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Alysa Liu completes her comeback to take gold at the Winter Olympics

Alysa Liu completes her comeback to take gold at the Winter Olympics

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For the first time since the 2002 Winter Olympics, an American woman stands atop the figure skating world.

Alysa Liu completed her Hollywood ending, taking gold on a dramatic night ahead of the Japanese pair of Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. After stepping away from the sport for nearly three years, Liu returned and delivered on the biggest stage in figure skating.

Entering the free skate, Nakai led the way, followed by teammates Sakamoto in second and Mone Chiba in fourth. Liu finished the short program in fourth, while her teammates Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn were down in 8th and 13th, respectively. But all eyes were on Russia’s Adeliya Petrosian, competing under the AIN banner, and the potential in her free skate. Petrosian finished fifth in the short program, but with several quads planned, Petrosian had the chance to make up a ton of ground in the free skate.

Glenn was the first of the major contenders to hit the ice, closing out the second group on Thursday night after her missed triple toe loop in the short program dropped her down to 13th place. She led her program again with a triple Axel, and much like in the short program, Glenn nailed the most difficult jump in her free skate. She then delivered on a triple flip/triple toe loop combination, getting her free skate off to an impressive start.

She followed that with a triple lutz/double toe loop combination, followed by a triple Salchow, and then another triple loop, double Axel, double Axel combination. At the midway point of her performance, it was apparent that Glenn was on her game tonight. While she did touch her hand to the ice on her final jump, a triple toe loop, it was the redemption performance Glenn — and the arena — were looking for.

It was also the best free skate of her season, coming in at 147.52, good for a total score of 214.91 and first place overall with 12 skaters remaining.

Glenn remained at the top of the standings when the final group of skaters took to the ice, a group which included Petrosian, Liu, and the trio from Japan. Petrosian was the first of those skaters to take to the ice, with the toughest planned free skate planned, which included a pair of quads.

She fell on the first quad attempt.

Petrosian finished with a technical score of 71.69, which was behind the technical score of 78.87 posted by Glenn earlier in the night. After the judges weighed in, Petrosian’s free skate of 141.64 brought her total score to 214.53, behind Glenn and keeping the American skater atop the results list for yet another moment.

Mone Chiba was next, the first of the three Japanese skaters left to take to the ice on this night in Milan. After an opening combination, she hit both a triple toe loop and a triple Salchow, two elements she has struggled with this season. Her closing step and choreographic sequence both brought high marks, and she finished with a technical score close to the mark posted by Glenn.

When the judges had their say, Chiba’s free skate of 143.88 led to a total score of 217.88, putting her into first place and dropping Glenn down into second.

Then it was time for Liu, who was looking for a Hollywood ending of her own, given her career path. Taking the ice to ”MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer, Liu landed a crisp triple flip to open her program, followed by a strong triple Lutz/triple toe loop combination. She followed that with what looked to be a clean triple Salchow, a strong step sequence, and a lovely triple toe loop.

“Two more jumps between her and an Olympic podium,” said Johnny Weir in the NBC commentary booth.

Liu finished with a provisional technical score of 75.60, which was ahead of the mark posted by Chiba. The relief on her face was evidence of the performance, as Liu knew that she had done everything she could to secure a medal.

Almost three years away from world competition, and Liu was back and guaranteed an Olympic medal. Her free skate score of 150.20 rocketed her into the lead with a total score of 226.79, and with just two skaters left, she was guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

And Team USA was guaranteed their first individual medal in women’s figure skating since Sasha Cohen took silver at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

Here is a portion of Liu’s performance:

Then it was back to Japan, as the veteran Sakamoto took to the ice for the final time as an individual Olympic athlete. Sakamoto skated a very clean performance, including adding a jump sequence late in the free skate that she missed earlier in the routine. She closed with a triple loop and a beautiful combination spin sequence, a strong performance of her own.

But was it enough to take the lead from Liu?

She looked uncertain as she left the ice, and the missed combination from earlier in her free skate likely weighed on her mind. “Had she done that triple flip/triple toe, it would be a different story,” highlighted Weir in the commentary box.

Sakamoto shared a hug with Liu as she waited for her score, and when that came in, her free skate score of 147.67was goo for a total score of 224.90, good for second.

Liu remained the leader with just one skater left, the 17-year-old Nakai from Japan. But the Japanese skater took to the ice ready to take on a tougher technical program than Liu, and a planned triple Axel, which would give her a big five-point bonus if she could land the toughest jump in the sport.

“If she skates this free skate clean, she will probably become the Olympic champion,” said Tara Lipinski.

Nakai nailed that triple Axel to open her program, and the fight for gold was on.

Nakai followed that with a stunning triple loop/double toe loop, but then came a stumble, as she missed on a second jumping combination, under-rotating on the second jump in that pass. She rebounded with a strong triple Salchow, ahead of a planned triple Lutz/double Axel/double Axel combination, which was clean as well on first viewing.

Two more big jumps followed, a triple flip and a triple loop, both of which were crisp from the 17-year-old. Her flowing spin sequences closed out her free skate, and provisionally her technical score was on par with Liu’s, but several of her jumps were under review.

Would her free skate be enough for gold?

It was going to be close.

Nakai’s free skate score came in at 140.45, which was good for 219.16.

Alysa Liu had completed her comeback to take gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

For the first time since Sarah Hughes in 2002 and the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, an American had won gold in women’s figure skating. Sakamoto took silver, with Nakai taking bronze:

And after her tough short program, Glenn rebounded to finish fifth in a redemption moment of her own.

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Deadspin | Struggling Mets look for rare series win against Angels Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks off the field after getting taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Hours after David Stearns said there were no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets went out Friday night and finally authored the kind of victory necessary to ensure the heat is turned down on their manager. The Mets will look to earn a rare series win Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Angels in the middle game of a three-game interleague set in Anaheim, Calif. Right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA). The Mets mounted their biggest comeback win of the season Friday night, when Ronny Mauricio hit the tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and five pitchers combined to retire the final the 21 Angels batters in a 4-3 victory. The win was just the fourth in the last 21 games for the Mets, who have the worst record in the major leagues at 11-21. The 32-game start is tied for the second-worst in franchise history behind only the 1981 team that opened 8-23-1. The extended skid has made Mendoza’s job security a regular topic at his news conferences. Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and surrounded by a spate of first-year coaches hired by Stearns after the president of baseball operations overhauled the staff and playing roster following last year’s second-half collapse cost the Mets a playoff berth. But the Mets are off to their slow start in large part because many of Stearns’ off-season additions are hurt or ineffective. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets’ Opening Day designated hitter and center fielder, are each on the injured list. Relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, expected to man the final two innings after the Mets were outbid for Edwin Diaz by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a scoreless outing in the same game Friday for just the sixth time this season — and the first time in a win since April 7. “We don’t view this as a manager problem and we don’t intend to make a change,” Stearns told MLB.com Friday. The Mets looked more energized during their rally Friday, when Angels starter Walbert Urena limited them to one hit through the first five innings. He left after Bo Bichette lined a single off his right knee leading off the sixth. New York tied the game later in the inning by scoring three runs off relievers Brent Suter and Chase Silseth before Mauricio went deep off Jose Fermin with one out in the seventh. “They fought back and they found a way,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.” Good signs have been hard to find for the Angels, who are tied for last in the AL West with the Houston Astros. Los Angeles suffered its seventh straight loss Friday to fall to 1-11 since an 11-10 start. The Angels, whose 113 runs through Apr 17 were the second-most in baseball, have scored just 40 runs during their skid, the third-fewest in the majors ahead of only the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. The bullpen has been an even bigger problem for Los Angeles. Angels relievers haven’t combined on a scoreless effort since April 19, when Sam Bachman and Suter teamed up to throw three innings behind Urena in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres. “What we can’t do is fold the tent,” Suter said. “Can’t do it. This is too hard of a league to fold the tent. We’ve got to stay the course, keep fighting, keep wanting the ball and then it’ll turn around. But it’s heavy right now, for sure.” McLean took the defeat in his most recent start last Sunday, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings as the Mets fell to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader. Detmers didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after giving up three runs over five innings in the Angels’ 11-9, 10-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals. McLean has never opposed the Angels. Detmers gave up one run in one inning of relief in his lone appearance against the Mets last July 21, when Los Angeles suffered a 7-5 loss. -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #AngelsApr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks off the field after getting taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Hours after David Stearns said there were no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets went out Friday night and finally authored the kind of victory necessary to ensure the heat is turned down on their manager.

The Mets will look to earn a rare series win Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Angels in the middle game of a three-game interleague set in Anaheim, Calif.

Right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA).

The Mets mounted their biggest comeback win of the season Friday night, when Ronny Mauricio hit the tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and five pitchers combined to retire the final the 21 Angels batters in a 4-3 victory.

The win was just the fourth in the last 21 games for the Mets, who have the worst record in the major leagues at 11-21. The 32-game start is tied for the second-worst in franchise history behind only the 1981 team that opened 8-23-1.

The extended skid has made Mendoza’s job security a regular topic at his news conferences. Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and surrounded by a spate of first-year coaches hired by Stearns after the president of baseball operations overhauled the staff and playing roster following last year’s second-half collapse cost the Mets a playoff berth.

But the Mets are off to their slow start in large part because many of Stearns’ off-season additions are hurt or ineffective. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets’ Opening Day designated hitter and center fielder, are each on the injured list.

Relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, expected to man the final two innings after the Mets were outbid for Edwin Diaz by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a scoreless outing in the same game Friday for just the sixth time this season — and the first time in a win since April 7.

“We don’t view this as a manager problem and we don’t intend to make a change,” Stearns told MLB.com Friday.


The Mets looked more energized during their rally Friday, when Angels starter Walbert Urena limited them to one hit through the first five innings. He left after Bo Bichette lined a single off his right knee leading off the sixth. New York tied the game later in the inning by scoring three runs off relievers Brent Suter and Chase Silseth before Mauricio went deep off Jose Fermin with one out in the seventh.

“They fought back and they found a way,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.”

Good signs have been hard to find for the Angels, who are tied for last in the AL West with the Houston Astros.

Los Angeles suffered its seventh straight loss Friday to fall to 1-11 since an 11-10 start. The Angels, whose 113 runs through Apr 17 were the second-most in baseball, have scored just 40 runs during their skid, the third-fewest in the majors ahead of only the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers.

The bullpen has been an even bigger problem for Los Angeles. Angels relievers haven’t combined on a scoreless effort since April 19, when Sam Bachman and Suter teamed up to throw three innings behind Urena in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres.

“What we can’t do is fold the tent,” Suter said. “Can’t do it. This is too hard of a league to fold the tent. We’ve got to stay the course, keep fighting, keep wanting the ball and then it’ll turn around. But it’s heavy right now, for sure.”

McLean took the defeat in his most recent start last Sunday, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings as the Mets fell to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader.

Detmers didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after giving up three runs over five innings in the Angels’ 11-9, 10-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals.

McLean has never opposed the Angels. Detmers gave up one run in one inning of relief in his lone appearance against the Mets last July 21, when Los Angeles suffered a 7-5 loss.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #Angels">Deadspin | Struggling Mets look for rare series win against Angels Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks off the field after getting taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Hours after David Stearns said there were no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets went out Friday night and finally authored the kind of victory necessary to ensure the heat is turned down on their manager. The Mets will look to earn a rare series win Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Angels in the middle game of a three-game interleague set in Anaheim, Calif. Right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA). The Mets mounted their biggest comeback win of the season Friday night, when Ronny Mauricio hit the tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and five pitchers combined to retire the final the 21 Angels batters in a 4-3 victory. The win was just the fourth in the last 21 games for the Mets, who have the worst record in the major leagues at 11-21. The 32-game start is tied for the second-worst in franchise history behind only the 1981 team that opened 8-23-1. The extended skid has made Mendoza’s job security a regular topic at his news conferences. Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and surrounded by a spate of first-year coaches hired by Stearns after the president of baseball operations overhauled the staff and playing roster following last year’s second-half collapse cost the Mets a playoff berth. But the Mets are off to their slow start in large part because many of Stearns’ off-season additions are hurt or ineffective. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets’ Opening Day designated hitter and center fielder, are each on the injured list. Relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, expected to man the final two innings after the Mets were outbid for Edwin Diaz by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a scoreless outing in the same game Friday for just the sixth time this season — and the first time in a win since April 7. “We don’t view this as a manager problem and we don’t intend to make a change,” Stearns told MLB.com Friday. The Mets looked more energized during their rally Friday, when Angels starter Walbert Urena limited them to one hit through the first five innings. He left after Bo Bichette lined a single off his right knee leading off the sixth. New York tied the game later in the inning by scoring three runs off relievers Brent Suter and Chase Silseth before Mauricio went deep off Jose Fermin with one out in the seventh. “They fought back and they found a way,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.” Good signs have been hard to find for the Angels, who are tied for last in the AL West with the Houston Astros. Los Angeles suffered its seventh straight loss Friday to fall to 1-11 since an 11-10 start. The Angels, whose 113 runs through Apr 17 were the second-most in baseball, have scored just 40 runs during their skid, the third-fewest in the majors ahead of only the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. The bullpen has been an even bigger problem for Los Angeles. Angels relievers haven’t combined on a scoreless effort since April 19, when Sam Bachman and Suter teamed up to throw three innings behind Urena in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres. “What we can’t do is fold the tent,” Suter said. “Can’t do it. This is too hard of a league to fold the tent. We’ve got to stay the course, keep fighting, keep wanting the ball and then it’ll turn around. But it’s heavy right now, for sure.” McLean took the defeat in his most recent start last Sunday, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings as the Mets fell to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader. Detmers didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after giving up three runs over five innings in the Angels’ 11-9, 10-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals. McLean has never opposed the Angels. Detmers gave up one run in one inning of relief in his lone appearance against the Mets last July 21, when Los Angeles suffered a 7-5 loss. -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #Angels

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.

Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.

ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim">Bundesliga 2025-26: Olise’s late goal snatches draw for Bayern against Heidenheim Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more timeThe Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.Published on May 02, 2026 #Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim

Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim">Bundesliga 2025-26: Olise’s late goal snatches draw for Bayern against Heidenheim

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich scored through Michael Olise with the last ​kick of the game to snatch a 3-3 draw against ‌bottom club Heidenheim in the league on ​Saturday, after battling back from two goals ⁠down.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side heavily after Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Paris St Germain in its Champions ‌League semi-final first leg and ahead of next week’s return match in Munich.

Treble-chasing Bayern, which ‌has already secured the league title, quickly found ‌itself ⁠two goals down with Budu Zivzivadze and ⁠Eren Dinkci finding far too much space to beat keeper Jonas Urbig.

ALSO READ: Germany delays its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad reveal by nine days to give injured players more time

The Bavarians, who last week came from 3-0 down to beat ​Mainz 05 4-3 in ‌the Bundesliga and cut the deficit against PSG from 5-2 to 5-4 on Tuesday, pulled back a goal with Leon Goretzka’s superb freekick just before ‌the break.

The midfielder, who will be leaving Bayern ​at the end of the season, volleyed in from close range in the 57th to ⁠level but Heidenheim, desperate for points to have a shot at reaching the relegation playoff spot in the ‌last two remaining matchdays, hit back once more.

Zivzivadze curled a shot into the top far corner after shaking off Olise in the 76th to put his team 3-2 up and set a club record for scoring for a fourth successive league match. Substitute ‌Olise then grabbed a point for the hosts with a long-range ​effort that went in off the back of Heidenheim keeper Diant Ramaj 10 minutes into ⁠stoppage time.

Bayern is on 83 points with second-placed Borussia ⁠Dortmund, on 67, in action at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday.

Heidenheim is in last place on 23, ‌two behind VfL Wolfsburg, and three off St Pauli in the relegation playoff spot. Both the ​Wolves and St Pauli play on Sunday.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Bundesliga #Olises #late #goal #snatches #draw #Bayern #Heidenheim

When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.

But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.

Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Says He’s Kicking Father Time’s Ass – And He’s Right | Deadspin.com When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.He’s not wrong.James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.What’s next for LeBron?The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally. #LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com

only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com">LeBron James Says He’s Kicking Father Time’s Ass – And He’s Right | Deadspin.com

When Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out ahead of Round 1’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff matchup, many had written off the purple and gold.

But LeBron James pulled off another unthinkable playoff victory, defeating the Rockets in six games.

Of course, the Rockets only had superstar Kevin Durant for one game this series. But James only had Reaves for one game, and new reports indicate that Doncic isn’t anywhere near a return for the Lakers.

“I’m kicking (Father Time’s) ass,” James told the Prime Video studio crew following Game 6.

He’s not wrong.

James averaged 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds against the Rockets in the first round. Without Doncic and Reaves, James proved that he’s still capable of winning in the NBA Playoffs almost singlehandedly. The 41-year-old averaged 38.7 minutes per game in this series.

We’ve never seen longevity like this in the history of the NBA.

Until the end of time, basketball fans will debate if James was better than Michael Jordan, who won six championships and was undefeated in the NBA Finals. But one thing that’s not up for debate is that Jordan was not doing this. At 41, Jordan was retired. He took on a management position with the Washington Wizards and only served a few seasons as President of Basketball Operations.

At 41, James isn’t playing a Udonis Haslam role for the Lakers. This isn’t an old man at the end of his career holding onto the glory days. Sure, it might be an old man at the end of his career. But even though James isn’t the same player that dragged teams to eight consecutive NBA Finals, he’s playing some damn good basketball and looks to have a lot more in the tank.

His actual son is playing meaningful minutes in this series, as Bronny James has gotten some run due to Doncic’s absence. Around the NBA, “great” teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are struggling against lower-seeded opponents. At 41, James is dragging an undermanned Lakers team through the first round somewhat easily.

After a reverse dunk earlier in the series, James said he “needed to sit down somewhere.” After handling business against the Rockets in six games, James thanked the Toronto Raptors for forcing a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, buying the Lakers an extra day of rest.

There’s no denying that James is probably physically dealing with the taxes of playing elite basketball into his 40s. But hopefully he understands how much this greatness is being appreciated from basketball fans everywhere.

What’s next for LeBron?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the NBA, await James and the Lakers.

It’s a good thing Reaves is back, because the Thunder will pose more of a challenge than the Durant-less Rockets did.

Even if the Thunder take down the Lakers, LeBron’s future in the NBA will be under a microscope. Recent reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of a farewell tour. However, he just displayed that he’s capable of playing at a very high level. He has nothing left to prove, but walking away from the game now would somehow feel premature, even at age 41.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are giving the Thunder a 91% chance of winning this series. A contract on Los Angeles to upset this series would payout 10.4x the initial stake.

But if James has one more miracle in him, this could be a series for the ages. Literally.

#LeBron #James #Hes #Kicking #Father #Times #Ass #Hes #Deadspin.com

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