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Deadspin | Braves pound 19 hits, crush Guardians Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night. Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year. The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI. Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs. Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0. Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage. The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0. Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead. Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead. Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians. The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #Guardians

Deadspin | Braves pound 19 hits, crush Guardians
Deadspin | Braves pound 19 hits, crush Guardians Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night. Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year. The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI. Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs. Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0. Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage. The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0. Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead. Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead. Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians. The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #GuardiansApr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night.

Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year.

The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs.

Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four.

Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0.


Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage.

The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead.

Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead.

Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians.

The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #pound #hits #crush #Guardians

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Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits as the Atlanta Braves rolled to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night.

Atlanta starter Chris Sale (3-1) pitched six solid innings. The left-hander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, walked one and struck out six as the Braves won two of three games from the Guardians. Atlanta is the only team in Major League Baseball that hasn’t lost a series this year.

The Braves pounded out 19 hits as second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Center fielder Mauricio Dubon was 3-or-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr had two hits and an RBI and third baseman Austin Riley also cranked out two hits, with a run and two RBIs.

Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee (0-2) was saddled with the loss. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up eight runs, 11 hits and one walk while fanning four.

Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on three straight hits with two outs. Mike Yastrzemski walked and Albies singled. Dubon’s RBI double into left center field put Atlanta up 1-0.

Mateo’s RBI single scored Dubon, and Mateo later scored all the way from first on Acuna’s RBI double down the left field line for a 3-0 advantage.

The Braves started to pour it on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Albies singled and scored on Smith’s home run which pushed the lead to 5-0.

Atlanta tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Albies chased Bibee from the game with an RBI single up the middle and a 6-0 lead.

Kolby Allard offered little relief as pinch hitter Kyle Farmer doubled down the left field line and plated Albies and Riley, who singled earlier. Dubon’s single scored Farmer for a 9-0 lead.

Cleveland got on the board with Rhys Hoskins’ solo home run in the top of the sixth. Daniel Schneemann was 3-or-4 with two doubles for the Guardians.

The route was on as the Braves went up 11-1 on Matt Olson’s RBI double in the eighth. Riley’s double knocked in two runs and capped the scoring.

–Field Level Media

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BCCI’s ACSU issues show-cause notice to RR manager Romi Bhinder over dugout phone use <div id="content-body-70857141" itemprop="articleBody"><p>On expected lines, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACSU) has issued a show-cause notice to Romi Bhinder, team manager of Rajasthan Royals, for using a mobile handset during the side’s Indian Premier League fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati last week.</p><p>According to the notice, Bhinder and the franchise have been asked to respond within 48 hours.</p><p>The charge pertains to the use of a mobile phone in the dugout. As per tournament guidelines, players and team officials are barred from using mobile phones in Players and Match Officials Areas (PMOA) to prevent any potentially corrupt transfer of information. Teams are, however, permitted to use walkie-talkies for communication between the dressing room and the dugout in specific situations.</p><p>While PMOA protocols allow a team manager to use a mobile phone inside the dressing room, its use in the dugout is prohibited.</p><p>Sources indicated that Bhinder had sought prior permission from the ACU before the tournament to use a mobile phone due to a medical condition that had led to his hospitalisation for three weeks ahead of the IPL. However, BCCI officials clarified that mobile phones cannot be used to make or receive calls in the dugout, which is accessible to the squad and coaching staff during matches.</p><p>On Sunday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the “veracity of the incident” would be established before any conclusions are drawn.</p><p>“Managers using a mobile phone is permissible, but we need to find out whether there was any violation of rules. That fact-finding exercise is now on. Once it is complete, we will take necessary steps depending on the outcome,” Saikia told Sportstar.</p><p>Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Suryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACU to take cognisance.</p><p>Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Monday.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #BCCIsACSU #issues #showcause #notice #manager #Romi #Bhinder #dugout #phone

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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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