DAVID BRANDT

Sports Reporter based in Phoenix

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter drives between Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) and guard Devin Booker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Devin Booker scores 30 points, Suns get hot from 3-point range to beat Hawks 128-115

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Eric Gordon added 21 off the bench and the Phoenix Suns beat the Atlanta Hawks 128-115 on Thursday night.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Kevin Durant continues climb up NBA career scoring list, passes Shaq for eighth place

Kevin Durant continued to climb the NBA’s list of career scoring leaders, passing big man Shaquille O’Neal for No. 8 with 22 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 115-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Grayson Allen scores 32, ties career high with 9 3-pointers, Suns beat sliding Sixers 115-102

Grayson Allen scored 32 points and tied a career high with nine 3-pointers, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 115-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort says team will listen to all offers for No. 4 overall pick

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said he’s starting to field calls from other teams regarding the team’s No. 4 overall pick in next month’s NFL draft.

Minnesota Twins Byron Buxton is greeted by Max Kepler (26) after scoring on an RBI by Carlos Correa in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees in Fort Myers, Fla., Saturday, March 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

AL Central Preview: Tigers, Royals try to end years of losing after offseason moves

The AL Central doesn’t appear to be a great place to find baseball’s best teams. Instead, it might be home to some of the most improved.

Antelope Valley coach Jordan Mast talks with his team during a timeout during a first-round game against Huntington (Indiana) in the NAIA men's basketball tournament Friday, March 15, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. Antelope Valley lost 85-71 to end the season with a 26-5 record. Now they'll head back to California with no college to return to, but with their heads held high after the group persevered through a few uncertain months. (AP Photo/David Brandt)

Antelope Valley was the college basketball team without a college. Its season has come to an end

The Antelope Valley men’s basketball team is done after one of the stranger seasons in recent memory.

Arizona State University NCAA college baseball player Brandon Compton shows his Tommy John surgery scar before their game against Oregon in Phoenix, Saturday, March 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Hard-throwing teens draw scouts, scholarships. More and more, they may also need Tommy John surgery

Teenage pitchers are throwing a baseball harder than ever as they try to attract attention from Major League Baseball scouts and college programs.

FILE - Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (73) blocks during the team's NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Oct. 29, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a $30 million, two-year deal with Williams, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn't been officially announced. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker, File)

Cards agree to 2-year deal with offensive tackle Jonah Williams, release veteran DJ Humphries

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a $30 million, two-year deal with offensive tackle Jonah Williams, according to a person familiar with the deal.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives between Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Duran, left, Jusuf Nurkic (20), and forward Royce O'Neale, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown lead Celtics past Suns 117-107, snapping rare 2-game skid

Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown added 27 and the NBA-leading Boston Celtics beat the Phoenix Suns 117-107.

Chandler Smith wins second career Xfinity Series race after Justin Allgaier’s late flat tire

Chandler Smith won his second career Xfinity Series race on Saturday at Phoenix Raceway, earning a surprise victory for Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing after leader Justin Allgaier crashed with just four laps remaining.

FILE - Co-owner Denny Hamlin speaks about his team winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Circuit of the Americas, Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Austin, Texas. A new NASCAR season begins with rivals attempting to dethrone Team Penske after two years atop the Cup Series, all while a compelling off-track battle rages on over revenue sharing that threatens to overshadow the competition. Hamlin, the three-time Daytona 500 winner for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner alongside Michael Jordan of 23XI Racing, is most vocal on the issue. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman, File)

Denny Hamlin wins pole at Phoenix as Toyota gets four of top six spots in qualifying

Denny Hamlin will start on the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Phoenix Raceway, capping a stellar qualifying session for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota on Saturday.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots over Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Phoenix, Thursday, March. 7, 2024. Phoenix won 120-113. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Kevin Durant scores 35, Grayson Allen adds 26 and the Suns beat the Raptors 120-113

Kevin Durant scored 35 points, Grayson Allen added 26 and the Phoenix Suns beat the Toronto Raptors 120-113 on Thursday night.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

NBA announces the Phoenix Suns will host the 2027 All-Star game

The Phoenix Suns will host the 2027 NBA All-Star game, giving owner Mat Ishbia a marquee event for the city roughly one year after he purchased the franchise.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon walks off the field after being taken out of the game in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón gives up 2 homers vs. Rays; Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani stays hot

Carlos Rodón gave up two more homers over three-plus innings in the New York Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

FILE -San Diego Padres starting pitcher Blake Snell throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. There are still some premium free agents available for Major League Baseball teams as the calendar nears March. Two-time Cy Young Winner Blake Snell, six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez and former MVP Cody Bellinger are among the players who haven't found a home. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Scott Boras: MLB market heating up for pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery

Scott Boras claims the free agent market is intensifying for two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and left-hander Jordan Montgomery with opening day 3 1/2 weeks away for most teams.

New San Francisco Giants baseball team infielder Matt Chapman answers a question during an introductory news conference announcing his signing Monday, March 4, 2024, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Matt Chapman says he has ‘unfinished business’ in Bay Area after signing deal with Giants

The more Matt Chapman looked around, the more the four-time Gold Glove third baseman realized he wanted to go back to the Bay Area.

FILE - Toronto Blue Jays' Matt Chapman celebrates after his walkoff double against the Boston Red Sox during ninth-inning baseball game in Toronto, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. Chapman and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, Saturday, March 2, 2024. (Andrew Lahodynskyj/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

Third baseman Matt Chapman and San Francisco Giants finalize their $54 million, 3-year contract

Third baseman Matt Chapman and the San Francisco Giants have finalized their contract that guarantees him $54 million over three years.

JuJu Watkins scores 26 points, leads No. 7 Southern California to 70-55 win over Arizona State

JuJu Watkins scored 26 points, Rayah Marshall added 15 points and 15 rebounds and No. 7 Southern California ended its regular season with a 70-55 victory over Arizona State on Saturday.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Devin Booker scores 35 points, Kevin Durant adds 24 to help the Suns beat the Rockets, 110-105

Devin Booker scored 35 points, Kevin Durant added 24 and the Phoenix Suns held off the Houston Rockets 110-105 on Thursday night to open a two-game series.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani addresses the media about his surprise marriage announcement, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, during spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Shohei Ohtani stuns Dodgers -- and many around the world -- with marriage announcement

Shohei Ohtani stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers — and many around the world — with his marriage announcement, so manager Dave Roberts said any gift the team gives the two-time MVP would be like most of the money in his contract: deferred.

Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) drives by Arizona State guard Jamiya Neal during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Kylan Boswell scores 17, No. 6 Arizona pulls away late to beat Arizona State 85-67

Kylan Boswell scored 17 points, Oumar Ballo had 14 points and 13 rebounds and No. 6 Arizona pulled away late to beat Arizona State 85-67 on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws against the Texas Rangers during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws 2 impressive, scoreless innings in MLB exhibition debut for Dodgers

Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out three batters over two scoreless innings in his exhibition debut on Wednesday, giving a glimpse into why the Los Angeles Dodgers believe the Japanese right-hander can become an ace in the big leagues.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani walks in the dugout during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch this season after major elbow surgery, but he can still hit. Here’s why

Shohei Ohtani is unique in baseball history, a two-way Japanese superstar who can excel as a hitter and a pitcher, sometimes in the same game.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Jose Ramos also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani shows he’s “built differently,” slugs 2-run HR in first exhibition game with Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani needed just three exhibition at-bats to show what a $700 million man can do for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Washington State guard Myles Rice (2) drives past Arizona State guard Jose Perez (12) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

As Pac-12 falls apart, No. 19 Washington State provides conference one more underdog story

Washington State’s recent eight-game winning streak has given the program a chance to win its first Pac-12 men’s basketball regular season title since 1941.

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) drives against Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Grayson Allen leads balanced effort for Suns, who pull away late for 123-113 win over Lakers

Grayson Allen scored 24 points, Kevin Durant added 22 and the Phoenix Suns pulled away late in the fourth quarter to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-113 on Sunday.

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga smiles during a spring training baseball workout Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Marcus Stroman has first outing with Yankees. Mets’ Senga won’t throw for at least 3 weeks

Marcus Stroman threw 2 1/3 innings in his first spring training start with the New York Yankees on Sunday, giving up three runs on four hits and a walk.

Arizona State forward Bryant Selebangue (24) celebrates after a win over Washington State in an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Arizona State beats No. 21 Washington State 73-61, snapping Cougars’ eight-game win streak

Jose Perez scored 16 points, Frankie Collins added 14 and Arizona State surprised No. 21 Washington State 73-61, ending the Cougars’ eight-game winning streak.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws during a baseball spring training workout Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

MLB union says 2-second cut to pitch clock too soon for some pitchers

Major League Baseball’s move to slice two seconds off the pitch clock with runners on base is too much, too soon, according to the head of the players’ union.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez poses for a portrait during a spring training photo day on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Why is there a pants problem in Major League Baseball during spring training?

Major League Baseball is showing off its new uniforms during this year’s spring training. The biggest problem is they might be showing too much.