×
Deadspin | Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team close in on PGL Wallachia 8 final  The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018. 

E Sports   Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.  Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.  Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.  Sixteen teams began the  million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home 0,000.  On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.  After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.  South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.  Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.  The weekend schedule:  Saturday  Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team  Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects  Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons  Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner   Sunday  Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser  Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner  PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool  1. 0,000 — TBD  2. 5,000 — TBD  3. 0,000 — TBD  4. ,000 — TBD  5-6. ,000 — TBD  7-8. ,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit  9-11. ,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ  12-14. ,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere  15-16. ,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #final

Deadspin | Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team close in on PGL Wallachia 8 final
Deadspin | Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team close in on PGL Wallachia 8 final  The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018. 

E Sports   Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.  Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.  Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.  Sixteen teams began the  million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home 0,000.  On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.  After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.  South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.  Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.  The weekend schedule:  Saturday  Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team  Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects  Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons  Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner   Sunday  Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser  Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner  PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool  1. 0,000 — TBD  2. 5,000 — TBD  3. 0,000 — TBD  4. ,000 — TBD  5-6. ,000 — TBD  7-8. ,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit  9-11. ,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ  12-14. ,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere  15-16. ,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #finalThe hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018. E Sports

Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.

Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.

Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.

Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.

On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.

After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.

South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.

Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.

The weekend schedule:

Saturday

Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team

Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects

Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons


Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner

Sunday

Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser

Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner

PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool

1. $300,000 — TBD

2. $175,000 — TBD

3. $120,000 — TBD

4. $80,000 — TBD

5-6. $60,000 — TBD

7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit

9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ

12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere

15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #final

The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018.

E Sports

Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.

Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.

Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.

Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.

On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.

After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.

South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.

Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.

The weekend schedule:

Saturday

Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team

Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects

Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons

Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner

Sunday

Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser

Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner

PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool

1. $300,000 — TBD

2. $175,000 — TBD

3. $120,000 — TBD

4. $80,000 — TBD

5-6. $60,000 — TBD

7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit

9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ

12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere

15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #final

Previous post

PSL 2026: Fans to be allowed to attend Pakistan Super League final on May 3 <div id="content-body-70904873" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Spectators will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League final after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a request from franchise owners, a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday.</p><p>PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also interior minister in the government, wrote on social media that Sharif has “graciously approved” the presence of fans at the May 3 final in Lahore.</p><p>Pakistan’s biggest sports spectacle of the year started behind closed doors late last month with fans asked to stay home because of soaring fuel prices related to the Iran war.</p><p>Pakistan’s government had urged people to restrict travel and to work from home because of rising fuel prices and Naqvi had said it wouldn’t be right to have 30,000 fans attending cricket matches every day while the government is asking the public to stay home.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/mustafizur-rahman-nahid-rana-out-of-psl-2026-bcb-withdraws-noc-bangladesh-cricket-news/article70898903.ece" target="_blank">Mustafizur Rahman out of remaining PSL season after BCB withdraws NOC; Nahid Rana too ruled out</a></b></p><p>The PCB also reduced the number of PSL venues from six to two as part of austerity measures, but barred spectators from PSL games at Lahore and Karachi.</p><p>Naqvi said while Sharif was inclined to permit fans, the prime minister emphasised that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimise fuel consumption.</p><p>Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, Multan Sultans and three-time champion Islamabad United have already qualified for next week’s playoffs ahead of the final.</p><p>Defending champion Lahore Qalandars, first-timer Hyderabad Kingmen and Karachi Kings are still in the running to secure the fourth playoff spot.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #PSL #Fans #allowed #attend #Pakistan #Super #League #final

Next post

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals <div id="content-body-70904794" itemprop="articleBody"><p>It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.</p><p>Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.</p><p>But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.</p><p>Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.</p><p>Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/kumar-sangakkara-rr-vs-srh-press-conference-riyan-parag-ipl-2026/article70902475.ece" target="_self">‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form</a></b></p><p>It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.</p><p>Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.</p><p>For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”</p><p>In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.</p><p>Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.</p><p>At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.</p><p>“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.</p><p>The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per <i>Cricviz</i>, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.</p><p>Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.</p><div class="verticle article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/los3ls/article70904782.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI04_10_2026_000575A.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/los3ls/article70904782.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI04_10_2026_000575A.jpg" alt="Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point." title="Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI </p></div><p>“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.</p><p>The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.</p><p>“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA  Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.  #Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA
IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.

Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay  
  IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      MOORTHY RV
                                                                      
                        NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          MOORTHY RV
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
				Match resumes
			The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session
				IND 67/1
			The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 
				IND 67/1 – Rain stops play
			Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 
				IND 50/1
			Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 
				Rahul, Padikkal at the crease
			K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.
				Early setback 
			India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!
				Sri Lanka declares
			Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 
				Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1
			India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.
				Welcome!
			Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026  #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

lightbox-info

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. 

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay  
  IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      MOORTHY RV
                                                                      
                        NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          MOORTHY RV
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
				Match resumes
			The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session
				IND 67/1
			The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 
				IND 67/1 – Rain stops play
			Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 
				IND 50/1
			Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 
				Rahul, Padikkal at the crease
			K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.
				Early setback 
			India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!
				Sri Lanka declares
			Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 
				Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1
			India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.
				Welcome!
			Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026  #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay

IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.

Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay  
  IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      MOORTHY RV
                                                                      
                        NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          MOORTHY RV
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
				Match resumes
			The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session
				IND 67/1
			The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 
				IND 67/1 – Rain stops play
			Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 
				IND 50/1
			Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 
				Rahul, Padikkal at the crease
			K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.
				Early setback 
			India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!
				Sri Lanka declares
			Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 
				Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1
			India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.
				Welcome!
			Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026  #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

lightbox-info

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. 

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

  • Match resumes

    The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be:

    2:30 to 2:50 PM second session

    2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea

    3:10 to 5:28 PM third session

  • IND 67/1

    The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 

  • IND 67/1 – Rain stops play

    Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 

  • IND 50/1

    Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 

  • Rahul, Padikkal at the crease

    K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.

  • Early setback

    India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!

  • Sri Lanka declares

    Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 

  • Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1

    India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1

    Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.

  • Welcome!

    Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. 

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

Post Comment