Deadspin | Pistons need All-Star version of Jalen Duren to hang with Magic Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic. That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008. Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando. The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss. Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory. Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range. The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday. “He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead. “It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.” The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining. Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range. Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter. “Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’ Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts. “That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pistons #AllStar #version #Jalen #Duren #hang #Magic

Deadspin | Pistons need All-Star version of Jalen Duren to hang with Magic
Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic.

That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008.

Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando.

The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss.

Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory.

Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range.

The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday.

“He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.”

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead.

“It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.”

The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games.

Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining.

Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range.

Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter.

“Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts.

“That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pistons #AllStar #version #Jalen #Duren #hang #Magic

Sports news April 27, 2026

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic.

That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008.

Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando.

The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss.

Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory.

Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range.

The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday.

“He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.”

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead.

“It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.”

The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games.

Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining.

Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range.

Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter.

“Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts.

“That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Pistons #AllStar #version #Jalen #Duren #hang #Magic

Deadspin | Sabres smash Bruins to take 3-1 lead back to Buffalo <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-900/28819119.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28819119.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The visiting Buffalo Sabres ripped off a four-goal first period and never looked back en route to a 6-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Peyton Krebs, Josh Doan, Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch all notched a goal and an assist, while Zach Benson and Beck Malenstyn also scored for Buffalo, which carries a 3-1 series lead back home for Game 5 on Tuesday after claiming back-to-back victories in Boston.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Krebs netted the opening goal only 4:17 into the first and it was 3-0 less than 10 minutes into the game.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The early flurry was more than enough offense to back goaltender Alex Lyon, who made 23 saves and held a shutout until Boston’s lone goal by Sean Kuraly with 40 seconds left in the third.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Boston’s Jeremy Swayman allowed six goals on 29 shots before Joonas Korpisalo entered in relief for the final 13:19. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>In the midst of falling into a 4-0 deficit in the first period of a playoff game for the first time ever, the Bruins lost Viktor Arvidsson to an upper-body injury after he was hit by Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Buffalo had a 19-5 shot advantage and eight high-danger scoring chances in the opening period.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Krebs scored Buffalo’s first game-opening goal of the series. A turnover led to Tuch creating the scoring chance, firing a no-look pass to his oncoming winger for a wrister from the slot.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Just two seconds after Boston killed off a penalty, Doan made it a 2-0 game by deflecting Ryan McLeod’s centering pass from the right goal line to the top of the crease at 7:10.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Benson added to the tally only 2:05 later. After picking defenseman Jordan Harris’ pocket along the left wing, he drove hard to the net and snuck a backhand shot five-hole on Swayman.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Byram’s third goal in three games capped off the four-goal period with 5:36 left. The defenseman took a pass from partner Owen Power down the left side and scored across the grain past a diving Swayman.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Two goals in a span of 84 third-period seconds put an exclamation point on Buffalo’s win. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Starting the quick-fire sequence, Jordan Greenway’s point shot took deflections off Tyson Kozak and then Malenstyn on its way past Swayman at 5:08. Malenstyn made the ultimate tip from between the circles.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Tuch finalized the Sabres’ scoring to make it 6-0 at 6:32, slotting home Tage Thompson’s feed from behind the net.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Kuraly scored on the rebound of Andrew Peeke’s point shot for the lone Bruins goal, which came short-handed.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Sabres #smash #Bruins #lead #Buffalo

Deadspin | Marco Reus scores brace as Galaxy edge Real Salt Lake Apr 26, 2026; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus (18) scores a goal on free kick during the first half against Real Salt Lake at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Marco Reus scored on a late penalty kick for his second goal of the match as the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated visiting Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Sunday at Carson, Calif. JT Marcinkowski made nine saves, including two in extra time to atone for an earlier mishap, for the Galaxy (3-4-3, 12 points), who won for the first time in three league matches. Rafael was credited with four saves for Real Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points). The goals for Reus were his third and fourth of the season. His first goal came nine minutes into the game off a free kick. Real Salt Lake tied the game in first-half extra time when Marcinkowski’s misfortune resulted in an own goal. Zavier Gozo blasted a shot from the right side that struck the post as Marcinkowski lunged to make the stop. The ball bounced off the post and then off Marcinkowski’s back and into the goal. The tiebreaking goal was set up when Elijah Wynder drew a foul in the penalty area on Real Salt Lake’s Samuel Junqua. Reus converted in the 85th minute. Marcinkowski’s bad luck aside, it was a strong defensive effort from the Galaxy after they had allowed two goals in each of their previous two matches. The Galaxy finished with a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. They had slightly more shots (16-15) but Real Salt Lake had more shots on target (9-7) as well as a higher%age of possession time (54.6%). Real Salt Lake scored a total of seven goals in a two-match span earlier this month and now has been handled twice in a row following Wednesday’s 2-0 setback to Inter Miami. The match featured Galaxy midfielder Lucas Sanabria opposing his brother, will be facing his brother, Uruguay international Juan Manuel Sanabria, who was acquired by RSL this offseason. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marco #Reus #scores #brace #Galaxy #edge #Real #Salt #Lake

#Deadspin #Marco #Reus #scores #brace #Galaxy #edge #Real #Salt #Lake">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 26, 2026; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus (18) scores a goal on free kick during the first half against Real Salt Lake at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Marco Reus scored on a late penalty kick for his second goal of the match as the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated visiting Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Sunday at Carson, Calif.

JT Marcinkowski made nine saves, including two in extra time to atone for an earlier mishap, for the Galaxy (3-4-3, 12 points), who won for the first time in three league matches.

Rafael was credited with four saves for Real Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points).

The goals for Reus were his third and fourth of the season.

His first goal came nine minutes into the game off a free kick.

Real Salt Lake tied the game in first-half extra time when Marcinkowski’s misfortune resulted in an own goal. Zavier Gozo blasted a shot from the right side that struck the post as Marcinkowski lunged to make the stop. The ball bounced off the post and then off Marcinkowski’s back and into the goal.

The tiebreaking goal was set up when Elijah Wynder drew a foul in the penalty area on Real Salt Lake’s Samuel Junqua. Reus converted in the 85th minute.

Marcinkowski’s bad luck aside, it was a strong defensive effort from the Galaxy after they had allowed two goals in each of their previous two matches.

The Galaxy finished with a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. They had slightly more shots (16-15) but Real Salt Lake had more shots on target (9-7) as well as a higher%age of possession time (54.6%).

Real Salt Lake scored a total of seven goals in a two-match span earlier this month and now has been handled twice in a row following Wednesday’s 2-0 setback to Inter Miami.

The match featured Galaxy midfielder Lucas Sanabria opposing his brother, will be facing his brother, Uruguay international Juan Manuel Sanabria, who was acquired by RSL this offseason.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marco #Reus #scores #brace #Galaxy #edge #Real #Salt #Lake">Deadspin | Marco Reus scores brace as Galaxy edge Real Salt Lake

Apr 26, 2026; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus (18) scores a goal on free kick during the first half against Real Salt Lake at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Marco Reus scored on a late penalty kick for his second goal of the match as the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated visiting Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Sunday at Carson, Calif.

JT Marcinkowski made nine saves, including two in extra time to atone for an earlier mishap, for the Galaxy (3-4-3, 12 points), who won for the first time in three league matches.

Rafael was credited with four saves for Real Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points).

The goals for Reus were his third and fourth of the season.

His first goal came nine minutes into the game off a free kick.

Real Salt Lake tied the game in first-half extra time when Marcinkowski’s misfortune resulted in an own goal. Zavier Gozo blasted a shot from the right side that struck the post as Marcinkowski lunged to make the stop. The ball bounced off the post and then off Marcinkowski’s back and into the goal.

The tiebreaking goal was set up when Elijah Wynder drew a foul in the penalty area on Real Salt Lake’s Samuel Junqua. Reus converted in the 85th minute.

Marcinkowski’s bad luck aside, it was a strong defensive effort from the Galaxy after they had allowed two goals in each of their previous two matches.

The Galaxy finished with a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. They had slightly more shots (16-15) but Real Salt Lake had more shots on target (9-7) as well as a higher%age of possession time (54.6%).

Real Salt Lake scored a total of seven goals in a two-match span earlier this month and now has been handled twice in a row following Wednesday’s 2-0 setback to Inter Miami.

The match featured Galaxy midfielder Lucas Sanabria opposing his brother, will be facing his brother, Uruguay international Juan Manuel Sanabria, who was acquired by RSL this offseason.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marco #Reus #scores #brace #Galaxy #edge #Real #Salt #Lake

Nicholas Pooran was Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) best option for the Super Over, given his record against Sunil Narine in T20 cricket over the years, LSG coach Justin Langer said after the loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match here at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium on Sunday.

Coming in to bat first in the Super Over, Pooran was cleaned up by Narine off the first ball. LSG managed just one run as Narine had Aiden Markram caught the very next delivery. KKR wrapped up the game off the first ball to register its second win in eight matches.

“We knew Sunil Narine would bowl, and if you look at Nicholas Pooran’s record, he’s faced Narine more than almost anyone in world cricket,” Langer said after the game. “We felt he was still our best option.”

Pooran hasn’t been among the runs this season: 82 in eight innings at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 81.18. Acknowledging the dip, Langer added, “I know he hasn’t hit form yet, but if anyone can produce a big moment, it’s Nicky. You back your best players. He has struggled, but the numbers say no one plays Narine better than him. Unfortunately, it didn’t come off.”

Langer also pointed out that such phases are part of the game. “Even great players like him – probably one of the greatest T20 players of the last few years – it just shows he’s human. You can’t force confidence. You can try to look confident, but it comes from getting your processes right and working every day. He’s putting in the effort to get it back.”

At the halfway mark, LSG would have fancied its chances after restricting KKR to 155 for seven. However, it might not have crossed even 140 if not for Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 83 off 51 balls. KKR was 112 for seven after 18 overs before Rinku smashed 17 and 26 in the final two overs. Langer admitted those late runs proved costly.

“For 18 overs, we felt on top of the game. Then they get 40-odd at the end, suddenly get a sniff, and with two world-class spinners like Varun (Chakaravarthy) and Sunil (Narine), they would have felt right back in it,” he said.

KKR fast bowler Vaibhav Arora also credited Rinku’s late burst, including four consecutive sixes off Digvesh Rathi in the final over. “We won because of Rinku’s innings. Had he not played that knock, we wouldn’t have reached that total. On this pitch, 155 was a decent score,” he said.

Arora added that while the pitch was challenging, it wasn’t unplayable. “I thought we bowled really well, especially in the PowerPlay, where we conceded just 37 runs and picked up a wicket. That phase gave us momentum, and then we controlled the middle overs very well.”

The pacer also said there was no confusion over the Super Over bowler. “Sunil Narine has been our best bowler and has been with us for so long that everyone trusts him to do the job, and he did it superbly. There wasn’t much confusion; we had our best bowler, so we had the advantage going into the Super Over.”

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#LSG #KKR #IPL #Langer #explains #Pooran #Super #Rinku #earns #praise">

LSG vs KKR, IPL 2026: Langer explains why Pooran was sent for Super Over; Rinku earns praise for 83 Nicholas Pooran was Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) best option for the Super Over, given his record against Sunil Narine in T20 cricket over the years, LSG coach Justin Langer said after the loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match here at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium on Sunday.Coming in to bat first in the Super Over, Pooran was cleaned up by Narine off the first ball. LSG managed just one run as Narine had Aiden Markram caught the very next delivery. KKR wrapped up the game off the first ball to register its second win in eight matches.“We knew Sunil Narine would bowl, and if you look at Nicholas Pooran’s record, he’s faced Narine more than almost anyone in world cricket,” Langer said after the game. “We felt he was still our best option.”Pooran hasn’t been among the runs this season: 82 in eight innings at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 81.18. Acknowledging the dip, Langer added, “I know he hasn’t hit form yet, but if anyone can produce a big moment, it’s Nicky. You back your best players. He has struggled, but the numbers say no one plays Narine better than him. Unfortunately, it didn’t come off.”Langer also pointed out that such phases are part of the game. “Even great players like him – probably one of the greatest T20 players of the last few years – it just shows he’s human. You can’t force confidence. You can try to look confident, but it comes from getting your processes right and working every day. He’s putting in the effort to get it back.”At the halfway mark, LSG would have fancied its chances after restricting KKR to 155 for seven. However, it might not have crossed even 140 if not for Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 83 off 51 balls. KKR was 112 for seven after 18 overs before Rinku smashed 17 and 26 in the final two overs. Langer admitted those late runs proved costly.“For 18 overs, we felt on top of the game. Then they get 40-odd at the end, suddenly get a sniff, and with two world-class spinners like Varun (Chakaravarthy) and Sunil (Narine), they would have felt right back in it,” he said.KKR fast bowler Vaibhav Arora also credited Rinku’s late burst, including four consecutive sixes off Digvesh Rathi in the final over. “We won because of Rinku’s innings. Had he not played that knock, we wouldn’t have reached that total. On this pitch, 155 was a decent score,” he said.Arora added that while the pitch was challenging, it wasn’t unplayable. “I thought we bowled really well, especially in the PowerPlay, where we conceded just 37 runs and picked up a wicket. That phase gave us momentum, and then we controlled the middle overs very well.”The pacer also said there was no confusion over the Super Over bowler. “Sunil Narine has been our best bowler and has been with us for so long that everyone trusts him to do the job, and he did it superbly. There wasn’t much confusion; we had our best bowler, so we had the advantage going into the Super Over.”Published on Apr 27, 2026 #LSG #KKR #IPL #Langer #explains #Pooran #Super #Rinku #earns #praise

mwasimuddin125 0

Nicholas Pooran was Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) best option for the Super Over, given his record against Sunil Narine in T20 cricket over the years, LSG coach Justin Langer said after the loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match here at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium on Sunday.
Coming in to bat first in the Super Over, Pooran was cleaned up by Narine off the first ball. LSG managed just one run as Narine had Aiden Markram caught the very next delivery. KKR wrapped up the game off the first ball to register its second win in eight matches.
“We knew Sunil Narine would bowl, and if you look at Nicholas Pooran’s record, he’s faced Narine more than almost anyone in world cricket,” Langer said after the game. “We felt he was still our best option.”
Pooran hasn’t been among the runs this season: 82 in eight innings at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 81.18. Acknowledging the dip, Langer added, “I know he hasn’t hit form yet, but if anyone can produce a big moment, it’s Nicky. You back your best players. He has struggled, but the numbers say no one plays Narine better than him. Unfortunately, it didn’t come off.”
Langer also pointed out that such phases are part of the game. “Even great players like him – probably one of the greatest T20 players of the last few years – it just shows he’s human. You can’t force confidence. You can try to look confident, but it comes from getting your processes right and working every day. He’s putting in the effort to get it back.”
At the halfway mark, LSG would have fancied its chances after restricting KKR to 155 for seven. However, it might not have crossed even 140 if not for Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 83 off 51 balls. KKR was 112 for seven after 18 overs before Rinku smashed 17 and 26 in the final two overs. Langer admitted those late runs proved costly.
“For 18 overs, we felt on top of the game. Then they get 40-odd at the end, suddenly get a sniff, and with two world-class spinners like Varun (Chakaravarthy) and Sunil (Narine), they would have felt right back in it,” he said.
KKR fast bowler Vaibhav Arora also credited Rinku’s late burst, including four consecutive sixes off Digvesh Rathi in the final over. “We won because of Rinku’s innings. Had he not played that knock, we wouldn’t have reached that total. On this pitch, 155 was a decent score,” he said.
Arora added that while the pitch was challenging, it wasn’t unplayable. “I thought we bowled really well, especially in the PowerPlay, where we conceded just 37 runs and picked up a wicket. That phase gave us momentum, and then we controlled the middle overs very well.”
The pacer also said there was no confusion over the Super Over bowler. “Sunil Narine has been our best bowler and has been with us for so long that everyone trusts him to do the job, and he did it superbly. There wasn’t much confusion; we had our best bowler, so we had the advantage going into the Super Over.”
Published on Apr 27, 2026

#LSG #KKR #IPL #Langer #explains #Pooran #Super #Rinku #earns #praise">LSG vs KKR, IPL 2026: Langer explains why Pooran was sent for Super Over; Rinku earns praise for 83

Published on Apr 27, 2026

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Deadspin | Monte Coleman, 3-time Super Bowl champion for Washington, dies at 68 Jan 26, 1992; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman (51) and linebacker Andre Collins (55) on the sideline during Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images Monte Coleman, who won three Super Bowls while playing linebacker his entire NFL career for the Washington franchise, died on Sunday. He was 68. A cause of death was not given in announcements by the Washington Commanders as well as by Arkansas Pine Bluff, where Coleman was head coach at his hometown university from 2008-17 and was 40-71. The Golden Lions won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012 as well as the Boxtorow HBCU Division I coaches’ national championship. “Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB — excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said in a statement. “His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.” A legend. A leader. A Golden Lion forever. ?????We mourn the loss of Coach Monte Coleman, whose impact on UAPB Football and countless lives will never be forgotten.Forever in our hearts ?? pic.twitter.com/qE94K5b5s6— ???????????? ?????????? ?????????????????? (@UAPBLionsRoar) April 26, 2026 The first player drafted from Central Arkansas, Coleman went to Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL Draft, which was 12 rounds at the time. He played 16 seasons, all for Washington, and totaled 1,002 tackles (999 solo), 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries in 215 regular-season games (62 starts) from 1979-94. Coleman also played in 21 playoff games (five starts) and recorded five tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. Washington won Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991 and played in the 1983 game. “Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said in a statement. “He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.” Coleman ranks second in franchise history in total games played and solo tackles, and sixth in sacks. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2015. “That was one of the greatest accolades I’ve ever received,” Coleman said of his Washington honor. “To be listed among those players, I will always cherish that. That means a whole lot to me.” Coleman is survived by his wife of 43 years Yvette and his children Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey and Londie. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Monte #Coleman #3time #Super #Bowl #champion #Washington #dies

#Deadspin #Monte #Coleman #3time #Super #Bowl #champion #Washington #dies">

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Jan 26, 1992; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman (51) and linebacker Andre Collins (55) on the sideline during Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Monte Coleman, who won three Super Bowls while playing linebacker his entire NFL career for the Washington franchise, died on Sunday. He was 68.

A cause of death was not given in announcements by the Washington Commanders as well as by Arkansas Pine Bluff, where Coleman was head coach at his hometown university from 2008-17 and was 40-71. The Golden Lions won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012 as well as the Boxtorow HBCU Division I coaches’ national championship.

“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB — excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said in a statement. “His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”

A legend. A leader. A Golden Lion forever. ?????
We mourn the loss of Coach Monte Coleman, whose impact on UAPB Football and countless lives will never be forgotten.
Forever in our hearts ?? pic.twitter.com/qE94K5b5s6
— ???????????? ?????????? ?????????????????? (@UAPBLionsRoar) April 26, 2026

The first player drafted from Central Arkansas, Coleman went to Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL Draft, which was 12 rounds at the time.

He played 16 seasons, all for Washington, and totaled 1,002 tackles (999 solo), 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries in 215 regular-season games (62 starts) from 1979-94.

Coleman also played in 21 playoff games (five starts) and recorded five tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Washington won Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991 and played in the 1983 game.

“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said in a statement. “He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.”

Coleman ranks second in franchise history in total games played and solo tackles, and sixth in sacks.

He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2015.

“That was one of the greatest accolades I’ve ever received,” Coleman said of his Washington honor. “To be listed among those players, I will always cherish that. That means a whole lot to me.”

Coleman is survived by his wife of 43 years Yvette and his children Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey and Londie.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Monte #Coleman #3time #Super #Bowl #champion #Washington #dies">Deadspin | Monte Coleman, 3-time Super Bowl champion for Washington, dies at 68

Jan 26, 1992; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman (51) and linebacker Andre Collins (55) on the sideline during Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Monte Coleman, who won three Super Bowls while playing linebacker his entire NFL career for the Washington franchise, died on Sunday. He was 68.

A cause of death was not given in announcements by the Washington Commanders as well as by Arkansas Pine Bluff, where Coleman was head coach at his hometown university from 2008-17 and was 40-71. The Golden Lions won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012 as well as the Boxtorow HBCU Division I coaches’ national championship.

“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB — excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said in a statement. “His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”

A legend. A leader. A Golden Lion forever. ?????
We mourn the loss of Coach Monte Coleman, whose impact on UAPB Football and countless lives will never be forgotten.
Forever in our hearts ?? pic.twitter.com/qE94K5b5s6
— ???????????? ?????????? ?????????????????? (@UAPBLionsRoar) April 26, 2026

The first player drafted from Central Arkansas, Coleman went to Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL Draft, which was 12 rounds at the time.

He played 16 seasons, all for Washington, and totaled 1,002 tackles (999 solo), 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries in 215 regular-season games (62 starts) from 1979-94.

Coleman also played in 21 playoff games (five starts) and recorded five tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Washington won Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991 and played in the 1983 game.

“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said in a statement. “He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.”

Coleman ranks second in franchise history in total games played and solo tackles, and sixth in sacks.

He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2015.

“That was one of the greatest accolades I’ve ever received,” Coleman said of his Washington honor. “To be listed among those players, I will always cherish that. That means a whole lot to me.”

Coleman is survived by his wife of 43 years Yvette and his children Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey and Londie.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Monte #Coleman #3time #Super #Bowl #champion #Washington #dies

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