outside of the Green Bay area, but a new ruling agreed last year means every team is required to play abroad at least once every eight years.
That decision was part of the move to a 17-game season, which was implemented in 2021.
Opposing teams, dates and kick-off times for the Packers and the rest will be announced when the full 2022 schedule is confirmed later in the year.
Alize Cornet crashed out on home soil as the Lyon Open got under way on Monday.
Fourth seed Cornet went down to a surprise defeat against Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa to disappoint the French support.
Bucsa, the world number 139, broke serve on six occasions as she came from behind to triumph 1-6 6-4 6-1 and dispatch Cornet, who was the highest-seeded player taking to the court on day one.
Fifth seed Jasmine Paolini almost joined Cornet in suffering an early exit at the WTA 250 event.
However, the Italian rallied to defeat Irina Bara 4-6 7-5 6-3 in a battle lasting two hours and 25 minutes.
Elsewhere, six aces helped Varvara Gracheva edge past Kristina Kucova in a 7-6 (7-0) 7-6 (7-2) win.
Paolini's compatriot Camila Giorgi is the number one seed at the tournament.
Giorgi is due to start her campaign on Tuesday after being handed a standout draw against home favourite Caroline Garcia.
The United States will be captained by Zach Johnson at next year's Ryder Cup in Italy.
Johnson, a two-time major winner, has represented the USA in five previous editions of golf's prestigious team event.
Having served twice as vice-captain, Johnson will succeed Steve Stricker as the USA aim to retain the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club.
The news was announced in a dramatic video released on the Ryder Cup's official social media channels.
"Where I'm from, you get behind your people, you push your own, you work hard and you wear where you're from as a badge of honour," says Johnson in the clip.
"As we look ahead to the next Ryder Cup, I see nothing but opportunity. To work hard, to get behind one another, and an opportunity to keep the cup.
"I know we're not supposed to win on European soil. Well, I'm used to 'not supposed to'. Not supposed to make it on tour, win two majors and certainly not supposed to make five Ryder Cup teams.
"But here's the thing, I love it when 'not supposed to's', do. And as your captain, you can bet that I'm gonna bring some of that home-cooked, hard-working, Iowa pride to the Ryder Cup."
The USA cruised to a 19-9 victory in 2021 at Whistling Straits, though they have not won in Europe since 1993.
PGA of America President Jim Richerson said: "I am confident that Zach's appointment will be wildly popular with the players as well as throughout American golf circles.
"But more than that, Zach is the calibre of individual that the PGA of America wants representing the United States and our 28,000-plus PGA Professionals on the global stage. He has performed on the biggest stages as a player, a teammate and as a vice-captain.
"He checks every conceivable leadership box and we anticipate that the U.S. Team in Italy will reflect the hard work, grit and selfless determination that have long defined his stellar playing career."
Johnson, 46, won The Masters in 2007 and The Open in 2015. He featured in the Ryder Cup in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, though only tasted success as a player in the latter tournament.
"To accept this captaincy, to lead this United States Ryder Cup team abroad ー after what we accomplished last year at Whistling Straits ー is simply the greatest honour of my professional career," said Johnson, who has named Stricker as the first of his vice-captains.
"I want to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for this special opportunity. As exciting as this is for both my family and me, it is equally sobering to understand the scope of our challenge in Rome, as we have not won on the road in three decades.
"To win, we will have to outplay a European team that will have both ample talent and motivation on their side. I am anxious to dig in and begin the process of putting our team in the best possible position to succeed."
Anthony Joshua revealed he will be rooting for Dillian Whyte against Tyson Fury despite expressing his hatred for him.
The all-British showdown between WBC champion Fury and mandatory challenger Whyte was finally confirmed for Wembley Stadium on April 23 after weeks of negotiations.
Joshua was expected to fight for the unified heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk shortly after, but there are doubts over the bout with the Ukrainian reportedly returning home following the invasion by Russia.
The winner of the clash between Joshua and Usyk, whenever that is scheduled for, will likely be the next opponent for the victor of Fury's second world title defence.
But Joshua has made it clear who he wants to see come out on top as Whyte looks to an end Fury's unbeaten record.
"It's a good opponent [for Fury], it's a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte," Joshua told iFL TV.
"Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance.
"But I hope Dillian trains hard [and] doesn't underestimate Tyson. Because it's his first shot for Dillian, I think he'll be hungry, do you know what I mean?
"This ain't like his tenth time fighting for a title, you can have a little hiccup along the way. This is his first time fighting for the title.
"I'm rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days. Go on Dillian, I'm with you all the way."
Joshua, who defeated Whyte in December 2015, was due to face Fury last year before a court ruling ordered the final bout of a trilogy battle with Deontay Wilder.
Meanwhile, Joshua continues his preparations for a rematch with Usyk, despite the uncertainties surrounding the showdown due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
When asked whether he was concerned for Usyk, Joshua responded: "I've learnt sport and politics go hand in hand, and they're powerful voices, and it's good that they're speaking up.
"They're not pushing for war, they're saying 'let's find peace.' So good luck to them, and that's it really, before I go on and say something wrong."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was among those to pay tribute to Ali Marpet after the guard announced his NFL retirement.
Marpet has spent seven seasons with the Bucs since being drafted in the second round in 2015.
The 28-year-old helped to protect Tom Brady en route to Super Bowl LV glory in the 2020 season and became one of the league's top offensive linemen, but he will now follow the veteran quarterback into retirement.
"I can't say enough about what Ali has meant to our team over the three seasons since my arrival," said Arians, whose roster will have a different look in 2022.
"He has been the consummate professional and has been a rock for us in the interior of our offensive line.
"We will miss him on the field and in the locker room, but I am happy he gets to go out as a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler.
"It is never easy saying goodbye to a player who has meant so much to our success, but I support and respect his decision and wish him a great life after football."
Marpet made the decision after a 2021 season that was the best of his career to date and saw him named to a first Pro Bowl.
"It has been one of my greatest professional thrills to see his rapid ascension from a small college standout into one of the NFL's best all-around offensive linemen," added Bucs general manager Jason Licht.
Marpet announced his decision in an Instagram post on Sunday.
"After seven formidable years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I've come to the decision to retire from the game that has given me so much," he wrote.
"This organization and the people surrounding it have helped not only fulfill a dream, but also helped build me into the person I am today.
"I've made Tampa Bay my home and I look forward to serving this community in the coming years.
"To the coaches and teammates, family and friends, an Instagram post simply can't express the profound impact you've had on me. I'm eternally grateful. Thank you Tampa Bay."
Daniil Medvedev has officially been crowned as the ATP's new world number one.
The Russian, who claimed his first grand slam title at the US Open last year and reached this year's Australian Open final, only to lose to Rafael Nadal, has been sure of his place at the top of the rankings since Novak Djokovic's shock defeat to Jiri Vesely in the Dubai Tennis Championships last week.
Medvedev was aiming to cap off a sensational week by claiming victory at the Mexican Open, but the 26-year-old lost to eventual champion Nadal in the semi-finals in Acapulco.
Here, Stats Perform looks at the numbers behind Medvedev's rise to number one.
1 - Medvedev is the first player outside of the "big four" of Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to be crowned number one since Andy Roddick, way back on February 1, 2004 (18 years, three weeks and six days).
198 - At 198cm in height, Medvedev is the tallest player to be crowned world number one.
13 - Medvedev has won 13 Tour-level titles so far.
27 - He is the 27th different ATP world number one. The first was Ilie Nastase, in August 1973.
3 - Medvedev is the third Russian player to reach the top of the ATP rankings, after Yevgeny Kafelnikov (May 1999) and Marat Safin (November 2000).
6 - At 26, Medvedev is the sixth-oldest player to become world number one for the first time in their career.
361 - Djokovic has held the number one spot for 361 weeks in total – a record. It had been 86 weeks since the Serbian was last not at the top of the pile.
Stephen Curry says the Golden State Warriors must "bring an edge" as he and coach Steve Kerr aim to heed the lessons from the shock loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Warriors held a 19-point advantage heading into the final quarter on Sunday, yet ultimately slipped to a 107-101 loss – their fifth defeat in seven games.
Golden State's brilliant start to the season has them comfortably among the top teams in the NBA, with a 43-18 record, though their recent form will be a worry.
For Curry, however, the defeat can provide lessons on what the Warriors have to anticipate as the regular season enters its final stages and the playoffs approach.
"We played great defense for 36 minutes," Curry, who had a double-double of 27 points and 10 assists, said.
"We felt like we had the game under control. For whatever reason, our energy shifted when we missed a couple of shots, empty possessions.
"They come down and score, we start getting deflated, and for no reason.
"We've got to figure out how to maintain our energy when the shots aren't falling. Because, that's what it might be like in a playoff game.
"So I'd like to say it was a good lesson to learn, even though it sucks to have to go through it.
"We've got to bring an edge. Sustain that over 48 minutes and each game we'll have an opportunity to do that, to turn it into a positive and try to build momentum, but it's not going to happen on its own just because the coach says it or because we want it to. We've got to do it."
It was a sentiment echoed by Kerr, whose side's capitulation marked the biggest blown fourth-quarter lead so far this season.
"We did not maintain our grit down the stretch," said Kerr, who has previously been highly critical of his teams defense across their poor run.
"We just let our momentum get away from us. We can't just say, 'Oh well, when Draymond [Green] and Andre [Iguodala] get back we will be better.' It doesn't matter who's out there. We've got to get better executing under pressure and maintaining competence.
"It's actually good to go through and feel it because this is what it feels like in the playoffs, when you're playing against a really good team."
LeBron James conceded this season is "definitely different" after the Los Angeles Lakers slumped to another defeat on Sunday.
The Lakers were humiliated 123-95 by the New Orleans Pelicans at home, giving up 23 turnovers for the game, which was the team's most this season.
James and Russell Westbrook combined for 14 turnovers, which was their worst return as team-mates.
The only positive was James scored 32 points, marking his 500th career game with 30 points or more.
But that was not enough to prevent a fifth defeat in six matches for the Lakers, with James recognising the need for a win to provide the catalyst for a turnaround.
"It all starts with a win. You learn from that win, the things you did well and what you didn't do well," he said.
"It always starts with that and how you can implement it into a game and a game situation.
"Obviously the last two losses have been... the Clippers game was right there [to win] and obviously we couldn't finish the game.
"And tonight against the Pelicans, who have been playing some good ball of late... this season is definitely different."
Next up for the 27-33 Lakers is a showdown with the Dallas Mavericks, who came from behind to stun the Golden State Warriors on Monday.
James Harden recorded his first triple-double for the Philadelphia 76ers who flexed their muscle with a dominant 125-109 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Harden had 29 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists, while Joel Embiid top scored with 37 points along with nine rebounds and four blocks.
Embiid made a season-high 23 free-throws, heading to the line 27 times across the game as the 76ers relentlessly attacked the rim.
The 76ers made 39 free-throws for the game, which was the most of any team this season.
Philadelphia had contributions from beyond their star pair, though, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 21 points with seven rebounds
Doncic leads Mavs comeback win
Luka Doncic helped the Dallas Mavericks overcome a 21-point third-quarter deficit to win 107-101 over the Golden State Warriors. The Slovenian had 34 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavs, while Stephen Curry finished with 27 points and 10 assists.
The Utah Jazz claimed their eighth win from their past nine games and condemned the Chris Paul-less Phoenix Suns to their second straight defeat in a 118-114 defeat, with Rudy Gobert scoring 16 points with 14 rebounds.
Kelly Olynyk scored a match-winning buzzer beater in overtime as the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 127-126, while the in-form Boston Celtics were shocked 128-107 by the Indiana Pacers.
Lakers demolished on home court
The Los Angeles Lakers were humiliated 123-95 by the New Orleans Pelicans at home, giving up 23 turnovers for the game, which was the team's most this season. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook combined for 14 turnovers which was their worst return as teammates. The only positive was James scored 32 points, marking his 500th career game with 30 points or more.
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