SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jimmy Butler had 24 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists and the Golden State Warriors beat the Milwaukee Bucks 104-93. The Warriors played withoug Stephen Curry, who recently became the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 3-pointers, who was given the night off for a mental and emotional break. Buddy Hield had 15 points and six rebounds off the bench to help the Warriors improve to 5-1 on a seven-game homestand. Brandin Podziemski started in place of Curry and had 17 points and seven rebounds. Kyle Kuzma made five 3-pointers and scored 22 points to pace the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 20 points.
A person familiar with the situation says wide receiver/kick returner Mecole Hardman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because a signing hasn’t been announced. The person didn’t reveal financial terms. ESPN first reported that Hardman was joining the Packers. Hardman is best known for capping the 2023 season by catching a 3-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime to give the Kansas City Chiefs a 25-22 Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a contract with cornerback Jeff Okudah to add the third overall pick from the 2020 draft for depth. Okudah’s career has been sidetracked by injuries. He was limited to six games last season for the Houston Texans after suffering a hip injury on special teams in the opener. Okudah played in 2023 for the Atlanta Falcons after he was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions. Okudah played in only 10 of a possible 33 games over his first two years with the Lions because of hamstring, shoulder and Achilles tendon injuries.
PHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee infielder Joey Ortiz will move over from third base to shortstop as the Brewers alter their infield following Willy Adames’ departure. One of the Brewers’ main concerns this spring was how they would handle the shortstop position. Adames had filled that role the last 3 1/2 seasons before signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. The Brewers were pondering whether to give the job to Ortiz or have Brice Turang move over from second base. Brewers manager Pat Murphy settled the matter Tuesday by telling reporters that Ortiz would be the shortstop.