Deadspin | Short-handed Lakers show grit in leading series vs. Rockets Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) looks on during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Beyond LeBron James’ individual brilliance and extensive postseason history of carrying teams to heights previously unimagined, perhaps the characteristic most overlooked within these Los Angeles Lakers was their collective ability to overcome obstacles during the regular season. Even with James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing a combined 71 games this season, the Lakers clawed their way to the fourth seed in the Western Conference. As one of the preeminent NBA franchises, Los Angeles has long been renowned for glitz, not grit. But given the track record of this iteration, it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that the Lakers scrapped their way to a 2-0 first-round series lead over the Houston Rockets despite the absences of Doncic and Reaves due to injuries. With the series shifting to Houston for Game 3 on Friday, what has come into clearer focus is the Lakers’ tenacity, and the fact that it should not be overlooked. “The regular season is not a means of punishment; it’s a means of building resiliency,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “And I think our group in the aggregate has been an incredibly resilient group. That’s why we have the confidence and belief and certainly the collective competitive spirit that is needed to be on this stage going against a great basketball team in Houston.” The “great” version of the Rockets that Redick lauded has yet to make an appearance. Seen as prohibitive pre-series favorites with Doncic and Reaves sidelined, the Rockets stumbled over themselves in the series opener with their leading scorer, Kevin Durant, out with a knee injury. When Durant returned for Game 2, little changed. The Lakers again found offense from Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, and they generated the defensive might to stymie the Rockets, who, despite being at full strength, were even less efficient from behind the 3-point arc. Houston likes to hang its hat on its defense, but its woeful offense remains problematic. “They’re just daring guys to prove it, regardless of our spacing,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “Sometimes we’ve been in the proper places, sometimes guys are cutting on top of each other. “I wouldn’t say it’s a spacing issue. We’ve had really good spacing and gotten the ball to the places (we want) and not made the shot or taken the right one. I think they’re going to dare it regardless of who’s on the court until we prove otherwise.” Durant committed nine turnovers in Game 2 and scored only three points of his 23 points in the second half. Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ second-leading scorer during the regular season (20.4 ppg), is shooting just 38.5% from the field in this series. If the Rockets don’t unlock that tandem, this series will end in short order. “We need to get the advantage when they’re doubling (Durant),” Sengun said. “We’re going to figure it out.” Now that they are on the doorstep of taking a stranglehold on this series, the Lakers know that they can rely on the others to support James. The experienced players have revealed themselves at critical junctures already this series, and the expectation is that their guidance will continue to lead the way despite the roster attrition and the long odds stacked against them. “It was brought up, our group trying to lean on LeBron’s otherworldly experience in this league, and, obviously, we’ve had to do that,” Redick said. “And he’s captained our team and led our team. “But we have four guys that have played in the Finals. All the experience that Smart has had, all the experience that DA (Deandre Ayton) has had, Maxi (Kleber) on the bench — they’ve shared that. Being in big moments for those guys is not a new thing.” Kennard, a Feb. 5 trade acquisition from Atlanta, leads Los Angeles with a 25.0 scoring average in the first two games, with James at 23.5 and Smart at 20.0. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shorthanded #Lakers #show #grit #leading #series #Rockets

Deadspin | Short-handed Lakers show grit in leading series vs. Rockets
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) looks on during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Beyond LeBron James’ individual brilliance and extensive postseason history of carrying teams to heights previously unimagined, perhaps the characteristic most overlooked within these Los Angeles Lakers was their collective ability to overcome obstacles during the regular season.

Even with James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing a combined 71 games this season, the Lakers clawed their way to the fourth seed in the Western Conference. As one of the preeminent NBA franchises, Los Angeles has long been renowned for glitz, not grit.

But given the track record of this iteration, it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that the Lakers scrapped their way to a 2-0 first-round series lead over the Houston Rockets despite the absences of Doncic and Reaves due to injuries. With the series shifting to Houston for Game 3 on Friday, what has come into clearer focus is the Lakers’ tenacity, and the fact that it should not be overlooked.

“The regular season is not a means of punishment; it’s a means of building resiliency,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “And I think our group in the aggregate has been an incredibly resilient group. That’s why we have the confidence and belief and certainly the collective competitive spirit that is needed to be on this stage going against a great basketball team in Houston.”

The “great” version of the Rockets that Redick lauded has yet to make an appearance. Seen as prohibitive pre-series favorites with Doncic and Reaves sidelined, the Rockets stumbled over themselves in the series opener with their leading scorer, Kevin Durant, out with a knee injury.

When Durant returned for Game 2, little changed. The Lakers again found offense from Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, and they generated the defensive might to stymie the Rockets, who, despite being at full strength, were even less efficient from behind the 3-point arc.

Houston likes to hang its hat on its defense, but its woeful offense remains problematic.

“They’re just daring guys to prove it, regardless of our spacing,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “Sometimes we’ve been in the proper places, sometimes guys are cutting on top of each other.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a spacing issue. We’ve had really good spacing and gotten the ball to the places (we want) and not made the shot or taken the right one. I think they’re going to dare it regardless of who’s on the court until we prove otherwise.”

Durant committed nine turnovers in Game 2 and scored only three points of his 23 points in the second half. Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ second-leading scorer during the regular season (20.4 ppg), is shooting just 38.5% from the field in this series. If the Rockets don’t unlock that tandem, this series will end in short order.

“We need to get the advantage when they’re doubling (Durant),” Sengun said. “We’re going to figure it out.”

Now that they are on the doorstep of taking a stranglehold on this series, the Lakers know that they can rely on the others to support James. The experienced players have revealed themselves at critical junctures already this series, and the expectation is that their guidance will continue to lead the way despite the roster attrition and the long odds stacked against them.

“It was brought up, our group trying to lean on LeBron’s otherworldly experience in this league, and, obviously, we’ve had to do that,” Redick said. “And he’s captained our team and led our team.

“But we have four guys that have played in the Finals. All the experience that Smart has had, all the experience that DA (Deandre Ayton) has had, Maxi (Kleber) on the bench — they’ve shared that. Being in big moments for those guys is not a new thing.”

Kennard, a Feb. 5 trade acquisition from Atlanta, leads Los Angeles with a 25.0 scoring average in the first two games, with James at 23.5 and Smart at 20.0.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shorthanded #Lakers #show #grit #leading #series #Rockets

Sports news April 25, 2026

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) looks on during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Beyond LeBron James’ individual brilliance and extensive postseason history of carrying teams to heights previously unimagined, perhaps the characteristic most overlooked within these Los Angeles Lakers was their collective ability to overcome obstacles during the regular season.

Even with James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing a combined 71 games this season, the Lakers clawed their way to the fourth seed in the Western Conference. As one of the preeminent NBA franchises, Los Angeles has long been renowned for glitz, not grit.

But given the track record of this iteration, it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that the Lakers scrapped their way to a 2-0 first-round series lead over the Houston Rockets despite the absences of Doncic and Reaves due to injuries. With the series shifting to Houston for Game 3 on Friday, what has come into clearer focus is the Lakers’ tenacity, and the fact that it should not be overlooked.

“The regular season is not a means of punishment; it’s a means of building resiliency,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said. “And I think our group in the aggregate has been an incredibly resilient group. That’s why we have the confidence and belief and certainly the collective competitive spirit that is needed to be on this stage going against a great basketball team in Houston.”

The “great” version of the Rockets that Redick lauded has yet to make an appearance. Seen as prohibitive pre-series favorites with Doncic and Reaves sidelined, the Rockets stumbled over themselves in the series opener with their leading scorer, Kevin Durant, out with a knee injury.

When Durant returned for Game 2, little changed. The Lakers again found offense from Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, and they generated the defensive might to stymie the Rockets, who, despite being at full strength, were even less efficient from behind the 3-point arc.

Houston likes to hang its hat on its defense, but its woeful offense remains problematic.

“They’re just daring guys to prove it, regardless of our spacing,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “Sometimes we’ve been in the proper places, sometimes guys are cutting on top of each other.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a spacing issue. We’ve had really good spacing and gotten the ball to the places (we want) and not made the shot or taken the right one. I think they’re going to dare it regardless of who’s on the court until we prove otherwise.”

Durant committed nine turnovers in Game 2 and scored only three points of his 23 points in the second half. Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ second-leading scorer during the regular season (20.4 ppg), is shooting just 38.5% from the field in this series. If the Rockets don’t unlock that tandem, this series will end in short order.

“We need to get the advantage when they’re doubling (Durant),” Sengun said. “We’re going to figure it out.”

Now that they are on the doorstep of taking a stranglehold on this series, the Lakers know that they can rely on the others to support James. The experienced players have revealed themselves at critical junctures already this series, and the expectation is that their guidance will continue to lead the way despite the roster attrition and the long odds stacked against them.

“It was brought up, our group trying to lean on LeBron’s otherworldly experience in this league, and, obviously, we’ve had to do that,” Redick said. “And he’s captained our team and led our team.

“But we have four guys that have played in the Finals. All the experience that Smart has had, all the experience that DA (Deandre Ayton) has had, Maxi (Kleber) on the bench — they’ve shared that. Being in big moments for those guys is not a new thing.”

Kennard, a Feb. 5 trade acquisition from Atlanta, leads Los Angeles with a 25.0 scoring average in the first two games, with James at 23.5 and Smart at 20.0.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Shorthanded #Lakers #show #grit #leading #series #Rockets

Pirates Didn’t Make Captives Walk the Plank (The Real Punishments Were Much Worse)

Indian U-20 players provide mixed reactions on inclusion of overseas talent in youth teams Three weeks ago, India lost 3-4 on penalties to Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-20 Championship 2026 final in the Maldives, a result which raised questions on the country’s youth system and how it’s run.On the other side of the border, the topic of discussion was the presence of the Sullivan brothers — Ronnie and Declan, teenagers from the USA who have Bangladeshi roots through their grandmother — in the squad. The movement to incorporate overseas players amongst the ranks of the Bangladesh national teams gained momentum last year when Premier League-experienced Hamza Choudhary made his debut for the Bengal Tigers.For the Blue Tigers, Australia-born Ryan Williams became the first overseas player to represent India after attaining citizenship since Arata Izumi. Williams recently made his debut during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong.In this context, two of the Indian U-20 players — Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum — were asked whether they would want a similar strategy deployed regarding the youth teams of the country to improve the quality. And they had mixed reactions.READ | India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme“I think, at the youth level, we are much better. Technically, we are good. It is so because when we are younger, we have that hunger. As we grow up, we tend to become comfortable and have the ‘It’s okay’ attitude. For the youth teams, we don’t need them [overseas players],” opines Vishal, who bagged two goals at the SAFF tournament.His teammate Omang, though, saw both the good and bad aspects of the prospect of overseas players.“Honestly, it would be better if we get Indian-origin players from other countries. They might bring changes in our youth development. But not having OCI players means the India-based players, which is also a good thing,” Omang, who finished joint top-scorer with three goals at SAFF, weighed in.Future ambitionsWhile their beginnings in the sport were drastically different, their career trajectories have brought Vishal and Omang to the Punjab FC Academy. Their most recent exploits with the Cubs were at the 2026 edition of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), where Punjab finished third after beating Kerala Blasters 6-0 in the third-place playoff.Vishal banged in 15 goals, the most in this RFDL season. His tryst with the sport began when he was entering his teenage years in Varanasi when he would just kick the ball around at the nearest ground. His father runs a small dairy, while his mother manages the household.The UP boy was also part of the Punjab FC team which beat Everton U-18 in the 2024 Next Generation Cup in England. Moreover, Vishal also became the third-youngest debutant in the Indian Super League last season when he made an appearance against FC Goa.“I want to play in the ISL more regularly,” he said, a clear goal in his mind. Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Omang, who netted eight goals in the RFDL, said “he got it from his father”, a former footballer. He would be a ball boy during friendly matches his father, Kage Dodum, would play with his friends on Sundays.The Itanagar local also got the special chance to play for the national team in front of his family when India played in the SAFF U-19 Championships last year in Arunachal Pradesh.When asked about his future ambitions, he had an interesting answer.“I want to change this narrative here in India that shorter players can’t be a good No. 9,” the diminutive forward said.“A lot of people have told me to change my position.”A certain Sunil Chhetri wasn’t the most towering marksman when he found the net 95 times in India’s colours, so Omang does have the perfect person to emulate as he attempts to flip the script.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Indian #U20 #players #provide #mixed #reactions #inclusion #overseas #talent #youth #teams — Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

#Indian #U20 #players #provide #mixed #reactions #inclusion #overseas #talent #youth #teams">

mwasimuddin125 0

Three weeks ago, India lost 3-4 on penalties to Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-20 Championship 2026 final in the Maldives, a result which raised questions on the country’s youth system and how it’s run.
On the other side of the border, the topic of discussion was the presence of the Sullivan brothers — Ronnie and Declan, teenagers from the USA who have Bangladeshi roots through their grandmother — in the squad. The movement to incorporate overseas players amongst the ranks of the Bangladesh national teams gained momentum last year when Premier League-experienced Hamza Choudhary made his debut for the Bengal Tigers.
For the Blue Tigers, Australia-born Ryan Williams became the first overseas player to represent India after attaining citizenship since Arata Izumi. Williams recently made his debut during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong.
In this context, two of the Indian U-20 players — Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum — were asked whether they would want a similar strategy deployed regarding the youth teams of the country to improve the quality. And they had mixed reactions.
READ | India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme
“I think, at the youth level, we are much better. Technically, we are good. It is so because when we are younger, we have that hunger. As we grow up, we tend to become comfortable and have the ‘It’s okay’ attitude. For the youth teams, we don’t need them [overseas players],” opines Vishal, who bagged two goals at the SAFF tournament.
His teammate Omang, though, saw both the good and bad aspects of the prospect of overseas players.
“Honestly, it would be better if we get Indian-origin players from other countries. They might bring changes in our youth development. But not having OCI players means the India-based players, which is also a good thing,” Omang, who finished joint top-scorer with three goals at SAFF, weighed in.
Future ambitions
While their beginnings in the sport were drastically different, their career trajectories have brought Vishal and Omang to the Punjab FC Academy. Their most recent exploits with the Cubs were at the 2026 edition of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), where Punjab finished third after beating Kerala Blasters 6-0 in the third-place playoff.
Vishal banged in 15 goals, the most in this RFDL season. His tryst with the sport began when he was entering his teenage years in Varanasi when he would just kick the ball around at the nearest ground. His father runs a small dairy, while his mother manages the household.
The UP boy was also part of the Punjab FC team which beat Everton U-18 in the 2024 Next Generation Cup in England. Moreover, Vishal also became the third-youngest debutant in the Indian Super League last season when he made an appearance against FC Goa.
“I want to play in the ISL more regularly,” he said, a clear goal in his mind.
Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Omang, who netted eight goals in the RFDL, said “he got it from his father”, a former footballer. He would be a ball boy during friendly matches his father, Kage Dodum, would play with his friends on Sundays.
The Itanagar local also got the special chance to play for the national team in front of his family when India played in the SAFF U-19 Championships last year in Arunachal Pradesh.
When asked about his future ambitions, he had an interesting answer.
“I want to change this narrative here in India that shorter players can’t be a good No. 9,” the diminutive forward said.
“A lot of people have told me to change my position.”
A certain Sunil Chhetri wasn’t the most towering marksman when he found the net 95 times in India’s colours, so Omang does have the perfect person to emulate as he attempts to flip the script.
Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indian #U20 #players #provide #mixed #reactions #inclusion #overseas #talent #youth #teams">Indian U-20 players provide mixed reactions on inclusion of overseas talent in youth teams

Three weeks ago, India lost 3-4 on penalties to Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-20 Championship 2026 final in the Maldives, a result which raised questions on the country’s youth system and how it’s run.

On the other side of the border, the topic of discussion was the presence of the Sullivan brothers — Ronnie and Declan, teenagers from the USA who have Bangladeshi roots through their grandmother — in the squad. The movement to incorporate overseas players amongst the ranks of the Bangladesh national teams gained momentum last year when Premier League-experienced Hamza Choudhary made his debut for the Bengal Tigers.

For the Blue Tigers, Australia-born Ryan Williams became the first overseas player to represent India after attaining citizenship since Arata Izumi. Williams recently made his debut during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong.

In this context, two of the Indian U-20 players — Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum — were asked whether they would want a similar strategy deployed regarding the youth teams of the country to improve the quality. And they had mixed reactions.

READ | India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme

“I think, at the youth level, we are much better. Technically, we are good. It is so because when we are younger, we have that hunger. As we grow up, we tend to become comfortable and have the ‘It’s okay’ attitude. For the youth teams, we don’t need them [overseas players],” opines Vishal, who bagged two goals at the SAFF tournament.

His teammate Omang, though, saw both the good and bad aspects of the prospect of overseas players.

“Honestly, it would be better if we get Indian-origin players from other countries. They might bring changes in our youth development. But not having OCI players means the India-based players, which is also a good thing,” Omang, who finished joint top-scorer with three goals at SAFF, weighed in.

Future ambitions

While their beginnings in the sport were drastically different, their career trajectories have brought Vishal and Omang to the Punjab FC Academy. Their most recent exploits with the Cubs were at the 2026 edition of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), where Punjab finished third after beating Kerala Blasters 6-0 in the third-place playoff.

Vishal banged in 15 goals, the most in this RFDL season. His tryst with the sport began when he was entering his teenage years in Varanasi when he would just kick the ball around at the nearest ground. His father runs a small dairy, while his mother manages the household.

The UP boy was also part of the Punjab FC team which beat Everton U-18 in the 2024 Next Generation Cup in England. Moreover, Vishal also became the third-youngest debutant in the Indian Super League last season when he made an appearance against FC Goa.

“I want to play in the ISL more regularly,” he said, a clear goal in his mind.

Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Omang, who netted eight goals in the RFDL, said “he got it from his father”, a former footballer. He would be a ball boy during friendly matches his father, Kage Dodum, would play with his friends on Sundays.

The Itanagar local also got the special chance to play for the national team in front of his family when India played in the SAFF U-19 Championships last year in Arunachal Pradesh.

When asked about his future ambitions, he had an interesting answer.

“I want to change this narrative here in India that shorter players can’t be a good No. 9,” the diminutive forward said.

“A lot of people have told me to change my position.”

A certain Sunil Chhetri wasn’t the most towering marksman when he found the net 95 times in India’s colours, so Omang does have the perfect person to emulate as he attempts to flip the script.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Indian #U20 #players #provide #mixed #reactions #inclusion #overseas #talent #youth #teams

#Deadspin #Spurs #swingman #Keldon #Johnson #wins #NBAs #Sixth #Man #award">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) drives to the basket against Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse (30) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The NBA announced Wednesday that San Antonio Spurs swingman Keldon Johnson has been voted the league’s Sixth Man of the Year by a 100-member global media panel.

The seventh-year veteran earned the John Havlicek Trophy for delivering 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9% from the field and 36.3% from 3-point range. He was the only player in the league to come off the bench in all 82 games.

“It’s a little emotional,” Johnson said on ESPN after he was revealed as the winner. “It’s a big accomplishment. A lot of hard work goes into an award like this.”

Johnson ranked as the No. 5 scorer and No. 4 rebounder on a squad that posted the league’s second-best record (62-20) during the regular season.

The 26-year-old Kentucky product has spent his entire NBA career with the Spurs after being drafted with the 29th overall pick in 2019. He joins Manu Ginobili (2007-08) as the only Spurs to be named Sixth Man of the Year.

During Johnson’s first four years in the league he was an everyday starter for the Spurs, starting in 205 of the 224 games he appeared in. But during his fifth season he started to embrace the role as a spark plug off the bench, which has paid dividends.

“I started for a long time,” Johnson said. “Now, it’s my time to come off the bench. I just continue to analyze the game, come off the bench, go in there and just do my thing.”

“I wanted to be part of something special here in San Antonio. I knew that in order for me to really be the best for our team that coming off the bench was probably my best possibility. At first, it was tough. I had to (control) my ego and put the team first. After that, the sky was the limit.”

Johnson received 63 of the 100 first-place votes and collected 404 points. The Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., claimed 34 first-place votes and finished second in the balloting with 331 points. Jaquez averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists while serving as a reserve in 74 of his 75 appearances this year.

Denver’s Tim Hardaway Jr. took third in the voting while Minnesota’s Naz Reid, Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart and New York’s Mitchell Robinson each received one first-place vote.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spurs #swingman #Keldon #Johnson #wins #NBAs #Sixth #Man #award">Deadspin | Spurs swingman Keldon Johnson wins NBA’s Sixth Man award

Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) drives to the basket against Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse (30) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The NBA announced Wednesday that San Antonio Spurs swingman Keldon Johnson has been voted the league’s Sixth Man of the Year by a 100-member global media panel.

The seventh-year veteran earned the John Havlicek Trophy for delivering 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9% from the field and 36.3% from 3-point range. He was the only player in the league to come off the bench in all 82 games.

“It’s a little emotional,” Johnson said on ESPN after he was revealed as the winner. “It’s a big accomplishment. A lot of hard work goes into an award like this.”

Johnson ranked as the No. 5 scorer and No. 4 rebounder on a squad that posted the league’s second-best record (62-20) during the regular season.

The 26-year-old Kentucky product has spent his entire NBA career with the Spurs after being drafted with the 29th overall pick in 2019. He joins Manu Ginobili (2007-08) as the only Spurs to be named Sixth Man of the Year.

During Johnson’s first four years in the league he was an everyday starter for the Spurs, starting in 205 of the 224 games he appeared in. But during his fifth season he started to embrace the role as a spark plug off the bench, which has paid dividends.

“I started for a long time,” Johnson said. “Now, it’s my time to come off the bench. I just continue to analyze the game, come off the bench, go in there and just do my thing.”

“I wanted to be part of something special here in San Antonio. I knew that in order for me to really be the best for our team that coming off the bench was probably my best possibility. At first, it was tough. I had to (control) my ego and put the team first. After that, the sky was the limit.”

Johnson received 63 of the 100 first-place votes and collected 404 points. The Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., claimed 34 first-place votes and finished second in the balloting with 331 points. Jaquez averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists while serving as a reserve in 74 of his 75 appearances this year.

Denver’s Tim Hardaway Jr. took third in the voting while Minnesota’s Naz Reid, Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart and New York’s Mitchell Robinson each received one first-place vote.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spurs #swingman #Keldon #Johnson #wins #NBAs #Sixth #Man #award

Hector Bellerin struck deep into stoppage time to earn Real Betis a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid on Friday, dealing another blow to Alvaro Arbeloa’s side’s slender La Liga ‌title hopes with five games remaining.

With a game in hand, Barcelona leads the standings on 82 points, eight clear of ⁠second-placed Real Madrid. Barca faces Getafe on Saturday and could stretch its advantage to 11 points.

Real appeared on course for a narrow win after taking the lead ‌in the 17th minute. Federico Valverde let fly from outside the box and Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles could only parry ‌the ball into the path of Vinicius Jr, who reacted swiftly ‌to ⁠guide a neat finish just inside the right post.

Jude Bellingham ⁠nearly made it 2-0 soon after, but Betis gradually grew into the contest and began to threaten. Andriy Lunin kept the visitor ahead before half-time with three sharp saves to deny Cedric Bakambu and two ‌more to thwart Antony.

READ | Injured Yamal will come back stronger at World Cup: Barcelona’s Flick

Real resumed control after the break but was wasteful. Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating evening, blazing over from a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass and later seeing a goal ruled out for ‌offside after the English full back delivered from the right.

Lunin continued to shine, producing a stunning one-handed save to deny Cucho Hernandez in the 65th minute and another fine stop ⁠from Natan nine minutes later. Vinicius also squandered a gilt-edged chance after a dazzling run from the left as Real failed to put the game ‌beyond reach.

It paid the price in the 93rd minute. Ferland Mendy lost possession to Antony inside the box, sparking panic in the Real defence. The ball broke kindly for Bellerin, who drove a low effort through a forest of legs and into the net.

“In situations like this, there’s not much to think about. I’m not one for shooting from distance; ‌I look for the cross. Amidst all the legs, it went in,” Bellerin told DAZN.

“I think we were in control for most of the match and deserved more than just a point. Not getting ⁠the win feels unfair to me. They’re a brilliant team, but we had ⁠plenty of shots on goal. The goalkeeper saved them all. We’re satisfied because it’s a good result.”

Real was left contemplating a ‌draw that leaves it needing near perfection — and several favours elsewhere — to prevent Barcelona from sealing back-to-back titles when the old rivals face each other in El Clasico at Camp Nou on May 10.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Liga #Real #Madrid #held #draw #Betis #Barcelona #moves #closer #title">

La Liga 2025-26: Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title Hector Bellerin struck deep into stoppage time to earn Real Betis a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid on Friday, dealing another blow to Alvaro Arbeloa’s side’s slender La Liga ‌title hopes with five games remaining.With a game in hand, Barcelona leads the standings on 82 points, eight clear of ⁠second-placed Real Madrid. Barca faces Getafe on Saturday and could stretch its advantage to 11 points.Real appeared on course for a narrow win after taking the lead ‌in the 17th minute. Federico Valverde let fly from outside the box and Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles could only parry ‌the ball into the path of Vinicius Jr, who reacted swiftly ‌to ⁠guide a neat finish just inside the right post.Jude Bellingham ⁠nearly made it 2-0 soon after, but Betis gradually grew into the contest and began to threaten. Andriy Lunin kept the visitor ahead before half-time with three sharp saves to deny Cedric Bakambu and two ‌more to thwart Antony.READ | Injured Yamal will come back stronger at World Cup: Barcelona’s FlickReal resumed control after the break but was wasteful. Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating evening, blazing over from a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass and later seeing a goal ruled out for ‌offside after the English full back delivered from the right.Lunin continued to shine, producing a stunning one-handed save to deny Cucho Hernandez in the 65th minute and another fine stop ⁠from Natan nine minutes later. Vinicius also squandered a gilt-edged chance after a dazzling run from the left as Real failed to put the game ‌beyond reach.It paid the price in the 93rd minute. Ferland Mendy lost possession to Antony inside the box, sparking panic in the Real defence. The ball broke kindly for Bellerin, who drove a low effort through a forest of legs and into the net.“In situations like this, there’s not much to think about. I’m not one for shooting from distance; ‌I look for the cross. Amidst all the legs, it went in,” Bellerin told DAZN.“I think we were in control for most of the match and deserved more than just a point. Not getting ⁠the win feels unfair to me. They’re a brilliant team, but we had ⁠plenty of shots on goal. The goalkeeper saved them all. We’re satisfied because it’s a good result.”Real was left contemplating a ‌draw that leaves it needing near perfection — and several favours elsewhere — to prevent Barcelona from sealing back-to-back titles when the old rivals face each other in El Clasico at Camp Nou on May 10.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Liga #Real #Madrid #held #draw #Betis #Barcelona #moves #closer #title

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Hector Bellerin struck deep into stoppage time to earn Real Betis a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid on Friday, dealing another blow to Alvaro Arbeloa’s side’s slender La Liga ‌title hopes with five games remaining.
With a game in hand, Barcelona leads the standings on 82 points, eight clear of ⁠second-placed Real Madrid. Barca faces Getafe on Saturday and could stretch its advantage to 11 points.
Real appeared on course for a narrow win after taking the lead ‌in the 17th minute. Federico Valverde let fly from outside the box and Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles could only parry ‌the ball into the path of Vinicius Jr, who reacted swiftly ‌to ⁠guide a neat finish just inside the right post.
Jude Bellingham ⁠nearly made it 2-0 soon after, but Betis gradually grew into the contest and began to threaten. Andriy Lunin kept the visitor ahead before half-time with three sharp saves to deny Cedric Bakambu and two ‌more to thwart Antony.
READ | Injured Yamal will come back stronger at World Cup: Barcelona’s Flick
Real resumed control after the break but was wasteful. Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating evening, blazing over from a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass and later seeing a goal ruled out for ‌offside after the English full back delivered from the right.
Lunin continued to shine, producing a stunning one-handed save to deny Cucho Hernandez in the 65th minute and another fine stop ⁠from Natan nine minutes later. Vinicius also squandered a gilt-edged chance after a dazzling run from the left as Real failed to put the game ‌beyond reach.
It paid the price in the 93rd minute. Ferland Mendy lost possession to Antony inside the box, sparking panic in the Real defence. The ball broke kindly for Bellerin, who drove a low effort through a forest of legs and into the net.
“In situations like this, there’s not much to think about. I’m not one for shooting from distance; ‌I look for the cross. Amidst all the legs, it went in,” Bellerin told DAZN.
“I think we were in control for most of the match and deserved more than just a point. Not getting ⁠the win feels unfair to me. They’re a brilliant team, but we had ⁠plenty of shots on goal. The goalkeeper saved them all. We’re satisfied because it’s a good result.”
Real was left contemplating a ‌draw that leaves it needing near perfection — and several favours elsewhere — to prevent Barcelona from sealing back-to-back titles when the old rivals face each other in El Clasico at Camp Nou on May 10.
Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Liga #Real #Madrid #held #draw #Betis #Barcelona #moves #closer #title">La Liga 2025-26: Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

With a game in hand, Barcelona leads the standings on 82 points, eight clear of ⁠second-placed Real Madrid. Barca faces Getafe on Saturday and could stretch its advantage to 11 points.

READ | Injured Yamal will come back stronger at World Cup: Barcelona’s Flick

“In situations like this, there’s not much to think about. I’m not one for shooting from distance; ‌I look for the cross. Amidst all the legs, it went in,” Bellerin told DAZN.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Liga #Real #Madrid #held #draw #Betis #Barcelona #moves #closer #title

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