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Deadspin | Italy officials: ‘Not appropriate’ to replace Iran in World Cup Jun 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; A detail view of The FIFA World Cup Trophy sits on a stand outside of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images An American diplomat’s suggestion that Italy could replace Iran at the World Cup is “shameful” and “not appropriate,” Italian sports officials responded. Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, told the Financial Times that he floated the proposal to President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Iran’s place in the field has been up in the air since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation at the end of February. Trump has given mixed signals about Iran’s participation, saying they were “welcome” but also expressing concerns about “their life and safety.” Italy, four-time World Cup champions, failed to qualify for this summer’s 48-team tournament in North America and has not played in the event since 2014. Italy has the “pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said. Italy sports minister Andrea Abodi emphatically ruled out the idea of getting into the World Cup through a back door. A penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff last month ended Italy’s bid to qualify. “Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup … is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate,” Abodi told Sky News. “I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.” Luciano Buonfiglio, president of Italy’s National Olympic Committee, agreed with Abodi’s remarks. “First of all, I don’t think it’s possible,” Buonfiglio said. “Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.” Italy’s economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea “shameful,” according to Reuters. The 23rd FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran is in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Iran has two group games scheduled to be played in Inglewood, Calif., and the third in Seattle. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Italy #officials #replace #Iran #World #Cup

Deadspin | Italy officials: ‘Not appropriate’ to replace Iran in World Cup
Deadspin | Italy officials: ‘Not appropriate’ to replace Iran in World Cup Jun 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; A detail view of The FIFA World Cup Trophy sits on a stand outside of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images An American diplomat’s suggestion that Italy could replace Iran at the World Cup is “shameful” and “not appropriate,” Italian sports officials responded. Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, told the Financial Times that he floated the proposal to President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Iran’s place in the field has been up in the air since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation at the end of February. Trump has given mixed signals about Iran’s participation, saying they were “welcome” but also expressing concerns about “their life and safety.” Italy, four-time World Cup champions, failed to qualify for this summer’s 48-team tournament in North America and has not played in the event since 2014. Italy has the “pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said. Italy sports minister Andrea Abodi emphatically ruled out the idea of getting into the World Cup through a back door. A penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff last month ended Italy’s bid to qualify. “Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup … is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate,” Abodi told Sky News. “I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.” Luciano Buonfiglio, president of Italy’s National Olympic Committee, agreed with Abodi’s remarks. “First of all, I don’t think it’s possible,” Buonfiglio said. “Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.” Italy’s economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea “shameful,” according to Reuters. The 23rd FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran is in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Iran has two group games scheduled to be played in Inglewood, Calif., and the third in Seattle. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Italy #officials #replace #Iran #World #CupJun 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; A detail view of The FIFA World Cup Trophy sits on a stand outside of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

An American diplomat’s suggestion that Italy could replace Iran at the World Cup is “shameful” and “not appropriate,” Italian sports officials responded.

Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, told the Financial Times that he floated the proposal to President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Iran’s place in the field has been up in the air since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation at the end of February. Trump has given mixed signals about Iran’s participation, saying they were “welcome” but also expressing concerns about “their life and safety.”

Italy, four-time World Cup champions, failed to qualify for this summer’s 48-team tournament in North America and has not played in the event since 2014. Italy has the “pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said.

Italy sports minister Andrea Abodi emphatically ruled out the idea of getting into the World Cup through a back door. A penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff last month ended Italy’s bid to qualify.


“Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup … is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate,” Abodi told Sky News. “I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.”

Luciano Buonfiglio, president of Italy’s National Olympic Committee, agreed with Abodi’s remarks.

“First of all, I don’t think it’s possible,” Buonfiglio said. “Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”

Italy’s economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea “shameful,” according to Reuters.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran is in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Iran has two group games scheduled to be played in Inglewood, Calif., and the third in Seattle.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Italy #officials #replace #Iran #World #Cup

Sports news

Jun 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; A detail view of The FIFA World Cup Trophy sits on a stand outside of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

An American diplomat’s suggestion that Italy could replace Iran at the World Cup is “shameful” and “not appropriate,” Italian sports officials responded.

Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, told the Financial Times that he floated the proposal to President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Iran’s place in the field has been up in the air since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation at the end of February. Trump has given mixed signals about Iran’s participation, saying they were “welcome” but also expressing concerns about “their life and safety.”

Italy, four-time World Cup champions, failed to qualify for this summer’s 48-team tournament in North America and has not played in the event since 2014. Italy has the “pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said.

Italy sports minister Andrea Abodi emphatically ruled out the idea of getting into the World Cup through a back door. A penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff last month ended Italy’s bid to qualify.

“Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup … is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate,” Abodi told Sky News. “I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.”

Luciano Buonfiglio, president of Italy’s National Olympic Committee, agreed with Abodi’s remarks.

“First of all, I don’t think it’s possible,” Buonfiglio said. “Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”

Italy’s economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea “shameful,” according to Reuters.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran is in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Iran has two group games scheduled to be played in Inglewood, Calif., and the third in Seattle.

–Field Level Media

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MI vs CSK, IPL 2026: Akeal Hosein rewrites PowerPlay playbook with Chennai Super Kings <div id="content-body-70900303" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Akeal Hosein doesn’t quite fit the conventional mould of a PowerPlay bowler.</p><p>A left-arm spinner entrusted with the new ball in a format dictated by power-hitters, Hosein has turned that role into an advantage — as he showed in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) emphatic win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).</p><p>His spell of four for 17 not only broke the back of the MI chase but also underlined his growing influence this season. Having featured just once in the 2023 IPL, Hosein has made rapid strides, with his ability to read surfaces quickly and adapt lengths emerging as his x-factor.</p><p>“I’ve been trying to pick the coaches’ and players’ brains on red soil, black soil… what works where,” Hosein said, explaining the homework behind his execution. The key, he added, lies in making quick assessments — understanding pace off the surface, which deliveries grip and which skid — and relaying that information to his fellow bowlers.</p><p>Bowling in the PowerPlay, he admitted, comes with inherent risk. With only two fielders outside the circle, margins are thin. But Hosein’s approach is rooted in clarity and courage.</p><p>“You know the batters are going to come at you… it’s about being brave,” he said, before revealing a piece of advice from Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies T20 legend who is now a mentor with Kolkata Knight Riders, that has stayed with him. “If you are going to get hit, at least get hit to the two fielders protecting the boundary.”</p><p>That clarity of plan — bowl to the field, commit to the delivery — has allowed Hosein to thrive in phases where most spinners are shielded.</p><p>If his bowling has been about control, his celebrations have added a touch of theatre. The now-familiar “mask” gesture after wickets, he insisted, carries no deeper meaning.</p><p>“Everybody seems to have their own mask. Noor has a mask, a couple of footballers have their masks, so I just chose this one. I just chose this one to be my mask,” Hosein said.</p><p>“Nothing too much behind it. It’s just about, you know, celebrating small victories. Whenever you do well, you get a wicket. Whenever your teammates get a wicket as well, you just try to enjoy that moment and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”</p><p>CSK will be hoping for Hosein’s mask celebrations to continue for the remaining season.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #CSK #IPL #Akeal #Hosein #rewrites #PowerPlay #playbook #Chennai #Super #Kings

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Deadspin | NHL roundup: Alex Tuch’s goal gives Sabres 2-1 series lead over Bruins Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night. The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1. Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run. Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston. Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves. Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots. Avalanche 4, Kings 2 Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #BruinsApr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night.

The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1.

Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run.

Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston.

Hurricanes 2, Senators 1

Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series.


Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves.

Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots.

Avalanche 4, Kings 2

Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.

Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #Bruins">Deadspin | NHL roundup: Alex Tuch’s goal gives Sabres 2-1 series lead over Bruins Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night. The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1. Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run. Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston. Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves. Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots. Avalanche 4, Kings 2 Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #Bruins

Deadspin | Avalanche down Kings, close in on series sweep Apr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is chased down by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) as he skates the puck toward Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. Makar broke a 1-1 tie at 12:12 of the second period by finding the twine with a long wrist shot through the screen in front of the goalie for his first goal of the series. Lehkonen’s third-period short-handed goal doubled the Avalanche’s lead. Taking advantage of Kempe fanning on a one-timer, Lehkonen sped away on a 2-on-1 rush and tallied when his pass attempt deflected off a defender’s skate and through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 remaining. Kempe made amends by converting a slick redirect for a power-play goal with 4:03 to go. However, Nelson’s empty-net goal two minutes later rounded out the scoring for Colorado, which was the NHL’s top team during the regular season. The loss leaves Los Angeles on the cusp of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Kings have lost six straight opening-round series, and they haven’t captured a series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. Landeskog opened the scoring with a fortuitous bounce at 5:29 of the first period. His long shot went wide of the goal but banked off the end boards and into the net off Forsberg’s skate. The Kings drew even at 5:55 of the second period. Quinton Byfield sent the puck to the net off the rush and it ricocheted off Moore and into the cage to make it a 1-1 game. The victory came at a cost for the Avalanche, as defenseman Josh Manson left the contest in the second period due to an upper-body injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avalanche #Kings #close #series #sweepApr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is chased down by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) as he skates the puck toward Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.

Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games.

Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists.

Makar broke a 1-1 tie at 12:12 of the second period by finding the twine with a long wrist shot through the screen in front of the goalie for his first goal of the series.


Lehkonen’s third-period short-handed goal doubled the Avalanche’s lead. Taking advantage of Kempe fanning on a one-timer, Lehkonen sped away on a 2-on-1 rush and tallied when his pass attempt deflected off a defender’s skate and through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 remaining.

Kempe made amends by converting a slick redirect for a power-play goal with 4:03 to go.

However, Nelson’s empty-net goal two minutes later rounded out the scoring for Colorado, which was the NHL’s top team during the regular season.

The loss leaves Los Angeles on the cusp of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Kings have lost six straight opening-round series, and they haven’t captured a series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.

Landeskog opened the scoring with a fortuitous bounce at 5:29 of the first period. His long shot went wide of the goal but banked off the end boards and into the net off Forsberg’s skate.

The Kings drew even at 5:55 of the second period. Quinton Byfield sent the puck to the net off the rush and it ricocheted off Moore and into the cage to make it a 1-1 game.

The victory came at a cost for the Avalanche, as defenseman Josh Manson left the contest in the second period due to an upper-body injury.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Avalanche #Kings #close #series #sweep">Deadspin | Avalanche down Kings, close in on series sweep Apr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is chased down by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) as he skates the puck toward Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a 4-2 road victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists. Makar broke a 1-1 tie at 12:12 of the second period by finding the twine with a long wrist shot through the screen in front of the goalie for his first goal of the series. Lehkonen’s third-period short-handed goal doubled the Avalanche’s lead. Taking advantage of Kempe fanning on a one-timer, Lehkonen sped away on a 2-on-1 rush and tallied when his pass attempt deflected off a defender’s skate and through Forsberg’s legs with 12:21 remaining. Kempe made amends by converting a slick redirect for a power-play goal with 4:03 to go. However, Nelson’s empty-net goal two minutes later rounded out the scoring for Colorado, which was the NHL’s top team during the regular season. The loss leaves Los Angeles on the cusp of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Kings have lost six straight opening-round series, and they haven’t captured a series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. Landeskog opened the scoring with a fortuitous bounce at 5:29 of the first period. His long shot went wide of the goal but banked off the end boards and into the net off Forsberg’s skate. The Kings drew even at 5:55 of the second period. Quinton Byfield sent the puck to the net off the rush and it ricocheted off Moore and into the cage to make it a 1-1 game. The victory came at a cost for the Avalanche, as defenseman Josh Manson left the contest in the second period due to an upper-body injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avalanche #Kings #close #series #sweep

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Hawks get by Knicks again to take 2-1 series lead Apr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) steps back on New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images CJ McCollum scored 23 points and sank the game-winning basket with 12.7 seconds left, lifting Atlanta to a 109-108 win over the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday and giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Hawks led 96-85 with 8:06 to go in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks roared back to tie the game at 105-105 on a 3-pointer by Miles McBride with 1:41 remaining. Jalen Brunson followed with a three-point play at the 1:03 mark, putting the Knicks on top. A bucket by Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson cut the gap to 108-107, and Brunson shot an airball on the next possession, and the Hawks got the ball on a shot-clock violation with 16.4 seconds left. After a timeout, the Hawks got it to McCollum, who made the 16-foot fadeaway to reclaim the lead. The Hawks then made a defensive stop on Brunson, forcing a loose ball that was recovered by Jonathan Kuminga as time expired. Johnson had 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Kuminga came off the bench to score 21. New York got 29 points from OG Anunoby, 26 points from Brunson and 21 points and 17 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns. Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104 Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points and Toronto defeated visiting Cleveland in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points. James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each. Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96 Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and Minnesota held Denver to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves. Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Hawks #Knicks #series #leadApr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) steps back on New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

CJ McCollum scored 23 points and sank the game-winning basket with 12.7 seconds left, lifting Atlanta to a 109-108 win over the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday and giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

The Hawks led 96-85 with 8:06 to go in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks roared back to tie the game at 105-105 on a 3-pointer by Miles McBride with 1:41 remaining. Jalen Brunson followed with a three-point play at the 1:03 mark, putting the Knicks on top.

A bucket by Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson cut the gap to 108-107, and Brunson shot an airball on the next possession, and the Hawks got the ball on a shot-clock violation with 16.4 seconds left. After a timeout, the Hawks got it to McCollum, who made the 16-foot fadeaway to reclaim the lead. The Hawks then made a defensive stop on Brunson, forcing a loose ball that was recovered by Jonathan Kuminga as time expired.

Johnson had 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Kuminga came off the bench to score 21. New York got 29 points from OG Anunoby, 26 points from Brunson and 21 points and 17 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns.

Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104

Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points and Toronto defeated visiting Cleveland in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.


Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points.

James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each.

Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96

Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and Minnesota held Denver to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves.

Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Hawks #Knicks #series #lead">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Hawks get by Knicks again to take 2-1 series lead Apr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) steps back on New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images CJ McCollum scored 23 points and sank the game-winning basket with 12.7 seconds left, lifting Atlanta to a 109-108 win over the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday and giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Hawks led 96-85 with 8:06 to go in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks roared back to tie the game at 105-105 on a 3-pointer by Miles McBride with 1:41 remaining. Jalen Brunson followed with a three-point play at the 1:03 mark, putting the Knicks on top. A bucket by Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson cut the gap to 108-107, and Brunson shot an airball on the next possession, and the Hawks got the ball on a shot-clock violation with 16.4 seconds left. After a timeout, the Hawks got it to McCollum, who made the 16-foot fadeaway to reclaim the lead. The Hawks then made a defensive stop on Brunson, forcing a loose ball that was recovered by Jonathan Kuminga as time expired. Johnson had 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Kuminga came off the bench to score 21. New York got 29 points from OG Anunoby, 26 points from Brunson and 21 points and 17 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns. Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104 Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points and Toronto defeated visiting Cleveland in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points. James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each. Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96 Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and Minnesota held Denver to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves. Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Hawks #Knicks #series #lead

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