The Washington Wizards announced on Monday that center Alex Sarr underwent surgery to repair a broken right foot sustained during an offseason workout. The procedure was performed by Martin J. O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. The 7-foot Sarr, who was selected second overall in the 2024 draft, is expected to recover fully in time for the next NBA season. Last season, Sarr averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, improving his field goal percentage to 48.2 percent from 39.4 percent as a rookie. The Wizards hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft later this month.
In coaching news, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly finalizing a deal to hire Tiago Splitter, currently the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. A person familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, confirmed the negotiations but noted the team has not yet made an official announcement. Splitter, 41, joined the Blazers' coaching staff last June under head coach Chauncey Billups and took over as interim coach after Billups’ arrest in October linked to a federal gambling investigation. Billups has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Under Splitter’s leadership, Portland posted a 42-40 record and earned a playoff berth for the first time since the 2020-21 season, though the team was eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. Splitter played seven NBA seasons primarily with the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he won a championship in 2014.
In WNBA action, the Minnesota Lynx secured a commanding 107-74 victory over the Portland Fire at Target Center in Minneapolis. Natasha Howard led Minnesota with 18 points while six other Lynx players also reached double figures. The Lynx capitalized on 22 Portland turnovers, contributing 26 points, and improved to 11-3 overall and 5-1 in the round-robin segment of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. Nia Coffey delivered a strong performance with 15 points, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in her debut season for her hometown team. The loss was a difficult homecoming for Bridget Carleton, the Fire’s forward and first pick in the expansion draft, who was held to three points on poor shooting and posted a minus-31 plus-minus rating in 26 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings extended their home winning streak to five games with a 96-66 triumph over the Las Vegas Aces in Arlington, Texas. Dallas took command early, outscoring Las Vegas 29-6 in the first quarter and maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the game. Arike Ogunbowale paced the Wings with 22 points, including five three-pointers, while Jessica Shepard narrowly missed a triple-double with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. Rookie Azzi Fudd also made a significant impact with 19 points, and Paige Bueckers contributed 10 points and seven assists. Dallas improved to 9-5 following their strong start, having won eight of their last 11 games. For Las Vegas, Jewell Loyd scored 21 points off the bench, and A’ja Wilson added 18, but the team struggled overall, with Chelsea Gray scoreless in 29 minutes and Jackie Young shooting 3-for-13 en route to six points. Las Vegas remains 10-4 on the season.