Deadspin | Injury-depleted Timberwolves seek to eliminate Nuggets in Game 5  Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images   The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games.  The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State.  Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks.  Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance.  “I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.”  Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey.  “Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.”  It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry.   “I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup.  The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon.  Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised.  “It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.”  Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons.  “We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #Game

Deadspin | Injury-depleted Timberwolves seek to eliminate Nuggets in Game 5
Deadspin | Injury-depleted Timberwolves seek to eliminate Nuggets in Game 5  Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images   The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games.  The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State.  Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks.  Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance.  “I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.”  Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey.  “Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.”  It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry.   “I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup.  The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon.  Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised.  “It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.”  Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons.  “We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #GameApr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games.

The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State.

Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks.

Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance.

“I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.”

Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey.

“Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.”


It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry.

“I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup.

The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon.

Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised.

“It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.”

Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons.

“We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #Game

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games.

The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State.

Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks.

Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance.

“I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.”

Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey.

“Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.”

It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry.

“I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup.

The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon.

Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised.

“It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.”

Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons.

“We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.”

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Athletics activate Brent Rooker, DFA INF Andy Ibanez <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-900/28787173.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28787173.jpg" alt="MLB: Chicago White Sox at Athletics" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Andy Ibanez (77) waits for the pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Athletics activated two-time All-Star Brent Rooker from the 10-day injured list on Sunday and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Rooker was sidelined with an oblique injury. He was injured during a game against the New York Yankees on April 9.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Rooker is batting fourth and serving as the designated hitter in Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>He was hitting .146 (6 for 41) with two home runs and eight RBI before the injury.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Rooker, 31, hit 30 homers last season, his third straight campaign with at least 30. He recorded career highs of 39 homers and 112 RBIs in 2024.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The Ibanez transaction occurred to open a roster spot for Rooker.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Last season, Ibanez recorded four home runs, 21 RBIs, four stolen bases and a .239/.301/.352 batting line across 91 games for the Detroit Tigers.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Ibanez signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January. However, he was designated for assignment a month later, as the Dodgers claimed Michael Siani off waivers.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Athletics claimed him, and he appeared in 11 games for the organization, posting a .118/.167/.118 line.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The 33-year-old will now be available on waivers, once again. His defensive versatility could intrigue teams; he has experience playing first base, second base, shortstop, third base, left field and right field.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Across six seasons, he has recorded 28 home runs, 131 RBIs and a .252 batting average.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Athletics #activate #Brent #Rooker #DFA #INF #Andy #Ibanez

Deadspin | Jose Tena’s HR in 10th helps Nationals edge White Sox  Apr 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images   Jose Tena hit a pinch-hit solo home run in the 10th inning after CJ Abrams provided a go-ahead sacrifice fly as the visiting Washington Nationals defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Sunday.  Both pitching staffs allowed just four hits. Paxton Schultz worked around Tristan Peters’ RBI single in the bottom of the 10th for his first save.  Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin delivered his second consecutive quality start, scattering two hits in seven shutout innings. Griffin walked two and struck out a career-high eight.  Chicago righty Sean Burke shined, as well, limiting the Nationals to three hits in 7 1/3 innings with zero walks and four strikeouts.  After both clubs scored at least three runs in the first two games of the series, offense was a dicey proposition as Griffin and Burke matched zeroes for much of the afternoon.  The White Sox nearly gave Burke an early lead after opener Bryan Hudson pitched a scoreless bottom of the first. Chase Meidroth opened the game with a single, advanced to second on a balk and took third on a wild pitch. But Griffin struck out the side to keep Meidroth from scoring.  Tanner Murray contributed a one-out single in the second and Drew Romo walked two batters later before the rally faded. Griffin hit Colson Montgomery with a pitch in the fourth inning before recovering to retire 11 of the next 12.   Burke yielded a two-out double to Jacob Young in the second and a two-out single to James Wood in the third but kept the Nationals off the scoreboard. Romo, Chicago’s catcher, caught Wood stealing to end the threat in the second.  Burke mowed through the next 15 Washington batters after that, with a four-pitch seventh inning highlighting his dominance. Nasim Nunez broke the streak with a leadoff single in the ninth, stole second and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly. Reliever Sean Newcomb got two popouts to end the inning.  Chicago was unable to score in the bottom of the ninth. Everson Pereira singled with one out for the team’s first hit since the second and went to second on an errant pickoff attempt but was stranded.  Murray left the game with an apparent left-shoulder injury while making a diving catch on Abrams’ sacrifice fly to left field.  Richard Lovelady (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the victory.  Seranthony Dominguez (1-3) took the loss.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jose #Tenas #10th #helps #Nationals #edge #White #SoxApr 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Jose Tena hit a pinch-hit solo home run in the 10th inning after CJ Abrams provided a go-ahead sacrifice fly as the visiting Washington Nationals defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Sunday.

Both pitching staffs allowed just four hits. Paxton Schultz worked around Tristan Peters’ RBI single in the bottom of the 10th for his first save.

Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin delivered his second consecutive quality start, scattering two hits in seven shutout innings. Griffin walked two and struck out a career-high eight.

Chicago righty Sean Burke shined, as well, limiting the Nationals to three hits in 7 1/3 innings with zero walks and four strikeouts.

After both clubs scored at least three runs in the first two games of the series, offense was a dicey proposition as Griffin and Burke matched zeroes for much of the afternoon.

The White Sox nearly gave Burke an early lead after opener Bryan Hudson pitched a scoreless bottom of the first. Chase Meidroth opened the game with a single, advanced to second on a balk and took third on a wild pitch. But Griffin struck out the side to keep Meidroth from scoring.


Tanner Murray contributed a one-out single in the second and Drew Romo walked two batters later before the rally faded. Griffin hit Colson Montgomery with a pitch in the fourth inning before recovering to retire 11 of the next 12.

Burke yielded a two-out double to Jacob Young in the second and a two-out single to James Wood in the third but kept the Nationals off the scoreboard. Romo, Chicago’s catcher, caught Wood stealing to end the threat in the second.

Burke mowed through the next 15 Washington batters after that, with a four-pitch seventh inning highlighting his dominance. Nasim Nunez broke the streak with a leadoff single in the ninth, stole second and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly. Reliever Sean Newcomb got two popouts to end the inning.

Chicago was unable to score in the bottom of the ninth. Everson Pereira singled with one out for the team’s first hit since the second and went to second on an errant pickoff attempt but was stranded.

Murray left the game with an apparent left-shoulder injury while making a diving catch on Abrams’ sacrifice fly to left field.

Richard Lovelady (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the victory.

Seranthony Dominguez (1-3) took the loss.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jose #Tenas #10th #helps #Nationals #edge #White #Sox">Deadspin | Jose Tena’s HR in 10th helps Nationals edge White Sox  Apr 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images   Jose Tena hit a pinch-hit solo home run in the 10th inning after CJ Abrams provided a go-ahead sacrifice fly as the visiting Washington Nationals defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Sunday.  Both pitching staffs allowed just four hits. Paxton Schultz worked around Tristan Peters’ RBI single in the bottom of the 10th for his first save.  Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin delivered his second consecutive quality start, scattering two hits in seven shutout innings. Griffin walked two and struck out a career-high eight.  Chicago righty Sean Burke shined, as well, limiting the Nationals to three hits in 7 1/3 innings with zero walks and four strikeouts.  After both clubs scored at least three runs in the first two games of the series, offense was a dicey proposition as Griffin and Burke matched zeroes for much of the afternoon.  The White Sox nearly gave Burke an early lead after opener Bryan Hudson pitched a scoreless bottom of the first. Chase Meidroth opened the game with a single, advanced to second on a balk and took third on a wild pitch. But Griffin struck out the side to keep Meidroth from scoring.  Tanner Murray contributed a one-out single in the second and Drew Romo walked two batters later before the rally faded. Griffin hit Colson Montgomery with a pitch in the fourth inning before recovering to retire 11 of the next 12.   Burke yielded a two-out double to Jacob Young in the second and a two-out single to James Wood in the third but kept the Nationals off the scoreboard. Romo, Chicago’s catcher, caught Wood stealing to end the threat in the second.  Burke mowed through the next 15 Washington batters after that, with a four-pitch seventh inning highlighting his dominance. Nasim Nunez broke the streak with a leadoff single in the ninth, stole second and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly. Reliever Sean Newcomb got two popouts to end the inning.  Chicago was unable to score in the bottom of the ninth. Everson Pereira singled with one out for the team’s first hit since the second and went to second on an errant pickoff attempt but was stranded.  Murray left the game with an apparent left-shoulder injury while making a diving catch on Abrams’ sacrifice fly to left field.  Richard Lovelady (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the victory.  Seranthony Dominguez (1-3) took the loss.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jose #Tenas #10th #helps #Nationals #edge #White #Sox

Deadspin | Texas A&M adds Loyola Marymount F Jalen Shelley  Jan 4, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions forward Jalen Shelley (1) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images   Loyola Marymount transfer forward Jalen Shelley has committed to Texas A&M, he told On3 on Sunday.  Shelley, who is from Little Elm, Texas, is coming off his weekend visit to College Station.  He averaged 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists and shot 45.7% from the field in 25 games (all starts) last season.   Shelley played his freshman season at USC and averaged 2.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in 22 games (one start) in 2024-25.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Texas #adds #Loyola #Marymount #Jalen #ShelleyJan 4, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions forward Jalen Shelley (1) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Loyola Marymount transfer forward Jalen Shelley has committed to Texas A&M, he told On3 on Sunday.

Shelley, who is from Little Elm, Texas, is coming off his weekend visit to College Station.


He averaged 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists and shot 45.7% from the field in 25 games (all starts) last season.

Shelley played his freshman season at USC and averaged 2.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in 22 games (one start) in 2024-25.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Texas #adds #Loyola #Marymount #Jalen #Shelley">Deadspin | Texas A&M adds Loyola Marymount F Jalen Shelley  Jan 4, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Loyola Marymount Lions forward Jalen Shelley (1) controls the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images   Loyola Marymount transfer forward Jalen Shelley has committed to Texas A&M, he told On3 on Sunday.  Shelley, who is from Little Elm, Texas, is coming off his weekend visit to College Station.  He averaged 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists and shot 45.7% from the field in 25 games (all starts) last season.   Shelley played his freshman season at USC and averaged 2.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in 22 games (one start) in 2024-25.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Texas #adds #Loyola #Marymount #Jalen #Shelley

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