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Deadspin | Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic withdraw from Madrid Open Feb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 4 Novak Djokovic both withdrew Friday from next week’s Madrid Open because of injuries. Alcaraz is dealing with a right wrist injury that forced the 22-year-old Spaniard to pull out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday before his second-round match. Djokovic is bothered by a right shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not played since losing in the fourth round at Indian Wells on March 11. Alcaraz, who could have regained the No. 1 ranking from Italy’s Jannik Sinner by winning the title in Barcelona, will sit out the ATP 1000-level clay-court tournament in Madrid for the second consecutive year due to injury. “There is some news that is incredibly hard to share,” Alcaraz posted on X in Spanish on Friday. “Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row. “It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon.” Djokovic also shared his bad news on social media on Friday. “Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year,” he posted on X. “I am continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!” Djokovic won the Madrid Open in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Alcaraz won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2022 and 2023. The next event on the calendar for both players is the Italian Open in Rome, starting on May 5. Alcaraz is 22-3 this season, including his 25th and 26th career titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. The seven-time grand slam winner is the two-time defending champion at the French Open, which begins May 24. Djokovic is 7-2 this season, losing to Alcaraz in the final in Melbourne. He has won 101 career titles, including a record 24 grand slam championships. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Carlos #Alcaraz #Novak #Djokovic #withdraw #Madrid #Open

Deadspin | Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic withdraw from Madrid Open
Deadspin | Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic withdraw from Madrid Open Feb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 4 Novak Djokovic both withdrew Friday from next week’s Madrid Open because of injuries. Alcaraz is dealing with a right wrist injury that forced the 22-year-old Spaniard to pull out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday before his second-round match. Djokovic is bothered by a right shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not played since losing in the fourth round at Indian Wells on March 11. Alcaraz, who could have regained the No. 1 ranking from Italy’s Jannik Sinner by winning the title in Barcelona, will sit out the ATP 1000-level clay-court tournament in Madrid for the second consecutive year due to injury. “There is some news that is incredibly hard to share,” Alcaraz posted on X in Spanish on Friday. “Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row. “It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon.” Djokovic also shared his bad news on social media on Friday. “Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year,” he posted on X. “I am continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!” Djokovic won the Madrid Open in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Alcaraz won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2022 and 2023. The next event on the calendar for both players is the Italian Open in Rome, starting on May 5. Alcaraz is 22-3 this season, including his 25th and 26th career titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. The seven-time grand slam winner is the two-time defending champion at the French Open, which begins May 24. Djokovic is 7-2 this season, losing to Alcaraz in the final in Melbourne. He has won 101 career titles, including a record 24 grand slam championships. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Carlos #Alcaraz #Novak #Djokovic #withdraw #Madrid #OpenFeb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 4 Novak Djokovic both withdrew Friday from next week’s Madrid Open because of injuries.

Alcaraz is dealing with a right wrist injury that forced the 22-year-old Spaniard to pull out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday before his second-round match.

Djokovic is bothered by a right shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not played since losing in the fourth round at Indian Wells on March 11.

Alcaraz, who could have regained the No. 1 ranking from Italy’s Jannik Sinner by winning the title in Barcelona, will sit out the ATP 1000-level clay-court tournament in Madrid for the second consecutive year due to injury.

“There is some news that is incredibly hard to share,” Alcaraz posted on X in Spanish on Friday. “Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row.

“It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon.”


Djokovic also shared his bad news on social media on Friday.

“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year,” he posted on X. “I am continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!”

Djokovic won the Madrid Open in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Alcaraz won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2022 and 2023.

The next event on the calendar for both players is the Italian Open in Rome, starting on May 5.

Alcaraz is 22-3 this season, including his 25th and 26th career titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. The seven-time grand slam winner is the two-time defending champion at the French Open, which begins May 24.

Djokovic is 7-2 this season, losing to Alcaraz in the final in Melbourne. He has won 101 career titles, including a record 24 grand slam championships.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Carlos #Alcaraz #Novak #Djokovic #withdraw #Madrid #Open

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Feb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 4 Novak Djokovic both withdrew Friday from next week’s Madrid Open because of injuries.

Alcaraz is dealing with a right wrist injury that forced the 22-year-old Spaniard to pull out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday before his second-round match.

Djokovic is bothered by a right shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not played since losing in the fourth round at Indian Wells on March 11.

Alcaraz, who could have regained the No. 1 ranking from Italy’s Jannik Sinner by winning the title in Barcelona, will sit out the ATP 1000-level clay-court tournament in Madrid for the second consecutive year due to injury.

“There is some news that is incredibly hard to share,” Alcaraz posted on X in Spanish on Friday. “Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row.

“It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon.”

Djokovic also shared his bad news on social media on Friday.

“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year,” he posted on X. “I am continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!”

Djokovic won the Madrid Open in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Alcaraz won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2022 and 2023.

The next event on the calendar for both players is the Italian Open in Rome, starting on May 5.

Alcaraz is 22-3 this season, including his 25th and 26th career titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. The seven-time grand slam winner is the two-time defending champion at the French Open, which begins May 24.

Djokovic is 7-2 this season, losing to Alcaraz in the final in Melbourne. He has won 101 career titles, including a record 24 grand slam championships.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Carlos #Alcaraz #Novak #Djokovic #withdraw #Madrid #Open

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‘समय जल्दी बीत जाता है…’, अमिताभ बच्चन ने क्यों कही ये बात? पिता हरिवंश राय बच्चन की कविताओं का किया जिक्र<p style="text-align: justify;">सदी के महानायक कहे जाने वाले अमिताभ बच्चन 83 साल की उम्र में भी फिल्मों के साथ-साथ सोशल मीडिया और ब्लॉग पर भी लगातार सक्रिय हैं। वो अक्सर अपने ब्लॉग्स के जरिए भी लोगों को प्रेरित करते रहते हैं और प्रेरणादायक बातें साझा करते रहते हैं। हाल ही में उन्होंने अपने ब्लॉग पोस्ट में सक्रिय और प्रेरित रहने के महत्व पर विचार व्यक्त किया। इसके लिए उन्होंने अपने पिता व रचनाकार हरिवंश राय बच्चन की पंक्तियों का भी जिक्र किया।</p><div> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>शरीर को गतिशील रखें</strong> <!-- removed read more from here --> <br/><!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> अपने पिता हरिवंश राय बच्चन की रचनाओं से प्रेरणा लेते हुए अमिताभ ने समय की अस्थिरता और शारीरिक एवं मानसिक रूप से सक्रिय रहने के महत्व के बारे में बात की। अपने ब्लॉग में उन्होंने लिखा, ‘बाबूजी की रचनाओं से कुछ विचार और दिन बीतते जा रहे हैं। अभी कुछ दिन पहले ही बीता था और अगला महीना शुरू होने वाला है। यह हमें याद दिलाता है कि समय कितनी जल्दी बीत जाता है। गतिशीलता ही कुंजी है। शरीर को गतिशील रखें, मन को गतिशील रखें और गतिशीलता की शक्ति अचानक स्पष्ट हो जाएगी, न कि बिना किसी कारण के बैठे रहने से।’</p> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>धैर्य और ज्ञान का बताया महत्व</strong> <!-- removed read more from here --> <br/><!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> बिग बी ने धैर्य और ज्ञान के महत्व पर भी बात की। उन्होंने लिखा, ‘धैर्य उस पहेली की तरह है, जिसका हल हर पल चाहिए। एक पल भी धैर्य की परीक्षा है। लेकिन इसका फल मिलता है और बहुत अच्छा मिलता है। आर्थिक दृष्टि से नहीं, बल्कि दार्शनिक दृष्टि से।’ उन्होंने ज्ञान के महत्व पर प्रकाश डालते हुए उन्होंने कहा, ‘किसी भी विषय का अध्ययन युद्ध के संदर्भ में धनुष से कई तीर निकालने जैसा है। <!-- removed read more from here --> <br/><!-- removed read more from here --> </p> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <br/> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> <!-- removed read more from here --> धनुष और बाण, इन्हें कितना महत्व दिया जाता है। यह हमारे जीवन में भीतर और बाहर दोनों जगह मौजूद है।’ युद्ध के बदलते स्वरूप धनुष और बाण से लेकर मिसाइलों तक का उदाहरण देते हुए बिग बी ने बताया कि कैसे तरीकों में बदलाव के बावजूद संघर्ष का सार कभी नहीं बदलता। </div>Amitabh bachchan, big b, amitabh bachchan on motivation, amitabh bachchan wisdom on mobility, amitabh bachchan wisdom on time, amitabh bachchan thoughts, amitabh bachchan blogs, amitabh bachchan movies, amitabh bachchan career, amitabh bachchan as big b, amitabh bachchan in kalki 2, amitabh bachchan in kalki 2898 ad sequel, amitabh bachchan upcoming movie, amitabh bachchan shooting kalki 2, Entertainment News in Hindi, Bollywood News in Hindi, Bollywood Hindi News, अमिताभ बच्चन, बिग बी, प्रेरणा पर अमिताभ बच्चन, गतिशीलता पर अमिताभ बच्चन के ज्ञान, समय पर अमिताभ बच्चन के ज्ञान, अमिताभ बच्चन के विचार, अमिताभ बच्चन के ब्लॉग, अमिताभ बच्चन की फिल्में, अमिताभ बच्चन का करियर, बिग बी के रूप में अमिताभ बच्चन

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महिलाओं को प्रतिनिधित्व देने में एमपी आगे, 50% आरक्षण पर 52.84% महिलाएं चला रही हैं ग्रामीण सरकार

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Deadspin | WTA roundup: Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek both upset at Stuttgart Elena Rybakina hits a shot against Aryna Sabalenka during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 15, 2026. Top-seeded Elena Rybakina escaped in a third-set tiebreaker while No. 2 Coco Gauff and No. 3 Iga Swiatek were upset victims to Karolina Muchova and Mirra Andreeva, respectively, in Friday’s quarterfinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. No. 7 Muchova saved 12 of 15 break points during a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory that marked her first win over Gauff in seven career meetings. The Czech will next face No. 4 Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian delivered a 7-6 (2), 7-5 win over Czech Linda Noskova. No. 6 Andreeva of Russia rallied for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win to defeat Swiatek of Poland for the third consecutive time. Andreeva saved 9 of 14 break points while winning in two hours, 36 minutes. Andreeva next faces Rybakina, who staved off a second match point against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez as part of winning the final three points to score a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory. Rybakina had a 7-6 edge in aces and hit 51 winners while winning in three hours, two minutes. Rouen Metropolitan Open Teenage qualifier Veronika Podrez of Ukraine reached the semifinals in her first main-draw tournament by rolling to a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Brit Katie Boulter in Rouen, France. Podrez, 19, had 28 winners against 11 unforced errors while finishing off Boulter in 78 minutes. Podrez’s semifinal opponent will be second-seeded Sorana Cirstea after the Romanian registered a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over Anna Bondar of Hungary. Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine and Tatjana Maria of Germany will meet in the other quarterfinals. Kostyuk ousted Ann Li 6-0, 6-7 (4), 6-3, while Maria beat Belarus’ Iryna Shymanovich 7-6 (5), 6-2. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Coco #Gauff #Iga #Swiatek #upset #StuttgartElena Rybakina hits a shot against Aryna Sabalenka during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 15, 2026.

Top-seeded Elena Rybakina escaped in a third-set tiebreaker while No. 2 Coco Gauff and No. 3 Iga Swiatek were upset victims to Karolina Muchova and Mirra Andreeva, respectively, in Friday’s quarterfinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.

No. 7 Muchova saved 12 of 15 break points during a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory that marked her first win over Gauff in seven career meetings. The Czech will next face No. 4 Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian delivered a 7-6 (2), 7-5 win over Czech Linda Noskova.

No. 6 Andreeva of Russia rallied for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win to defeat Swiatek of Poland for the third consecutive time. Andreeva saved 9 of 14 break points while winning in two hours, 36 minutes.

Andreeva next faces Rybakina, who staved off a second match point against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez as part of winning the final three points to score a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory. Rybakina had a 7-6 edge in aces and hit 51 winners while winning in three hours, two minutes.


Rouen Metropolitan Open

Teenage qualifier Veronika Podrez of Ukraine reached the semifinals in her first main-draw tournament by rolling to a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Brit Katie Boulter in Rouen, France.

Podrez, 19, had 28 winners against 11 unforced errors while finishing off Boulter in 78 minutes. Podrez’s semifinal opponent will be second-seeded Sorana Cirstea after the Romanian registered a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over Anna Bondar of Hungary.

Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine and Tatjana Maria of Germany will meet in the other quarterfinals. Kostyuk ousted Ann Li 6-0, 6-7 (4), 6-3, while Maria beat Belarus’ Iryna Shymanovich 7-6 (5), 6-2.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Coco #Gauff #Iga #Swiatek #upset #Stuttgart">Deadspin | WTA roundup: Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek both upset at Stuttgart Elena Rybakina hits a shot against Aryna Sabalenka during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 15, 2026. Top-seeded Elena Rybakina escaped in a third-set tiebreaker while No. 2 Coco Gauff and No. 3 Iga Swiatek were upset victims to Karolina Muchova and Mirra Andreeva, respectively, in Friday’s quarterfinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. No. 7 Muchova saved 12 of 15 break points during a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory that marked her first win over Gauff in seven career meetings. The Czech will next face No. 4 Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian delivered a 7-6 (2), 7-5 win over Czech Linda Noskova. No. 6 Andreeva of Russia rallied for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win to defeat Swiatek of Poland for the third consecutive time. Andreeva saved 9 of 14 break points while winning in two hours, 36 minutes. Andreeva next faces Rybakina, who staved off a second match point against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez as part of winning the final three points to score a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory. Rybakina had a 7-6 edge in aces and hit 51 winners while winning in three hours, two minutes. Rouen Metropolitan Open Teenage qualifier Veronika Podrez of Ukraine reached the semifinals in her first main-draw tournament by rolling to a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Brit Katie Boulter in Rouen, France. Podrez, 19, had 28 winners against 11 unforced errors while finishing off Boulter in 78 minutes. Podrez’s semifinal opponent will be second-seeded Sorana Cirstea after the Romanian registered a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over Anna Bondar of Hungary. Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine and Tatjana Maria of Germany will meet in the other quarterfinals. Kostyuk ousted Ann Li 6-0, 6-7 (4), 6-3, while Maria beat Belarus’ Iryna Shymanovich 7-6 (5), 6-2. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Coco #Gauff #Iga #Swiatek #upset #Stuttgart

Deadspin | Illinois G Andrej Stojakovic announces return for 2026-27 season Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots against Connecticut Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Illinois standout guard Andrej Stojakovic said Friday he is returning to the Fighting Illini for the 2026-27 season. Stojakovic posted the news on his Instagram account, asking, “Did I make you nervous?” In an attached video, he lowers a newspaper then lowers his sunglasses and says, “I’m back.” His return is a crucial one for an Illini squad that reached the Final Four before losing to UConn. Illinois went 28-9 this season and figures to be among the top five ranked teams in next season’s preseason poll, depending how the transfer portal and NBA declarations shake out nationally in upcoming weeks. The 6-foot-7 Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 34 games despite missing some time with an ankle injury. It was his first season at Illinois after one-season stints with Stanford (2023-24) and Cal (2024-25). Stojakovic averaged 17.9 points in his one season with the Golden Bears before transferring again. Stojakovic has career averages of 12.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 95 games (59 starts). He has made 95 3-pointers to go with 53 blocked shots and 49 steals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Illinois #Andrej #Stojakovic #announces #return #seasonApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots against Connecticut Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Illinois standout guard Andrej Stojakovic said Friday he is returning to the Fighting Illini for the 2026-27 season.

Stojakovic posted the news on his Instagram account, asking, “Did I make you nervous?” In an attached video, he lowers a newspaper then lowers his sunglasses and says, “I’m back.”

His return is a crucial one for an Illini squad that reached the Final Four before losing to UConn. Illinois went 28-9 this season and figures to be among the top five ranked teams in next season’s preseason poll, depending how the transfer portal and NBA declarations shake out nationally in upcoming weeks.


The 6-foot-7 Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 34 games despite missing some time with an ankle injury.

It was his first season at Illinois after one-season stints with Stanford (2023-24) and Cal (2024-25). Stojakovic averaged 17.9 points in his one season with the Golden Bears before transferring again.

Stojakovic has career averages of 12.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 95 games (59 starts). He has made 95 3-pointers to go with 53 blocked shots and 49 steals.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Illinois #Andrej #Stojakovic #announces #return #season">Deadspin | Illinois G Andrej Stojakovic announces return for 2026-27 season Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots against Connecticut Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Illinois standout guard Andrej Stojakovic said Friday he is returning to the Fighting Illini for the 2026-27 season. Stojakovic posted the news on his Instagram account, asking, “Did I make you nervous?” In an attached video, he lowers a newspaper then lowers his sunglasses and says, “I’m back.” His return is a crucial one for an Illini squad that reached the Final Four before losing to UConn. Illinois went 28-9 this season and figures to be among the top five ranked teams in next season’s preseason poll, depending how the transfer portal and NBA declarations shake out nationally in upcoming weeks. The 6-foot-7 Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 34 games despite missing some time with an ankle injury. It was his first season at Illinois after one-season stints with Stanford (2023-24) and Cal (2024-25). Stojakovic averaged 17.9 points in his one season with the Golden Bears before transferring again. Stojakovic has career averages of 12.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 95 games (59 starts). He has made 95 3-pointers to go with 53 blocked shots and 49 steals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Illinois #Andrej #Stojakovic #announces #return #season

Deadspin | Rockets-Lakers series ‘much deeper’ than LeBron James-Kevin Durant tilt Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images A pair of NBA legends will square off once more when the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face off in a first-round series starting Saturday in Los Angeles. Kevin Durant led the Rockets to the No. 5 seed in his first season with the team, while LeBron James has helped guide the Lakers to the No. 4 seed. But Los Angeles will be without significant firepower. Guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) could end up missing the series entirely after both were injured in a 139-96 blowout loss at Oklahoma City on April 2. The situation will thrust James back to the forefront at age 41, while in his record 23rd NBA season. Even while starting the season with a sciatica injury, it did not appear as if James lost a step, with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games. “He had not a good season, not a great (one), he had a remarkable season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “All things considered, you take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season.” After three consecutive losses when Doncic and Reaves went down, the Lakers rebounded to win their final three games of the regular season to clinch the fourth seed. It was James who pulled the group together in a team meeting to make the late push. “He’s very vocal,” the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura said. “… It’s big time for him.” At age 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averaged 26.0 points with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Perhaps most impressive of all was his 78 regular-season games played, his most since 2018-19. “Of course, from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah, the (playoff) matchup is definitely fun,” Durant said, according to The Sporting News. “Two great players who have been in the league for a long time, but everybody who’s involved in this series knows it’s much deeper than that.” The rebounding total was Durant’s lowest since he was a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007-08, but staying out of the fray inside likely helped to keep him fresh. The Rockets had plenty of rebounding, leading the NBA at 48.1 per game and 15.0 on the offensive end. “It’s the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said, anticipating the challenge ahead. And it might have been even better had Steven Adams not gone down with an ankle injury in January. While scoring can be a challenge for the Rockets at times, the focus on extending possession with offensive rebounds has served them well. While the Lakers led the NBA at 50.2% shooting from the floor, the Rockets were 10th at 47.9% and 18th at 115.2 points per game. Alperen Sengun was as much of an all-around threat as Durant with 20.4 points, to go along with team bests in rebounding (8.9) and assists (6.2). Sengun’s passing ability helped to make up for the loss of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in the preseason. Amen Thompson added 18.3 points with 7.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. had 15.8 points with 6.9 rebounds. Houston closed out the regular season by winning nine of its last 10 games, but it lost twice to the Minnesota Timberwolves since March 25 and dropped consecutive games to the Lakers in March at home. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #RocketsLakers #series #deeper #LeBron #JamesKevin #Durant #tiltMar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

A pair of NBA legends will square off once more when the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face off in a first-round series starting Saturday in Los Angeles.

Kevin Durant led the Rockets to the No. 5 seed in his first season with the team, while LeBron James has helped guide the Lakers to the No. 4 seed. But Los Angeles will be without significant firepower.

Guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) could end up missing the series entirely after both were injured in a 139-96 blowout loss at Oklahoma City on April 2.

The situation will thrust James back to the forefront at age 41, while in his record 23rd NBA season. Even while starting the season with a sciatica injury, it did not appear as if James lost a step, with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games.

“He had not a good season, not a great (one), he had a remarkable season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “All things considered, you take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season.”

After three consecutive losses when Doncic and Reaves went down, the Lakers rebounded to win their final three games of the regular season to clinch the fourth seed. It was James who pulled the group together in a team meeting to make the late push.

“He’s very vocal,” the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura said. “… It’s big time for him.”

At age 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averaged 26.0 points with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Perhaps most impressive of all was his 78 regular-season games played, his most since 2018-19.


“Of course, from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah, the (playoff) matchup is definitely fun,” Durant said, according to The Sporting News. “Two great players who have been in the league for a long time, but everybody who’s involved in this series knows it’s much deeper than that.”

The rebounding total was Durant’s lowest since he was a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007-08, but staying out of the fray inside likely helped to keep him fresh. The Rockets had plenty of rebounding, leading the NBA at 48.1 per game and 15.0 on the offensive end.

“It’s the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said, anticipating the challenge ahead.

And it might have been even better had Steven Adams not gone down with an ankle injury in January.

While scoring can be a challenge for the Rockets at times, the focus on extending possession with offensive rebounds has served them well. While the Lakers led the NBA at 50.2% shooting from the floor, the Rockets were 10th at 47.9% and 18th at 115.2 points per game.

Alperen Sengun was as much of an all-around threat as Durant with 20.4 points, to go along with team bests in rebounding (8.9) and assists (6.2). Sengun’s passing ability helped to make up for the loss of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in the preseason.

Amen Thompson added 18.3 points with 7.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. had 15.8 points with 6.9 rebounds.

Houston closed out the regular season by winning nine of its last 10 games, but it lost twice to the Minnesota Timberwolves since March 25 and dropped consecutive games to the Lakers in March at home.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #RocketsLakers #series #deeper #LeBron #JamesKevin #Durant #tilt">Deadspin | Rockets-Lakers series ‘much deeper’ than LeBron James-Kevin Durant tilt Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images A pair of NBA legends will square off once more when the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face off in a first-round series starting Saturday in Los Angeles. Kevin Durant led the Rockets to the No. 5 seed in his first season with the team, while LeBron James has helped guide the Lakers to the No. 4 seed. But Los Angeles will be without significant firepower. Guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) could end up missing the series entirely after both were injured in a 139-96 blowout loss at Oklahoma City on April 2. The situation will thrust James back to the forefront at age 41, while in his record 23rd NBA season. Even while starting the season with a sciatica injury, it did not appear as if James lost a step, with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games. “He had not a good season, not a great (one), he had a remarkable season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “All things considered, you take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season.” After three consecutive losses when Doncic and Reaves went down, the Lakers rebounded to win their final three games of the regular season to clinch the fourth seed. It was James who pulled the group together in a team meeting to make the late push. “He’s very vocal,” the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura said. “… It’s big time for him.” At age 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averaged 26.0 points with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Perhaps most impressive of all was his 78 regular-season games played, his most since 2018-19. “Of course, from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah, the (playoff) matchup is definitely fun,” Durant said, according to The Sporting News. “Two great players who have been in the league for a long time, but everybody who’s involved in this series knows it’s much deeper than that.” The rebounding total was Durant’s lowest since he was a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007-08, but staying out of the fray inside likely helped to keep him fresh. The Rockets had plenty of rebounding, leading the NBA at 48.1 per game and 15.0 on the offensive end. “It’s the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said, anticipating the challenge ahead. And it might have been even better had Steven Adams not gone down with an ankle injury in January. While scoring can be a challenge for the Rockets at times, the focus on extending possession with offensive rebounds has served them well. While the Lakers led the NBA at 50.2% shooting from the floor, the Rockets were 10th at 47.9% and 18th at 115.2 points per game. Alperen Sengun was as much of an all-around threat as Durant with 20.4 points, to go along with team bests in rebounding (8.9) and assists (6.2). Sengun’s passing ability helped to make up for the loss of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in the preseason. Amen Thompson added 18.3 points with 7.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. had 15.8 points with 6.9 rebounds. Houston closed out the regular season by winning nine of its last 10 games, but it lost twice to the Minnesota Timberwolves since March 25 and dropped consecutive games to the Lakers in March at home. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #RocketsLakers #series #deeper #LeBron #JamesKevin #Durant #tilt

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