Sports

BOSTON — A smile emerged across Jaylen Brown’s face as the Celtics star took a question after Sunday’s loss to the Magic as he acknowledged the absurdity of his team’s outside shooting that’s suddenly gone upside down.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Monday night should’ve been about Damian Lillard, who dominated the fourth quarter while leading the Portland Trail Blazers close to a victory. Instead, in a matter of seconds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stole the spotlight with a 14-foot pull-up jumper that sealed the win for the Thunder, 123-121.

Baker Mayfield’s shortlived magic touch expired. So did the Rams’ nearimpossible playoff hopes.

LAS VEGAS — Three takeaways from the Raiders’ 30-24 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium: 1. Early Merry Christmas The Raiders were gifted a victory by the Patriots. Instead of settling for overtime, New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson tried to lateral the ball to Jakobi Meyers, who then tried to throw it back across the field to Mac Jones.

SHAWNEE -- The Ponca City Lady Cats added a win to their season’s record Friday night by topping the Shawnee Wolves 41-37 in overtime. Ponca City broke out in front and led 14-6 after one quarter.

SHAWNEE -- The Ponca City Wildcats led Shawnee for most of Friday’s game, but in the end lost by a point, 43-42. The WIldcats were ahead 10-3 after one quarter, and 26-20 at the half.

HOUSTON, Texas — Well, that was dicey. Against the, checks notes, Houston Texans.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Bucs played one of their best halves of football this season against the red-hot Bengals on Sunday, building a 17-3 halftime lead.

Anthony Davis sat near the end of the Lakers’ bench in a sweater, dark dress pants and a red ball cap doing the only thing he could to help the team Sunday night. As center Thomas Bryant checked out of the game during the third quarter, Davis pulled him aside, showing him a play on a tablet screen.