All articles tagged with #bench scoring
Warriors sign Brandon Williams to a one-year, $2.6 million deal to boost guard depth after a 13.0 PPG season with Dallas; the 26-year-old brings speed, ball handling, and scoring off the bench, fitting into Golden State’s backcourt rotation as they finalize roster spots.
Free-agent guard Anfernee Simons agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, with a second-year player option, using a portion of the mid-level exception to strengthen the Sixers’ guard rotation behind Tyrese Maxey as they reshape their roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million contract with free-agent Anfernee Simons, likely using most of their taxpayer mid-level exception to bolster the bench after last season’s scoring shortfalls. Simons averaged 14.3 PPG on 38.5% shooting from three in 24.9 minutes per game across a split season with the Celtics and Bulls, providing shooting punch that could ease development for rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and influence other signings; if he succeeds in Philadelphia, he could pursue free agency next year.
Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from an early 15-0 deficit to crush the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 in Game 3, grabbing a 2-1 edge in the West Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 26 points and 12 assists, while the bench poured in 76 points (Jared McCain 24, Jaylin Williams 18, Cason Wallace 11, Alex Caruso 15). Victor Wembanyama topped San Antonio with 26 points and Devin Vassell added 20, and Spurs guests De’Aaron Fox (15) returned to play. Jalen Williams was out for OKC. The night underscored OKC’s historic bench production as the series moved back to San Antonio.
No. 1 Michigan used a blazing start and a productive bench to topple No. 7 Purdue 91-80 at Mackey Arena, widening its grip on the Big Ten title race. The Wolverines exploded for a 48-28 halftime lead behind sharp 3-point shooting (13 of 23 from deep) and 16 second-chance points on offensive rebounds, then maintained control as six players scored in double figures, including 17 from Elliot Cadeau. Purdue struggled with missed layups and could not slow Michigan’s depth or pace, with Braden Smith scoring 20 and Trey Kaufman-Renn 27 in a losing effort. The result cements Michigan as the favorite in the conference as it chases a league crown.
Brice Sensabaugh scored 21 points off the bench in the first quarter against Chicago, the most by an NBA reserve in the opening period in at least 29 years (since 1996-97); he finished with a career-high 43 points as Utah pulled away.
The Las Vegas Aces won Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury with a late comeback, fueled by strong bench performance and key contributions from Dana Evans and A'ja Wilson, setting the stage for a competitive series.
The No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers secured an 81-66 victory over the Michigan State Spartans, showcasing improved shooting efficiency and strong defensive play. Chucky Hepburn's defensive efforts limited Michigan State's Tyson Walker, while the Badgers' bench contributed significantly to the win. Additionally, Wisconsin's paint defense was impressive, holding the Spartans to a low shooting percentage.
The No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats started their basketball season with a dominant 86-46 victory over New Mexico State. Kentucky's freshmen class had a strong debut, showcasing their skills on both ends of the court. The Wildcats' transition offense proved difficult to stop, and their bench scoring could be a secret weapon this season. Adou Thiero stood out as the most improved player, contributing as a starter with his rebounding and scoring ability. Kentucky looks ahead to upcoming challenging matchups against Texas A&M-Commerce and No. 1-ranked Kansas.