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Deadspin | Anfernee Simons drops 8 threes to help Celtics tame Bulls

Deadspin | Anfernee Simons drops 8 threes to help Celtics tame Bulls

Jan 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) controls the ball while Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Anfernee Simons made eight 3-pointers and scored a game-high 27 points to help the Boston Celtics extend their winning streak to four games by beating the visiting Chicago Bulls 115-101 on Monday night.

Payton Pritchard added 21 points for the Celtics, who received 13 points and 13 rebounds from Neemias Queta. Boston shot 40% from the field but matched its season high with 20 offensive rebounds.

Matas Buzelis led Chicago with 26 points. Nikola Vucevic added 15 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. Ayo Dosunmu (15) and Tre Jones (10) were the only other Bulls who scored in double figures.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown was 6 of 24 from the floor and finished the game with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Chicago, which had won its last four road games, played without point guard Josh Giddey (left hamstring strain) and center/forward Jalen Smith (concussion). Giddey is averaging a team-high 19.2 points per game.

Shooting guard Coby White returned after missing Chicago’s last three games with a calf injury. White, who also began the night averaging 19.2 points per contest, had five points and six rebounds in 25 minutes.

The Bulls were up 9-6, but Boston went on a 16-2 run and led 22-11 with 3:51 remaining in the opening quarter. The Celtics scored 25 of the final 30 points in the quarter and had a 31-14 lead after 12 minutes.

The Bulls missed 19 of their first 21 3-point attempts and trailed by as many as 23 points in the second quarter. A Pritchard 3-pointer at the buzzer handed Boston a 54-33 halftime lead.

Chicago scored 34 points in the third quarter after scoring 33 in the first half but trailed 85-67 entering the fourth. The Bulls trailed by 10 after a Vucevic 3-pointer with 3:34 to play but failed to get any closer.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas  Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images   The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.  Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.  “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”  ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.  For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).  Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.  A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).  Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.  She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.  “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”   Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).  For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).  Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.  The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.  Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.  “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”  Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.  For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #ThomasOct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.

Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.

“Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”

ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.

For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).

Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.

A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).

Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.

She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.


“Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”

Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).

For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).

Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.

The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.

Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.

“Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”

Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.

For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas">Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas  Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images   The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.  Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.  “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”  ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.  For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).  Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.  A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).  Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.  She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.  “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”   Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).  For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).  Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.  The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.  Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.  “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”  Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.  For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas

Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.

After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.

The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.

Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.

“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”

Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.

“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.

“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”

The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.

“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.

“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”

As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling">Krunal Pandya: I don’t pre-plan or practise my bouncers but rely on gut feeling  Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.Published on Apr 13, 2026  #Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling

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