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IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals  It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per        Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals  It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per        Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

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#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

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Deadspin | Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team close in on PGL Wallachia 8 final <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/11882973.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/11882973.jpg" alt="Syndication: Westchester" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018. E Sports<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The weekend schedule:</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Saturday</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner</p> </section> <section id="section-15"> <p>Sunday</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>1. $300,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>2. $175,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>3. $120,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>4. $80,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>5-6. $60,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports</p> </section><br/><section id="section-28"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #final

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Deadspin | Three teams post Round 1 sweeps at CDL Stage 3 Minor <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/15180850.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/15180850.jpg" alt="Syndication: The Courier-Journal" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">A custom gaming keyboard backlit with red LED lights waits for tactile input before Manual took on Boone County in a Rocket League match, which was streamed on YouTube on Thursday, March 5, 2020.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Miami Heretics, G2 Minnesota and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps while the Riyadh Falcons also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League Stage 3 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward $20,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following Major 2. All matches are best-of-five.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Taking on the Boston Breach, the Heretics rolled to victory with wins on Colossus Hardpoint (250-199), Raid Search and Destroy (6-0) and Exposure Overload (4-3).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Minnesota made quick work of Cloud9 New York, posting consecutive victories on Scar Hardpoint (250-93), Scar Search and Destroy (6-1) and Exposure Overload (6-5).</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Facing the Carolina Royal Ravens, Toronto opened with a 250-249 win on Scar Hardpoint, then followed up with a 6-4 victory on Raid Search and Destroy before closing out the sweep 4-1 on Scar Overload.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Vancouver Surge posted a match-opening 250-246 win over Riyadh on Den Hardpoint, but the Falcons bounced back with three straight wins — 6-2 on Plaza Search and Destroy, 4-3 on Scar Overload and 250-174 on Sake Hardpoint.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals):</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>–OpTic Texas vs. Toronto KOI</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>–FaZe Vegas vs. Riyadh Falcons</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Miami Heretics</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Call of Duty League’s Stage 3 Minor prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>1. $20,000, 30 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>2. no money, 20 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>3-4. no money, 10 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>5-8. no money, no CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>9-12. no money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Vancouver Surge, Boston Breach</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #teams #post #sweeps #CDL #Stage #Minor

Deadspin | Ducks rally twice, upend Oilers in OT for 3-1 lead  Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers  in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images   Ryan Poehling scored the winning goal to give the host Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and put them one win away from advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund and Jeffery Viel also scored for the Ducks in the comeback victory that has them up 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Defensemen John and Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each had two assists and Lukas Dostal made 24 saves.  Game 5 is Tuesday in Edmonton.  The Oilers’ Evan Bouchard notched a goal and an assist, Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each scored a goal, while Connor McDavid collected two assists, his 50th multi-point performance in 100 career playoff games. Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots in his first start of this year’s playoffs.  Poehling sent a pass to the front of the net, and it ricocheted off Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse’s skate before squirting through Jarry’s legs just over the line at 2:29 of overtime. Poehling has three goals in the series.  A lengthy video review ruled it was a good goal.  The Oilers have scored first in every game of the series and continued that trend when Kapanen tallied just 38 seconds into the clash by pouncing on a loose puck in the slot for his fourth goal of the series.   Nugent-Hopkins doubled the lead on the power play six minutes later. His shot from the left circle was stopped, but the puck bounced off the skate of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and into the net.  Gauthier provided the Ducks a huge jolt when he put them on the board with a short-side, top-corner wrist shot from the right faceoff dot at 12:24 of the second period.  Granlund scored Anaheim’s second power-play goal of the game — and sixth of the series — with 77 seconds remaining in the period by converting a give-and-go with Leo Carlsson to tie the clash 2-2.  Bouchard restored Edmonton’s lead with his team’s second power-play goal of the affair, finding the mark with a high shot at 3:27 of the third period.  However, Viel again pulled Anaheim even by sliding into the net a loose puck with 6:29 remaining in regulation.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Ducks #rally #upend #Oilers #leadApr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images

Ryan Poehling scored the winning goal to give the host Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and put them one win away from advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund and Jeffery Viel also scored for the Ducks in the comeback victory that has them up 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Defensemen John and Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each had two assists and Lukas Dostal made 24 saves.

Game 5 is Tuesday in Edmonton.

The Oilers’ Evan Bouchard notched a goal and an assist, Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each scored a goal, while Connor McDavid collected two assists, his 50th multi-point performance in 100 career playoff games. Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots in his first start of this year’s playoffs.

Poehling sent a pass to the front of the net, and it ricocheted off Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse’s skate before squirting through Jarry’s legs just over the line at 2:29 of overtime. Poehling has three goals in the series.

A lengthy video review ruled it was a good goal.


The Oilers have scored first in every game of the series and continued that trend when Kapanen tallied just 38 seconds into the clash by pouncing on a loose puck in the slot for his fourth goal of the series.

Nugent-Hopkins doubled the lead on the power play six minutes later. His shot from the left circle was stopped, but the puck bounced off the skate of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and into the net.

Gauthier provided the Ducks a huge jolt when he put them on the board with a short-side, top-corner wrist shot from the right faceoff dot at 12:24 of the second period.

Granlund scored Anaheim’s second power-play goal of the game — and sixth of the series — with 77 seconds remaining in the period by converting a give-and-go with Leo Carlsson to tie the clash 2-2.

Bouchard restored Edmonton’s lead with his team’s second power-play goal of the affair, finding the mark with a high shot at 3:27 of the third period.

However, Viel again pulled Anaheim even by sliding into the net a loose puck with 6:29 remaining in regulation.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #rally #upend #Oilers #lead">Deadspin | Ducks rally twice, upend Oilers in OT for 3-1 lead  Apr 26, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers  in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images   Ryan Poehling scored the winning goal to give the host Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday and put them one win away from advancing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund and Jeffery Viel also scored for the Ducks in the comeback victory that has them up 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Defensemen John and Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each had two assists and Lukas Dostal made 24 saves.  Game 5 is Tuesday in Edmonton.  The Oilers’ Evan Bouchard notched a goal and an assist, Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each scored a goal, while Connor McDavid collected two assists, his 50th multi-point performance in 100 career playoff games. Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots in his first start of this year’s playoffs.  Poehling sent a pass to the front of the net, and it ricocheted off Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse’s skate before squirting through Jarry’s legs just over the line at 2:29 of overtime. Poehling has three goals in the series.  A lengthy video review ruled it was a good goal.  The Oilers have scored first in every game of the series and continued that trend when Kapanen tallied just 38 seconds into the clash by pouncing on a loose puck in the slot for his fourth goal of the series.   Nugent-Hopkins doubled the lead on the power play six minutes later. His shot from the left circle was stopped, but the puck bounced off the skate of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and into the net.  Gauthier provided the Ducks a huge jolt when he put them on the board with a short-side, top-corner wrist shot from the right faceoff dot at 12:24 of the second period.  Granlund scored Anaheim’s second power-play goal of the game — and sixth of the series — with 77 seconds remaining in the period by converting a give-and-go with Leo Carlsson to tie the clash 2-2.  Bouchard restored Edmonton’s lead with his team’s second power-play goal of the affair, finding the mark with a high shot at 3:27 of the third period.  However, Viel again pulled Anaheim even by sliding into the net a loose puck with 6:29 remaining in regulation.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Ducks #rally #upend #Oilers #lead

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Spurs storm past Blazers in Victor Wembanyama’s return  Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks off the court after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images   De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.  Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.  Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers.  Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining.  Rockets 115, Lakers 96  Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 and Houston averted elimination with a victory over visiting Los Angeles in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.  All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack.  After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter.  Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89  Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points and Toronto held off visiting Cleveland to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2.    Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots to his stat line and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, knocking down all six free throw attempts in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds.  Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill contributed 14 points.  Celtics 128, 76ers 96    Payton Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench and Boston took a 3-1 series lead with a convincing road victory over Philadelphia.    Jayson Tatum made five treys and recorded 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the second-seeded Celtics moved one victory away from winning the Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday in Boston.    Joel Embiid played for the first time in the series for the seventh-seeded 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy two-plus weeks ago. He scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and six assists while playing 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points and Paul George added 16 for the 76ers.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Spurs #storm #Blazers #Victor #Wembanyamas #returnApr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks off the court after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.

Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers.

Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining.

Rockets 115, Lakers 96

Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 and Houston averted elimination with a victory over visiting Los Angeles in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack.

After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter.

Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89


Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points and Toronto held off visiting Cleveland to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2.

Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots to his stat line and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, knocking down all six free throw attempts in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds.

Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill contributed 14 points.

Celtics 128, 76ers 96

Payton Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench and Boston took a 3-1 series lead with a convincing road victory over Philadelphia.

Jayson Tatum made five treys and recorded 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the second-seeded Celtics moved one victory away from winning the Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday in Boston.

Joel Embiid played for the first time in the series for the seventh-seeded 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy two-plus weeks ago. He scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and six assists while playing 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points and Paul George added 16 for the 76ers.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Spurs #storm #Blazers #Victor #Wembanyamas #return">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Spurs storm past Blazers in Victor Wembanyama’s return  Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks off the court after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images   De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.  Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.  Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers.  Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining.  Rockets 115, Lakers 96  Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 and Houston averted elimination with a victory over visiting Los Angeles in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.  All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack.  After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected in the third quarter.  Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89  Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points and Toronto held off visiting Cleveland to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2.    Barnes added nine rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots to his stat line and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, knocking down all six free throw attempts in the final 34.6 seconds. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds.  Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Sam Merrill contributed 14 points.  Celtics 128, 76ers 96    Payton Pritchard scored a career-playoff-high 32 points off the bench and Boston took a 3-1 series lead with a convincing road victory over Philadelphia.    Jayson Tatum made five treys and recorded 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 20 points and seven rebounds as the second-seeded Celtics moved one victory away from winning the Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 5 is Tuesday in Boston.    Joel Embiid played for the first time in the series for the seventh-seeded 76ers after undergoing an appendectomy two-plus weeks ago. He scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and six assists while playing 34 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 22 points and Paul George added 16 for the 76ers.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Spurs #storm #Blazers #Victor #Wembanyamas #return

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