Halfway through the fourth quarter of the AFC wild-card matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, half of the Arrowhead Stadium faithful started the trek toward the parking lot. 

This was not an exodus of defeat. The Chiefs led by three possessions and were well on their way to advancing to next week’s divisional round. Who could blame the fans? It was -8 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -28 — slightly worse than the -4 (-27 wind chill) at kickoff. They’d braved enough harsh weather and were leaving satisfied. Coach Andy Reid’s mustache had been covered by icicles for three quarters. 

The Chiefs led wire-to-wire in a 26-7 victory Saturday over the Dolphins. The defense dominated, the offense did more than enough, and kicker Harrison Butker booted four field goals — a Chiefs postseason record. 

‘Guys came with that attitude, that mentality. We knew it was going to be cold. But all we week were preaching, ‘Let’s come in with that fire,” Mahomes said.

Kansas City scored on its opening drive in less than four minutes when Patrick Mahomes connected with rookie receiver Rashee Rice for an 11-yard touchdown. Rice showed why he carried the Chiefs’ receiving room down the stretch; he had eight catches on 12 targets for a game-high 130 yards.  

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Entering the third quarter, the Dolphins had managed just six first downs. A 53-yard touchdown from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill — the former Chief making his Arrowhead return — made it 10-7 early in the second quarter. Miami didn’t score again. Aside from Hill’s catch and run, the Dolphins had 98 total yards on 32 plays as the fourth quarter began. They had 76 rushing yards all game. Miami was 1-for-12 on third down. 

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught seven passes for 71 yards but dropped at least two balls. His partner, Taylor Swift, was a favorite of the Peacock cameras — the game was exclusively streamed on the service — and she donned a customized “87” jacket. 

Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco (24 rushes, 89 yards) scored a touchdown from the wildcat formation in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Edge rusher George Karlaftis recorded 1.5 sacks to lead the defense, and safety Mike Edwards intercepted Tagovailoa, who airmailed a pass over the middle on Miami’s second possession. 

Mahomes wasn’t overly efficient (23-for-41, 262 yards). He also had two scrambles for a combined 41 yards on the ground in key spots to bring the Chiefs into goal-to-go situations. One area of concern for Kansas City out of this game was its red-zone offense. The Chiefs scored TDs on just two of their six possessions that reached the red zone and were 0-for-2 in goal-to-go spots. 

Less than three weeks ago, the Dolphins defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve and controlled their own destiny for an AFC East title and potentially the conference’s top seed. But they fell in consecutive weeks to the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, the eventual top two seeds, respectively, and dropped to the No. 6 seed. Their season ended in the wild-card round on the road for the second straight year. — Chris Bumbaca

Chiefs vs. Dolphins highlights

NFL playoff winners, losers

Who do the Chiefs play next? When do the Chiefs play next?

Well … we don’t know yet! The Chiefs will play the highest remaining seed in the AFC. So, if the Bills beat the Steelers Monday, the Chiefs will be traveling to Buffalo for the first road playoff game of Patrick Mahomes’ career. But if the Steelers win, the Chiefs will remain at Arrowhead Stadium, where they will welcome the AFC South champion Houston Texans. The schedule for the divisional round will come out later this holiday weekend.

Patrick Mahomes cracked helmet

Seven years into a career that has featured two NFL MVPs, two Super Bowl titles and a laundry list of accomplishments, Patrick Mahomes still encountered a first on Saturday.

On a second-and-7 play with 9:25 remaining in the third quarter, Mahomes scrambled right and barreled ahead for a 13-yard gain. As he lowered his head, he was met by Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott, with the two players engaging in a helmet-to-helmet collision that sent a piece of Mahomes’ crown flying.

Mahomes was able to play for two plays with the damaged helmet before officials made him seek out a replacement.

“I was very unhappy because my helmet’s warm and it cracked … and I put the other helmet on, and it didn’t fit at all,’ Mahomes said in an interview after the Chiefs’ 26-7 victory. ‘It was sitting out in the cold all day long.” 

Taylor Swift celebrates, sings late in Chiefs’ game vs. Dolphins

The vibes were high late Saturday night in Taylor Swift’s box as the Chiefs closed in on the divisional round. The Peacock broadcast showed Swift, Donna Kelce and Brittany Mahomes celebrating in the waning minutes of the Chiefs’ game against the Dolphins. Swift was previously shown singing along to something with the crowd.  

Chiefs 26, Dolphins 7: Game over? Chiefs push Dolphins to brink with touchdown

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs put together a 14-play, 72-yard touchdown drive to extend their lead to 26-7 with 11:06 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco capped off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Pacheco now has 78 rushing yards on 21 carries. The Chiefs improved to 2-for-6 in the red zone.

The Dolphins were called for two roughing the passer penalties to help Kansas City extend the drive

The Chiefs have scored on their last three possessions. Miami hasn’t scored any points since the second quarter.  — Tyler Dragon

Chiefs 19, Dolphins 7: Harrison Butker’s fourth field goal extends Chiefs’ lead

Kicking a rock-solid football can’t be fun. But it hasn’t been an issue for Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. 

Butker’s fourth field goal, a 21-yard chip shot, capped a 13-play, 68-yard drive for the defending Super Bowl champs. Kansas City led 19-7 with 7:49 left in the third quarter. 

Patrick Mahomes connected with tight ends Noah Gray and Travis Kelce for gains of 20 and 13 yards, respectively. The big play of the drive came on a Mahomes 13-yard scramble down to the Miami 3-yard line. Part of the quarterback’s helmet chipped off following the collision, but he remained in the game. Kansas City couldn’t convert in the goal-to-go scenario and are 1-for-5 in the red zone (0-for-2 in goal-to-go).   

Butker’s four field goals are a Chiefs postseason record. None of Butker’s makes have been from further than 32 yards. 

Rookie wideout Rashee Rice was banged up during the drive. — Chris Bumbaca

Patrick Mahomes helmet chipped on hit, forcing him to swap helmets

With the Chiefs leading 16-7 in the third quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambled 13 yards to the Dolphins’ 3-yard line before he was stopped short of the end zone by Miami safety DeShon Elliott. Mahomes and Elliott bumped heads on the play, which subsequently cracked Mahomes’ helmet. 

The Chiefs ran two more plays before referees stopped the game and the play clock without charging the Chiefs a timeout for an equipment change, so Mahomes could swap out his helmet for a new one. — Cydney Henderson

Chiefs injury: Rashee Rice exits but returns in fourth

Chiefs rookie WR Rashee Rice has been the most productive player in tonight’s game, leading all players with seven receptions plus a game-high 102 yards from scrimmage. He also has Kansas City’s only score, an 11-yard hookup with QB Patrick Mahomes in the first quarter. Rice joined Elmo Wright as the only K.C. rookies with 100-plus receiving yards in a playoff game. However Rice limped off the field four minutes into the third quarter after stumbling near the sideline following a 10-yard reception. He returned in the fourth quarter, though, and added 28 more yards with his eighth catch of the game. Rice’s 130 receiving yards (and counting) is a new record for a Chiefs rookie in a playoff game. — Nate Davis

Dolphins making ‘Hard Knocks’ history

HBO’s NFL docuseries, produced in conjunction with NFL Films, has been running for nearly a quarter-century since it first detailed the 2001 Baltimore Ravens in training camp. But tonight, the 2023 Dolphins become the first team ever covered by the show during the playoffs. This is the third season during which HBO has done an in-season version of ‘Hard Knocks,’ the Dolphins following the 2021 Indianapolis Colts and 2022 Arizona Cardinals. — Nate Davis

Travis Kelce chasing history

Chiefs Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce entered Saturday with the second-most catches (133) and receiving yards (1,548) in NFL playoff history, trailing only legendary Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Though he dropped a few in the first half, Kelce has five snags for 55 yards at intermission. He and Patrick Mahomes have hooked up for 14 postseason TDs, second all-time behind only the Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski connection (15). — Nate Davis

Halftime: Chiefs 16, Dolphins 7

Untimely penalties and inefficient red zone offense cost the Chiefs in the first half, but they still have a 16-7 lead at halftime.

The Chiefs scored on four of their six possessions in the first half but went 1-for-4 in the red zone.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 167 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice produced six catches, 92 yards and Kansas City’s lone touchdown. Rice’s catches and receiving yards leads both teams.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has made all three of his field goal attempts.

Chiefs safety Mike Edwards has the game’s only interception.

Playing in freezing temperatures, the Dolphins haven’t been able to generate much offense. Tua Tagovailoa has just six completions for 94 yards. Most of Tagovailoa’s yards came on a 53-yard touchdown bomb to speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott has a game-high six tackles. — Tyler Dragon

Taylor Swift Travis Kelce jacket

Pop superstar Taylor Swift is shaking off the subzero temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium.

Swift arrived to the Kansas City Chiefs wild-card playoff game against the Miami Dolphins sporting a custom puffer jacket featuring the name and No. 87 number of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Swift’s beau. The red-and-yellow jacket was created by Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of San Francisco 49ers All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

‘An honor of a lifetime!’ Kristin Juszczyk wrote on Instagram. ‘Thank you @taylorswift.’

Kristin Juszczyk transformed Kelce’s football jersey into the puffer coat, featuring No. 87 front and center, in addition to his number and last name on her sleeve. Swift paired the jacket with an all-black ensemble and white beanie, all the better to brave the minus-4 temperature in Kansas City, Missouri. — Cydney Henderson

Frozen whistles? No-call appears to cost Chiefs points

A Dolphins’ turnover on downs didn’t cost them because of a blatant missed call.

On third-and-3 from the Dolphins’ 48-yard line, Patrick Mahomes tossed a deep pass to Mecole Hardman. While Hardman was tracking the football, Dolphins safety Brandon Jones clearly grabbed the wide receiver’s jersey as the ball sailed over Hardman’s head incomplete.

Hardman and Mahomes were visibly frustrated over the non-call as the Kansas City crowd booed.

The Chiefs were forced to punt the football away. — Tyler Dragon

Is Andy Reid’s mustache frozen? 

A thick mustache is one of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s trademarks. By halftime, the ‘stache of “Big Red” had frozen over. 

The temperature at Arrowhead Stadium, according to play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, dropped to -7 Fahrenheit in the second quarter. — Chris Bumbaca

Chiefs 13, Dolphins 7: Chiefs forced to settle for FG again

A Jawaan Taylor penalty nullified a Chiefs touchdown.

The Chiefs again got deep into Miami territory and reached the end zone, but Taylor was called for an illegal block that negated the TD. The Chiefs settled for a 26-yard Harrison Butker field goal to give the club a 13-7 advantage.

Butker’s connected on both his field goals thus far — each have been within 30 yards.

The Chiefs are 1-for-3 in the red zone midway through the second quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Chiefs 10, Dolphins 7: Tyreek Hill touchdown gets Dolphins on board

For most of the season, Tyreek Hill’s explosive speed was the catalyst for Miami’s (at times) high-powered offense. He gave the Dolphins a jump-start against his former team early in the second quarter.

Hill caught his first pass of the game, on a short, designed play-action completion for 9 yards. On the next play, Tua Tagovailoa dropped back and Hill beat his man on a go route. The ball was slightly underthrown, but Hill adjusted to catch it. He evaded a pair of Chiefs defenders to make it to the end zone for a 53-yard touchdown. 

The Dolphins trailed 10-7 with 14:01 to go in the half. — Chris Bumbaca

Chiefs 10, Dolphins 0: Chiefs extend lead after Tua Tagovailoa interception

The Chiefs converted a field goal off Tua Tagovailoa’s interception.

Kansas City put together a 10-play, 48-yard drive and got inside Miami’s 15-yard line, but a bad snap on third down forced the Chiefs to settle for a short field goal. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker converted the 28-yard field goal with 14:51 on the game clock in the second quarter to give Kansas City a 10-0 lead.

The Chiefs have 121 total yards early in the second quarter.  — Tyler Dragon

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa throws early pick 

Tua Tagovailoa entered with seven NFL starts in sub-50 degree temperatures – and Miami was 1-6 in those games, losing by an average of 13.4 points per game. 

He’ll have to shake off an early turnover to avoid falling to 1-7. 

With Kansas City edge rusher George Karlaftis pressuring him, Tagovailoa airmailed a third-and-5 attempt over the middle in the direction of receiver Jaylen Waddle. Chiefs safety Mike Edwards hauled in the errant pass and the Chiefs took over at their own 42-yard line with three minutes left in the first quarter. 

The Dolphins had a first down on the previous play, but rookie running back was flagged for illegal formation and the new set of downs was negated. — Chris Bumbaca

Rockin’ rookies: Rashee Rice puts Chiefs up early

WR Rashee Rice’s 11-yard TD catch extends a recent Kansas City trend. Three of the team’s last four postseason TDs have been scored by first-year players, RB Isiah Pacheco and WR Skyy Moore finding the end zone in the second half of the Chiefs’ 38-35 win in Super Bowl 57. — Nate Davis

Chiefs 7, Dolphins 0: Chiefs score on first drive

The Chiefs came out throwing in the cold, and after a first-down conversion from Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce on the third play of the game, running back Isiah Pacheco took over. He carried four times for 39 yards, including a 23-yarder. Mahomes then connected with a wide-open Rashee Rice for an 11-yard touchdown. 

Kansas City led 7-0 3 minutes, 55 seconds into the game. — Chris Bumbaca

Chiefs weather at kickoff: Chiefs vs. Dolphins one of NFL’s coldest playoff games

According to a press box announcement, the temperature at kickoff was -4 Fahrenheit, which would make Saturday’s Chiefs-Dolphins contest the fourth-coldest game in league history. The wind chill of -27 was third-lowest on record.  

History not on Chiefs’ side?

Today is the fourth time the Chiefs and Dolphins have met in postseason … and you might want to stop reading here, Kansas City fans. 

For those of you still here, Miami is 3-0 against K.C. in the playoffs. The last time the teams clashed in the Super Bowl tournament, New Year’s Eve 1994, Dan Marino and Co. prevailed 27-17 in what turned out to be Hall of Famer Joe Montana’s final NFL game.

Going further back, to Christmas of 1971, the Dolphins topped the Chiefs 27-24 at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium (the team moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972). A 37-yard Garo Yepremian field goal in double overtime ended the longest game in NFL history, 82 minutes and 40 seconds of game time, the Dolphins ultimately advancing to Super Bowl 6 — where they were filleted by the Dallas Cowboys. — Nate Davis

Remember Patrick Mahomes’ first playoff game?

Saturday marks five years and one day since Patrick Mahomes made his NFL playoff debut. The Chiefs beat the Colts 31-13, though the eventual 2018 league MVP didn’t pass for a TD — though he did run for one while throwing for 278 yards. It remains one of Mahomes’ two postseason appearances without a TD pass, the other K.C.’s Super Bowl 55 blowout loss to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mahomes’ playoff coming-out party also marked the final appearance for Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck, who shocked the NFL world by retiring seven months later. — Nate Davis

What time is Chiefs vs. Dolphins?

The Dolphins and Chiefs kick off in Kansas City at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Chiefs vs. Dolphins how to watch 

This prime time wild-card matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins is airing exclusively on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Weather forecast for Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dolphins game 

According to the Weather Channel, the kickoff temperature in Kansas City will be around -4 degrees and will feel like -21, making this one of the coldest playoff games in NFL history.

Taylor Swift in the building for Chiefs-Dolphins

Chiefs vs. Dolphins on Peacock

On multiple occasions during the final game of the 2023 NFL regular season, NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico offered viewers a variation of the same promotion over and over.

Downloading a streaming app to watch an NFL playoff game? For some, the idea seems ludicrous. For another type of media consumer, it’s normal. For the NFL and NBCUniversal, it’s a forward-thinking way to stay ahead of the curve – and make more money.  — Chris Bumbaca

Chiefs vs. Dolphins predictions 

Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 26, Dolphins 14 Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 26, Dolphins 21 Safid Deen: Chiefs 30, Dolphins 17 Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 23, Dolphins 17 Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 24, Dolphins 23 

Travis Kelce stats with, without Taylor Swift at Chiefs games 

Ever since Taylor Swift showed up alongside Donna Kelce during Kansas City’s Week 3 win over the Chicago Bears, football and music fans have wondered how often the pop icon would be seen attending Chiefs games. She showed up to several more games, with the last being the Week 17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Swift had been busy with her Eras Tour in Argentina and Brazil, which included a visit from Kelce in Buenos Aires. 

But with the regular season over and the NFL playoffs set to begin, Swift could be in attendance for a Super Bowl run before her Eras Tour resumes in early February. Not only will it captivate audiences, but it could also give Kelce a boost in his stats. 

Here is how much different Kelce’s performance has been with Swift cheering him on, versus when she isn’t around. — Jordan Mendoza 

Travis Kelce career stats 

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has played in 159 regular-season games since 2013, starting in 152 of them. He has caught 907 passes (on 1,267 targets) for 11,328 yards and 74 touchdowns. 

Is Travis Kelce retiring? 

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is shutting down any talks of retirement. 

‘I have no reason to stop playing football,’ Kelce said on Thursday ahead of the Chiefs’ wild-card weekend playoff matchup against the Miami Dolphins. ‘I have no desire to stop anytime soon.’ — Cydney Henderson 

Chiefs vs. Dolphins game temp 

Saturday’s high in Kansas City is forecast to be 5 degrees with a low of minus-10. At kickoff, the temperature is forecast to be minus-4 degrees (feels like minus-28). 

Coldest NFL game ever 

The NFL record for the coldest game still belongs to the 1967 NFL Championship Game between the Cowboys and Packers at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field where the temperature at kickoff was minus-13. — Antonio Fins and Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post 

Coldest games in NFL history 

Miami Dolphins cold weather record 

The matchup against the Chiefs will be the coldest game in Dolphins history. The Dolphins are 3-7 all-time when the temperature is 23 degrees or colder. Miami’s coldest game was actually a win at Kansas City in 2008, when it was 10 degrees. — Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post 

Dolphins players going sleeveless in frigid Kansas City weather?

‘No sleeves,’ Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead said. 

‘Sleeveless,’ Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler said. 

‘You wear sleeves, obviously they’re going to think you’re soft,’ said Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins receiver who played six seasons in Kansas City. — Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post 

Who is favored in Chiefs vs. Dolphins?  

The top NFL betting apps favor the Chiefs over the Dolphins in their wild-card playoff game.   

Chiefs vs. Dolphins spread  

The Chiefs are 4.5-point favorites over the Dolphins according to the BetMGM NFL odds.  

Chiefs vs. Dolphins over under  

The over-under is 43.5, according to BetMGM. 

Chiefs vs. Dolphins moneyline 

Kansas City is a -225 favorite on the moneyline. Meanwhile, Miami is a +195 underdog, according to BetMGM. 

Miami Dolphins inactives: Raheem Mostert, Jaylen Waddle set to play

Neither running back Raheem Mostert nor wide receiver Jaylen Waddle were listed as inactive, indicating they will suit up for the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins injury report 

The Dolphins have seen devastating season-ending injuries to Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Andrew Van Ginkel and Cameron Goode. 

In addition, cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) won’t play, his game status listed as out on the team’s injury report.  

Safety Jevon Holland (knees) did not practice this week and is also out.

Safety DeShon Elliott (calf) also did not practice this week and is questionable, but McDaniel said he’s optimistic and Elliott wasn’t on the inactive list. ‘DeShon really pressed through that game last week. He isn’t taking reps this week. But he is stubborn. I am optimistic. But he’ll take all the time,’ Dolphins coch Mike McDaniel said. 

Running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) were both limited in practice this week, but didn’t have any setbacks will play. McDaniel said he was optimistic about both. — Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post 

Kansas City Chiefs inactives

Kansas City Chiefs injury report 

Offensive tackle Wanya Morris (concussion) is listed as out. WR Justyn Ross (hamstring) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) are also both out. 

Is Tyreek Hill playing this week? 

Tyreek Hill (quad/ankle) was limited in practice this week but he will play. In Week 18 against the Bills, he had seven catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. 

Is Travis Kelce playing against the Dolphins? 

Tight end Travis Kelce was not listed on the Chiefs’ injury report this week so he’s set to play. 

Miami Dolphins playoff history 

The Dolphins are 20-22 all-time in the NFL playoffs. They have played in five Super Bowls, winning two — the last coming 50 years ago. 

Kansas City Chiefs playoff history 

The Chiefs are 20-21 all-time in the playoffs. They have won three Super Bowls (four championships total) and appeared in five overall. 

Dolphins vs. Chiefs history 

The Dolphins and Chiefs have played 29 times, Kansas City holding a 16-13 edge and winning the last five matchups. The sides have faced each other three times in the playoffs — 1971, 1991 and 1994 —  the Dolphins winning all three.  

Kansas City Chiefs depth chart 

Offense 

WR: Rashee Rice, Mecole Hardman, Justyn Ross LT: Donovan Smith, Wanya Morris LG: Joe Thuney, Mike Caliendo C: Creed Humphrey, Nick Allegretti RG: Trey Smith Nick Allegretti RT: Jawaan Taylor, Lucas Niang TE: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell WR: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson QB: Patrick Mahomes , Blaine Gabbert RB: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La’Mical Perine WR: Kadarius Toney, Richie James 

Defense 

DE: George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, BJ Thompson DT: Derrick Nnadi, Neil Farrell DT: Chris Jones, Tershawn Wharton DE: Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Malik Herring LB: Willie Gay, Cam Jones LB: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill LB: Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane CB: Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Ekow Boye-Doe CB: L’Jarius Sneed, Jaylen Watson, Nic Jones S: Justin Reid, Chamarri Conner S: Mike Edwards, Deon Bush 

Miami Dolphins depth chart 

Offense 

WR: Tyreek Hill, Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson Jr. LT: Terron Armstead, Kendall Lamm LG: Lester Cotton, Robert Jones C: Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton, Jonotthan Harrison RG: Robert Hunt, Lester Cotton RT: Austin Jackson, Kion Smith TE: Durham Smythe, Tyler Kroft, Julian Hill FB: Alec Ingold RB: Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Jeff Wilson Jr., Chris Brooks QB: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson WR: Jaylen Waddle, River Cracraft, Robbie Chosen, Chase Claypool 

Defense 

DT: Christian Wilkins DT: Raekwon Davis DT: Zach Sieler, Da’Shawn Hand LB: Jerome Baker, Duke Riley, Channing Tindall LB: David Long Jr., Calvin Munson LB: Emmanuel Ogbah CB: Xavien Howard, Cam Smith, Justin Bethel, Nik Needham CB: Jalen Ramsey, Kader Kohou, Eli Apple S: Jevon Holland, Elijah Campbell S: DeShon Elliott, Brandon Jones 

Pop superstar Taylor Swift is shaking off the subzero temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium.

Swift arrived to the Kansas City Chiefs wild-card playoff game against the Miami Dolphins sporting a custom puffer jacket featuring the name and No. 87 number of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Swift’s beau. The red-and-yellow jacket was created by Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of San Francisco 49ers All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

‘An honor of a lifetime!’ Kristin Juszczyk wrote on Instagram. ‘Thank you @taylorswift.’

Kristin Juszczyk transformed Kelce’s football jersey into the puffer coat, featuring No. 87 front and center, in addition to his number and last name on her sleeve. Swift paired the jacket with an all-black ensemble and white beanie, all the better to brave the minus-4 temperature in Kansas City, Missouri.

Here’s everything we know about Swift’s internet-breaking jacket:

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Taylor Swift’s Kelce jacket is a Kristin Juszczyk design

Kristin Juszczyk creates her own game-day outfits every week to cheer on her husband, Kyle Juszczyk, whose 49ers have a first-round playoff bye as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. That didn’t mean she took a break from designing this week.

According to KRON4 News reporter Kate Rooney, Kristin Juszczyk created a custom puffer coat for Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, to wear on Saturday. She told the Bay Area outlet that she decided to ‘shoot her shot’ by making Swift a similar jacket, in hopes that Mahomes would give it to Swift. Her efforts were rewarded and Swift ultimately ended up wearing the handmade piece.

‘We love you and are so thankful ’ Brittany Mahomes commented on Kristin Juszczyk’s Instagram post that offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at her creations for Mahomes and Swift. In another post, Kristin Juszczyk said she’s ‘not well’ and that Swift ‘looks amazing.’

Kristin Juszczyk has also created gear for this season for Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, wife of Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens, and 49ers receiver Deeboo Samuel, who wore a custom ‘MVP’ puffer vest in honor of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

‘She’s an absolute star!’ Kyle Juszczyk tweeted about his wife.

MELBOURNE, Australia – Until he took on defending champion Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena on opening Sunday in Australia, Dino Prizmic had never played a Grand Slam match.

The 18-year-old Croatian qualifier, who was born seven months after Djokovic made his Grand Slam debut in 2005, made it last as long as he could. He unsettled the 24-time major winner before Djokovic finished off the match 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic has developed a record at the Australian Open that no man can match, with 10 titles here among his unprecedented career haul. He later said he’d been feeling “under the weather” for four or five days but credited Primzic’s talent.

The first set played out just about as expected. From there, it became quite a ride.

Prizmic took the second set off Djokovic and went up a break in the third, stunning a capacity crowd, before the world’s No. 1-ranked player broke back and took the set.

Prizmic didn’t give up when he trailed 4-0 in the fourth, either, saving a breakpoint before getting a service break back. He saved three match points at 5-3 down and made Djokovic serve it out. He then saved a further two match points before it ended in 4 hours and 1 minute.

‘He deserved every applause, every credit he got tonight,’ Djokovic said. ‘Amazing performance for someone that is 18 years old and never had the experience of playing on a big stage. Kudos to him.’

The first of three Sundays – an extra day was introduced at Melbourne Park to try to reduce the number of post-midnight finishes – didn’t have quite the desired outcome.

Fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev needed four hours to beat Thiago Seyboth Wild 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (6). He later admitted fears his first-round match against Seyboth Wild would end like his friend Daniil Medvedev’s did at last year’s French Open: in an upset.

No. 12 Taylor Fritz needed a medical timeout to get his left ankle taped in the second set before he recovered to beat Facundo Diaz Acosta 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a seesawing four-hour match.

Frances Tiafoe, the 17th seed, beat Borna Coric 6-3, 7-6 (7), 2-6, 6-3 in 3 1/2 hours and Daniel Elahi Galan needed almost five hours to beat Australia’s Jason Kubler 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (8).

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Djokovic’s late finish meant defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka didn’t start until 11:41 p.m. local time. The No. 2 seed didn’t waste much time until right near the end, ousting 18-year-old Ella Seidel 6-0, 6-1 in 53 minutes on her seventh match point.

The first match on Rod Laver was also over quickly, with Italy’s Davis Cup star Jannik Sinner advancing after a 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 first-round win over No. 59-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp in 2 1/2 hours. It was his first match since a memorable November when he twice beat Djokovic and won the Davis Cup.

‘Means a lot to me to start off with a win,’ fourth-seeded Sinner said in a post-match TV interview as a half-dozen fans dressed in carrot costumes cheered from the stands. ‘Physically, I feel good. I’m here in good shape. I think I can be happy for today.’

Women’s eighth seed Maria Sakkari admitted her relief after she beat Nao Hibino of Japan 6-4, 6-1, her first Grand Slam win since last year’s Australian Open.

‘I lost three first rounds in my last three Grand Slams,’ she said. ‘For me, it was a very difficult match today emotionally. I’m happy I managed to do the job right and play a good second set.’

Also advancing were 2021 U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, who beat 17-year-old Sara Bejlek 7-6 (5), 6-2 and No. 9 Barbora Krejcikova, who rallied from a set and a break down to beat Mai Hontama 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Two 16-year-old players advanced to the second round: Brenda Fruhvirtova recorded her first Grand Slam win, overcoming Anna Bogdan 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, and Alina Korneeva – the Australian Open junior champion last year – who rallied to beat Sara Sorribes Tormo 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Another Russian qualifier, Maria Timofeeva had a 6-2, 6-4 win over Alize Cornet, who was appearing in a women’s record 68th consecutive Grand Slam event.

Timofeeva will next face 2018 champion Caroline Wozniacki, who in her first Australian Open since becoming a mom advanced when 20th-seeded Magda Linette retired while trailing 6-2, 2-0.

Amanda Anisimova continued her comeback from a career break with a 6-3, 6-4 win over No. 13-seeded Liudmila Samsonova.

Rublev did it tough, wasting four match points in the fifth set. He then fell behind 5-2 in the match tiebreaker before winning eight of the next nine points to clinch it against a player on his Australian Open debut.

Seyboth Wild upset major winner Medvedev in the first round at Roland Garros last year and Rublev admitted he felt the momentum going the same way before he decided to relax and go for broke.

‘For sure, I will not forget this one,’ said Rublev, who opened the year with a title in Hong Kong. ‘Thiago is a super dangerous player. Super talented. He’s hitting so hard, so clean.’

And while these wild-card games weren’t the most memorable we’ve ever seen – the AFC South champion Houston Texans dismantling the Cleveland Browns 45-14 before the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs put the Miami Dolphins into a 26-7 deep freeze – each had its indelible moments, both on the field and up in the luxury suites.

So while we know the Chiefs and Texans are moving on, each awaiting undetermined opponents in the divisional round, the list of Saturday’s winners and losers runs just a bit deeper than that:

WINNERS

C.J. Stroud

The Texans quarterback notched his first playoff victory – becoming the fourth first-round rookie to earn a win in the common-draft era (since 1967) and also the youngest ever to collect a postseason W at 22 years, 102 days – 90 days younger than Michael Vick was when he stunningly triumphed at Lambeau Field with the Atlanta Falcons 21 years ago. Stroud’s three TD passes Saturday, all in the first half, against Cleveland tied the rookie playoff record.

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NBC/Peacock

The network and its streaming service didn’t get especially compelling game action Saturday, but did own the opening day of the 2023 season’s postseason action. Once the numbers are in, should be interesting to note how many new subscribers came to Peacock amid a low-key controversy surrounding the league’s decision – made official eight months ago during the schedule release – that one of this season’s wild-card games would be dedicated to NBC’s streaming arm. Peacock also carried the Bills-Chargers game on Dec. 23, though apparently to much less ‘fanfare.’

Taylor Swift

Big win for the boyfriend (Chiefs TE Travis Kelce). Sweet jacket created by the wife of San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler Kyle Juszczyk. Fun, if chilly, low-stress evening shared with the Kansas City faithful. Now, barring a big upset Monday, the Chiefs Eras Tour heads to Buffalo?

Texans on Saturday

Remarkably, all seven of their wild-card appearances have occurred on Saturday afternoon – perhaps somewhat coincidental, but also indicative of where the NFL chooses to park them. But it’s been a fruitful spot for Houston, which is now 5-2 in not-so-playoff-prime-time. The Texans are 0-4 in the divisional round.

Rashee Rice

He caught eight passes for a Chiefs rookie playoff record 130 yards while scoring Kansas City’s first touchdown against Miami – which would turn out to be more than enough. Maybe the passing game of the perennial AFC West champions isn’t in such dreadful shape after all.

Christian Harris

The second-year Houston linebacker was the day’s defensive star with a 36-yard pick-six and a sack among his eight tackles. Teammate Will Anderson Jr., who played with Harris at Alabama, also had a sack. Roll Texans.

Chiefs defense

The bedrock of Kansas City’s title defense, it limited – with an assist from the unforgiving weather conditions – Miami’s top-ranked offense to a season-low in points and its second-fewest yards (264) of the 2023 campaign. The Dolphins were also 1-for-12 on third down. A salute to Chris Jones and Co.

Harrison Butker

KC’s kicker converted all four of his field-goal attempts (a team playoff record) and drilled both extra points … while booting what amounted to a cinder block given the weather. Props.

Joe Flacco

It was a remarkable run for the Browns’ Cinderella quarterback of 2023, even if the glass slipper ultimately shattered amid a flurry of pick-sixes in Houston. Still, Cleveland almost certainly doesn’t reach the playoffs if he doesn’t step in to win four of five starts in spectacular fashion late in the regular season, just winging the ball around the yard without regard – even if that wasn’t a sustainable formula Saturday. A win would have been Flacco’s record eighth playoff victory on the road (surpassing Tom Brady) and a record sixth in the wild-card round. However he did carve out a small piece of history, passing for 307 yards – making Flacco the first 38-year-old with five consecutive 300-yard passing games (including postseason). Let’s hope ‘Joe Cool’ gets an opportunity to extend that run at some point in 2024.

LOSERS

Joe Flacco

He became the first quarterback in 16 years – since Washington’s Todd Collins at Seattle – to throw multiple pick-sixes in a playoff game. Flacco’s eight-game postseason streak of throwing multiple TD passes also came to an end.

Patrick Mahomes’ helmet

Apparently modern headgear doesn’t react too well to subzero temperatures.

Andy Reid’s face

Apparently modern mustaches don’t react too well to subzero temperatures … though, honestly, you looked pretty dope, Coach.

Tyreek Hill

The former Chiefs Pro Bowler was relishing the opportunity to return to Arrowhead Stadium last offseason, but the NFL rerouted the first Miami-Kansas City game to Frankfurt, Germany on Nov. 5. Hill finally came ‘home’ Saturday night and scored on a 53-yard TD catch, but it turned out to be the Dolphins’ lone score.

Cleveland’s defense

Though undermined by Flacco on the one hand, the Browns’ top-ranked D also did its quarterback no favors by allowing 31 points and 356 yards. Cleveland didn’t surrender 30 points in any of its home games this season, but was torched for at least 30 on the road five times (and never fewer than 22). The Browns didn’t force a turnover Saturday, nor did they sack Stroud.

Cleveland’s draft

The Browns saw their 2023 season come to an end in Houston. They’ll likely see their 2024 offseason punctuated by the fact that they owe the Texans one more first-round draft pick as they complete the payoff for the 2022 trade for former Houston QB Deshaun Watson.

Tua Tagovailoa

Seems pretty unfair that a quarterback who hails from Hawaii and plays in Miami should have to make his playoff debut in minus-4 degree weather … on the road … against the reigning Super Bowl champions. The results were pretty much what you’d expect based on those factors and the Dolphins’ late-season swoon, Tagovailoa finishing with 199 yards and one TD passing to go along with an interception. Not the best way to head into an offseason given he’s still seeking the long-term contract extension that 2020 draftmates Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts have already landed.

Baltimore Ravens

The NFL’s (correct) decision to move Sunday’s Steelers-Bills game in Buffalo to Monday afternoon due to inclement lake effect weather effectively costs the AFC North champions a day of game-planning as they otherwise would have known their opponent for the divisional round.

Arrowhead Stadium?

The venue for the past five AFC championship games will be rendered empty for the divisional round unless Pittsburgh upsets the Bills on Monday. Though he’s started three Super Bowls at neutral sites, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has never gone on the road to an enemy stadium in the playoffs since entering the league in 2017.

Browns playoff history

Their absence from the AFC championship game is now guaranteed to reach 35 years after they suffered their worst playoff loss since succumbing to the Baltimore Colts (yes) 34-0 in the 1968 NFL championship game (yes).

Dolphins playoff history

With Saturday’s loss, Miami’s drought without a playoff win will extend to 24 years. Only the Detroit Lions, who host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night and haven’t won a postseason game in 32 years, currently have a longer dry spell.

‘Hard Knocks’

In its third year of following an NFL team during the season, HBO’s docuseries went one-and-done with its first ever playoff qualifier following Miami’s defeat.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.

BOULDER, Colo. — After playing at less than full strength for more than a month, Colorado men’s basketball finally wasn’t the shorthanded team on Saturday night.

And a halftime adjustment helped the Buffaloes hold the Trojans to just 21 second-half points and storm back to snap a three-game losing streak, spoiling Bronny James’ first college start.

‘We switched all ball screens in the second half and we doubled the post if it was coming in the post against our guards,’ Colorado coach Tad Boyle said after the Buffs’ 68-58 win over USC. ‘That’s basically it, we just changed our ball-screen coverage.

‘For me, it was a last resort − it was like a frustration. We had to move because our ball screen coverages were so bad, our ability to guard was so bad, but in the second half our guys did a great job with the switches and our communication.’

Scouts from at least 10 NBA teams were at the CU Events Center to watch projected 2024 first-round draft picks in Cody Williams and Tristan da Silva play in front of 10,005 fans.

The extra attention from NBA scouts might’ve also been due to USC freshman Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, who made his first college start Saturday night for a shorthanded Trojans squad.

Bronny finished the night with zero points on 0-for-7 shooting in 25 minutes.

USC was without its top two guards − Boogie Ellis, (hamstring) and Isaiah Collier (hand) − as well as the Pac-12’s leader in blocks (Joshua Morgan, illness). Meanwhile, the Buffaloes had each of their top seven rotation players healthy for the first time since Dec. 3 vs. Pepperdine

Colorado, however, still found itself down 13 points at the break (37-24) after trailing by as many as 16.

The Buffs began a dominant second half on a 10-2 run. Colorado forced 10 USC turnovers in the second half alone, holding the Trojans to just 36.1% shooting from the field on the night.

J’Vonne Hadley led the Buffs with a team-high 15 points and nine rebounds to go along with three assists.

‘It was pretty positive, actually, at halftime,’ Hadley said postgame. ‘A lot of our open shots weren’t falling and stuff like that so we knew it just comes down to defense. We usually try to pride ourselves on defense and our defense wasn’t there in the first half, so that’s a key point that he (Boyle) mentioned at half.

‘Another thing he mentioned was that we’re usually a first-half team and in that second half, we kind of fall off a little bit. And he said it’s going to be the opposite tonight so that’s what he left halftime with and it boosted us to that win.’

Not only did the Buffs beat USC (8-9, 2-4 Pac-12) for the first time since the 2020-21 season during the Pac-12 Tournament, but Colorado men’s basketball earned its 500th win in the CU Events Center, which opened for the 1979-80 season (500-190, .724).

Star freshman Cody Williams scored 13 points and had two blocks in just his second game back since Dec. 3 (wrist). Tristan da Silva and Eddie Lampkin Jr., who finished with a game-high plus-minus of plus-21, had 12 points apiece. KJ Simpson scored nine points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 1:13

Colorado (12-5, 3-3 Pac-12) picked up its first win of the new year and will be back at the CU Events Center on Thursday night for a matchup with Pac-12-leading Oregon (13-3, 5-0 Pac-12).

‘I told our guys after the game, the thing that makes this team so good, in my opinion, and so dangerous, is we’ve got multiple guys that on any given night can score the ball,’ Boyle said. ‘Against Cal, Eddie (Lampkin Jr.) had 22. Against Arizona State, J’Vonne (Hadley) had 19, a career high.

‘Our balance is so good and that’s what we need to understand. We just have to rely on each other offensively and not have an agenda. Make the right play.’

When the Dallas Cowboys host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in a Super Wild Card Weekend game, it will mark the ninth time that the two teams have met in the NFL playoffs.

That will tie the series for the most playoff matchups in league history. It should come as little surprise that both of these two franchises that own a combined total of 18 NFL titles are involved in those other most frequent playoff encounters – Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers, Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams and Packers vs. 49ers.

It’s been seven years since the last time the Cowboys and Packers squared off in the playoffs, and that game featured a dramatic finish. That showdown came just two years after the infamous Dez Bryant non-catch divisional playoff game.

Where do those two epic showdowns rank among the greatest Cowboys-Packers playoff games? It should come as no surprise to aficionados of NFL lore that those two thrilling games don’t even come close to being the greatest playoff game between the teams.

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8. 1994 NFC divisional playoff

During the NFL’s 75th anniversary season, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Cowboys and the absolutely loaded 49ers were on a collision course for what Sports Illustrated dubbed ‘The Real Super Bowl.’ In the divisional playoff round, the upstart Packers were just road kill for the Cowboys en route to the NFC championship game. The Cowboys rolled to a dominant 35-9 victory. Troy Aikman threw for 337 yards, and Michael Irvin, Alvin Harper and Jay Novacek each went over 100 yards receiving in the blowout win.

7. 1982 NFC divisional playoff

A midseason strike resulted in a nine-game regular season and prompted an expanded, 16-team playoff field, the ‘Super Bowl Tournament.’ The Cowboys and Packers – the latter coming off their first playoff win since Super Bowl II – met in the second round of the tournament, with the Cowboys in the midst of a nine-season run of qualifying for the playoffs and a third consecutive year of reaching the NFC championship game. The Cowboys prevailed, 37-26, as Dallas’ defense intercepted Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey three times.

6. 1993 NFC divisional playoff

Fresh off a spectacular wild-card win over the Detroit Lions (in the Lions’ last home playoff game before Sunday’s wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams), the Packers — making their first playoff appearance since the aforementioned ‘Super Bowl Tournament’ — faced off against the defending Super Bowl champion Cowboys. The Cowboys built a 24-3 lead in the third quarter before the Packers made a game of it late in a 27-17 win for ‘America’s Team.’

5. 2016 NFC divisional playoff

This scintillating encounter came down to the final frantic seconds, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Jared Cook pulled off a spectacular play to get the Packers in range for Mason Crosby’s game-winning 51-yard field goal. Green Bay had built a 28-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Dallas rallied to tie it 28-28 with four minutes remaining. The two teams exchanged field goals over the course of the game’s final minute and a half, with the Packers not settling for overtime on their final possession, winning 34-31. The next week, the Packers lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC championship game, and we all know how that turned out for the Falcons.

4. 2014 NFC divisional playoff: The Dez Bryant non-catch game

The 2014 divisional playoff between the Packers and Cowboys at Lambeau Field is known for just one play. Did Dez Bryant catch the ball?

Well, per the rules of the time, Bryant clearly did not complete the process of the catch. The NFL has since revised its rule on catches, requiring a receiver to establish himself as a runner rather than make a ‘football act.’ That adjustment to further confuse fans over ‘what is a catch?’ came too late for Bryant and the Cowboys. Not that the Packers couldn’t have gone on to win that game anyway even if the Cowboys scored. Bryant’s non-catch was a glimmer of hope for the Cowboys, who had allowed the Packers to score on three consecutive drives prior to the controversial Bryant play. The Bryant non-catch happened on a fourth-and-2 play with 4:42 left in the game. The Packers offense proceeded to march down the field and kill that remaining time off the clock to secure a 26-21 win.

3. 1995 NFC championship game

The Cowboys were en route to solidifying their 1990s dynasty status. The Packers were an up-and-comer about to be one of the NFL’s perennial powers. The Cowboys prevailed, 38-27, behind a strong game-sealing performance by Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, who rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboys went on to win Super Bowl 30 against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the team’s third title in four seasons. This game, however, marks the last time the Cowboys played in the NFC championship game. The Packers, meanwhile, have played in eight NFC title games since this game. The next season, the Packers won their first Super Bowl since the famed Lombardi era.

2. 1966 NFL championship game

The first playoff matchup between the Cowboys and Packers might have produced the most exciting overall game. Vince Lombardi’s Packers and Tom Landry’s Cowboys were playing at the Cotton Bowl for a spot in the first Super Bowl (then referred to as the decidedly less marketable ‘first AFL–NFL World Championship Game’). The Packers were an established powerhouse, defending NFL champions and winners of three of the league’s last five titles. The Cowboys were playing in their first playoff game and just beginning a two-decade reign as one of the NFL’s premier teams.

The game itself was high-scoring and came down to the final moments. The Cowboys were threatening to force overtime, facing a fourth-and-goal situation from the Packers’ 2-yard line with under a minute to go. Packers linebacker Dave Robinson chased Don Meredith, who tossed a desperation pass into the end zone as Robinson grabbed the Cowboys quarterback. The Packers’ Tom Brown intercepted the pass and sealed the 34-27 win. The Packers went on to win Super Bowl I over the Kansas City Chiefs.

1. 1967 NFL championship game: The Ice Bowl

Green Bay prevailed, 21-17, in frigid conditions on a frozen Lambeau Field, but needed a final drive for victory when hopes of winning seemed so dim. The Packers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half, but were absolutely dominated by the Cowboys in the second half as Dallas took a 17-14 lead. With 4:50 left in the game, the Packers started a methodical 68-yard drive that would forever be canonized in NFL lore. A quarterback sneak by the Packers’ Bart Starr provided the winning score as guard Jerry Kramer provided the key block.

The Packers went on to win Super Bowl II over the Oakland Raiders. It was Lombardi’s last game as Packers head coach.

Nearly a week after the NBA reinstated Draymond Green from his indefinite suspension, the Golden State Warriors star is expected to return Monday against Memphis, according to multiple reports.

ESPN and The Athletic reported Green plans to play against the Grizzlies.

The NBA reinstated Green on Jan. 6. The league suspended Green indefinitely on Dec. 13 for ‘striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face” during a game the day before.

Green had to meet league and team conditions before he returned. He said he considered retirement but that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talked him out of it.

‘During the period of his suspension, which began on Dec. 14 and resulted in him missing 12 games, Green completed steps that demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players,’ the NBA said in a news release. ‘He has engaged in meetings with a counselor and has met jointly on multiple occasions with representatives of the NBA, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association, both of which will continue throughout the season.’

The Warriors went 7-5 during his suspension and were 8-8 overall during his absence. They are 18-21 overall and in 12th place in the Western Conference.

Green’s suspension without pay cost him $1.84 million.

The Dec. 13 suspension came just six games after he served a five-game suspension without pay in November for “escalating an on-court altercation and forcibly grabbing Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck in an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner.’

The indefinite suspension issued in December was Green’s fourth suspension since March, including a one-game suspension in the first round of the playoffs against Sacramento in April.

This season, Green, who signed a four-year, $100 million contract with Golden State in the offseason, is averaging 9.7 points, 5.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds and shooting 49% from the field and 42.9% on 3-pointers.

Green is a four-time NBA champion, four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, eight-time All-Defense performer and 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year.