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Deadspin | Amid ‘really good vibes,’ surging Bucks host Raptors

Deadspin | Amid ‘really good vibes,’ surging Bucks host Raptors

Sports news

Feb 20, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) dribbles against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The suddenly hot Milwaukee Bucks will return home for the first time in more than two weeks when they face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon.

The Bucks opened their post All-Star break schedule in New Orleans, where they pulled away late to beat the Pelicans 139-118 on Friday night.

The win was Milwaukee’s third in a row and sixth in the past seven contests.

It was a balanced scoring attack for the Bucks, led by 27 points each from Ryan Rollins and newly acquired Cam Thomas in addition to 25 points and seven assists from Kevin Porter Jr.

Bobby Portis added 17 points and 11 rebounds.

“We’re just being aggressive, looking for our shots on all of our three-level scorers,” Rollins said of the guards’ ability to find the best matchup. “Some situations where you may feel like it’s an advantage that they have, we just call a quick boomerang or just give them space and let them work out.”

Thomas has made a strong first impression in his three games since being signed by the Bucks as a free agent this month after being released by the Brooklyn Nets.

In addition to his 27 points on Friday, he scored 12 in a victory over Oklahoma City on Feb. 12 and 34 in just 25 minutes in a win over Orlando they day before.

“The players and coaches embraced me as soon as I got here. Everyone was like just be you and play your game; that meant a lot to me,” said Thomas, 24. “The vibes are really good; we’re playing meaningful basketball.”

Toronto, meanwhile, got off to a good start in its post-break schedule as it took down the Bulls in Chicago 110-101 on Thursday. It was Toronto’s third win in its last four games.

Brandon Ingram led the way with 31 points and also had eight rebounds and six assists. Teammate Scottie Barnes added 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

“Usually the first game (after the break) is finding the rhythm, getting the rust off,” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said. “What I’m really proud of is our guys staying the course during the whole game. We kept finding ways to compete.”

Ingram is averaging a team-high 22.0 points a game this season, and Barnes is next at 19.2 while leading the team in rebounds at 8.4 a game.

“I thought it was important for me to be aggressive whether the shot was going in or not and also just having a presence on the defensive side,” Ingram said. “As a leader I want to pick my spots, talk when it’s important, not just rah-rah.”

On the injury front, Toronto’s report is clear outside of Chucky Hepburn, who is out with a knee injury.

Milwaukee was without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Myles Turner (calf) in Friday’s game. Coach Doc Rivers reported that Antetokounmpo practiced but has not done any live five-on-five work. Rivers added that there is still no firm timetable for the star’s return, but “he’s close.”

This is the final matchup between Toronto and Milwaukee this season as the Raptors look for the season-series victory, having won two of the three games.

In the most recent meeting, on Dec. 18, Toronto won 111-105 behind Ingram’s 29 points.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich retiring June 1 Sep 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; University of Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich walks on the field prior to the game against Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images University of Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective June 1. Radakovich, 67, has guided the Hurricanes’ athletic department since 2021 after previously working as the AD at Clemson (2012-21), Georgia Tech (2006-12) and American (2000-01). “Dan came to us with an outstanding track record. I’ve enjoyed working with him as we’ve rebuilt and advanced Miami Athletics during an incredibly transformative time,” Miami president Joe Echevarria said. “Dan is a person of high character and has been an invaluable thought partner. I will continue to seek his advice and counsel going forward and wish him and his family all the best in what comes next.” Radakovich was the senior associate AD at LSU from 2001-06. He began his career as an athletic business manager at Miami from 1983-85. “Serving the University of Miami again has been an absolute privilege,” Radakovich said. “This place means everything to me, and I’m proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and staff have accomplished together. The program is in a great place, and it’s the right time for fresh leadership to shape what comes next.” Highlights from his tenure in Coral Gables, Fla., include the football team’s run to the CFP championship game last season, the men’s basketball team’s first-ever Final Four in 2023 and the women’s basketball team’s first Elite Eight the same year. The Miami athletic department matched a school record this past year with a graduation rate of 94%. A national search for a successor is already underway. Deputy athletic directors Brian Baptiste and Rachelle Paul will serve as co-leaders of the department during the transition. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Miami #athletic #director #Dan #Radakovich #retiring #JuneSep 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; University of Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich walks on the field prior to the game against Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

University of Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective June 1.

Radakovich, 67, has guided the Hurricanes’ athletic department since 2021 after previously working as the AD at Clemson (2012-21), Georgia Tech (2006-12) and American (2000-01).

“Dan came to us with an outstanding track record. I’ve enjoyed working with him as we’ve rebuilt and advanced Miami Athletics during an incredibly transformative time,” Miami president Joe Echevarria said. “Dan is a person of high character and has been an invaluable thought partner. I will continue to seek his advice and counsel going forward and wish him and his family all the best in what comes next.”

Radakovich was the senior associate AD at LSU from 2001-06. He began his career as an athletic business manager at Miami from 1983-85.


“Serving the University of Miami again has been an absolute privilege,” Radakovich said. “This place means everything to me, and I’m proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and staff have accomplished together. The program is in a great place, and it’s the right time for fresh leadership to shape what comes next.”

Highlights from his tenure in Coral Gables, Fla., include the football team’s run to the CFP championship game last season, the men’s basketball team’s first-ever Final Four in 2023 and the women’s basketball team’s first Elite Eight the same year.

The Miami athletic department matched a school record this past year with a graduation rate of 94%.

A national search for a successor is already underway. Deputy athletic directors Brian Baptiste and Rachelle Paul will serve as co-leaders of the department during the transition.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Miami #athletic #director #Dan #Radakovich #retiring #June">Deadspin | Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich retiring June 1 Sep 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; University of Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich walks on the field prior to the game against Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images University of Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective June 1. Radakovich, 67, has guided the Hurricanes’ athletic department since 2021 after previously working as the AD at Clemson (2012-21), Georgia Tech (2006-12) and American (2000-01). “Dan came to us with an outstanding track record. I’ve enjoyed working with him as we’ve rebuilt and advanced Miami Athletics during an incredibly transformative time,” Miami president Joe Echevarria said. “Dan is a person of high character and has been an invaluable thought partner. I will continue to seek his advice and counsel going forward and wish him and his family all the best in what comes next.” Radakovich was the senior associate AD at LSU from 2001-06. He began his career as an athletic business manager at Miami from 1983-85. “Serving the University of Miami again has been an absolute privilege,” Radakovich said. “This place means everything to me, and I’m proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and staff have accomplished together. The program is in a great place, and it’s the right time for fresh leadership to shape what comes next.” Highlights from his tenure in Coral Gables, Fla., include the football team’s run to the CFP championship game last season, the men’s basketball team’s first-ever Final Four in 2023 and the women’s basketball team’s first Elite Eight the same year. The Miami athletic department matched a school record this past year with a graduation rate of 94%. A national search for a successor is already underway. Deputy athletic directors Brian Baptiste and Rachelle Paul will serve as co-leaders of the department during the transition. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Miami #athletic #director #Dan #Radakovich #retiring #June

Mumbai Indians finds itself staring at an all-too-familiar mid-season abyss. Two wins in seven games, a churn of combinations and a campaign yet to find rhythm — the five-time champion heads into Wednesday’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium with its backs firmly against the wall.

In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad has surged into the top four, riding on a settled combination and a batting unit, with the exception of Travis Head, that has consistently imposed itself on opponents. The contrast in trajectories could not be starker.

For Mumbai Indians, it has been a season of “almosts” and abrupt collapses. The batting has flattered to deceive, the bowling has oscillated between incisive and erratic, and the constant shuffling — as many as 20 players used — has prevented any sense of continuity. The absence of Rohit Sharma due to injury has only compounded matters, while Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are yet to hit their straps.

There is, however, a flicker of hope. The arrival of Will Jacks offers balance, particularly against a line-up stacked with left-handers.

ALSO READ: DC vs RCB: Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

SRH, meanwhile, has found clarity in roles. Its top order has been assertive, middle order effective and bowling unit that has improved with every passing game in the first half. It arrives not just with points on the board, but with momentum and a boost in captain Pat Cummins looking good in his maiden appearance.

At the Wankhede, where run-fests are more the norm than exception, the contest could well be decided in the Powerplay. MI’s inability to set the tone early — both with bat and ball — has hurt it repeatedly.

Against an SRH side that thrives on fast starts, that phase assumes even greater significance. If Head, the sleeping giant, wakes up in tailormade conditions, the visiting outfit could deal a virtual knockout blow to MI.

As it is, Mumbai Indians is in quest of rediscovering consistency or risk slipping out of contention. For SRH, it is about consolidating a strong position.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#SRH #IPL #Mumbai #Indians #find #rhythm #resurgent #Sunrisers #Hyderabad">MI vs SRH, IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians looks to find rhythm against resurgent Sunrisers Hyderabad Mumbai Indians finds itself staring at an all-too-familiar mid-season abyss. Two wins in seven games, a churn of combinations and a campaign yet to find rhythm — the five-time champion heads into Wednesday’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium with its backs firmly against the wall.In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad has surged into the top four, riding on a settled combination and a batting unit, with the exception of Travis Head, that has consistently imposed itself on opponents. The contrast in trajectories could not be starker.For Mumbai Indians, it has been a season of “almosts” and abrupt collapses. The batting has flattered to deceive, the bowling has oscillated between incisive and erratic, and the constant shuffling — as many as 20 players used — has prevented any sense of continuity. The absence of Rohit Sharma due to injury has only compounded matters, while Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are yet to hit their straps.There is, however, a flicker of hope. The arrival of Will Jacks offers balance, particularly against a line-up stacked with left-handers.ALSO READ: DC vs RCB: Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balanceSRH, meanwhile, has found clarity in roles. Its top order has been assertive, middle order effective and bowling unit that has improved with every passing game in the first half. It arrives not just with points on the board, but with momentum and a boost in captain Pat Cummins looking good in his maiden appearance.At the Wankhede, where run-fests are more the norm than exception, the contest could well be decided in the Powerplay. MI’s inability to set the tone early — both with bat and ball — has hurt it repeatedly.Against an SRH side that thrives on fast starts, that phase assumes even greater significance. If Head, the sleeping giant, wakes up in tailormade conditions, the visiting outfit could deal a virtual knockout blow to MI.As it is, Mumbai Indians is in quest of rediscovering consistency or risk slipping out of contention. For SRH, it is about consolidating a strong position.Published on Apr 28, 2026 #SRH #IPL #Mumbai #Indians #find #rhythm #resurgent #Sunrisers #Hyderabad

DC vs RCB: Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

SRH, meanwhile, has found clarity in roles. Its top order has been assertive, middle order effective and bowling unit that has improved with every passing game in the first half. It arrives not just with points on the board, but with momentum and a boost in captain Pat Cummins looking good in his maiden appearance.

At the Wankhede, where run-fests are more the norm than exception, the contest could well be decided in the Powerplay. MI’s inability to set the tone early — both with bat and ball — has hurt it repeatedly.

Against an SRH side that thrives on fast starts, that phase assumes even greater significance. If Head, the sleeping giant, wakes up in tailormade conditions, the visiting outfit could deal a virtual knockout blow to MI.

As it is, Mumbai Indians is in quest of rediscovering consistency or risk slipping out of contention. For SRH, it is about consolidating a strong position.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#SRH #IPL #Mumbai #Indians #find #rhythm #resurgent #Sunrisers #Hyderabad">MI vs SRH, IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians looks to find rhythm against resurgent Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians finds itself staring at an all-too-familiar mid-season abyss. Two wins in seven games, a churn of combinations and a campaign yet to find rhythm — the five-time champion heads into Wednesday’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium with its backs firmly against the wall.

In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad has surged into the top four, riding on a settled combination and a batting unit, with the exception of Travis Head, that has consistently imposed itself on opponents. The contrast in trajectories could not be starker.

For Mumbai Indians, it has been a season of “almosts” and abrupt collapses. The batting has flattered to deceive, the bowling has oscillated between incisive and erratic, and the constant shuffling — as many as 20 players used — has prevented any sense of continuity. The absence of Rohit Sharma due to injury has only compounded matters, while Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are yet to hit their straps.

There is, however, a flicker of hope. The arrival of Will Jacks offers balance, particularly against a line-up stacked with left-handers.

ALSO READ: DC vs RCB: Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

SRH, meanwhile, has found clarity in roles. Its top order has been assertive, middle order effective and bowling unit that has improved with every passing game in the first half. It arrives not just with points on the board, but with momentum and a boost in captain Pat Cummins looking good in his maiden appearance.

At the Wankhede, where run-fests are more the norm than exception, the contest could well be decided in the Powerplay. MI’s inability to set the tone early — both with bat and ball — has hurt it repeatedly.

Against an SRH side that thrives on fast starts, that phase assumes even greater significance. If Head, the sleeping giant, wakes up in tailormade conditions, the visiting outfit could deal a virtual knockout blow to MI.

As it is, Mumbai Indians is in quest of rediscovering consistency or risk slipping out of contention. For SRH, it is about consolidating a strong position.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#SRH #IPL #Mumbai #Indians #find #rhythm #resurgent #Sunrisers #Hyderabad
Deadspin | Report: Jerome Tang to return to Baylor coaching staff Feb 11, 2026; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang looks on during the first half against he Cincinnati Bearcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images Former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang is returning to Baylor as the associate head coach, ESPN reported on Tuesday. Tang reportedly was working with the university to finalize a multi-year contract to rejoin longtime coach Scott Drew’s staff. Tang, 59, spent nearly two decades on the Bears’ coaching staff, including when Baylor won the national championship in 2021. He was an assistant coach from 2003-17 and associate head coach from 2017-22. Tang replaced Bruce Weber as head coach at Kansas State in 2022, forging a 71-57 record in three-plus years at the helm. Tang directed the Wildcats to a No. 3 seed and an Elite Eight appearance in his first season, but he followed that with three straight sub-.500 records in Big 12 play. He was fired with cause by Kansas State on Feb. 16, four days after going on a postgame rant after the Wildcats suffered a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati in front of a home crowd listed at 7,274 at the 13,500-seat Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan., that included several students wearing paper bags over their heads. “This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year,” Tang said after the game in which the Wildcats never led. “Like, I am embarrassed for the university. I am embarrassed for our fans, our student section. You know, it is just ridiculous.” In announcing the firing days later, Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said, “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. … Basically, his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from sources, both nationally and locally, is where it kind of felt like I needed to make the decision.” Tang issued a statement at the time disagreeing with how the university characterized his firing. “I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang said in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. … I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.” Drew and Baylor experienced their own struggles last season, finishing 6-12 in the Big 12 and missing the NCAA Tournament despite having at least two players expected to be picked in June’s NBA Draft. The longest-tenured coach in the conference, Drew expressed empathy for Tang after his firing when Baylor lost 90-74 to Kansas State on Feb. 17. “Nineteen years together, he’s family,” Drew said. “We won championships together. It’s been emotional for me, our staff and our program, because everyone can relate. If you’ve got a brother or a friend and they go through hardship, you feel it.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Jerome #Tang #return #Baylor #coaching #staffFeb 11, 2026; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang looks on during the first half against he Cincinnati Bearcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang is returning to Baylor as the associate head coach, ESPN reported on Tuesday.

Tang reportedly was working with the university to finalize a multi-year contract to rejoin longtime coach Scott Drew’s staff.

Tang, 59, spent nearly two decades on the Bears’ coaching staff, including when Baylor won the national championship in 2021. He was an assistant coach from 2003-17 and associate head coach from 2017-22.

Tang replaced Bruce Weber as head coach at Kansas State in 2022, forging a 71-57 record in three-plus years at the helm. Tang directed the Wildcats to a No. 3 seed and an Elite Eight appearance in his first season, but he followed that with three straight sub-.500 records in Big 12 play.

He was fired with cause by Kansas State on Feb. 16, four days after going on a postgame rant after the Wildcats suffered a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati in front of a home crowd listed at 7,274 at the 13,500-seat Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan., that included several students wearing paper bags over their heads.

“This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year,” Tang said after the game in which the Wildcats never led. “Like, I am embarrassed for the university. I am embarrassed for our fans, our student section. You know, it is just ridiculous.”


In announcing the firing days later, Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said, “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. … Basically, his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from sources, both nationally and locally, is where it kind of felt like I needed to make the decision.”

Tang issued a statement at the time disagreeing with how the university characterized his firing.

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang said in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. … I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.”

Drew and Baylor experienced their own struggles last season, finishing 6-12 in the Big 12 and missing the NCAA Tournament despite having at least two players expected to be picked in June’s NBA Draft.

The longest-tenured coach in the conference, Drew expressed empathy for Tang after his firing when Baylor lost 90-74 to Kansas State on Feb. 17.

“Nineteen years together, he’s family,” Drew said. “We won championships together. It’s been emotional for me, our staff and our program, because everyone can relate. If you’ve got a brother or a friend and they go through hardship, you feel it.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Jerome #Tang #return #Baylor #coaching #staff">Deadspin | Report: Jerome Tang to return to Baylor coaching staff Feb 11, 2026; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang looks on during the first half against he Cincinnati Bearcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images Former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang is returning to Baylor as the associate head coach, ESPN reported on Tuesday. Tang reportedly was working with the university to finalize a multi-year contract to rejoin longtime coach Scott Drew’s staff. Tang, 59, spent nearly two decades on the Bears’ coaching staff, including when Baylor won the national championship in 2021. He was an assistant coach from 2003-17 and associate head coach from 2017-22. Tang replaced Bruce Weber as head coach at Kansas State in 2022, forging a 71-57 record in three-plus years at the helm. Tang directed the Wildcats to a No. 3 seed and an Elite Eight appearance in his first season, but he followed that with three straight sub-.500 records in Big 12 play. He was fired with cause by Kansas State on Feb. 16, four days after going on a postgame rant after the Wildcats suffered a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati in front of a home crowd listed at 7,274 at the 13,500-seat Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan., that included several students wearing paper bags over their heads. “This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year,” Tang said after the game in which the Wildcats never led. “Like, I am embarrassed for the university. I am embarrassed for our fans, our student section. You know, it is just ridiculous.” In announcing the firing days later, Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said, “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. … Basically, his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from sources, both nationally and locally, is where it kind of felt like I needed to make the decision.” Tang issued a statement at the time disagreeing with how the university characterized his firing. “I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang said in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. … I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.” Drew and Baylor experienced their own struggles last season, finishing 6-12 in the Big 12 and missing the NCAA Tournament despite having at least two players expected to be picked in June’s NBA Draft. The longest-tenured coach in the conference, Drew expressed empathy for Tang after his firing when Baylor lost 90-74 to Kansas State on Feb. 17. “Nineteen years together, he’s family,” Drew said. “We won championships together. It’s been emotional for me, our staff and our program, because everyone can relate. If you’ve got a brother or a friend and they go through hardship, you feel it.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Jerome #Tang #return #Baylor #coaching #staff

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