Cavaliers Exposed Again in Loss to Shorthanded Thunder | Deadspin.com

Cavaliers Exposed Again in Loss to Shorthanded Thunder | Deadspin.com

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Jan 19, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

It’s irresponsible to speak in broad generalities when discussing a team’s performance, but it’s happened too many times for it to be a fluke. The Cleveland Cavaliers have a culture of playing soft in big games.

Leading the way in the NBA Sunday slate, the Cavs were looking to build off their seven-game win streak by beating up on an injured Thunder team in Oklahoma City. This wasn’t just some role players out for the Thunder, either; they were missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, arguably the two best players on the Thunder.

For the third time in a row, the Thunder absolutely dominated the Cavs. Culturally, something is off with Cleveland when they face OKC. They play such a scared style of basketball, and put themselves behind the eight ball time and time again. They fell behind 28-5 in this one and showed some grit to take the lead at times in the second half, but lost it with a terrible 4th-quarter performance.

It wasn’t all on the Cavs; the refs missed some crucial calls that flipped momentum in this one, the most egregious being a goaltend by Chet Holmgren that turned into a three on the other end for the Thunder.

However, it would be beyond stupid to blame this loss on the refs. Donovan Mitchell had a solid game, but has continued to find his jumper in big games for Cleveland, finishing 0/6 from three. He and James Harden both finished with 20 points apiece, but they combined for 8 turnovers, allowing the Thunder’s defense to control the pace from start to finish.

Once again, the biggest issues for Cleveland came from the front court. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were thoroughly outphysicalled by Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Those two were a +17 and +23, respectively, and that’s exactly what you saw while watching the game.

They provided way more defensive rim protection for the Thunder and took over the game late in the 4th quarter when it was needed. Both Holmgren and Hartenstein took turns picking on Jarrett Allen, and he looked like he didn’t belong on the court because of it. Cleveland continues to struggle with physical centers, and it showed up as a massive issue in the 4th quarter of a very winnable game.

Another flaw that has plagued the Cavs all season is their three-point defense. They are 27th in the NBA in opponent three-point percent, and the Thunder took advantage of that weakness, knocking down twenty-one from beyond the arc.

Cleveland had been one of the hottest teams in the league going into this one, but they went away from everything that made them the hottest team in the league. They settled for way too many threes; the guards did not apply enough consistent rim pressure; and the bigs were forgotten about once OKC started knocking down some shots.

I’ll never understand how a team can look so impressive some nights, then immediately regress to the same flawed version of themselves that we see every time an opponent is chippy with them. I’m not sure if there is a fix for that type of mental issue without having to reconstruct the roster in the offseason.

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The IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday was delayed due to rain.

The weather had cleared roughly two hours before the scheduled start of the match at 7:30PM but the rain returned shortly before the toss and forced the covers to be brought back onto the field.

In case the rain relents, the umpires will try to complete the match on Friday, if there is enough time left.

As per IPL playing conditions, a fixture starting at 7:30PM IST is expected to conclude by 10:50 PM IST. An additional 60 minutes is allotted to accommodate any delays, making the cut-off time for a five-over match approximately 10:56 PM IST.

This is the second consecutive match in Guwahati that has been shortened due to rain. The previous match between the Royals and Mumbai Indians was also reduced to a five-over shootout.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#RCB #IPL #cutoff #time #fiveover #match">RR vs RCB, IPL 2026: What is the cut-off time for a five-over match? The IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday was delayed due to rain.The weather had cleared roughly two hours before the scheduled start of the match at 7:30PM but the rain returned shortly before the toss and forced the covers to be brought back onto the field.In case the rain relents, the umpires will try to complete the match on Friday, if there is enough time left.As per IPL playing conditions, a fixture starting at 7:30PM IST is expected to conclude by 10:50 PM IST. An additional 60 minutes is allotted to accommodate any delays, making the cut-off time for a five-over match approximately 10:56 PM IST.This is the second consecutive match in Guwahati that has been shortened due to rain. The previous match between the Royals and Mumbai Indians was also reduced to a five-over shootout.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #RCB #IPL #cutoff #time #fiveover #match

Deadspin | Celtics vie to secure East’s No. 2 seed in clash vs. Pelicans Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images The Boston Celtics will have another chance to secure the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Boston (54-26) could have clinched second place by beating New York on Thursday night, but the Knicks scored nine of the final 11 points to earn a 112-106 victory. The Celtics and Knicks each have two games to play, and any Boston victory or New York loss will give Boston the No. 2 seed. The Knicks will host Toronto on Friday night. “Obviously we have to take care of the first round first, and I don’t think we can play them (the Knicks) in the first round, so that’s where our focus is,” Boston guard Payton Pritchard said. “If we see them again, we’ll be ready.” Baylor Scheierman’s performance was a bright spot for Boston in the loss to New York. On a night when the Celtics didn’t have leading scorer Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis), Scheierman made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and tied his career high by scoring 20 points. “Obviously, shot-making is the easiest thing to see and helps us on the scoreboard, but he just does a lot for us,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Whether it’s his crashing or his defense, but his instincts on both ends. … He just continues to get better and better, and that’s what we need, hitting that stretch there.” Thursday’s game was the first time Jayson Tatum played at New York since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a road game against New York during the playoffs last season. Tatum collected 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Thursday’s loss. “It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me,” he said. “I was nervous and anxious to come back here.” New Orleans (26-54), meanwhile, is coming off Tuesday’s 156-137 feel-good win against Utah. The Pelicans set a franchise record for points scored in a game with the win, which ended an eight-game losing streak. Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points against Utah to set a Pelicans record for most points in a game by a rookie. Fears, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made 17 of 29 shots from the field. “Really just proud of his growth,” New Orleans coach James Borrego said. “From training camp to where he’s at today — he’s taken a massive step. This franchise is in a really good place because of players like him. … I see a clear pathway for this team to be successful moving into the future.” New Orleans won even though it played without starters Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey. Murphy (right ankle sprain) and Murray (left hand contusion) were injured. Williamson, Jones and Bey were active but didn’t leave the bench in the team’s final home game. The Pelicans have ruled out Williamson, Jones and Bey for Friday’s game. New Orleans, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight season, will wrap up the regular season Sunday at Minnesota. “We have two more games to play,” Borrego said. “I want to honor those two games. Go play the best basketball possible for those two games.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Celtics #vie #secure #Easts #seed #clash #PelicansApr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics will have another chance to secure the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

Boston (54-26) could have clinched second place by beating New York on Thursday night, but the Knicks scored nine of the final 11 points to earn a 112-106 victory.

The Celtics and Knicks each have two games to play, and any Boston victory or New York loss will give Boston the No. 2 seed. The Knicks will host Toronto on Friday night.

“Obviously we have to take care of the first round first, and I don’t think we can play them (the Knicks) in the first round, so that’s where our focus is,” Boston guard Payton Pritchard said. “If we see them again, we’ll be ready.”

Baylor Scheierman’s performance was a bright spot for Boston in the loss to New York. On a night when the Celtics didn’t have leading scorer Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis), Scheierman made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and tied his career high by scoring 20 points.

“Obviously, shot-making is the easiest thing to see and helps us on the scoreboard, but he just does a lot for us,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Whether it’s his crashing or his defense, but his instincts on both ends. … He just continues to get better and better, and that’s what we need, hitting that stretch there.”

Thursday’s game was the first time Jayson Tatum played at New York since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a road game against New York during the playoffs last season. Tatum collected 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Thursday’s loss.

“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me,” he said. “I was nervous and anxious to come back here.”


New Orleans (26-54), meanwhile, is coming off Tuesday’s 156-137 feel-good win against Utah. The Pelicans set a franchise record for points scored in a game with the win, which ended an eight-game losing streak.

Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points against Utah to set a Pelicans record for most points in a game by a rookie. Fears, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made 17 of 29 shots from the field.

“Really just proud of his growth,” New Orleans coach James Borrego said. “From training camp to where he’s at today — he’s taken a massive step. This franchise is in a really good place because of players like him. … I see a clear pathway for this team to be successful moving into the future.”

New Orleans won even though it played without starters Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey.

Murphy (right ankle sprain) and Murray (left hand contusion) were injured. Williamson, Jones and Bey were active but didn’t leave the bench in the team’s final home game.

The Pelicans have ruled out Williamson, Jones and Bey for Friday’s game.

New Orleans, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight season, will wrap up the regular season Sunday at Minnesota.

“We have two more games to play,” Borrego said. “I want to honor those two games. Go play the best basketball possible for those two games.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Celtics #vie #secure #Easts #seed #clash #Pelicans">Deadspin | Celtics vie to secure East’s No. 2 seed in clash vs. Pelicans Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images The Boston Celtics will have another chance to secure the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Boston (54-26) could have clinched second place by beating New York on Thursday night, but the Knicks scored nine of the final 11 points to earn a 112-106 victory. The Celtics and Knicks each have two games to play, and any Boston victory or New York loss will give Boston the No. 2 seed. The Knicks will host Toronto on Friday night. “Obviously we have to take care of the first round first, and I don’t think we can play them (the Knicks) in the first round, so that’s where our focus is,” Boston guard Payton Pritchard said. “If we see them again, we’ll be ready.” Baylor Scheierman’s performance was a bright spot for Boston in the loss to New York. On a night when the Celtics didn’t have leading scorer Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis), Scheierman made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and tied his career high by scoring 20 points. “Obviously, shot-making is the easiest thing to see and helps us on the scoreboard, but he just does a lot for us,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Whether it’s his crashing or his defense, but his instincts on both ends. … He just continues to get better and better, and that’s what we need, hitting that stretch there.” Thursday’s game was the first time Jayson Tatum played at New York since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a road game against New York during the playoffs last season. Tatum collected 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Thursday’s loss. “It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me,” he said. “I was nervous and anxious to come back here.” New Orleans (26-54), meanwhile, is coming off Tuesday’s 156-137 feel-good win against Utah. The Pelicans set a franchise record for points scored in a game with the win, which ended an eight-game losing streak. Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points against Utah to set a Pelicans record for most points in a game by a rookie. Fears, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made 17 of 29 shots from the field. “Really just proud of his growth,” New Orleans coach James Borrego said. “From training camp to where he’s at today — he’s taken a massive step. This franchise is in a really good place because of players like him. … I see a clear pathway for this team to be successful moving into the future.” New Orleans won even though it played without starters Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey. Murphy (right ankle sprain) and Murray (left hand contusion) were injured. Williamson, Jones and Bey were active but didn’t leave the bench in the team’s final home game. The Pelicans have ruled out Williamson, Jones and Bey for Friday’s game. New Orleans, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight season, will wrap up the regular season Sunday at Minnesota. “We have two more games to play,” Borrego said. “I want to honor those two games. Go play the best basketball possible for those two games.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Celtics #vie #secure #Easts #seed #clash #Pelicans

Two captains. Two contrasting countenances at the post-match interview. Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Axar Patel fronted up to the first question with a wide grin despite the gut-wrenching, last-ball defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT). Ruturaj Gaikwad wore more of a resigned, nervous smile after Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) lower order managed to cushion the blow against a marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

The dissimilar body language reflected how the season has panned out for both sides ahead of their meeting at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. For the Capitals, the loss was a minor blip in an otherwise positive start to the season, which included two wins in two. The mood is far more sombre in the home team’s camp. 

Sanju Samson, the latest poster boy of the franchise, has failed to get going in yellow after his exploits with the bat in the business end of India’s T20 World Cup win, as has his opening partner Gaikwad.

CSK’s triumphant 2023 and 2021 seasons were built on the openers doing most of the heavy lifting. The first-wicket partnerships averaged 56.6 and 47.25 in those campaigns. It is only three games into the season, but Samson and Gaikwad average only 12.33. The expected Yin-Yang of the opening pair is yet to take effect. 

Against the Capitals, the batting could be bolstered by the return of Dewald Brevis from a side-strain-induced layoff, though coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal on his return. His potential return, along with Sarfaraz Khan’s aptitude in innovative shots during the middle overs, could force one of the INR 14.20-crore signings in Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer to sit out. The wait to see MS Dhoni in action will also drag on for the CSK faithful, with the former captain still making his way back from a calf problem.

ALSO READ: PBKS vs SRH, IPL 2026: Batting units in the spotlight as Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad meet in afternoon clash

While the batting issues stem from a temporary lack of form, the bowling poses more pertinent questions. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, who has taken up the role of the lead overseas pacer after Nathan Ellis’ injury, has looked a shadow of his past self, unable to create any breakthroughs or stem the flow of runs.

Noor Ahmad’s wily wrist spin too has been unable to break the opponent’s resistance, leaving the side short of options to create middle-over incursions. Gaikwad and Co. might be better off playing Akeal Hosein, who can also double up as a PowerPlay wicket-taker, in place of Henry. 

Despite the tight loss on Wednesday, things seem far more settled for DC. Nitish Rana’s lack of returns this season could propel the think tank to bring in Ashutosh Sharma to add some lower-order depth to the team, which was solely dependent on David Miller’s heroics to take it to the cusp of victory against GT, before the decision-making went askew. 

It is still early in the season, but the result at Chepauk on Sunday will push the scales down further for the teams. Another home loss for CSK, the seventh in succession, will plunge it further down the road in the scurry to avoid the wooden spoon – a sight all too familiar from last year. Alternatively, a defeat for DC will result in a multi-team melee in the middle of the table, which the Axar Patel-led side has historically finished on the wrong side of. 

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Wounded #Delhi #Capitals #faces #floundering #Chennai #Super #Kings #search #momentum">CSK vs DC, IPL 2026: Wounded Delhi Capitals faces floundering Chennai Super Kings in search of momentum Two captains. Two contrasting countenances at the post-match interview. Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Axar Patel fronted up to the first question with a wide grin despite the gut-wrenching, last-ball defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT). Ruturaj Gaikwad wore more of a resigned, nervous smile after Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) lower order managed to cushion the blow against a marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The dissimilar body language reflected how the season has panned out for both sides ahead of their meeting at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. For the Capitals, the loss was a minor blip in an otherwise positive start to the season, which included two wins in two. The mood is far more sombre in the home team’s camp. Sanju Samson, the latest poster boy of the franchise, has failed to get going in yellow after his exploits with the bat in the business end of India’s T20 World Cup win, as has his opening partner Gaikwad.CSK’s triumphant 2023 and 2021 seasons were built on the openers doing most of the heavy lifting. The first-wicket partnerships averaged 56.6 and 47.25 in those campaigns. It is only three games into the season, but Samson and Gaikwad average only 12.33. The expected Yin-Yang of the opening pair is yet to take effect. Against the Capitals, the batting could be bolstered by the return of Dewald Brevis from a side-strain-induced layoff, though coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal on his return. His potential return, along with Sarfaraz Khan’s aptitude in innovative shots during the middle overs, could force one of the INR 14.20-crore signings in Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer to sit out. The wait to see MS Dhoni in action will also drag on for the CSK faithful, with the former captain still making his way back from a calf problem.ALSO READ: PBKS vs SRH, IPL 2026: Batting units in the spotlight as Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad meet in afternoon clashWhile the batting issues stem from a temporary lack of form, the bowling poses more pertinent questions. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, who has taken up the role of the lead overseas pacer after Nathan Ellis’ injury, has looked a shadow of his past self, unable to create any breakthroughs or stem the flow of runs.Noor Ahmad’s wily wrist spin too has been unable to break the opponent’s resistance, leaving the side short of options to create middle-over incursions. Gaikwad and Co. might be better off playing Akeal Hosein, who can also double up as a PowerPlay wicket-taker, in place of Henry. Despite the tight loss on Wednesday, things seem far more settled for DC. Nitish Rana’s lack of returns this season could propel the think tank to bring in Ashutosh Sharma to add some lower-order depth to the team, which was solely dependent on David Miller’s heroics to take it to the cusp of victory against GT, before the decision-making went askew. It is still early in the season, but the result at Chepauk on Sunday will push the scales down further for the teams. Another home loss for CSK, the seventh in succession, will plunge it further down the road in the scurry to avoid the wooden spoon – a sight all too familiar from last year. Alternatively, a defeat for DC will result in a multi-team melee in the middle of the table, which the Axar Patel-led side has historically finished on the wrong side of. Published on Apr 10, 2026 #CSK #IPL #Wounded #Delhi #Capitals #faces #floundering #Chennai #Super #Kings #search #momentum

PBKS vs SRH, IPL 2026: Batting units in the spotlight as Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad meet in afternoon clash

While the batting issues stem from a temporary lack of form, the bowling poses more pertinent questions. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, who has taken up the role of the lead overseas pacer after Nathan Ellis’ injury, has looked a shadow of his past self, unable to create any breakthroughs or stem the flow of runs.

Noor Ahmad’s wily wrist spin too has been unable to break the opponent’s resistance, leaving the side short of options to create middle-over incursions. Gaikwad and Co. might be better off playing Akeal Hosein, who can also double up as a PowerPlay wicket-taker, in place of Henry. 

Despite the tight loss on Wednesday, things seem far more settled for DC. Nitish Rana’s lack of returns this season could propel the think tank to bring in Ashutosh Sharma to add some lower-order depth to the team, which was solely dependent on David Miller’s heroics to take it to the cusp of victory against GT, before the decision-making went askew. 

It is still early in the season, but the result at Chepauk on Sunday will push the scales down further for the teams. Another home loss for CSK, the seventh in succession, will plunge it further down the road in the scurry to avoid the wooden spoon – a sight all too familiar from last year. Alternatively, a defeat for DC will result in a multi-team melee in the middle of the table, which the Axar Patel-led side has historically finished on the wrong side of. 

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Wounded #Delhi #Capitals #faces #floundering #Chennai #Super #Kings #search #momentum">CSK vs DC, IPL 2026: Wounded Delhi Capitals faces floundering Chennai Super Kings in search of momentum

Two captains. Two contrasting countenances at the post-match interview. Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Axar Patel fronted up to the first question with a wide grin despite the gut-wrenching, last-ball defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT). Ruturaj Gaikwad wore more of a resigned, nervous smile after Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) lower order managed to cushion the blow against a marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

The dissimilar body language reflected how the season has panned out for both sides ahead of their meeting at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. For the Capitals, the loss was a minor blip in an otherwise positive start to the season, which included two wins in two. The mood is far more sombre in the home team’s camp. 

Sanju Samson, the latest poster boy of the franchise, has failed to get going in yellow after his exploits with the bat in the business end of India’s T20 World Cup win, as has his opening partner Gaikwad.

CSK’s triumphant 2023 and 2021 seasons were built on the openers doing most of the heavy lifting. The first-wicket partnerships averaged 56.6 and 47.25 in those campaigns. It is only three games into the season, but Samson and Gaikwad average only 12.33. The expected Yin-Yang of the opening pair is yet to take effect. 

Against the Capitals, the batting could be bolstered by the return of Dewald Brevis from a side-strain-induced layoff, though coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal on his return. His potential return, along with Sarfaraz Khan’s aptitude in innovative shots during the middle overs, could force one of the INR 14.20-crore signings in Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer to sit out. The wait to see MS Dhoni in action will also drag on for the CSK faithful, with the former captain still making his way back from a calf problem.

ALSO READ: PBKS vs SRH, IPL 2026: Batting units in the spotlight as Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad meet in afternoon clash

While the batting issues stem from a temporary lack of form, the bowling poses more pertinent questions. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, who has taken up the role of the lead overseas pacer after Nathan Ellis’ injury, has looked a shadow of his past self, unable to create any breakthroughs or stem the flow of runs.

Noor Ahmad’s wily wrist spin too has been unable to break the opponent’s resistance, leaving the side short of options to create middle-over incursions. Gaikwad and Co. might be better off playing Akeal Hosein, who can also double up as a PowerPlay wicket-taker, in place of Henry. 

Despite the tight loss on Wednesday, things seem far more settled for DC. Nitish Rana’s lack of returns this season could propel the think tank to bring in Ashutosh Sharma to add some lower-order depth to the team, which was solely dependent on David Miller’s heroics to take it to the cusp of victory against GT, before the decision-making went askew. 

It is still early in the season, but the result at Chepauk on Sunday will push the scales down further for the teams. Another home loss for CSK, the seventh in succession, will plunge it further down the road in the scurry to avoid the wooden spoon – a sight all too familiar from last year. Alternatively, a defeat for DC will result in a multi-team melee in the middle of the table, which the Axar Patel-led side has historically finished on the wrong side of. 

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Wounded #Delhi #Capitals #faces #floundering #Chennai #Super #Kings #search #momentum

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