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Deadspin | Contending Magic rally from 15-point deficit, upend Pelicans Apr 05, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) handles the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (23) in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Desmond Bane scored 27 points as the Orlando Magic overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the host New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday. Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic (42-36), who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter. Orlando has won three of its last four and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Charlotte Hornets and one game ahead of the Miami Heat, with four games remaining. Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans (25-54), who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat, losing their way offensively down the stretch through turnovers and lack of ball movement, after they had spent much of the night in a strong position. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans. Orlando jumped ahead 13-6, fell behind 27-19 on a Missi-inspired 21-6 Pelicans surge, then went back ahead 29-28 after finishing the opening period with a 9-1 rush. The Magic moved ahead 45-39 midway through the second frame before going cold on offense, New Orleans taking control with a 13-1 response. The Pelicans continued to control the quarter and led 60-52 at halftime. Orlando shot just 7 of 25 from the floor for the period and 2 of 20 from 3-point range at the half. New Orleans stormed out of the blocks after the long break, streaking ahead 72-57, before the Magic rallied. Banchero’s layup with 5.1 seconds left in the third slashed the deficit to 86-81, before a pair of Williamson free throws with 0.6 ticks on the clock made it 88-81 with one quarter to play. After Missi’s dunk had the Pelicans out 96-88, Orlando called a timeout and scored the next 10 points to clinch the lead on a Jalen Suggs trey for the first time since the second frame. Jamal Cain missed a dunk attempt then, Bey buried a three to put New Orleans back in front, before Bane responded with a 3-pointer to give the Magic the lead back. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Contending #Magic #rally #15point #deficit #upend #Pelicans

Deadspin | Contending Magic rally from 15-point deficit, upend Pelicans
Deadspin | Contending Magic rally from 15-point deficit, upend Pelicans Apr 05, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) handles the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (23) in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Desmond Bane scored 27 points as the Orlando Magic overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the host New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday. Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic (42-36), who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter. Orlando has won three of its last four and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Charlotte Hornets and one game ahead of the Miami Heat, with four games remaining. Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans (25-54), who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat, losing their way offensively down the stretch through turnovers and lack of ball movement, after they had spent much of the night in a strong position. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans. Orlando jumped ahead 13-6, fell behind 27-19 on a Missi-inspired 21-6 Pelicans surge, then went back ahead 29-28 after finishing the opening period with a 9-1 rush. The Magic moved ahead 45-39 midway through the second frame before going cold on offense, New Orleans taking control with a 13-1 response. The Pelicans continued to control the quarter and led 60-52 at halftime. Orlando shot just 7 of 25 from the floor for the period and 2 of 20 from 3-point range at the half. New Orleans stormed out of the blocks after the long break, streaking ahead 72-57, before the Magic rallied. Banchero’s layup with 5.1 seconds left in the third slashed the deficit to 86-81, before a pair of Williamson free throws with 0.6 ticks on the clock made it 88-81 with one quarter to play. After Missi’s dunk had the Pelicans out 96-88, Orlando called a timeout and scored the next 10 points to clinch the lead on a Jalen Suggs trey for the first time since the second frame. Jamal Cain missed a dunk attempt then, Bey buried a three to put New Orleans back in front, before Bane responded with a 3-pointer to give the Magic the lead back. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Contending #Magic #rally #15point #deficit #upend #PelicansApr 05, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) handles the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (23) in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Desmond Bane scored 27 points as the Orlando Magic overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the host New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday.

Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic (42-36), who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter.

Orlando has won three of its last four and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Charlotte Hornets and one game ahead of the Miami Heat, with four games remaining.

Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans (25-54), who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat, losing their way offensively down the stretch through turnovers and lack of ball movement, after they had spent much of the night in a strong position.

Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans.

Orlando jumped ahead 13-6, fell behind 27-19 on a Missi-inspired 21-6 Pelicans surge, then went back ahead 29-28 after finishing the opening period with a 9-1 rush.


The Magic moved ahead 45-39 midway through the second frame before going cold on offense, New Orleans taking control with a 13-1 response.

The Pelicans continued to control the quarter and led 60-52 at halftime.

Orlando shot just 7 of 25 from the floor for the period and 2 of 20 from 3-point range at the half.

New Orleans stormed out of the blocks after the long break, streaking ahead 72-57, before the Magic rallied.

Banchero’s layup with 5.1 seconds left in the third slashed the deficit to 86-81, before a pair of Williamson free throws with 0.6 ticks on the clock made it 88-81 with one quarter to play.

After Missi’s dunk had the Pelicans out 96-88, Orlando called a timeout and scored the next 10 points to clinch the lead on a Jalen Suggs trey for the first time since the second frame.

Jamal Cain missed a dunk attempt then, Bey buried a three to put New Orleans back in front, before Bane responded with a 3-pointer to give the Magic the lead back.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Contending #Magic #rally #15point #deficit #upend #Pelicans

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Apr 05, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) handles the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (23) in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Desmond Bane scored 27 points as the Orlando Magic overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the host New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday.

Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic (42-36), who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter.

Orlando has won three of its last four and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Charlotte Hornets and one game ahead of the Miami Heat, with four games remaining.

Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans (25-54), who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat, losing their way offensively down the stretch through turnovers and lack of ball movement, after they had spent much of the night in a strong position.

Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans.

Orlando jumped ahead 13-6, fell behind 27-19 on a Missi-inspired 21-6 Pelicans surge, then went back ahead 29-28 after finishing the opening period with a 9-1 rush.

The Magic moved ahead 45-39 midway through the second frame before going cold on offense, New Orleans taking control with a 13-1 response.

The Pelicans continued to control the quarter and led 60-52 at halftime.

Orlando shot just 7 of 25 from the floor for the period and 2 of 20 from 3-point range at the half.

New Orleans stormed out of the blocks after the long break, streaking ahead 72-57, before the Magic rallied.

Banchero’s layup with 5.1 seconds left in the third slashed the deficit to 86-81, before a pair of Williamson free throws with 0.6 ticks on the clock made it 88-81 with one quarter to play.

After Missi’s dunk had the Pelicans out 96-88, Orlando called a timeout and scored the next 10 points to clinch the lead on a Jalen Suggs trey for the first time since the second frame.

Jamal Cain missed a dunk attempt then, Bey buried a three to put New Orleans back in front, before Bane responded with a 3-pointer to give the Magic the lead back.

–Field Level Media

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Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL <div id="content-body-70828833" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Kerala Blasters’ 0-2 loss against Sporting Club Delhi on Sunday meant its winless streak continued midway into the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.</p><p>The other side yet to win a match this season is Mohammedan SC, which has fielded an all-Indian team, compared to the Blasters, who have five overseas players in their ranks.</p><p>Still, a draw against East Bengal saw KBFC earn its only point – one that separates it from the relegation-threatened Kolkata club.</p><p>It was not long ago that the club was consistently playing in the knockouts and attracting an average of over 25,000 spectators to its hallowed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That number has not hit the five-digit mark this season.</p><p>The fall from grace might look sudden, but it has been coming for some time.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Where it began</h4><p>Barring the infamous walkout, KBFC’s best era came under Ivan Vukomanovic, who took the club to the playoff stage in three consecutive seasons (including one final) from 2021 to 2024.</p><p>The success caught the eye of rival clubs, who had legacy and financial power to attract KBFC’s star players at the time.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/csos3w/article70828848.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PBA_4413.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/csos3w/article70828848.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PBA_4413.JPG" alt="Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season." title="Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season. | Photo Credit: ISL Media </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season. | Photo Credit: ISL Media </p></div><p>Sahal Abdul Samad left for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dimitris Diamantakos to East Bengal, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz packed his bags for Mumbai City FC among major exits since the 2021-22 season.</p><p>Vukomanovic’s exit in 2024 was used as an opportunity to shake up the squad further, and the lack of consistency prompted protests, especially from ‘Manjapada’, the club’s official fan club.</p><p>The attendance, as a result, kept dwindling, dragging the club into a downward spiral financially.</p><h4 class="sub_head">The controllables</h4><p>The new arrivals could hardly do much to douse the fire. The immediate need to catch up to the bigger clubs left no time for the newer players and managers to establish a structure.</p><p>Vukomanovic’s replacement, Mikael Stahre, lasted 16 games. His full-time successor, David Catala, 11. Together, they managed eight wins, fewer than what Vukomanovic had in his first season alone.</p><p>Last season, the team finished eighth, conceded 37 goals and recorded just five home wins in the league, the worst returns since the 2021-22 season.</p><p>Under Catala, the team crashed out of consecutive editions of the AIFF Super Cup, remained winless in the current ISL season (including four straight home losses) before he ‘stepped down by mutual consent’.</p><div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Club can confirm that David Catala has stepped down from his role at the club by mutual consent.</p><p>We thank David for his professionalism and contribution during his time here.</p><p>The Club also extends its gratitude to Goalkeeping Coach Alex Ortiz and Strength & Conditioning… <a href="https://t.co/MEc6LHMzas">pic.twitter.com/MEc6LHMzas</a></p>— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/2037518865442459880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote></div><h4 class="sub_head">The uncontrollables</h4><p>Just like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.</p><p>The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/zg1d51/article70828905.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Adrian%20Luna%20of%20Kerala%20Blasters%20FC%20%20after%20scoring%20goal%20against%20BFC%20during%20the%201st%20match%20of%20%20Indian%20Super%20League%20ISL%202023-24%20season%20today.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/zg1d51/article70828905.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Adrian%20Luna%20of%20Kerala%20Blasters%20FC%20%20after%20scoring%20goal%20against%20BFC%20during%20the%201st%20match%20of%20%20Indian%20Super%20League%20ISL%202023-24%20season%20today.JPG" alt="The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan." title="The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media </p></div><p>Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.</p><p>On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.</p><h4 class="sub_head">What next?</h4><p>KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.</p><p>For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.</p><p>With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.</p><p>Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 06, 2026</p></div><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> #Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL

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SRH vs LSG IPL 2026: Shami’s economical spell, Pant 50 helps Lucknow Super Giants pip Sunrisers Hyderabad <div id="content-body-70826836" itemprop="articleBody"><p>A side already backed into a corner by injury and form was pinned to the wall a bit more by a man with a point to prove. </p><p>Age had bent Mohammed Shami’s back, not his spirit. He arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday with the jersey changed, but the fire burning just as bright. And he struck, not with the fury of youth, but the precision of a legend to set up an eventual five-wicket win for the Lucknow Super Giants. </p><p>Sunrisers Hyderabad had engraved its orange-hued initials into the PowerPlay with outlandish scoring patterns, but Shami decided to bring the ‘Travishek’ party to a screeching halt. The veteran cleverly mixed his variations to dismiss Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both undone by the lack of pace. </p><p>If Rishabh Pant’s call to bowl first drew roaring approval from the partisan home crowd, even as pundits were sceptical, it took twenty minutes for that decision to look inspired as that early excitement gave way to stunned silence around the stadium.</p><p>Ishan Kishan had barely found his footing when Prince Yadav shattered his off stump, sending the home side’s top three back to the pavilion for their lowest combined total in IPL history. The collapse deepened just beyond the PowerPlay as Liam Livingstone fell, with Pant’s exquisite anticipation cutting short the Englishman’s bid to rebuild the innings.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:</b><b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/kkr-vs-pbks-ipl-2026-match-preview-kolkata-knight-riders-punjab-kings-news/article70826756.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings</a></b></p><p>At 35 for four, its lowest score at the halfway mark, SRH looked completely adrift, with the Orange Army desperate for a moment of relief. Even a ball trickling past the 30-yard circle was enough to spark applause.</p><p>That relief finally arrived in emphatic fashion. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen stitched together a breathtaking counterattack, producing SRH’s best partnership for the fifth wicket or lower.</p><p>The duo added 79 runs in just 30 balls, as they both raced to half centuries. For the first time in the game, the Super Giants appeared rattled. Shami watched from the dugout. </p><p>While the host ambitiously targeted a score in the 180s to give itself a chance in this contest, Manimaran Siddharth put the brakes on the 116-run stand when Nitish’s swing failed to clear Prince at deep extra cover. Klaasen followed three balls later, his attempted scoop ending in a diving Pant’s gloves. With their departures, the momentum drained away, and LSG quickly regained control to restrict SRH to 156.</p><p>The Super Giants turned to the tried-and-tested pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to marshal the chase, and Markram quickly provided evidence of his reputation at the top of the order, plundering 17 runs off Nitish’s opening over with crisp, authoritative strokeplay.</p><p>Eshan Malinga’s dismissal of Marsh was the lone bright spot for Sunrisers during the PowerPlay, which ended with Markram emphatically sending a short ball over fine leg. By the time he was undone by Shivang’s wrong’un in the tenth over, LSG was halfway to victory.</p><p>A struggling SRH bowling lineup persevered, triggering a brief wobble as it claimed Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran’s wickets in quick succession. But Pant remained unfazed, as the game dragged right down to the wire. His measured, unbeaten half-century braved all the late twists, taking LSG home with a boundary aimed at his dugout with just a ball to spare. </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #SRH #LSG #IPL #Shamis #economical #spell #Pant #helps #Lucknow #Super #Giants #pip #Sunrisers #Hyderabad

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Asked if Saturday was the best day of his career after his whirlwind 121 off 47 balls against the VIDA Kovai Kings in the TNPL at the NPR College ground here, Madurai Panthers’ N.S. Chaturved did not hesitate.

“Definitely. Without a doubt. I felt like everything struck the sweet spot,” said the 35-year-old, who reached his maiden TNPL hundred in just 40 balls, the fastest century in the league’s history.

He dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to his family, especially his father. “He would have been proud had he been there today,” he said, after his team chased down 240 with six wickets and three balls to spare.

Chaturved said his approach was uncomplicated. “The plan was simple. I wanted to go all out for every ball.”

He also revealed coach K.B. Arun Karthik’s pep talk before the match. “He said: ‘We have one of the best bowling attacks. So, if they can do it against us, then we can also do it.’ So, we all believed,” said the No. 3 batter.

Chaturved, who captained the side last season, said not having the burden of captaincy had given him greater freedom this year.

“Yes, a little bit. Feel like I’m playing with a bit more freedom. That’s what captain Anirudh Sita Ram and the team management want me to do – play freely. I think I did that today and I hope to carry on,” he said.

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#TNPL #Chaturved #savours #day #record">TNPL 2026 — Chaturved savours ‘best day’ after record hundred Asked if Saturday was the best day of his career after his whirlwind 121 off 47 balls against the VIDA Kovai Kings in the TNPL at the NPR College ground here, Madurai Panthers’ N.S. Chaturved did not hesitate.“Definitely. Without a doubt. I felt like everything struck the sweet spot,” said the 35-year-old, who reached his maiden TNPL hundred in just 40 balls, the fastest century in the league’s history.He dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to his family, especially his father. “He would have been proud had he been there today,” he said, after his team chased down 240 with six wickets and three balls to spare.Chaturved said his approach was uncomplicated. “The plan was simple. I wanted to go all out for every ball.”He also revealed coach K.B. Arun Karthik’s pep talk before the match. “He said: ‘We have one of the best bowling attacks. So, if they can do it against us, then we can also do it.’ So, we all believed,” said the No. 3 batter.Chaturved, who captained the side last season, said not having the burden of captaincy had given him greater freedom this year.“Yes, a little bit. Feel like I’m playing with a bit more freedom. That’s what captain Anirudh Sita Ram and the team management want me to do – play freely. I think I did that today and I hope to carry on,” he said.Published on Aug 08, 2026 #TNPL #Chaturved #savours #day #record

Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems. The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games. “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.” Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday. Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times. Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced. The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons. “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him. “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.” The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics. Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #lossAug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems.

The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series.

Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park.

Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.”

Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday.

Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times.


Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced.

The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons.

“For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him.

“My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.”

The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox.

Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics.

Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss">Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems. The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games. “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.” Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday. Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times. Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced. The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons. “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him. “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.” The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics. Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start. #Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

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