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Deadspin | Braves blast 3 home runs in victory over Marlins  Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series.  Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami.  The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits.  Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.  The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.  The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski.   Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board.  The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985.  The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King.  Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi.  Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #Marlins

Deadspin | Braves blast 3 home runs in victory over Marlins
Deadspin | Braves blast 3 home runs in victory over Marlins  Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series.  Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami.  The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits.  Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.  The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.  The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski.   Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board.  The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985.  The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King.  Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi.  Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #MarlinsApr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series.

Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami.

The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits.

Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.

The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.


The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski.

Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board.

The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985.

The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King.

Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi.

Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #Marlins

Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series.

Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami.

The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits.

Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.

The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.

The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski.

Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board.

The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985.

The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King.

Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi.

Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #Marlins

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Which NFL Draft position has the highest hit rate? <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">Nobody wants to be a fan of a team that walks away from the NFL Draft with a bust. The NFL is dictated by teams that consistently draft successfully, both by finding Pro Bowl talent in the first round, then adding valuable starters or contributors throughout the rest of the rounds. Miss on those picks and you squander opportunity, make too many of them and your team tumbles down the standings.</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">“Bust” is a universal, albeit subjective phrase that’s too often applied to skill position players and rarely anybody else. <em>Everyone</em> knows the name “JaMarcus Russell,” but what about defensive tackle Justin Harrell who went No. 16 in the same class? Harrell managed to only start two games in his career and register 27 total tackles in three years before being out of the NFL. Harrell was an objectively worse player than Russell, but he wasn’t as <em>damaging</em> to the Green Bay Packers because of his position. Make no mistake, the man was still a bust.</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’s what prompted me to dive into the last 15 years of NFL Draft data from the first round to look at the hits, busts, and everything in between at every position that has been selected. The goal was to find out which positions are safer, routinely netting more long-serving, consistent talent — and those which have had a tendency to fail more often.</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">There’s no perfect metric to evaluate a player’s entire career, but perhaps the <em>best</em> we have is “Approximate Value (AV)” from Pro Football Reference. This uses a complex formula <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/about/approximate_value.htm">(found here)</a> to quantify a player’s impact over the course of their career. From there, we can also look critically at drafted AV, which is the value added to the team that took the player. That’s how we avoid cases like Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield, who were busts for the teams that drafted them — but had success elsewhere. In this way we can measure the draft fit.</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 final elements are the Mean AV, which removes the highest 5% and lowest 5% of players to ensure that guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen don’t skew the values too much, and finally the Pro Bowl Threshold AV — which averages out what a typical Pro Bowler at the position has as their AV. This is used as a yardstick because by nature AV isn’t designed to be a 1-to-1 comparison between positions.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd53 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><div class="duet--article--table eqjv3q0"><table class="eqjv3q2"><thead><tr><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Position</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. of picks</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Total AV</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Average AV</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Mean AV</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Pro Bowl Threshold</h3></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Linebacker</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">788</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">34.26</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">33.04</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Quarterback</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">49</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1878</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">38.3</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">32.72</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">70</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Offensive Tackle</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">64</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1878</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">29.3</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">28.43</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">60</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Defensive Tackle</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">41</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1254</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">30.6</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">27.94</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">50</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Running Back</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">583</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23.2</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">27.61</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">55</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Offensive Guard</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">18</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">492</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">27.3</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">26.43</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">50</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Cornerback</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">54</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1083</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">25.34</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Center</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">8</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">275</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">34.4</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">24.5</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Tight End</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">13</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">300</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23.1</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23.45</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">40</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Safety</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">21</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">478</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">22.8</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">21.78</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">40</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Edge Rusher</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">82</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">2001</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">24.4</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20.88</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">45</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Wide Receiver</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">65</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1456</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">22.4</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">65</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There are really two factors you want to look at to determine the risk of a pick: Firstly, the Mean AV, which this table is sorted by. This is the average approximate value a position has given the team taking him over the last 15 years, and the second is comparing that to the Pro Bowl Threshold for the position. This gives a picture of the chance you’ll get a bust, as well as the chance you’ll get a Pro Bowl caliber talent.</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 example, the average linebacker selected in the first round is almost at the threshold to become a Pro Bowler. This position represents an exceptionally safe pick. We can debate the upside of box linebackers in the modern NFL, but the numbers bear out that if you take a first-round linebacker you’ll likely see success.</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">Conversely, wide receiver is a minefield. Not only does the position rank lowest in terms of finding long-term success, but on average, less than a third of drafted 1st round receivers go on to become Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Quarterback and edge rushers are also risky positions to draft, with fewer than 50% of drafted 1st round talents going on to be Pro Bowl quality players.</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">Perhaps the most fascinating position to look at here is cornerback. The hit rate in terms of finding Pro Bowl talent at corner is relatively high in terms of first-round success, but overall, the position grades lower than many others in career value. This <em>could</em> indicate that corners tend to have a smaller window of effective high-level play, which is an area to explore next — but this data didn’t look into the career length of different positions.</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">There’s one large inference we can make from this data, and it seems to bear out when we look at NFL teams anecdotally: If you are trying to build a team from the ground up its best to invest picks in the trenches first. These have higher relative hit rates to build the foundation of a team. Meanwhile it’s incredibly risky for a bad team in need of a lot of help to roll the dice on a receiver or quarterback without the other pieces in place, because that does open the organization up to more busts — thereby setting them back further.</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">When the dust settles, the NFL Draft remains an imprecise science. This data shows what has happened across the league over the years, but ultimately a talented front office and scouting department can buck league-wide trends to consistently find the effective players and build winning organizations.</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #position #highest #hit #rate

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Warriors notch up vintage comeback win over Clippers to stay in the race for NBA playoffs <div id="content-body-70868935" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Stephen Curry hit seven 3-pointers while scoring 35 points, holding every fan at Intuit Dome in his thrall with another dazzling display of his unmatched shooting skill.</p><p>In the fourth quarter of an elimination game, Draymond Green bodied up to Kawhi Leonard and utterly shut down one of the greatest scorers of their generation.</p><p>Curry and Green have already done it all and won it all during their 14 years and four championships together. The Golden State Warriors ‘ visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night was merely a play-in game for the right to travel to Phoenix after a trying regular season that ended with Golden State sitting eight games below .500 and in 10th place in the Western Conference.</p><p>And yet both the style and substance of this 126-121 comeback victory indelibly evoked the brilliance of the Warriors’ golden era.</p><p>The few remaining men who have been around for the whole ride were thrilled to travel back in time.</p><p>“For one night, we’re us. We’re champions again,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And I know that may sound crazy to everybody out there. It’s a play-in game. I don’t care. Just absolutely beautiful to watch.”</p><p>Curry put it even more simply: “That’s what you live for right there.”</p><p>Golden State overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter behind Curry, who scored 27 points in a dominant second half. While he took care of the offense, Green took the defensive lead with a smothering effort against Leonard, who couldn’t score in the fourth quarter until the Clippers were cooked.</p><p>The Warriors also got stellar contributions from two newcomers. Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists with an exciting series of big plays — and 39-year-old Al Horford shocked the entire arena when he hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of just his third game since missing a month with a strained right calf.</p><p>Curry broke a tie with his final 3-pointer, falling into the front row of Clippers fans while the ball pierced the net with 50 seconds left. The superstar was playing just his fifth game since returning from a 27-game absence with a knee injury, and he demonstrated exactly why he rejected any notion that he should shut himself down for the summer.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/num0wr/article70868954.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Clippers_Warriors_Basketball_21265.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/num0wr/article70868954.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Clippers_Warriors_Basketball_21265.jpg" alt="Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game." title="Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game. | Photo Credit: AP </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game. | Photo Credit: AP </p></div><p>“This is what you work all year for, all summer, offseason,” Curry said. “We’re not guaranteed a (playoff) series yet, but these nights make everything worth it, because you feel the anxiety of having to perform when the lights are bright, do-or-die game. … Considering how our season has gone, all the injuries and all that, for us to play the way we did tonight was special.”</p><p>Green didn’t score in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors credited their defensive stopper for stifling Leonard, whose play for Toronto in the 2019 NBA Finals is still painful in the minds of Golden State fans.</p><p>With Green hounding his every move, Leonard got only two shots in the fourth quarter. Leonard finished with 21 points while having a fraction of his usual impact on Clippers games.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/basketball/nba-2025-26-regular-season-games-viewership-numbers-details-broadcasters/article70866482.ece" target="_blank">NBA 2025-26 regular-season games’ viewership up by 86 per cent</a></b></p><p>Leonard called Green a “Hall of Fame defender. It was hard to even get shots up.”</p><p>Green thought the Warriors could be a title contender going into this season, but it didn’t happen. Jimmy Butler went down for the season in January, Moses Moody was sidelined in March, and Golden State finished the regular season on a 5-15 skid to its worst record in a full regular season since 2012.</p><p>But after knocking off Los Angeles, Golden State is one win away from making the playoffs anyway. Even for the Warriors who have already won everything, the chance to do the improbable is irresistible.</p><p>“I know we’re not satisfied,” Curry said. “We want to go to Phoenix and guarantee a playoff series against OKC. That’s the next goal, but for us to lock in on just 48 minutes, figure out how to get a win, knowing that the game was not going to be perfect, we were all pretty committed to that. The eight guys that got on the floor all had a part in making it happen.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Warriors #notch #vintage #comeback #win #Clippers #stay #race #NBA #playoffs

Deadspin | Giants place OF Harrison Bader (hamstring) on IL  Apr 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Harrison Bader (9) scores on an RBI double by San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (not pictured) against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images   San Francisco Giants veteran outfielder Harrison Bader was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain prior to Wednesday’s game against the host Cincinnati Reds.  The move is retroactive to April 12.  The Giants also placed Jared Oliva (fractured left wrist) on the IL and recalled fellow outfielders Will Brennan and Drew Gilbert from Triple-A Sacramento.  Bader, 31, also has been dealing with a thumb injury and is batting just .115 with one homer, three RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 52 at-bats.  The Giants signed Bader to a two-year, .5 million contract as a free agent in the offseason. San Francisco is his seventh team in 10 big league seasons.   Oliva, 30, is slated to miss four to six weeks. He is 1-for-7 in seven appearances.  Brennan, 28, was batting .392 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 11 games at Sacramento. He played in 269 games across four seasons for the Cleveland Guardians (2022-25) and batted .267 with 14 homers and 79 RBIs.  Gilbert, 25, was hitting .289 with one homer and three RBIs in 11 games for Sacramento.  Brennan is slated to bat eighth and play left field on Wednesday night. Gilbert will bat ninth and be the center fielder while making his major league debut.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Giants #place #Harrison #Bader #hamstringApr 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Harrison Bader (9) scores on an RBI double by San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (not pictured) against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

San Francisco Giants veteran outfielder Harrison Bader was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain prior to Wednesday’s game against the host Cincinnati Reds.

The move is retroactive to April 12.

The Giants also placed Jared Oliva (fractured left wrist) on the IL and recalled fellow outfielders Will Brennan and Drew Gilbert from Triple-A Sacramento.

Bader, 31, also has been dealing with a thumb injury and is batting just .115 with one homer, three RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 52 at-bats.


The Giants signed Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million contract as a free agent in the offseason. San Francisco is his seventh team in 10 big league seasons.

Oliva, 30, is slated to miss four to six weeks. He is 1-for-7 in seven appearances.

Brennan, 28, was batting .392 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 11 games at Sacramento. He played in 269 games across four seasons for the Cleveland Guardians (2022-25) and batted .267 with 14 homers and 79 RBIs.

Gilbert, 25, was hitting .289 with one homer and three RBIs in 11 games for Sacramento.

Brennan is slated to bat eighth and play left field on Wednesday night. Gilbert will bat ninth and be the center fielder while making his major league debut.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #place #Harrison #Bader #hamstring">Deadspin | Giants place OF Harrison Bader (hamstring) on IL  Apr 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Harrison Bader (9) scores on an RBI double by San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (not pictured) against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images   San Francisco Giants veteran outfielder Harrison Bader was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain prior to Wednesday’s game against the host Cincinnati Reds.  The move is retroactive to April 12.  The Giants also placed Jared Oliva (fractured left wrist) on the IL and recalled fellow outfielders Will Brennan and Drew Gilbert from Triple-A Sacramento.  Bader, 31, also has been dealing with a thumb injury and is batting just .115 with one homer, three RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 52 at-bats.  The Giants signed Bader to a two-year, .5 million contract as a free agent in the offseason. San Francisco is his seventh team in 10 big league seasons.   Oliva, 30, is slated to miss four to six weeks. He is 1-for-7 in seven appearances.  Brennan, 28, was batting .392 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 11 games at Sacramento. He played in 269 games across four seasons for the Cleveland Guardians (2022-25) and batted .267 with 14 homers and 79 RBIs.  Gilbert, 25, was hitting .289 with one homer and three RBIs in 11 games for Sacramento.  Brennan is slated to bat eighth and play left field on Wednesday night. Gilbert will bat ninth and be the center fielder while making his major league debut.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Giants #place #Harrison #Bader #hamstring

Quinton de Kock became the second batter to score a century in IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.

The Protean batter reached his ton from 53 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes, completing the landmark with a reverse-ramp off Xavier Bartlett. He was featuring in his first match of the season, having returned the starting line-up due to Rohit Sharma’s injury.

This is de Kock’s third century in the IPL, having previously scored one for Delhi Dardevils and one for Lucknow Super Giants.

It is also the second century of the tournament, after Sanju Samson’s ton for Chennai Super Kings against Delhi Capitals.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Quinton #Kock #smashes #53ball #century #Mumbai #Indians #Punjab #Kings">MI vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Quinton de Kock smashes 53-ball century for Mumbai Indians against Punjab Kings  Quinton de Kock became the second batter to score a century in IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.The Protean batter reached his ton from 53 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes, completing the landmark with a reverse-ramp off Xavier Bartlett. He was featuring in his first match of the season, having returned the starting line-up due to Rohit Sharma’s injury.This is de Kock’s third century in the IPL, having previously scored one for Delhi Dardevils and one for Lucknow Super Giants.It is also the second century of the tournament, after Sanju Samson’s ton for Chennai Super Kings against Delhi Capitals.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #PBKS #IPL #Quinton #Kock #smashes #53ball #century #Mumbai #Indians #Punjab #Kings

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