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Deadspin | Duke coach Manny Diaz inked to extension through 2031 Tony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday. Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking The university did not release terms of the extension. “Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.” The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl. The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game. He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position. In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Duke #coach #Manny #Diaz #inked #extension

Deadspin | Duke coach Manny Diaz inked to extension through 2031
Deadspin | Duke coach Manny Diaz inked to extension through 2031 Tony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday. Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking The university did not release terms of the extension. “Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.” The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl. The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game. He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position. In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Duke #coach #Manny #Diaz #inked #extensionTony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday.

Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking

The university did not release terms of the extension.


“Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.”

The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.

The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game.

He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position.

In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6).


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Duke #coach #Manny #Diaz #inked #extension

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Tony the Tiger dumps Frosted Flakes on Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, after a 42-39 win against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Duke coach Manny Diaz inked a contract extension that will keep him in Durham, N.C. through the 2031 season, the university announced on Thursday.

Diaz has posted an 18-9 record at Duke in two seasons and led the squad to its first outright ACC title since 1962 this past season. They defeated Virginia, 27-20, in overtime in the ACC Championship game and then edged Arizona State, 42-39, in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Diaz has signed the best recruiting class in the program’s history for 2026, according to AVG Recruit Ranking

The university did not release terms of the extension.

“Manny Diaz is exactly the right leader at exactly the right time for Duke University,” athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “His clear vision for Duke football, deep understanding of our student-athletes and strong alignment with campus and athletics leadership have positioned us for sustained success in the years ahead. We are incredibly proud to have him leading the Blue Devils, and with his passion, integrity and expertise, Duke football will continue to pursue excellence on and off the field well into the future.”

The 52-year-old Diaz replaced Mike Elko, who left Duke for Texas A&M after the 2023 season. He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record in 2024, but they fell, 52-20, to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.

The Miami, Fla. native served as head coach for his hometown Hurricanes from 2019-21, compiling a 21-15 record. Miami appeared in three consecutive bowl games, although Diaz was dismissed prior to the 2021 Sun Bowl and the team subsequently opted out of the game.

He then served as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons before taking the Duke position.

In 2025, Duke played the aggressive defense that Diaz’ teams have been known for. The Blue Devils finished 11th nationally in fumbles recovered (10), 13th in turnover margin (+0.71), 14th in turnovers gained (24) and 16th in tackles for loss per game (6.6).

–Field Level Media

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Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh <div id="content-body-70872252" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Making history is probably easy for R. Vaishali and her brother Praggnanandhaa.</p><p>The siblings have achieved a few firsts as a duo and individually — the first to become Grandmasters and qualifying for the Candidates tournament.</p><p>The 24-year-old Vaishali, long in the shadow of her prodigiously talented brother, chose to make some history of her own after winning the women’s Candidates tournament on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian to do so.</p><p>She had endured a lean run in 2025 before finding form to claim the Grand Swiss title and book a spot in the Candidates. Following an epochal triumph in Cyprus, she will take on reigning champion Ju Wenjun of China for the Women’s World Chess Championship title later this year.</p><p>Vaishali’s long-time coach , R.B. Ramesh, is over the moon and told <i>Sportstar</i>, “Qualifying for the World Championship match is an amazing thing and I hope she’ll be able to win the title.”</p><p>Speaking about the Chennai GM’s loss of confidence last year, he said, “Yeah, she had some confidence issues earlier, especially after the Chennai GM tournament (last year), but she has been working hard on her game and is feeling much more confident now.”</p><p>The manner in which Vaishali played during the triumph in the Cypriot city of Paphos should stand her in good stead going forward. Often flying under the radar given her sibling’s achievements, Ramesh said, “Pragg and Vaishali have made peace with each other being very strong on their own terms. I don’t think Pragg’s performances have any negative impact on Vaishali anymore.”</p><p>He said Vaishali is very strong in attack and calculation skills and added, “Wish she can improve her time management a bit.”</p><p>Ramesh believes his ward has benefitted a lot from the support she gets from her family and feels she has a good chance at the World title.</p><p>More history beckons when Vaishali faces the Chinese with the prospect of becoming the first-ever Indian woman to win the World title.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Vaishalihas #worked #hard #confident #coach #Ramesh

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Deadspin | Munetaka Murakami homers again, White Sox pound Padres May 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5), right is congratulated by center fielder Tristan Peters (29), left, and catcher Drew Romo (36) after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Munetaka Murakami blasted his league-leading 13th homer Friday night and rookie starter Noah Schultz allowed just two hits in six shutout innings as the visiting Chicago White Sox routed the San Diego Padres 8-2. Murakami capped a six-run second inning outburst against German Marquez, ripping a hanging knuckle-curve an estimated 413 feet to right-center field with Tristan Peters and Drew Romo aboard. That essentially decided the game as Schultz (2-1) shrugged off first-inning control issues over the next five innings. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound left-hander struck out two and threw 53 of his 87 pitches for strikes. Marquez (3-2) saw his three-game winning streak snapped after permitting seven runs on five hits and five walks over five innings, striking out two. It was the third straight defeat for San Diego, all at home, where it won nine of 10 before Tuesday night’s 8-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Schultz created trouble in the first when he issued walks to Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts to fill the bases with two outs. But Schultz escaped trouble via Ty France’s inning-ending grounder to second. Marquez couldn’t hide from trouble in the second. Colson Montgomery walked and advanced to third on Chase Meidroth’s double. Sam Antonacci cashed in Montgomery with a single and Austin Hays’ fielder’s choice grounder plated Meidroth. Walks to Peters and Romo preceded Andrew Benintendi’s sacrifice fly that scored Hays prior to Murakami’s blast. Montgomery upped the lead to 7-0 in the fifth when he pulled a hanging changeup an estimated 385 feet to right-center, his ninth homer of the year. Peters capped the White Sox’s scoring in the eighth with a two-out RBI single that scored Antonacci. The Padres managed to avert a shutout with a pair of two-out runs in their half of the eighth. Miguel Andujar chopped an infield single up the middle to score Bryce Johnson, followed by Machado’s single to left that plated Tatis. Antonacci bagged two of Chicago’s eight hits, while Tatis collected three of San Diego’s six hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Munetaka #Murakami #homers #White #Sox #pound #PadresMay 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5), right is congratulated by center fielder Tristan Peters (29), left, and catcher Drew Romo (36) after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Munetaka Murakami blasted his league-leading 13th homer Friday night and rookie starter Noah Schultz allowed just two hits in six shutout innings as the visiting Chicago White Sox routed the San Diego Padres 8-2.

Murakami capped a six-run second inning outburst against German Marquez, ripping a hanging knuckle-curve an estimated 413 feet to right-center field with Tristan Peters and Drew Romo aboard.

That essentially decided the game as Schultz (2-1) shrugged off first-inning control issues over the next five innings. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound left-hander struck out two and threw 53 of his 87 pitches for strikes.

Marquez (3-2) saw his three-game winning streak snapped after permitting seven runs on five hits and five walks over five innings, striking out two. It was the third straight defeat for San Diego, all at home, where it won nine of 10 before Tuesday night’s 8-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Schultz created trouble in the first when he issued walks to Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts to fill the bases with two outs. But Schultz escaped trouble via Ty France’s inning-ending grounder to second.


Marquez couldn’t hide from trouble in the second. Colson Montgomery walked and advanced to third on Chase Meidroth’s double. Sam Antonacci cashed in Montgomery with a single and Austin Hays’ fielder’s choice grounder plated Meidroth.

Walks to Peters and Romo preceded Andrew Benintendi’s sacrifice fly that scored Hays prior to Murakami’s blast.

Montgomery upped the lead to 7-0 in the fifth when he pulled a hanging changeup an estimated 385 feet to right-center, his ninth homer of the year. Peters capped the White Sox’s scoring in the eighth with a two-out RBI single that scored Antonacci.

The Padres managed to avert a shutout with a pair of two-out runs in their half of the eighth. Miguel Andujar chopped an infield single up the middle to score Bryce Johnson, followed by Machado’s single to left that plated Tatis.

Antonacci bagged two of Chicago’s eight hits, while Tatis collected three of San Diego’s six hits.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Munetaka #Murakami #homers #White #Sox #pound #Padres">Deadspin | Munetaka Murakami homers again, White Sox pound Padres May 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5), right is congratulated by center fielder Tristan Peters (29), left, and catcher Drew Romo (36) after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Munetaka Murakami blasted his league-leading 13th homer Friday night and rookie starter Noah Schultz allowed just two hits in six shutout innings as the visiting Chicago White Sox routed the San Diego Padres 8-2. Murakami capped a six-run second inning outburst against German Marquez, ripping a hanging knuckle-curve an estimated 413 feet to right-center field with Tristan Peters and Drew Romo aboard. That essentially decided the game as Schultz (2-1) shrugged off first-inning control issues over the next five innings. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound left-hander struck out two and threw 53 of his 87 pitches for strikes. Marquez (3-2) saw his three-game winning streak snapped after permitting seven runs on five hits and five walks over five innings, striking out two. It was the third straight defeat for San Diego, all at home, where it won nine of 10 before Tuesday night’s 8-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Schultz created trouble in the first when he issued walks to Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts to fill the bases with two outs. But Schultz escaped trouble via Ty France’s inning-ending grounder to second. Marquez couldn’t hide from trouble in the second. Colson Montgomery walked and advanced to third on Chase Meidroth’s double. Sam Antonacci cashed in Montgomery with a single and Austin Hays’ fielder’s choice grounder plated Meidroth. Walks to Peters and Romo preceded Andrew Benintendi’s sacrifice fly that scored Hays prior to Murakami’s blast. Montgomery upped the lead to 7-0 in the fifth when he pulled a hanging changeup an estimated 385 feet to right-center, his ninth homer of the year. Peters capped the White Sox’s scoring in the eighth with a two-out RBI single that scored Antonacci. The Padres managed to avert a shutout with a pair of two-out runs in their half of the eighth. Miguel Andujar chopped an infield single up the middle to score Bryce Johnson, followed by Machado’s single to left that plated Tatis. Antonacci bagged two of Chicago’s eight hits, while Tatis collected three of San Diego’s six hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Munetaka #Murakami #homers #White #Sox #pound #Padres

Former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi, who lost both legs in a racing ​crash and went on to win Paralympic gold ‌medals, has died at the age of ​59, his family said on Saturday.

Zanardi, ⁠from Bologna, made his F1 debut in 1991 and later achieved success in the CART series in ‌the United States, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998.

His life took a ‌dramatic turn in September 2001 when ‌he ⁠was involved in a high-speed crash during ⁠a CART race in Germany that led to the amputation of both legs.

Zanardi refused to end his sporting career ​and instead turned ‌to para-cycling, becoming one of Italy’s most successful Paralympic athletes.

He won four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 London ‌and 2016 Rio Games.

“It is with deep ​sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred ⁠suddenly yesterday evening, May 1,” his family said in a statement.

“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by ‌the love of his family and friends.

“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this ‌period of mourning.”

Zanardi also claimed multiple world championship titles ​in para-cycling and became a powerful advocate for athletes with disabilities.

His life took ⁠another blow in 2020 when he was seriously injured ⁠after being struck by a truck while competing in a charity para-cycling relay ‌in Tuscany. He sustained serious head injuries and spent years undergoing treatment.

Published on May 02, 2026

#driver #Paralympic #champion #Zanardi #dies">Former F1 driver and Paralympic champion Zanardi dies at 59 Former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi, who lost both legs in a racing ​crash and went on to win Paralympic gold ‌medals, has died at the age of ​59, his family said on Saturday.Zanardi, ⁠from Bologna, made his F1 debut in 1991 and later achieved success in the CART series in ‌the United States, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998.His life took a ‌dramatic turn in September 2001 when ‌he ⁠was involved in a high-speed crash during ⁠a CART race in Germany that led to the amputation of both legs.Zanardi refused to end his sporting career ​and instead turned ‌to para-cycling, becoming one of Italy’s most successful Paralympic athletes.He won four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 London ‌and 2016 Rio Games.“It is with deep ​sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred ⁠suddenly yesterday evening, May 1,” his family said in a statement.“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by ‌the love of his family and friends.“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this ‌period of mourning.”Zanardi also claimed multiple world championship titles ​in para-cycling and became a powerful advocate for athletes with disabilities.His life took ⁠another blow in 2020 when he was seriously injured ⁠after being struck by a truck while competing in a charity para-cycling relay ‌in Tuscany. He sustained serious head injuries and spent years undergoing treatment.Published on May 02, 2026 #driver #Paralympic #champion #Zanardi #dies

Deadspin | Lakers romp past Rockets, seal series in 6, set date with Thunder May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images LeBron James scored 18 of his 28 points in a runaway first half for the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, who cruised to a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday and claimed their Western Conference first-round playoff series in six games. By virtue of the 4-2 series victory, the Lakers advance to the Western Conference semifinals and will travel to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 1 on Tuesday. James added seven rebounds and eight assists to his ledger. Teammate Rui Hachimura put up 21 points, hitting 5 of 7 from the 3-point arc. Austin Reaves, who started for the first time in the series, added 15 points for the Lakers. Undermined by turnovers throughout the series, the Lakers committed just 11 giveaways while limiting Houston to 35% shooting. The Lakers finished with a 19-8 edge in fastbreak points, made 12 of 28 3-point shots (42.9%) and produced a plus-9 rebounding margin. Alperen Sengun paired 17 points with 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who played without leading scorer Kevin Durant for the fifth time in the series. Amen Thompson added 18 points and eight rebounds while Tari Eason tallied 14 points. Reed Sheppard scored 10 points for Houston, but missed 15 of 19 shots, including 9 of 10 from 3-point range. Houston finished 5 of 28 (17.9%) from deep. The Rockets’ promising bid to rally from a 3-0 series deficit and force a Game 7 in Los Angeles on Sunday fizzled quickly. Sengun gave Houston a 16-11 lead with a hook shot nearly seven minutes into the first quarter, but the Lakers seized control with a 12-0 run. Reaves ignited the surge with a three-point play while Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Hachimura added treys to lift the Lakers to a 23-16 lead. The Lakers opened the second with a 9-0 spurt keyed by James, who scored in the post, drilled a 3-pointer and tallied a driving layup. The Rockets missed their first 11 shots of the second, with Sheppard ending the drought by driving for a layup at the 6:55 mark. After Thompson scored through a foul to cut what had been a 19-point deficit to 11, Ayton sank 1 of 2 free throws and then James assisted on a Hachimura trey before nailing a pull-up 3-pointer that helped the Lakers re carry a 49-31 lead into the intermission. Los Angeles led by as many as 29 points in the second half. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lakers #romp #Rockets #seal #series #set #date #ThunderMay 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

LeBron James scored 18 of his 28 points in a runaway first half for the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, who cruised to a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday and claimed their Western Conference first-round playoff series in six games.

By virtue of the 4-2 series victory, the Lakers advance to the Western Conference semifinals and will travel to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 1 on Tuesday.

James added seven rebounds and eight assists to his ledger. Teammate Rui Hachimura put up 21 points, hitting 5 of 7 from the 3-point arc. Austin Reaves, who started for the first time in the series, added 15 points for the Lakers.

Undermined by turnovers throughout the series, the Lakers committed just 11 giveaways while limiting Houston to 35% shooting. The Lakers finished with a 19-8 edge in fastbreak points, made 12 of 28 3-point shots (42.9%) and produced a plus-9 rebounding margin.

Alperen Sengun paired 17 points with 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who played without leading scorer Kevin Durant for the fifth time in the series. Amen Thompson added 18 points and eight rebounds while Tari Eason tallied 14 points. Reed Sheppard scored 10 points for Houston, but missed 15 of 19 shots, including 9 of 10 from 3-point range. Houston finished 5 of 28 (17.9%) from deep.


The Rockets’ promising bid to rally from a 3-0 series deficit and force a Game 7 in Los Angeles on Sunday fizzled quickly. Sengun gave Houston a 16-11 lead with a hook shot nearly seven minutes into the first quarter, but the Lakers seized control with a 12-0 run.

Reaves ignited the surge with a three-point play while Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Hachimura added treys to lift the Lakers to a 23-16 lead.

The Lakers opened the second with a 9-0 spurt keyed by James, who scored in the post, drilled a 3-pointer and tallied a driving layup.

The Rockets missed their first 11 shots of the second, with Sheppard ending the drought by driving for a layup at the 6:55 mark. After Thompson scored through a foul to cut what had been a 19-point deficit to 11, Ayton sank 1 of 2 free throws and then James assisted on a Hachimura trey before nailing a pull-up 3-pointer that helped the Lakers re carry a 49-31 lead into the intermission.

Los Angeles led by as many as 29 points in the second half.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lakers #romp #Rockets #seal #series #set #date #Thunder">Deadspin | Lakers romp past Rockets, seal series in 6, set date with Thunder May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images LeBron James scored 18 of his 28 points in a runaway first half for the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, who cruised to a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday and claimed their Western Conference first-round playoff series in six games. By virtue of the 4-2 series victory, the Lakers advance to the Western Conference semifinals and will travel to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 1 on Tuesday. James added seven rebounds and eight assists to his ledger. Teammate Rui Hachimura put up 21 points, hitting 5 of 7 from the 3-point arc. Austin Reaves, who started for the first time in the series, added 15 points for the Lakers. Undermined by turnovers throughout the series, the Lakers committed just 11 giveaways while limiting Houston to 35% shooting. The Lakers finished with a 19-8 edge in fastbreak points, made 12 of 28 3-point shots (42.9%) and produced a plus-9 rebounding margin. Alperen Sengun paired 17 points with 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who played without leading scorer Kevin Durant for the fifth time in the series. Amen Thompson added 18 points and eight rebounds while Tari Eason tallied 14 points. Reed Sheppard scored 10 points for Houston, but missed 15 of 19 shots, including 9 of 10 from 3-point range. Houston finished 5 of 28 (17.9%) from deep. The Rockets’ promising bid to rally from a 3-0 series deficit and force a Game 7 in Los Angeles on Sunday fizzled quickly. Sengun gave Houston a 16-11 lead with a hook shot nearly seven minutes into the first quarter, but the Lakers seized control with a 12-0 run. Reaves ignited the surge with a three-point play while Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Hachimura added treys to lift the Lakers to a 23-16 lead. The Lakers opened the second with a 9-0 spurt keyed by James, who scored in the post, drilled a 3-pointer and tallied a driving layup. The Rockets missed their first 11 shots of the second, with Sheppard ending the drought by driving for a layup at the 6:55 mark. After Thompson scored through a foul to cut what had been a 19-point deficit to 11, Ayton sank 1 of 2 free throws and then James assisted on a Hachimura trey before nailing a pull-up 3-pointer that helped the Lakers re carry a 49-31 lead into the intermission. Los Angeles led by as many as 29 points in the second half. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lakers #romp #Rockets #seal #series #set #date #Thunder

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