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De’Aaron Fox Is the X-Factor to San Antonio Spurs Playoff Success | Deadspin.com The San Antonio Spurs took care of the Portland Trailblazers in round one on Tuesday night, finishing the series off 114-95 in a “gentleman’s sweep”. Victor Wembanyama was back to 100% in this one with a quiet, yet efficient 17-point, 14-rebound performance.Outside of missing some time with a concussion, Wemby proved, at least early in the playoffs, that the moment will not be too big for him. Excluding game two, where he only played 12 minutes before leaving with his concussion, Wemby averaged 26-points and 10-rebounds a night in this series. Also, Portland did not reach 100 points in any full game in which Wemby was available.All of this goes to say that the Spurs can go as far as Wemby takes them in the playoffs. He’s the face of their franchise and proving to be at least a top-five player in the entire league.I wanted to start this by giving Victor Wembanyama his due flowers, because the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch. #DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com

De’Aaron Fox Is the X-Factor to San Antonio Spurs Playoff Success | Deadspin.com

The San Antonio Spurs took care of the Portland Trailblazers in round one on Tuesday night, finishing the series off 114-95 in a “gentleman’s sweep”. Victor Wembanyama was back to 100% in this one with a quiet, yet efficient 17-point, 14-rebound performance.

Outside of missing some time with a concussion, Wemby proved, at least early in the playoffs, that the moment will not be too big for him. Excluding game two, where he only played 12 minutes before leaving with his concussion, Wemby averaged 26-points and 10-rebounds a night in this series. Also, Portland did not reach 100 points in any full game in which Wemby was available.

All of this goes to say that the Spurs can go as far as Wemby takes them in the playoffs. He’s the face of their franchise and proving to be at least a top-five player in the entire league.

I wanted to start this by giving Victor Wembanyama his due flowers, because the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.

Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.

But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.

Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.

Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.

You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch.

#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com

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The San Antonio Spurs took care of the Portland Trailblazers in round one on Tuesday night, finishing the series off 114-95 in a “gentleman’s sweep”. Victor Wembanyama was back to 100% in this one with a quiet, yet efficient 17-point, 14-rebound performance.

Outside of missing some time with a concussion, Wemby proved, at least early in the playoffs, that the moment will not be too big for him. Excluding game two, where he only played 12 minutes before leaving with his concussion, Wemby averaged 26-points and 10-rebounds a night in this series. Also, Portland did not reach 100 points in any full game in which Wemby was available.

All of this goes to say that the Spurs can go as far as Wemby takes them in the playoffs. He’s the face of their franchise and proving to be at least a top-five player in the entire league.

I wanted to start this by giving Victor Wembanyama his due flowers, because the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.

Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.

But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.

Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.

Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.

You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch.

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#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | Marlins edge Dodgers for first road series win of season <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-900/28839963.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28839963.jpg" alt="MLB: Miami Marlins at Los Angeles Dodgers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) slides safely in front of the tag by Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Sandy Alcantara went six strong innings, Javier Sanoja had a go-ahead bloop single in the eighth inning and the visiting Miami Marlins finished off a series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 3-2 win on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Liam Hicks and Esteury Ruiz hit home runs as the Marlins took two of three from the two-time defending champion Dodgers for their first road series win of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth but Miami pulled off the victory when second baseman Xavier Edwards completed an unassisted double play on a Freddie Freeman ground ball to end the game.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Alcantara gave up two runs on seven hits over six innings, while left-hander Andrew Nardi (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh and Calvin Faucher pitched the ninth for his first save.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Tyler Glasnow gave up two runs on three hits over 5 2/3 innings, while Alex Call and Dalton Rushing drove in runs for Los Angeles, which has won just one of its past four series.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> </section><br/><section id="section-11"> <p>The Dodgers are 5-7 since April 18 and finished 3-3 on their just-completed homestand.</p> </section> <section id="section-12"> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Edwards singled to lead off the eighth inning for Miami, went to second on a groundout and scored on Sanoja’s bloop single to right off right-hander Will Klein (1-2).</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Marlins took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Hicks hit a towering home run down the right field line that nearly made it into the second deck.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>The Dodgers answered immediately when Max Muncy doubled in the bottom of the second and scored when Edwards lost Alex Call’s popup in the sun as the ball fell untouched on the infield dirt.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Miami did not have another hit off Glasnow until the fifth when Ruiz hit a two-out home run on the first pitch.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Los Angeles tied it 2-2 in the sixth when Kyle Tucker led off with a double and scored on Rushing’s one-out single to right field.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Marlins #edge #Dodgers #road #series #win #season

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Indian javelin throw ace Neeraj Chopra threw light on the fitness struggles he underwent in the last 10 months through an Instagram post.

The 28-year-old two-time Olympic medallist, who recently won silver at the Commonwealth Games with a season’s best throw of 85.83m, has been hampered by an adductor muscle injury and a few other niggles along with it.

“There are throws that travel far, and then there are moments that carry the weight of an entire journey. The past 10 months has tested me in ways I never expected,”

“Recovering from multiple injuries, rebuilding my body, finding my rhythm again, and learning to be patient when all I wanted was to compete. I was training every day without knowing if I will even have a season to compete this year,” he revealed.

In Glasgow, Neeraj was bested by current world leader Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka (89.75m) in windy conditions.

ALSO READ | CWG 2026, Indian Athletics Review: No gold medals in Glasgow but plenty of silver linings

“To be back competing at this level feels good. None of this would have been possible on my own. I’m deeply grateful for the people who never stopped believing in me. My physio, Ishaan (Marwaha) ji who has been by my side every step of the recovery, helping me get back to doing what I love.

“My coach, Jai (Chaudhary), who has been with me since the very first time I picked up a javelin. My family, that always stand strong with me no matter what the circumstances are. The season continues, one step at a time,” he said.

Neeraj will be next in action in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#didnt #compete #year #Neeraj #Chopra #opens #10month #injury #battle">‘I didn’t know if I’d compete this year’: Neeraj Chopra opens up on 10-month injury battle Indian javelin throw ace Neeraj Chopra threw light on the fitness struggles he underwent in the last 10 months through an Instagram post.The 28-year-old two-time Olympic medallist, who recently won silver at the Commonwealth Games with a season’s best throw of 85.83m, has been hampered by an adductor muscle injury and a few other niggles along with it.“There are throws that travel far, and then there are moments that carry the weight of an entire journey. The past 10 months has tested me in ways I never expected,”“Recovering from multiple injuries, rebuilding my body, finding my rhythm again, and learning to be patient when all I wanted was to compete. I was training every day without knowing if I will even have a season to compete this year,” he revealed.In Glasgow, Neeraj was bested by current world leader Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka (89.75m) in windy conditions.ALSO READ | CWG 2026, Indian Athletics Review: No gold medals in Glasgow but plenty of silver linings“To be back competing at this level feels good. None of this would have been possible on my own. I’m deeply grateful for the people who never stopped believing in me. My physio, Ishaan (Marwaha) ji who has been by my side every step of the recovery, helping me get back to doing what I love.“My coach, Jai (Chaudhary), who has been with me since the very first time I picked up a javelin. My family, that always stand strong with me no matter what the circumstances are. The season continues, one step at a time,” he said.Neeraj will be next in action in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21.Published on Aug 05, 2026 #didnt #compete #year #Neeraj #Chopra #opens #10month #injury #battle

CWG 2026, Indian Athletics Review: No gold medals in Glasgow but plenty of silver linings

“To be back competing at this level feels good. None of this would have been possible on my own. I’m deeply grateful for the people who never stopped believing in me. My physio, Ishaan (Marwaha) ji who has been by my side every step of the recovery, helping me get back to doing what I love.

“My coach, Jai (Chaudhary), who has been with me since the very first time I picked up a javelin. My family, that always stand strong with me no matter what the circumstances are. The season continues, one step at a time,” he said.

Neeraj will be next in action in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#didnt #compete #year #Neeraj #Chopra #opens #10month #injury #battle">‘I didn’t know if I’d compete this year’: Neeraj Chopra opens up on 10-month injury battle

Indian javelin throw ace Neeraj Chopra threw light on the fitness struggles he underwent in the last 10 months through an Instagram post.

The 28-year-old two-time Olympic medallist, who recently won silver at the Commonwealth Games with a season’s best throw of 85.83m, has been hampered by an adductor muscle injury and a few other niggles along with it.

“There are throws that travel far, and then there are moments that carry the weight of an entire journey. The past 10 months has tested me in ways I never expected,”

“Recovering from multiple injuries, rebuilding my body, finding my rhythm again, and learning to be patient when all I wanted was to compete. I was training every day without knowing if I will even have a season to compete this year,” he revealed.

In Glasgow, Neeraj was bested by current world leader Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka (89.75m) in windy conditions.

ALSO READ | CWG 2026, Indian Athletics Review: No gold medals in Glasgow but plenty of silver linings

“To be back competing at this level feels good. None of this would have been possible on my own. I’m deeply grateful for the people who never stopped believing in me. My physio, Ishaan (Marwaha) ji who has been by my side every step of the recovery, helping me get back to doing what I love.

“My coach, Jai (Chaudhary), who has been with me since the very first time I picked up a javelin. My family, that always stand strong with me no matter what the circumstances are. The season continues, one step at a time,” he said.

Neeraj will be next in action in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#didnt #compete #year #Neeraj #Chopra #opens #10month #injury #battle
Deadspin | Falcons DE Jalon Walker carted off with leg injury Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Jalon Walker was carted off the field with a leg injury at training camp on Tuesday. The 2025 first-round draft pick was injured during a two-minute simulation in a non-padded, 11-on-11 practice. Teammates took a knee and surrounded Walker as he was being treated, bringing an end to Tuesday’s session. Walker, 22, had 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 36 tackles in 15 games (nine starts) in 2025 after being selected with the 15th overall pick out of Georgia. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Falcons #Jalon #Walker #carted #leg #injuryDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Jalon Walker was carted off the field with a leg injury at training camp on Tuesday.

The 2025 first-round draft pick was injured during a two-minute simulation in a non-padded, 11-on-11 practice.


Teammates took a knee and surrounded Walker as he was being treated, bringing an end to Tuesday’s session.

Walker, 22, had 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 36 tackles in 15 games (nine starts) in 2025 after being selected with the 15th overall pick out of Georgia.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Falcons #Jalon #Walker #carted #leg #injury">Deadspin | Falcons DE Jalon Walker carted off with leg injury Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Jalon Walker was carted off the field with a leg injury at training camp on Tuesday. The 2025 first-round draft pick was injured during a two-minute simulation in a non-padded, 11-on-11 practice. Teammates took a knee and surrounded Walker as he was being treated, bringing an end to Tuesday’s session. Walker, 22, had 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 36 tackles in 15 games (nine starts) in 2025 after being selected with the 15th overall pick out of Georgia. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Falcons #Jalon #Walker #carted #leg #injury

Now, Indiana will have a more short-handed frontcourt rotation.

The Fever lose one of their most veteran players in Damiris Dantas

Damiris Dantas has appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists. Her role, albeit limited, meant that Stephanie White had another backup big option at her disposal. Now, an already-limited campaign has been cut short.

Because she was already playing a more limited role than expected, the absence won’t impact Indiana’s day-to-day rotation as much.

Nonetheless, Dantas is one of the most veteran players on the roster; the 33-year-old holds career averages of 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 272 career games in 12 seasons. She’s played for the Fever since 2024, but previously suited up for the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream, and was someone who Stephanie White could turn to in a pinch.

Now, with Dantas out for the season, the burden will continue to fall on Makayla Timpson, who is averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.

Aliyah Boston continues to hold down the fort in the frontcourt

The good news for Indiana is that they have one of the best bigs in the league anchoring the frontcourt: Aliyah Boston, who is averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Boston has averaged 26.8 minutes per game, and Timpson has played the majority of her backup minutes.

The Fever may look to sign an additional big to bolster the rotation in the wake of Dantas’s absence. While Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings have played significant roles, Indiana may want to sign another center to a rest-of-season contract.

The Fever are 19-11 and coming off a loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Next up, they’ll face the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, August 6th.

#Indiana #Fever #bad #injury #news #ahead #Aces #game">Indiana Fever get bad injury news ahead of Aces game Indiana Fever center Damiris Dantas is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus on Monday. Dantas, who signed a two-year contract with the Fever in the offseason, has seen inconsistent minutes over the past few months but was nonetheless one of Indiana’s backup frontcourt options.Now, Indiana will have a more short-handed frontcourt rotation.The Fever lose one of their most veteran players in Damiris Dantas Damiris Dantas has appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists. Her role, albeit limited, meant that Stephanie White had another backup big option at her disposal. Now, an already-limited campaign has been cut short.Because she was already playing a more limited role than expected, the absence won’t impact Indiana’s day-to-day rotation as much.Nonetheless, Dantas is one of the most veteran players on the roster; the 33-year-old holds career averages of 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 272 career games in 12 seasons. She’s played for the Fever since 2024, but previously suited up for the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream, and was someone who Stephanie White could turn to in a pinch.Now, with Dantas out for the season, the burden will continue to fall on Makayla Timpson, who is averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.Aliyah Boston continues to hold down the fort in the frontcourtThe good news for Indiana is that they have one of the best bigs in the league anchoring the frontcourt: Aliyah Boston, who is averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Boston has averaged 26.8 minutes per game, and Timpson has played the majority of her backup minutes.The Fever may look to sign an additional big to bolster the rotation in the wake of Dantas’s absence. While Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings have played significant roles, Indiana may want to sign another center to a rest-of-season contract.The Fever are 19-11 and coming off a loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Next up, they’ll face the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, August 6th. #Indiana #Fever #bad #injury #news #ahead #Aces #game

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