Is Breanna Stewart going back to the Euroleague a message to the WNBA?

Is Breanna Stewart going back to the Euroleague a message to the WNBA?

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At this point, every move WNBA players make is easy to connect to the ongoing gridlocked CBA negotiations. Monday was no different, when news broke that Breanna Stewart was heading back to the Euroleague.

That’s right, Breanna Stewart will be returning to Fenerbahce in April for the EuroLeague Final Six, for a possible four games only. These games would be from April 15-19. What WNBA fans quickly realized is that WNBA training camp is *supposed* to start on April 19 as well, meaning that if Stewart’s team makes the Final (and probably even if not), she will be late to camp. And that’s if camps start on time, a big IF given how CBA negotiations are going.

Now, Stewie has played in the EuroLeague a lot in her career, so that’s not the shocking part. This also doesn’t conflict with Unrivaled, which ends on March 4. Stewart is also not on the Team USA World Cup Qualifier team, which also isn’t that much of a surprise, given that A’ja Wilson isn’t on there either. It’s a little shocking, though, that Stewart is going to play overseas so close to the WNBA season, and potentially missing a bit of training camp in the process. She also doesn’t need to go win a EuroLeague championship — she’s won many already. It all begs the question… what’s the point?

She has until May 1 to report to camp without suspension consequences under the current prioritization rules. For those saying new rules are likely to come in the next CBA, much like new scheduling and season-length rules, any new prioritization rules likely wouldn’t be enacted this year. Given Stewart’s precarious health over the past few seasons, her competing in a competition so close to the WNBA is also a little anxiety-inducing for fans.

This reads a lot like a negotiation tactic. One of the WNBA’s best players, a leader on her New York Liberty team, who will be welcoming a new coaching staff in camp — missing the first days of training camp. Essentially, starting to make other plans in case the WNBA season is pushed or doesn’t happen. There is speculation going around that if a new CBA isn’t agreed upon in the next week or two, the currently scheduled WNBA season will start being affected.

Stewart, as one of the members of the WNBPA’s executive committee, essentially just sent a coded message that she doesn’t think a deal is happening in the next few days or weeks. A lot of players will be playing in this Euroleague tournament, but Stewart’s doing so sends a bigger message. She’s one of the most outspoken and influential players in the WNBA. Her actions and words carry a ton of weight.

So, while it’s completely possible that she just wants to go hoop in Turkey and win a tournament, you can’t help but wonder WHY a player who has already won every prize in the basketball world wants to randomly go compete in this. Unless, of course, it’s being used as a message.

What do you think about Breanna Stewart playing in Turkey this spring?

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Deadspin | Yankees face Rangers looking to begin new winning streak Apr 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter (22) throws during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are monitoring the status of designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton as they prepare to begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas. Stanton has missed the last two games with right calf tightness, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team will decide before Monday’s contest if a trip to the injured list is needed. “I know (Saturday) he felt like it improved,” Boone said. “I think he also feels like he got in front of it a little bit, so we’ll see how it unfolds.” The Yankees had their eight-game win streak snapped in a 7-4 road loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday, while Texas dropped two of three to the visiting Athletics over the weekend. New York slugger Aaron Judge celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday with a solo blast for his 10th homer of the season. The Yankees later optioned starting pitcher Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he allowed six runs over four-plus innings in the loss. Gil was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2024, when he posted a 3.50 ERA in 29 starts. Left-hander Max Fried (3-1, 2.40 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees in the series opener. He allowed three hits over eight scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox last Wednesday. Fried, 32, struck out nine and walked two while throwing 100 pitches. “I definitely felt more like myself,” Fried said. “I worked really well with (catcher) Austin (Wells). He made some really great calls and some good stops. And then some really good defense as well, being able to pick me up and know that I can just be on the attack.” Brandon Nimmo is 3-for-30 (.100) and Corey Seager is 3-for-21 (.143) against Fried, who is making his second career start versus Texas. He allowed four runs over five innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on Aug. 4, 2025. Texas will counter with right-hander Jack Leiter (1-1, 4.97), who allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in a no-decision against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Wednesday. “I thought Jack, the way he was throwing the baseball, was going to go seven innings, one-run type of thing,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “That’s the way he was cruising with the low pitch count, fastball was playing at the top. Then the fifth inning happened, and it got out of hand a little bit there.” Leiter, 26, is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees. The Rangers have received a spark from third baseman Josh Jung, who doubled twice on Sunday and is hitting .378 (28-for-74) with four homers, 12 runs and 14 RBIs over his last 21 games. “I’m trying to ride the wave as long as I can,” Jung said. “I think it’s just my daily discipline to be as consistent as possible and try to get my performance to be consistent.” Jung was moved into the cleanup spot for the second time this season on Sunday, while center fielder Evan Carter hit fifth. After batting cleanup for most of the season, first baseman Jake Burger hit sixth on Sunday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #face #Rangers #winning #streakApr 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter (22) throws during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are monitoring the status of designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton as they prepare to begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas.

Stanton has missed the last two games with right calf tightness, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team will decide before Monday’s contest if a trip to the injured list is needed.

“I know (Saturday) he felt like it improved,” Boone said. “I think he also feels like he got in front of it a little bit, so we’ll see how it unfolds.”

The Yankees had their eight-game win streak snapped in a 7-4 road loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday, while Texas dropped two of three to the visiting Athletics over the weekend.

New York slugger Aaron Judge celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday with a solo blast for his 10th homer of the season.

The Yankees later optioned starting pitcher Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he allowed six runs over four-plus innings in the loss. Gil was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2024, when he posted a 3.50 ERA in 29 starts.

Left-hander Max Fried (3-1, 2.40 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees in the series opener. He allowed three hits over eight scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox last Wednesday.

Fried, 32, struck out nine and walked two while throwing 100 pitches.


“I definitely felt more like myself,” Fried said. “I worked really well with (catcher) Austin (Wells). He made some really great calls and some good stops. And then some really good defense as well, being able to pick me up and know that I can just be on the attack.”

Brandon Nimmo is 3-for-30 (.100) and Corey Seager is 3-for-21 (.143) against Fried, who is making his second career start versus Texas. He allowed four runs over five innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on Aug. 4, 2025.

Texas will counter with right-hander Jack Leiter (1-1, 4.97), who allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in a no-decision against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Wednesday.

“I thought Jack, the way he was throwing the baseball, was going to go seven innings, one-run type of thing,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “That’s the way he was cruising with the low pitch count, fastball was playing at the top. Then the fifth inning happened, and it got out of hand a little bit there.”

Leiter, 26, is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees.

The Rangers have received a spark from third baseman Josh Jung, who doubled twice on Sunday and is hitting .378 (28-for-74) with four homers, 12 runs and 14 RBIs over his last 21 games.

“I’m trying to ride the wave as long as I can,” Jung said. “I think it’s just my daily discipline to be as consistent as possible and try to get my performance to be consistent.”

Jung was moved into the cleanup spot for the second time this season on Sunday, while center fielder Evan Carter hit fifth. After batting cleanup for most of the season, first baseman Jake Burger hit sixth on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Yankees #face #Rangers #winning #streak">Deadspin | Yankees face Rangers looking to begin new winning streak Apr 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter (22) throws during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are monitoring the status of designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton as they prepare to begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday in Arlington, Texas. Stanton has missed the last two games with right calf tightness, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team will decide before Monday’s contest if a trip to the injured list is needed. “I know (Saturday) he felt like it improved,” Boone said. “I think he also feels like he got in front of it a little bit, so we’ll see how it unfolds.” The Yankees had their eight-game win streak snapped in a 7-4 road loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday, while Texas dropped two of three to the visiting Athletics over the weekend. New York slugger Aaron Judge celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday with a solo blast for his 10th homer of the season. The Yankees later optioned starting pitcher Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he allowed six runs over four-plus innings in the loss. Gil was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2024, when he posted a 3.50 ERA in 29 starts. Left-hander Max Fried (3-1, 2.40 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees in the series opener. He allowed three hits over eight scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox last Wednesday. Fried, 32, struck out nine and walked two while throwing 100 pitches. “I definitely felt more like myself,” Fried said. “I worked really well with (catcher) Austin (Wells). He made some really great calls and some good stops. And then some really good defense as well, being able to pick me up and know that I can just be on the attack.” Brandon Nimmo is 3-for-30 (.100) and Corey Seager is 3-for-21 (.143) against Fried, who is making his second career start versus Texas. He allowed four runs over five innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on Aug. 4, 2025. Texas will counter with right-hander Jack Leiter (1-1, 4.97), who allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings in a no-decision against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Wednesday. “I thought Jack, the way he was throwing the baseball, was going to go seven innings, one-run type of thing,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “That’s the way he was cruising with the low pitch count, fastball was playing at the top. Then the fifth inning happened, and it got out of hand a little bit there.” Leiter, 26, is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees. The Rangers have received a spark from third baseman Josh Jung, who doubled twice on Sunday and is hitting .378 (28-for-74) with four homers, 12 runs and 14 RBIs over his last 21 games. “I’m trying to ride the wave as long as I can,” Jung said. “I think it’s just my daily discipline to be as consistent as possible and try to get my performance to be consistent.” Jung was moved into the cleanup spot for the second time this season on Sunday, while center fielder Evan Carter hit fifth. After batting cleanup for most of the season, first baseman Jake Burger hit sixth on Sunday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #face #Rangers #winning #streak

Deadspin | Ducks rally twice, upend Oilers in OT for 3-1 lead Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images Ryan Poehling scored the winning goal to give the host Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and put them one win away from advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund and Jeffery Viel also scored for the Ducks in the comeback victory that has them up 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Defensemen John and Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each had two assists and Lukas Dostal made 24 saves. Game 5 is Tuesday in Edmonton. The Oilers’ Evan Bouchard notched a goal and an assist, Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each scored a goal, while Connor McDavid collected two assists, his 50th multi-point performance in 100 career playoff games. Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots in his first start of this year’s playoffs. Poehling sent a pass to the front of the net, and it ricocheted off Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse’s skate before squirting through Jarry’s legs just over the line at 2:29 of overtime. Poehling has three goals in the series. A lengthy video review ruled it was a good goal. The Oilers have scored first in every game of the series and continued that trend when Kapanen tallied just 38 seconds into the clash by pouncing on a loose puck in the slot for his fourth goal of the series. Nugent-Hopkins doubled the lead on the power play six minutes later. His shot from the left circle was stopped, but the puck bounced off the skate of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and into the net. Gauthier provided the Ducks a huge jolt when he put them on the board with a short-side, top-corner wrist shot from the right faceoff dot at 12:24 of the second period. Granlund scored Anaheim’s second power-play goal of the game — and sixth of the series — with 77 seconds remaining in the period by converting a give-and-go with Leo Carlsson to tie the clash 2-2. Bouchard restored Edmonton’s lead with his team’s second power-play goal of the affair, finding the mark with a high shot at 3:27 of the third period. However, Viel again pulled Anaheim even by sliding into the net a loose puck with 6:29 remaining in regulation. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #rally #upend #Oilers #leadApr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Ryan Poehling scored the winning goal to give the host Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and put them one win away from advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund and Jeffery Viel also scored for the Ducks in the comeback victory that has them up 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Defensemen John and Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each had two assists and Lukas Dostal made 24 saves.

Game 5 is Tuesday in Edmonton.

The Oilers’ Evan Bouchard notched a goal and an assist, Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each scored a goal, while Connor McDavid collected two assists, his 50th multi-point performance in 100 career playoff games. Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots in his first start of this year’s playoffs.

Poehling sent a pass to the front of the net, and it ricocheted off Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse’s skate before squirting through Jarry’s legs just over the line at 2:29 of overtime. Poehling has three goals in the series.

A lengthy video review ruled it was a good goal.


The Oilers have scored first in every game of the series and continued that trend when Kapanen tallied just 38 seconds into the clash by pouncing on a loose puck in the slot for his fourth goal of the series.

Nugent-Hopkins doubled the lead on the power play six minutes later. His shot from the left circle was stopped, but the puck bounced off the skate of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and into the net.

Gauthier provided the Ducks a huge jolt when he put them on the board with a short-side, top-corner wrist shot from the right faceoff dot at 12:24 of the second period.

Granlund scored Anaheim’s second power-play goal of the game — and sixth of the series — with 77 seconds remaining in the period by converting a give-and-go with Leo Carlsson to tie the clash 2-2.

Bouchard restored Edmonton’s lead with his team’s second power-play goal of the affair, finding the mark with a high shot at 3:27 of the third period.

However, Viel again pulled Anaheim even by sliding into the net a loose puck with 6:29 remaining in regulation.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #rally #upend #Oilers #lead">Deadspin | Ducks rally twice, upend Oilers in OT for 3-1 lead Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images Ryan Poehling scored the winning goal to give the host Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and put them one win away from advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund and Jeffery Viel also scored for the Ducks in the comeback victory that has them up 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Defensemen John and Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each had two assists and Lukas Dostal made 24 saves. Game 5 is Tuesday in Edmonton. The Oilers’ Evan Bouchard notched a goal and an assist, Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each scored a goal, while Connor McDavid collected two assists, his 50th multi-point performance in 100 career playoff games. Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots in his first start of this year’s playoffs. Poehling sent a pass to the front of the net, and it ricocheted off Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse’s skate before squirting through Jarry’s legs just over the line at 2:29 of overtime. Poehling has three goals in the series. A lengthy video review ruled it was a good goal. The Oilers have scored first in every game of the series and continued that trend when Kapanen tallied just 38 seconds into the clash by pouncing on a loose puck in the slot for his fourth goal of the series. Nugent-Hopkins doubled the lead on the power play six minutes later. His shot from the left circle was stopped, but the puck bounced off the skate of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and into the net. Gauthier provided the Ducks a huge jolt when he put them on the board with a short-side, top-corner wrist shot from the right faceoff dot at 12:24 of the second period. Granlund scored Anaheim’s second power-play goal of the game — and sixth of the series — with 77 seconds remaining in the period by converting a give-and-go with Leo Carlsson to tie the clash 2-2. Bouchard restored Edmonton’s lead with his team’s second power-play goal of the affair, finding the mark with a high shot at 3:27 of the third period. However, Viel again pulled Anaheim even by sliding into the net a loose puck with 6:29 remaining in regulation. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #rally #upend #Oilers #lead

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Spurs storm past Blazers in Victor Wembanyama’s return Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks off the court after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday. Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals. Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers. Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining. Rockets 115, Lakers 96 Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 and Houston averted elimination with a victory over visiting Los Angeles in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack. After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter. Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89 Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points and Toronto held off visiting Cleveland to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2. Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots to his stat line and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, knocking down all six free throw attempts in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill contributed 14 points. Celtics 128, 76ers 96 Payton Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench and Boston took a 3-1 series lead with a convincing road victory over Philadelphia. Jayson Tatum made five treys and recorded 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the second-seeded Celtics moved one victory away from winning the Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday in Boston. Joel Embiid played for the first time in the series for the seventh-seeded 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy two-plus weeks ago. He scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and six assists while playing 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points and Paul George added 16 for the 76ers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Spurs #storm #Blazers #Victor #Wembanyamas #returnApr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks off the court after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.

Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers.

Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining.

Rockets 115, Lakers 96

Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 and Houston averted elimination with a victory over visiting Los Angeles in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack.

After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter.

Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89


Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points and Toronto held off visiting Cleveland to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2.

Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots to his stat line and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, knocking down all six free throw attempts in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds.

Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill contributed 14 points.

Celtics 128, 76ers 96

Payton Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench and Boston took a 3-1 series lead with a convincing road victory over Philadelphia.

Jayson Tatum made five treys and recorded 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the second-seeded Celtics moved one victory away from winning the Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday in Boston.

Joel Embiid played for the first time in the series for the seventh-seeded 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy two-plus weeks ago. He scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and six assists while playing 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points and Paul George added 16 for the 76ers.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Spurs #storm #Blazers #Victor #Wembanyamas #return">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Spurs storm past Blazers in Victor Wembanyama’s return Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks off the court after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday. Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals. Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers. Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining. Rockets 115, Lakers 96 Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 and Houston averted elimination with a victory over visiting Los Angeles in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack. After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter. Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89 Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points and Toronto held off visiting Cleveland to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2. Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots to his stat line and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, knocking down all six free throw attempts in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill contributed 14 points. Celtics 128, 76ers 96 Payton Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench and Boston took a 3-1 series lead with a convincing road victory over Philadelphia. Jayson Tatum made five treys and recorded 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the second-seeded Celtics moved one victory away from winning the Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday in Boston. Joel Embiid played for the first time in the series for the seventh-seeded 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy two-plus weeks ago. He scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and six assists while playing 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points and Paul George added 16 for the 76ers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Spurs #storm #Blazers #Victor #Wembanyamas #return

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