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Deadspin | Rapids rout Dynamo behind brace from newcomer Kosi Thompson  Apr 11, 2026; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; Houston Dynamo FC defender Felipe Andrade (36) battles for the ball with Colorado Rapids midfielder Josh Atencio (12) and midfielder Wayne Frederick (13) in the first half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Kosi Thompson scored two goals in his Colorado debut on Saturday night to help lead the Rapids to a 6-2 victory over the Houston Dynamo in Commerce City, Colo.  Thompson, who was traded from Toronto FC on March 26, made an immediate impact with his new team, scoring his first two goals of the season. Rafael Navarro also scored a pair of goals and Josh Atencio added another for the Rapids (4-3-0, 12 points), who improved to 3-0-0 at home.   Lawrence Ennali netted the only Houston goal before second-half stoppage time, as the visitors couldn’t capitalize on 18 shots, eight of them on goal. The Dynamo (2-4-0, 6 points) dropped their third consecutive match after winning two of three to begin the season.  Colorado struck first just five minutes in when Thompson scored on his first run in a Rapids uniform. Dante Sealy sent a cross through the box which leaked out to Thompson, who fired in his first goal since 2023.  The Rapids doubled their early advantage in the 17th minute when Thompson’s steal in Houston territory led to Atencio’s first goal of the season.  Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen made three of his six saves in the opening half to help preserve Colorado’s two-goal halftime edge.   At the 53-minute mark, Thompson’s second goal extended the lead to 3-0. Rebounding a deflection from Houston’s Diadie Samassekou in the box, Thompson fired in another right-footed attempt that snuck by Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (three saves).  The Dynamo finally found the back of the net in the 69th minute, as Guilherme Santos assisted on Ennali’s second goal of the year.  Colorado answered just four minutes later, though, when Navarro netted his team-leading fourth goal of the year. Houston’s deficit was pushed to four in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Felipe Andrade’s own goal made it 5-1.  Santos scored two minutes later for Houston before Colorado’s late-game offense continued. After Hector Herrera’s foul, Navarro scored a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to punctuate the lopsided outing.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rapids #rout #Dynamo #brace #newcomer #Kosi #Thompson

Deadspin | Rapids rout Dynamo behind brace from newcomer Kosi Thompson
Deadspin | Rapids rout Dynamo behind brace from newcomer Kosi Thompson  Apr 11, 2026; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; Houston Dynamo FC defender Felipe Andrade (36) battles for the ball with Colorado Rapids midfielder Josh Atencio (12) and midfielder Wayne Frederick (13) in the first half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Kosi Thompson scored two goals in his Colorado debut on Saturday night to help lead the Rapids to a 6-2 victory over the Houston Dynamo in Commerce City, Colo.  Thompson, who was traded from Toronto FC on March 26, made an immediate impact with his new team, scoring his first two goals of the season. Rafael Navarro also scored a pair of goals and Josh Atencio added another for the Rapids (4-3-0, 12 points), who improved to 3-0-0 at home.   Lawrence Ennali netted the only Houston goal before second-half stoppage time, as the visitors couldn’t capitalize on 18 shots, eight of them on goal. The Dynamo (2-4-0, 6 points) dropped their third consecutive match after winning two of three to begin the season.  Colorado struck first just five minutes in when Thompson scored on his first run in a Rapids uniform. Dante Sealy sent a cross through the box which leaked out to Thompson, who fired in his first goal since 2023.  The Rapids doubled their early advantage in the 17th minute when Thompson’s steal in Houston territory led to Atencio’s first goal of the season.  Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen made three of his six saves in the opening half to help preserve Colorado’s two-goal halftime edge.   At the 53-minute mark, Thompson’s second goal extended the lead to 3-0. Rebounding a deflection from Houston’s Diadie Samassekou in the box, Thompson fired in another right-footed attempt that snuck by Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (three saves).  The Dynamo finally found the back of the net in the 69th minute, as Guilherme Santos assisted on Ennali’s second goal of the year.  Colorado answered just four minutes later, though, when Navarro netted his team-leading fourth goal of the year. Houston’s deficit was pushed to four in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Felipe Andrade’s own goal made it 5-1.  Santos scored two minutes later for Houston before Colorado’s late-game offense continued. After Hector Herrera’s foul, Navarro scored a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to punctuate the lopsided outing.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rapids #rout #Dynamo #brace #newcomer #Kosi #ThompsonApr 11, 2026; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; Houston Dynamo FC defender Felipe Andrade (36) battles for the ball with Colorado Rapids midfielder Josh Atencio (12) and midfielder Wayne Frederick (13) in the first half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Kosi Thompson scored two goals in his Colorado debut on Saturday night to help lead the Rapids to a 6-2 victory over the Houston Dynamo in Commerce City, Colo.

Thompson, who was traded from Toronto FC on March 26, made an immediate impact with his new team, scoring his first two goals of the season. Rafael Navarro also scored a pair of goals and Josh Atencio added another for the Rapids (4-3-0, 12 points), who improved to 3-0-0 at home.

Lawrence Ennali netted the only Houston goal before second-half stoppage time, as the visitors couldn’t capitalize on 18 shots, eight of them on goal. The Dynamo (2-4-0, 6 points) dropped their third consecutive match after winning two of three to begin the season.

Colorado struck first just five minutes in when Thompson scored on his first run in a Rapids uniform. Dante Sealy sent a cross through the box which leaked out to Thompson, who fired in his first goal since 2023.

The Rapids doubled their early advantage in the 17th minute when Thompson’s steal in Houston territory led to Atencio’s first goal of the season.


Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen made three of his six saves in the opening half to help preserve Colorado’s two-goal halftime edge.

At the 53-minute mark, Thompson’s second goal extended the lead to 3-0. Rebounding a deflection from Houston’s Diadie Samassekou in the box, Thompson fired in another right-footed attempt that snuck by Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (three saves).

The Dynamo finally found the back of the net in the 69th minute, as Guilherme Santos assisted on Ennali’s second goal of the year.

Colorado answered just four minutes later, though, when Navarro netted his team-leading fourth goal of the year. Houston’s deficit was pushed to four in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Felipe Andrade’s own goal made it 5-1.

Santos scored two minutes later for Houston before Colorado’s late-game offense continued. After Hector Herrera’s foul, Navarro scored a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to punctuate the lopsided outing.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rapids #rout #Dynamo #brace #newcomer #Kosi #Thompson

Apr 11, 2026; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; Houston Dynamo FC defender Felipe Andrade (36) battles for the ball with Colorado Rapids midfielder Josh Atencio (12) and midfielder Wayne Frederick (13) in the first half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Kosi Thompson scored two goals in his Colorado debut on Saturday night to help lead the Rapids to a 6-2 victory over the Houston Dynamo in Commerce City, Colo.

Thompson, who was traded from Toronto FC on March 26, made an immediate impact with his new team, scoring his first two goals of the season. Rafael Navarro also scored a pair of goals and Josh Atencio added another for the Rapids (4-3-0, 12 points), who improved to 3-0-0 at home.

Lawrence Ennali netted the only Houston goal before second-half stoppage time, as the visitors couldn’t capitalize on 18 shots, eight of them on goal. The Dynamo (2-4-0, 6 points) dropped their third consecutive match after winning two of three to begin the season.

Colorado struck first just five minutes in when Thompson scored on his first run in a Rapids uniform. Dante Sealy sent a cross through the box which leaked out to Thompson, who fired in his first goal since 2023.

The Rapids doubled their early advantage in the 17th minute when Thompson’s steal in Houston territory led to Atencio’s first goal of the season.

Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen made three of his six saves in the opening half to help preserve Colorado’s two-goal halftime edge.

At the 53-minute mark, Thompson’s second goal extended the lead to 3-0. Rebounding a deflection from Houston’s Diadie Samassekou in the box, Thompson fired in another right-footed attempt that snuck by Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (three saves).

The Dynamo finally found the back of the net in the 69th minute, as Guilherme Santos assisted on Ennali’s second goal of the year.

Colorado answered just four minutes later, though, when Navarro netted his team-leading fourth goal of the year. Houston’s deficit was pushed to four in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Felipe Andrade’s own goal made it 5-1.

Santos scored two minutes later for Houston before Colorado’s late-game offense continued. After Hector Herrera’s foul, Navarro scored a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to punctuate the lopsided outing.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Rapids #rout #Dynamo #brace #newcomer #Kosi #Thompson

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Giannis tried to have it both ways, and the Bucks paid for it <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest attempt at saying he doesn’t want to play for the Milwaukee Bucks anymore — without actually saying it, so he doesn’t look bad — could be what finally, mercifully gets his long, ugly, ongoing divorce from the franchise over the finish line.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">His fear of becoming the “bad guy” by requesting the trade he’s so clearly been longing for has only prolonged this inevitable split and convinced the Bucks to bleed assets in the process. Now, as their ship sinks, they’re realizing that they offloaded all of their lifeboats to cut weight because Antetokounmpo wanted to sail faster.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While Giannis is not solely to blame for this, it’s impossible to argue that his impatience and constant holding his team’s feet to the fire didn’t contribute. Let’s take a trip back to 2021.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Months after Milwaukee captured its first title in 50 years, Antetokounmpo publicly cast doubt on his future with the Bucks, for no discernible reason at all, during an <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/giannis-antetokounmpo-athlete-of-the-year-2021">interview with GQ Magazine’s Zach Baron.</a></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“One challenge was to bring a championship here and we did,” he told Baron. “It was very hard, but we did. Very, very hard. I just love challenges. What’s the next challenge? The next challenge might not be here.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Huh? Less than half a year after winning a title, you’re already thinking about leaving??</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Me and my family chose to stay in this city that we all love and has taken care of us—for now [with a five-year supermax extension through the 2025 season],” he added. “In two years, that might change. I’m being totally honest with you. I’m always honest.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Giannis critics — and at this point, even Bucks fans — might argue that sometimes he’s a little <em>too</em> honest. After a second-round exit in 2022 and a devastating first-round upset at the hands of the Miami Heat in 2023 raised tensions further, Giannis memorably went on a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mXGSjnUvSM">long rant about how sports don’t ever feature failure</a>, but it was his next public comments that were more notable: The star issued another public warning to the Bucks, once again hinting at an eventual departure during a September 2023 appearance on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x6zCD7NpeQ"><em>48 Minutes Podcast.</em></a></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“So as I said, if the Milwaukee Bucks are on the same page for the rest of my career, great. If not, I have to win. I have to win. And I think the city and people will understand it… I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien, I have to take that better situation.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The message echoed what he’d <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/sports/basketball/giannis-antetokounmpo-milwaukee-bucks-contract.html?smid=tw-share">told <em>The New York Times</em></a> a month prior<em>.</em></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“But at the end of the day, being a winner, it’s over that goal,” he said. “Winning a championship comes first. I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Just talking about wanting to win championships would be one thing, but his constant flirting with a trade request elsewhere to do so pushed Milwaukee into desperation mode.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">General Manager Jon Horst and the rest of the front office, with their collective palms profusely sweating, made the following moves in response to appease their perpetually noncomittal star, despite injuries being the driving force behind the team’s previous playoff shortcomings:</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd51 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><ul class="duet--article--unordered-list _1nfb3k4i feuejx0 ls9zuh1"><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>May 4, 2023: </strong>Fired Head Coach Mike Budenholzer </span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>June 5, 2023: </strong>Hired Adrian Griffin as head coach (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4557575/2023/05/27/adrian-griffin-bucks-coach/">Who Giannis endorsed over Nick Nurse and Kenny Atkinson</a>)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>September 27, 2023: </strong>Traded Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and three first-round picks for Damian Lillard</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>December, 2023: </strong>Brought Doc Rivers in as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5222650/2024/01/23/bucks-adrian-griffin-firing-why-doc-rivers/">coaching advisor</a> for Griffin</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>January 23, 2024: </strong><a href="https://wisportsheroics.com/milwaukee-bucks-adrian-griffin-giannis-antetokounmpo/">Fired Griffin after 44 games</a> (31-13)</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>January 27, 2024: </strong><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5288376/2024/02/21/giannis-antetokounmpo-interview-bucks-nba-damian-lillard-doc-rivers/">Hired Rivers</a> as head coach and went 17-19 for the rest of the season</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>February 6, 2025: </strong>Traded Khris Middleton, A.J. Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>July 6, 2025:</strong> Waived and stretched Damian Lillard to clear cap space used to sign Myles Turner</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>February 8, 2026: </strong>Signed Cam Thomas</span></li><li class="feuejx1"><span class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>March 23, 2026: </strong>Waived Cam Thomas</span></li></ul></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s not a player’s job to understand how roster construction works, even if they’re openly imploring the team to make moves. Milwaukee’s front office still did all of the above on purpose, and none of it worked. That means they deserve blame too, but now, after years of giving up assets to try and undo the mistakes they made while trying to fix previous mistakes, there isn’t anything left for them to do. They have no control over their own draft picks until 2030 (with no first-rounder at all in 2029) and will have to settle for the less-favorable in three consecutive pick swaps while also working with $20 million in dead cap for the next five seasons thanks to their rush to waive Lillard.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The only way to replenish those assets is by trading a star, like Giannis, for a plethora of picks and young players. It was always going to be the reality for Milwaukee. Now, in a multi-year attempt to avoid ruining his reputation with Bucks fans, Antetokounmpo has stranded them on a sinking ship… and ironically <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/bucks-polls/64054/milwaukee-nba-poll-giannis-antetokounmpo-injury-league-investigation-doc-rivers">ended up with many fans sick of him anyway</a>, the very thing his tortured will-he-or-wont-he PR strategy seemed intended to avoid.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">His unwillingness to choose between loyalty and the pursuit of winning has motivated the Bucks to do anything and everything to prolong their championship window — a window that’s been closed for years due to Antetokounmpo’s unavailability come playoff time in 2023 and 2024, and now permanently shut due to their desperation to reopen it just a sliver, with the team responding like they forgot their keys at the office and decided to burn down their house in response.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Even this year, he tried to save face when he reiterated to the Bucks for a few months before the Feb. 5 trade deadline that <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48412620/inside-fractured-relationship-giannis-antetokounmpo-milwaukee-bucks">he was prepared to be moved</a>. According to NBA insider and <a href="https://x.com/RunItBackFDTV/status/2042615414711091490">personal enemy of Doc Rivers</a>, Shams Charania, while Giannis declined to publicize a trade request, he made it clear to all parties involved behind the scenes that he felt both sides needed to move on immediately, as the franchise was not in position to compete.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Giannis has wanted to handle this professionally by being very up front with the team,” one source with direct knowledge of the situation told Charania. “This could have been a happy resolution but instead might end up being a nasty breakup.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It would’ve been a happy resolution for Giannis, who would’ve left to greener pastures, but not for the Bucks, whose lack of any future assets is a result of the long list of attempts to appease their disgruntled Finals MVP — who was playing games before even signing his first contract extension.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Both that, and the one inked in 2023 reportedly came with a handshake agreement that the Bucks would accommodate any desired trade destinations whenever Giannis would hypothetically decide to leave, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48412620/inside-fractured-relationship-giannis-antetokounmpo-milwaukee-bucks">an April 7 report from Charania.</a> It was an early indication that Milwaukee was going to have <em>earn </em>his loyalty.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Bucks were so deprived of picks and young players to use in trades because of their willingness to include half of them to bring in Holiday in 2020, who they later attached the remaining picks to trade for Lillard, who they then waived, stretched, and set their hypothetical home ablaze to enable their final offering to Antetokounmpo — Turner, who falls firmly in the “what does he even do?” category.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Milwaukee’s decision to cut Lillard and sign Turner out of sheer panic should tell you exactly how hamstrung they are in terms of assets. They have Antetokounmpo’s non-comital demeanor to thank for a lot of that.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That would all be bad enough, but even now, as the Bucks try and salvage something from this disaster of this injury-riddled, trade-drama-marred season, Giannis is standing in the way.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Antetokounmpo has wanted nothing more than to suit up and help them win games now that Milwaukee is eliminated from playoff contention and trying to shrink the window in which their lesser-pick-swap with the New Orleans Pelicans falls this spring. In doing so, he was willing to not only risk lessening the Bucks’ lottery odds, but also risk another injury, which could discourage trade suitors from offering the best possible return when the market for his services opens (presumably this summer).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo told reporters ahead of the April 3 matchup against the Boston Celtics. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">But it’s hard not to find all of this incredibly disingenuous, and poorly considered at that. Giannis clearly doesn’t care about where the relationship is going. He already knows. It’s over. It’s been over for a while. Giannis only cares if he looks good as he’s being flown away from the submerged S.S Fiserv. And in his years-long, hackneyed attempt to avoid looking like the bad guy, he made that perception unavoidable.</p></div></div> #Giannis #ways #Bucks #paid

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FIDE Candidates 2026 Women’s section: Vaishali stumbles against Zhu Jiner; title-race wide open <div id="content-body-70853894" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Grandmaster R. Vaishali succumbed to time pressure as a series of inaccuracies cost her full points in a defeat to Zhu Jiner, who joined her atop the women’s section after Round 12 on Sunday.</p><p>The game began with a Caro-Kann Defence, with Vaishali, playing White, opting for an aggressive approach and advancing her h-pawn early.</p><p>In the middlegame, Vaishali played 27. d5, blowing open the centre and turning the contest into a tactical race. She followed it up with Qh7 and Qh8 on moves 31 and 33, paralysing Zhu’s back rank and forcing the knight to f8, with the position appearing completely winning for the Indian.</p><p>However, as the clock ticked down, Zhu promoted to a second queen with 38. g1=Q+. Vaishali needed to find a precise sequence of checks to force mate or secure a draw, but missed a key safety square for her king. Instead of stabilising, she allowed Zhu to gain tempo, and the Chinese Grandmaster eventually forced her resignation.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 12, 2026</p></div> #FIDE #Candidates #Womens #section #Vaishali #stumbles #Zhu #Jiner #titlerace #wide #open

Napoli conceded a goal after 33 seconds in a 1-1 draw at Parma on Sunday that may end its chances of successfully defending the Serie A title.

The result left Napoli six points behind Italian leader Inter Milan, which was visiting Como later with a chance to stretch its lead.

Scott McTominay equalized on the hour mark for Napoli after Gabriel Strefezza scored early on with a play that began with a long ball from Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The result ended a five-match winning streak for Napoli.

Parma moved nine points above the relegation zone in 14th.

Earlier, Genoa beat Sassuolo 2-1 with goals from Ruslan Malinovskyi and Caleb Ekuban.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Napolis #Serie #title #defence #suffers #blow #draw #Parma">Napoli’s Serie A title defence suffers blow after draw at Parma  Napoli conceded a goal after 33 seconds in a 1-1 draw at Parma on Sunday that may end its chances of successfully defending the Serie A title.The result left Napoli six points behind Italian leader Inter Milan, which was visiting Como later with a chance to stretch its lead.Scott McTominay equalized on the hour mark for Napoli after Gabriel Strefezza scored early on with a play that began with a long ball from Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.The result ended a five-match winning streak for Napoli.Parma moved nine points above the relegation zone in 14th.Earlier, Genoa beat Sassuolo 2-1 with goals from Ruslan Malinovskyi and Caleb Ekuban.Published on Apr 12, 2026  #Napolis #Serie #title #defence #suffers #blow #draw #Parma

Deadspin | Busy Sky acquire F Rickea Jackson from Sparks for G Ariel Atkins  Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson drives against Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa at PHX Arena on Sept. 9, 2025.   The Chicago Sky acquired promising forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins, the teams announced.  Jackson, 25, was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 78 games (72 starts) over her two seasons with the Sparks. She averaged 14.7 points last season.  “It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a news release. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”  Jackson will help fill the hole created when the Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday.  Chicago also announced the signing of free agent guard/forward DiJonai Carrington and the re-signing of legendary point guard Courtney Vandersloot.  Carrington, 28, has career averages of 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 162 career games (56 starts) with the Connecticut Sun (2021-24), Dallas Wings (2025) and Minnesota Lynx (2025). She averaged 9.8 points in 31 games last season between Dallas and Minnesota. Carrington was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024 with the Sun.  “We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” Pagliocca said. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”  Vandersloot, 37, reportedly received a two-year, .5 million deal to return to Chicago even though she continues to rehab an ACL injury that occurred last June. The five-time All-Star, who has spent 13 of her 15 seasons with the Sky, ranks second in WNBA history with 2,886 career assists. Only Hall of Famer Sue Bird (3,234) has more.   “I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back,” Vandersloot said in a statement. “Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I’m eager to be back on the court.”  Atkins, 29, became expendable when the Sky signed seven-time All-Star guard Skylar Diggins on Saturday.  Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 34 games for the Sky in 2025. She spent her first seven seasons with the Washington Mystics before being acquired by Chicago prior to the 2025 campaign.  She earned All-Star nods in 2021 and 2022. Atkins was a first-team All-Defensive selection in 2022 after being a second-team choice the previous four seasons.  Atkins was a key cog on the Mystics’ 2019 title-winning squad.  Overall, Atkins has averages of 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 251 career games (246 starts). She has a 36.2% accuracy rate from 3-point range.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Busy #Sky #acquire #Rickea #Jackson #Sparks #Ariel #AtkinsLos Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson drives against Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa at PHX Arena on Sept. 9, 2025.

The Chicago Sky acquired promising forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins, the teams announced.

Jackson, 25, was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 78 games (72 starts) over her two seasons with the Sparks. She averaged 14.7 points last season.

“It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a news release. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”

Jackson will help fill the hole created when the Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday.

Chicago also announced the signing of free agent guard/forward DiJonai Carrington and the re-signing of legendary point guard Courtney Vandersloot.

Carrington, 28, has career averages of 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 162 career games (56 starts) with the Connecticut Sun (2021-24), Dallas Wings (2025) and Minnesota Lynx (2025). She averaged 9.8 points in 31 games last season between Dallas and Minnesota. Carrington was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024 with the Sun.

“We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” Pagliocca said. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”


Vandersloot, 37, reportedly received a two-year, $1.5 million deal to return to Chicago even though she continues to rehab an ACL injury that occurred last June. The five-time All-Star, who has spent 13 of her 15 seasons with the Sky, ranks second in WNBA history with 2,886 career assists. Only Hall of Famer Sue Bird (3,234) has more.

“I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back,” Vandersloot said in a statement. “Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I’m eager to be back on the court.”

Atkins, 29, became expendable when the Sky signed seven-time All-Star guard Skylar Diggins on Saturday.

Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 34 games for the Sky in 2025. She spent her first seven seasons with the Washington Mystics before being acquired by Chicago prior to the 2025 campaign.

She earned All-Star nods in 2021 and 2022. Atkins was a first-team All-Defensive selection in 2022 after being a second-team choice the previous four seasons.

Atkins was a key cog on the Mystics’ 2019 title-winning squad.

Overall, Atkins has averages of 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 251 career games (246 starts). She has a 36.2% accuracy rate from 3-point range.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Busy #Sky #acquire #Rickea #Jackson #Sparks #Ariel #Atkins">Deadspin | Busy Sky acquire F Rickea Jackson from Sparks for G Ariel Atkins  Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson drives against Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa at PHX Arena on Sept. 9, 2025.   The Chicago Sky acquired promising forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins, the teams announced.  Jackson, 25, was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 78 games (72 starts) over her two seasons with the Sparks. She averaged 14.7 points last season.  “It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a news release. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”  Jackson will help fill the hole created when the Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday.  Chicago also announced the signing of free agent guard/forward DiJonai Carrington and the re-signing of legendary point guard Courtney Vandersloot.  Carrington, 28, has career averages of 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 162 career games (56 starts) with the Connecticut Sun (2021-24), Dallas Wings (2025) and Minnesota Lynx (2025). She averaged 9.8 points in 31 games last season between Dallas and Minnesota. Carrington was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024 with the Sun.  “We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” Pagliocca said. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”  Vandersloot, 37, reportedly received a two-year, .5 million deal to return to Chicago even though she continues to rehab an ACL injury that occurred last June. The five-time All-Star, who has spent 13 of her 15 seasons with the Sky, ranks second in WNBA history with 2,886 career assists. Only Hall of Famer Sue Bird (3,234) has more.   “I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back,” Vandersloot said in a statement. “Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I’m eager to be back on the court.”  Atkins, 29, became expendable when the Sky signed seven-time All-Star guard Skylar Diggins on Saturday.  Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 34 games for the Sky in 2025. She spent her first seven seasons with the Washington Mystics before being acquired by Chicago prior to the 2025 campaign.  She earned All-Star nods in 2021 and 2022. Atkins was a first-team All-Defensive selection in 2022 after being a second-team choice the previous four seasons.  Atkins was a key cog on the Mystics’ 2019 title-winning squad.  Overall, Atkins has averages of 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 251 career games (246 starts). She has a 36.2% accuracy rate from 3-point range.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Busy #Sky #acquire #Rickea #Jackson #Sparks #Ariel #Atkins

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