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Deadspin | Streaky Clippers dealing with issues with Magic up next

Deadspin | Streaky Clippers dealing with issues with Magic up next

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Feb 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic sustained a double-overtime loss in Phoenix on the front end of a back-to-back and then hopped a plane for the flight to Los Angeles.

Though the Clippers, their next opponent, are well-rested, it might not be a bad time for Orlando to face a team on shaky ground.

The Magic play the third contest of a four-game excursion on Sunday night when they visit the Clippers at Inglewood, Calif.

The Clippers started poorly this season, going 6-21 before streaking with 16 wins in 19 games and then splitting their past 10.

But they traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month, leaving Kawhi Leonard without a high-scoring running mate.

Leonard also doesn’t sound too keen about the team’s championship chances as he expressed his doubts after Thursday’s 115-114 home win over the Denver Nuggets.

“I think it’s over now,” Leonard told reporters. “It’s the second half, like (final) fourth of the season left, but every day is a day to grow, a day to learn and get better. So, you just got to keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we’re getting better, and see what happens from there.”

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue attempted damage control the following day, saying he interpreted Leonard’s comments as meaning there has been change in the organization.

Lue said he has no doubts — even at two games under .500 — that the Clippers can put together a postseason run.

“I just feel confident. I just feel confident in our players,” Lue said. “I feel confident in our coaching staff and I just feel confident in the environment, like the culture we’ve set. And why wouldn’t you want to play to win?

“That’s our mindset. That’s my mindset every single night. And as tough as it may be or you start 6-21 or whatever it may be, you’re playing to win. And so, we make the playoffs and then anything can happen.”

Leonard sprained his left ankle during Friday’s 125-122 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and is listed as questionable for Sunday. He has scored 20 or more points in each of his last 35 appearances.

Orlando opened its road trip by making a franchise-record 27 3-pointers in a 131-94 rout of the lowly Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

The opportunity to be 2-0 on the trip was there with Phoenix shooting just 34.2% from the field over 58 minutes on Saturday. But Jalen Green (who was 6 of 26) drained a game-winning trey as the second OT ended to give the Suns a 113-110 win.

“Our guys fought to the end minus bodies,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “But we’ve got to make sure we continue to do the little things.”

Guard Jalen Suggs (back) missed the contest and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Standout Franz Wagner (left ankle) isn’t on the trip and is out indefinitely.

Desmond Bane scored 34 points and Paolo Banchero had 26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and four blocked shots for Orlando.

Mosley was beaming about Banchero’s all-around play.

“He’s a young man that continues to get downhill, created double teams, got a lot of guys wide-open looks,” Mosley said about Banchero. “We’ve got to step in and knock those down.

“He attacked the basket a ton. Wasn’t getting the call necessarily going his way, but I loved the way that he was attacking downhill, being aggressive in those situations.”

Orlando defeated the visiting Clippers 129-101 on Nov. 20 in the first meeting. Leonard was sidelined with foot and ankle injuries.

–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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