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Deadspin | Cardinals get off to fast start in win over Astros  Apr 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run to left field against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images   Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin smacked their first home runs, and the visiting St. Louis Cardinals clinched an interleague series win over the Houston Astros with a 7-5 victory on Saturday.  Alec Burleson also homered for the Cardinals, who pounced on Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1) and rode a solid start from right-hander Andre Pallante (2-1), who worked five innings.  The Astros lost their third consecutive game and have dropped 11 of 13.  McCullers labored throughout his five-inning stint. He plunked JJ Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera with pitches to begin his outing and, after walking Jordan Walker to load the bases with one out in the top of the first inning, surrendered a single to Nolan Gorman that plated Wetherholt and Herrera and spotted the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.  McCullers issued walks to Fermin and Wetherholt but stranded both in the second. But with Gorman on first and one out in the third, McCullers grooved a 2-0 sinker that Winn launched into the left-field seats. That 373-foot blast extended the Cardinals’ lead to 4-1. McCullers allowed four runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts. He threw 91 pitches, 58 for strikes.   Yordan Alvarez crushed his league-leading ninth home run to straightaway center with one out in the bottom of the first. Pallante limited the Astros to that lone tally by working around two baserunners in the second and third innings, and stranding Cam Smith at first in the fourth.  Pallante retired the side in order in the fifth, recording strikeouts of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa in the frame. He allowed three hits and issued three walks while notching five strikeouts.  The Cardinals tacked on solo runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Fermin won a 10-pitch battle with Astros left-hander Colton Gordon with his 370-foot shot to left-center that pushed the Cardinals to a 5-1 lead. Burleson led off the seventh with his third homer, a 408-foot blast into the second deck in right field.  Shay Whitcomb slugged a three-run home run off Cardinals reliever George Soriano in the ninth, but closer Riley O’Brien retired Altuve and Alvarez to earn his sixth save.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Cardinals #fast #start #win #Astros

Deadspin | Cardinals get off to fast start in win over Astros
Deadspin | Cardinals get off to fast start in win over Astros  Apr 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run to left field against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images   Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin smacked their first home runs, and the visiting St. Louis Cardinals clinched an interleague series win over the Houston Astros with a 7-5 victory on Saturday.  Alec Burleson also homered for the Cardinals, who pounced on Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1) and rode a solid start from right-hander Andre Pallante (2-1), who worked five innings.  The Astros lost their third consecutive game and have dropped 11 of 13.  McCullers labored throughout his five-inning stint. He plunked JJ Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera with pitches to begin his outing and, after walking Jordan Walker to load the bases with one out in the top of the first inning, surrendered a single to Nolan Gorman that plated Wetherholt and Herrera and spotted the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.  McCullers issued walks to Fermin and Wetherholt but stranded both in the second. But with Gorman on first and one out in the third, McCullers grooved a 2-0 sinker that Winn launched into the left-field seats. That 373-foot blast extended the Cardinals’ lead to 4-1. McCullers allowed four runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts. He threw 91 pitches, 58 for strikes.   Yordan Alvarez crushed his league-leading ninth home run to straightaway center with one out in the bottom of the first. Pallante limited the Astros to that lone tally by working around two baserunners in the second and third innings, and stranding Cam Smith at first in the fourth.  Pallante retired the side in order in the fifth, recording strikeouts of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa in the frame. He allowed three hits and issued three walks while notching five strikeouts.  The Cardinals tacked on solo runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Fermin won a 10-pitch battle with Astros left-hander Colton Gordon with his 370-foot shot to left-center that pushed the Cardinals to a 5-1 lead. Burleson led off the seventh with his third homer, a 408-foot blast into the second deck in right field.  Shay Whitcomb slugged a three-run home run off Cardinals reliever George Soriano in the ninth, but closer Riley O’Brien retired Altuve and Alvarez to earn his sixth save.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Cardinals #fast #start #win #AstrosApr 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run to left field against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin smacked their first home runs, and the visiting St. Louis Cardinals clinched an interleague series win over the Houston Astros with a 7-5 victory on Saturday.

Alec Burleson also homered for the Cardinals, who pounced on Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1) and rode a solid start from right-hander Andre Pallante (2-1), who worked five innings.

The Astros lost their third consecutive game and have dropped 11 of 13.

McCullers labored throughout his five-inning stint. He plunked JJ Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera with pitches to begin his outing and, after walking Jordan Walker to load the bases with one out in the top of the first inning, surrendered a single to Nolan Gorman that plated Wetherholt and Herrera and spotted the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.


McCullers issued walks to Fermin and Wetherholt but stranded both in the second. But with Gorman on first and one out in the third, McCullers grooved a 2-0 sinker that Winn launched into the left-field seats. That 373-foot blast extended the Cardinals’ lead to 4-1. McCullers allowed four runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts. He threw 91 pitches, 58 for strikes.

Yordan Alvarez crushed his league-leading ninth home run to straightaway center with one out in the bottom of the first. Pallante limited the Astros to that lone tally by working around two baserunners in the second and third innings, and stranding Cam Smith at first in the fourth.

Pallante retired the side in order in the fifth, recording strikeouts of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa in the frame. He allowed three hits and issued three walks while notching five strikeouts.

The Cardinals tacked on solo runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Fermin won a 10-pitch battle with Astros left-hander Colton Gordon with his 370-foot shot to left-center that pushed the Cardinals to a 5-1 lead. Burleson led off the seventh with his third homer, a 408-foot blast into the second deck in right field.

Shay Whitcomb slugged a three-run home run off Cardinals reliever George Soriano in the ninth, but closer Riley O’Brien retired Altuve and Alvarez to earn his sixth save.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cardinals #fast #start #win #Astros

Apr 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) crosses home plate after hitting a two-run home run to left field against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin smacked their first home runs, and the visiting St. Louis Cardinals clinched an interleague series win over the Houston Astros with a 7-5 victory on Saturday.

Alec Burleson also homered for the Cardinals, who pounced on Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1) and rode a solid start from right-hander Andre Pallante (2-1), who worked five innings.

The Astros lost their third consecutive game and have dropped 11 of 13.

McCullers labored throughout his five-inning stint. He plunked JJ Wetherholt and Ivan Herrera with pitches to begin his outing and, after walking Jordan Walker to load the bases with one out in the top of the first inning, surrendered a single to Nolan Gorman that plated Wetherholt and Herrera and spotted the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.

McCullers issued walks to Fermin and Wetherholt but stranded both in the second. But with Gorman on first and one out in the third, McCullers grooved a 2-0 sinker that Winn launched into the left-field seats. That 373-foot blast extended the Cardinals’ lead to 4-1. McCullers allowed four runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts. He threw 91 pitches, 58 for strikes.

Yordan Alvarez crushed his league-leading ninth home run to straightaway center with one out in the bottom of the first. Pallante limited the Astros to that lone tally by working around two baserunners in the second and third innings, and stranding Cam Smith at first in the fourth.

Pallante retired the side in order in the fifth, recording strikeouts of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa in the frame. He allowed three hits and issued three walks while notching five strikeouts.

The Cardinals tacked on solo runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Fermin won a 10-pitch battle with Astros left-hander Colton Gordon with his 370-foot shot to left-center that pushed the Cardinals to a 5-1 lead. Burleson led off the seventh with his third homer, a 408-foot blast into the second deck in right field.

Shay Whitcomb slugged a three-run home run off Cardinals reliever George Soriano in the ninth, but closer Riley O’Brien retired Altuve and Alvarez to earn his sixth save.

–Field Level Media

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Two police officers suspended after fleeing Kyiv shooting scene<div> <p> By&nbsp<b>Serge Duchêne</b> </p> <p> Published on <time datetime="2026-04-19 20:25:41 +02:00">19/04/2026 – 20:25 GMT+2</time> </p> </div><div style="--widget_related_list_trans: 'Related';"> <p>Ukraine’s interior minister announced on Sunday that two police officers had been suspended after a video was posted online showing them fleeing the scene of the shooting in Kyiv, which left six people dead.</p><div> <div class="c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only"> <div class="c-ad__placeholder"> <img class="c-ad__placeholder__logo" src="https://static.euronews.com/website/images/logos/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg" width="72" height="72" alt="" loading="lazy"/> <span>ADVERTISEMENT</span> </div> </div> <div class="c-ad u-show-for-desktop"> <div class="c-ad__placeholder"> <img class="c-ad__placeholder__logo" src="https://static.euronews.com/website/images/logos/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg" width="72" height="72" alt="" loading="lazy"/> <span>ADVERTISEMENT</span> </div> </div> </div> <p>An armed man opened fire and took hostages in a supermarket in a residential district of the Ukrainian capital on Saturday, before being shot dead during an attempt to arrest him.</p> <p>In footage broadcast by Ukrainian media, a male and a female officer in uniform and yellow vests can be seen standing next to a person lying on the ground, before fleeing as shots ring out, leaving behind civilians, including a child.</p> <p>“Shameful, unworthy behaviour. It is a disgrace for the whole system. They have been suspended and an investigation is under way,” interior minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram.</p> <p>The officers caught on camera have been suspended from duty for the duration of the investigation.</p> <p>Klymenko also stressed that the behaviour of just two officers should not be used to generalise about the entire police force.</p> <p>Police have yet to establish a motive for the shooting, although it has now been officially classified as a terrorist act, but Klymenko said the attacker “was clearly suffering from mental instability”.</p> <p>“It is necessary to examine how he obtained the medical certificates required to renew his gun licence,” the minister added, while making clear there would be no systematic checks on gun owners, who are legally required to register their weapons.</p> <p>He pledged to hold “expert discussions with the participation of MPs, citizens, journalists and veterans” on firearms legislation.</p> <p>On the question of granting civilians the right to own firearms, including handguns, the interior minister said, “I believe people should have the right to defend themselves with weapons. Especially after seeing, at the start of the full-scale invasion, civilians being given weapons for the national resistance.”</p> <h2>Patrol police chief resigns</h2> <p>The head of Ukraine’s national police, Ivan Vyhovskyi, whom the minister tasked with the inquiry, announced that an internal investigation had been opened, and later on Sunday prosecutor general Ruslan Kravtchenko announced the launch of a criminal investigation into alleged failures by the police officers to fulfil their professional duties.</p> <p>“All the actions of law enforcement at the time when citizens’ lives were in serious danger, including leaving a young child at risk and failing to neutralise the assailant in time, will be subject to appropriate legal assessment,” the prosecutor general said.</p> <p>The head of Ukraine’s patrol police department, Yevhen Zhukov, meanwhile resigned over the officers’ behaviour, which he described as “shameful”.</p> <p>“The officers acted unprofessionally and in a manner unworthy of police officers. They arrived at the scene and were supposed to help and save our fellow citizens. They lost their bearings and left wounded civilians in danger,” he said.</p> <p>Zhukov said one of the patrol officers had been in the police since 2024, and his female partner since 2015.</p> <p>According to Zhukov, the patrol officer should have drawn his weapon and fired a warning shot, then used it, “But he made a mistake and, unfortunately, did not use it,” the patrol police chief said.</p> </div><div id=""> <p>Additional sources<strong> • AFP, Ukraïnska Pravda, Meduza</strong></p> </div>#police #officers #suspended #fleeing #Kyiv #shooting #sceneTerrorist attack,Police,Terrorism,Shootings,Kyiv

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GIFs that kept GIF-ing all damn week

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic lead from start, down top-seeded Pistons in opener   Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.  Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.  The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.  Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting.  Thunder 119, Suns 84  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.  Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.  The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.  Celtics 123, 76ers 91   Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.  Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.  Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.  Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98  Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.  Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.  Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #openerApr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting.

Thunder 119, Suns 84

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.


Celtics 123, 76ers 91

Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.

Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98

Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.

Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic lead from start, down top-seeded Pistons in opener   Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.  Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.  The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.  Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting Detroit to 40.3% shooting.  Thunder 119, Suns 84  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.  Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and had a game-high seven assists. Jalen Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.  The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.  Celtics 123, 76ers 91   Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.  Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.  Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.  Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98  Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.  Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.  Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #lead #start #topseeded #Pistons #opener

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the finalists announced Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.

He led Oklahoma City to the Western Conference top seed and the best record in the league at 64-18.

Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of San Antonio’s first run to the playoffs since 2019, averaging a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks.

Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. He averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.

ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.

The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP">Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Jokic finalists for NBA MVP  Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the finalists announced Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.He led Oklahoma City to the Western Conference top seed and the best record in the league at 64-18.Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of San Antonio’s first run to the playoffs since 2019, averaging a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks.Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. He averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat RocketsWembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.Published on Apr 20, 2026  #GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP

LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.

The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP">Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Jokic finalists for NBA MVP

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the finalists announced Sunday for this year’s award alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the trophy, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.

He led Oklahoma City to the Western Conference top seed and the best record in the league at 64-18.

Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of San Antonio’s first run to the playoffs since 2019, averaging a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks.

Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. He averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.

ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, with Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons also on the ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also up for Clutch Player of the Year. He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, both failed to make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, who was ruled out of the MVP race when his request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, is nevertheless among the Clutch Player finalists, which isn’t covered by the regulation.

The awards, which are voted on by a panel of sports media members, will be announced over the course of the playoffs.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#GilgeousAlexander #Wembanyama #Jokic #finalists #NBA #MVP

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