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Deadspin | Blues desperate for win over Blackhawks, help elsewhere to stay in contention Apr 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images The St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks will each look to break out of a slump when the division rivals face off Saturday in Chicago. The Blues (33-33-12, 78 points) have lost four of their past six games (2-3-1) after going 10-1-2 in their previous 13. That successful stretch saw St. Louis pull to within four points of the second wild card from the Western Conference into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with a game in hand at that time. “We seemed to have lost how fast we played north and how quickly we were attacking their net,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said after a 3-2 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. “A problem last game (a 3-1 home setback to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday) and today’s game is us taking away east-west plays in our own end. That’s something we’ve got to improve upon here and work on tomorrow.” The current skid has seen St. Louis fall seven points back of the Los Angeles Kings for that final spot, with three other teams (Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks) between them. Four games remain for all but Nashville, which has three left. The Blues’ slim hopes were all but officially dashed with the loss to the Jets. That official elimination from postseason contention could come Saturday with a regulation loss to Chicago, a Kings win against the Edmonton Oiler or a Blues OT loss combined with either one point gained by the Kings or a Predators win against the Minnesota Wild. “It’s pride,” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. “It’s a privilege to play in this league every single day you show up to the rink and play in the NHL. It’s even more special to wear the Blue Note. I’ve been fortunate to do it for 11 years and you can’t take that lightly. It’s going to, for me, be easy to show up and play for this Blue Note.” The Blackhawks (28-37-14, 70 points) were officially eliminated from contention following a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on April 2. That defeat is part of a 1-6-1 stretch for Chicago, which sits second to last in the NHL standings, ahead of only the Vancouver Canucks. Most recently, the Blackhawks dropped a 7-2 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday in the opener of their four-game homestand to close out the season. “We’ve done a pretty good job all year of competing pretty hard,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “I don’t want to overreact to a bad night. It’s frustrating, for sure. Our fans deserve better, for sure. I recognize all of that. But there are (bad) nights that happen, and this was one of them.” While the bright spots have been few and far between for the Blackhawks over the second half of the season, there has been one during their current skid: Anton Frondell. The 18-year-old forward, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, scored both Chicago goals in the loss to Carolina and has eight points (three goals, five assists) in nine games since his debut on March 24. “I love to score,” Frondell said. “It’s the best feeling ever. Of course, fun for me to score, score two goals, but it sucks to lose.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #desperate #win #Blackhawks #stay #contention

Deadspin | Blues desperate for win over Blackhawks, help elsewhere to stay in contention
Deadspin | Blues desperate for win over Blackhawks, help elsewhere to stay in contention Apr 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images The St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks will each look to break out of a slump when the division rivals face off Saturday in Chicago. The Blues (33-33-12, 78 points) have lost four of their past six games (2-3-1) after going 10-1-2 in their previous 13. That successful stretch saw St. Louis pull to within four points of the second wild card from the Western Conference into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with a game in hand at that time. “We seemed to have lost how fast we played north and how quickly we were attacking their net,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said after a 3-2 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. “A problem last game (a 3-1 home setback to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday) and today’s game is us taking away east-west plays in our own end. That’s something we’ve got to improve upon here and work on tomorrow.” The current skid has seen St. Louis fall seven points back of the Los Angeles Kings for that final spot, with three other teams (Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks) between them. Four games remain for all but Nashville, which has three left. The Blues’ slim hopes were all but officially dashed with the loss to the Jets. That official elimination from postseason contention could come Saturday with a regulation loss to Chicago, a Kings win against the Edmonton Oiler or a Blues OT loss combined with either one point gained by the Kings or a Predators win against the Minnesota Wild. “It’s pride,” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. “It’s a privilege to play in this league every single day you show up to the rink and play in the NHL. It’s even more special to wear the Blue Note. I’ve been fortunate to do it for 11 years and you can’t take that lightly. It’s going to, for me, be easy to show up and play for this Blue Note.” The Blackhawks (28-37-14, 70 points) were officially eliminated from contention following a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on April 2. That defeat is part of a 1-6-1 stretch for Chicago, which sits second to last in the NHL standings, ahead of only the Vancouver Canucks. Most recently, the Blackhawks dropped a 7-2 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday in the opener of their four-game homestand to close out the season. “We’ve done a pretty good job all year of competing pretty hard,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “I don’t want to overreact to a bad night. It’s frustrating, for sure. Our fans deserve better, for sure. I recognize all of that. But there are (bad) nights that happen, and this was one of them.” While the bright spots have been few and far between for the Blackhawks over the second half of the season, there has been one during their current skid: Anton Frondell. The 18-year-old forward, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, scored both Chicago goals in the loss to Carolina and has eight points (three goals, five assists) in nine games since his debut on March 24. “I love to score,” Frondell said. “It’s the best feeling ever. Of course, fun for me to score, score two goals, but it sucks to lose.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #desperate #win #Blackhawks #stay #contentionApr 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks will each look to break out of a slump when the division rivals face off Saturday in Chicago.

The Blues (33-33-12, 78 points) have lost four of their past six games (2-3-1) after going 10-1-2 in their previous 13. That successful stretch saw St. Louis pull to within four points of the second wild card from the Western Conference into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with a game in hand at that time.

“We seemed to have lost how fast we played north and how quickly we were attacking their net,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said after a 3-2 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. “A problem last game (a 3-1 home setback to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday) and today’s game is us taking away east-west plays in our own end. That’s something we’ve got to improve upon here and work on tomorrow.”

The current skid has seen St. Louis fall seven points back of the Los Angeles Kings for that final spot, with three other teams (Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks) between them. Four games remain for all but Nashville, which has three left.

The Blues’ slim hopes were all but officially dashed with the loss to the Jets. That official elimination from postseason contention could come Saturday with a regulation loss to Chicago, a Kings win against the Edmonton Oiler or a Blues OT loss combined with either one point gained by the Kings or a Predators win against the Minnesota Wild.

“It’s pride,” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. “It’s a privilege to play in this league every single day you show up to the rink and play in the NHL. It’s even more special to wear the Blue Note. I’ve been fortunate to do it for 11 years and you can’t take that lightly. It’s going to, for me, be easy to show up and play for this Blue Note.”


The Blackhawks (28-37-14, 70 points) were officially eliminated from contention following a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on April 2. That defeat is part of a 1-6-1 stretch for Chicago, which sits second to last in the NHL standings, ahead of only the Vancouver Canucks.

Most recently, the Blackhawks dropped a 7-2 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday in the opener of their four-game homestand to close out the season.

“We’ve done a pretty good job all year of competing pretty hard,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “I don’t want to overreact to a bad night. It’s frustrating, for sure. Our fans deserve better, for sure. I recognize all of that. But there are (bad) nights that happen, and this was one of them.”

While the bright spots have been few and far between for the Blackhawks over the second half of the season, there has been one during their current skid: Anton Frondell.

The 18-year-old forward, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, scored both Chicago goals in the loss to Carolina and has eight points (three goals, five assists) in nine games since his debut on March 24.

“I love to score,” Frondell said. “It’s the best feeling ever. Of course, fun for me to score, score two goals, but it sucks to lose.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blues #desperate #win #Blackhawks #stay #contention

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Apr 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks will each look to break out of a slump when the division rivals face off Saturday in Chicago.

The Blues (33-33-12, 78 points) have lost four of their past six games (2-3-1) after going 10-1-2 in their previous 13. That successful stretch saw St. Louis pull to within four points of the second wild card from the Western Conference into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with a game in hand at that time.

“We seemed to have lost how fast we played north and how quickly we were attacking their net,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said after a 3-2 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. “A problem last game (a 3-1 home setback to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday) and today’s game is us taking away east-west plays in our own end. That’s something we’ve got to improve upon here and work on tomorrow.”

The current skid has seen St. Louis fall seven points back of the Los Angeles Kings for that final spot, with three other teams (Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks) between them. Four games remain for all but Nashville, which has three left.

The Blues’ slim hopes were all but officially dashed with the loss to the Jets. That official elimination from postseason contention could come Saturday with a regulation loss to Chicago, a Kings win against the Edmonton Oiler or a Blues OT loss combined with either one point gained by the Kings or a Predators win against the Minnesota Wild.

“It’s pride,” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. “It’s a privilege to play in this league every single day you show up to the rink and play in the NHL. It’s even more special to wear the Blue Note. I’ve been fortunate to do it for 11 years and you can’t take that lightly. It’s going to, for me, be easy to show up and play for this Blue Note.”

The Blackhawks (28-37-14, 70 points) were officially eliminated from contention following a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on April 2. That defeat is part of a 1-6-1 stretch for Chicago, which sits second to last in the NHL standings, ahead of only the Vancouver Canucks.

Most recently, the Blackhawks dropped a 7-2 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday in the opener of their four-game homestand to close out the season.

“We’ve done a pretty good job all year of competing pretty hard,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “I don’t want to overreact to a bad night. It’s frustrating, for sure. Our fans deserve better, for sure. I recognize all of that. But there are (bad) nights that happen, and this was one of them.”

While the bright spots have been few and far between for the Blackhawks over the second half of the season, there has been one during their current skid: Anton Frondell.

The 18-year-old forward, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, scored both Chicago goals in the loss to Carolina and has eight points (three goals, five assists) in nine games since his debut on March 24.

“I love to score,” Frondell said. “It’s the best feeling ever. Of course, fun for me to score, score two goals, but it sucks to lose.”

–Field Level Media

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Rory McIlroy looks primed to repeat as Masters Champion <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When Rory McIlroy finally sipped a green jacket over his shoulders after winning the Masters last year, many posited that the floodgates would open.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">McIlroy had long chased a Masters victory, the final infinity stone in his personal Career Grand Slam quest, and the general consensus was that the psychological relief from capturing it would lead to a different type of play from Rory across the rest of his career. Maybe even specifically on the grounds where he broke through.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Given that Rory has had at least a share of the lead in every Masters round he has played as a winner of the tournament, it has only been two to be clear, that sort of makes sense! McIlroy walked off of Augusta National’s 18th green with an impressive 6-shot lead over the next-closest challengers (Patrick Reed and Sam Burns) and is a weekend away from being the first person to win consecutive Masters tournaments since Tiger Woods a quarter century ago. He has literally doubled the under par score of both Reed and Burns. Birdieing 6 of your final 7 holes will do that.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Time will tell what challenges lurk for McIlroy to win his 6th career major championship and if it will come on Sunday evening. Right now he is playing as if it will indeed. And he is proving that he can get it done in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Consider that at the moment he has hit 13 of 28 possible fairways. Imagine what will happen over the weekend if that gets dialed in?</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">You never know when it comes to Augusta National. That is the beauty of it all.</p></div> #Rory #McIlroy #primed #repeat #Masters #Champion

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Deadspin | Diamondbacks pitchers fan 16 Phillies in 1-run victory Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) hits a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Ketel Marte and James McCann each drove in two runs as the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks posted a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in the opener of a three-game series. Arizona’s Michael Soroka (3-0) settled down after a rough start to allow four runs, five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 10 for the second time this season, helping the Diamondbacks to their fifth win in six games. Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run for Philadelphia, which has lost three in a row. Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo (1-2) was charged with five runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out eight. After not scoring in its previous 20 innings, Philadelphia erupted for four runs in the first inning against Soroka. Trea Turner led off with a single and advanced on Kyle Schwarber’s walk. Bryce Harper delivered a double to right to make it 1-0, and Marsh followed with an opposite-field blast over the left-field wall. The Phillies put two runners on with two outs in the fourth, but Soroka retired Turner to escape the jam. That set the stage for a five-run rally by Arizona in the top of the fifth. The first three hitters of the inning reached before Luzardo rebounded to strike out Jorge Barrosa. However, Marte followed with a two-run single and then Ildemaro Vargas’ base hit made it 4-3. Two batters later, McCann laced a two-run double to right to put the visitors ahead by a run. McCann began the game on the bench but came on when Gabriel Moreno (lower back tightness) made an early exit. The veteran catcher was 1-for-15 before hitting his second double of the season. The Phillies did not threaten in the fifth, six or seventh innings against Soroka and relievers Jonathan Loaisiga and Juan Morillo. Morillo came back out for the eighth and struck out three batters, working around a two-out walk to Bryson Stott. Paul Sewald allowed a two-out triple to Justin Crawford in the ninth before Turner flied out to end the ballgame. Sewald registered his fourth save. All nine Phillies fanned at least once as the Diamondback pitching staff struck out 16. Marsh and Alec Bohm went down on strikes three times apiece. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Diamondbacks #pitchers #fan #Phillies #1run #victoryApr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) hits a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Ketel Marte and James McCann each drove in two runs as the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks posted a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.

Arizona’s Michael Soroka (3-0) settled down after a rough start to allow four runs, five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 10 for the second time this season, helping the Diamondbacks to their fifth win in six games.

Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run for Philadelphia, which has lost three in a row. Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo (1-2) was charged with five runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out eight.

After not scoring in its previous 20 innings, Philadelphia erupted for four runs in the first inning against Soroka.

Trea Turner led off with a single and advanced on Kyle Schwarber’s walk. Bryce Harper delivered a double to right to make it 1-0, and Marsh followed with an opposite-field blast over the left-field wall.


The Phillies put two runners on with two outs in the fourth, but Soroka retired Turner to escape the jam. That set the stage for a five-run rally by Arizona in the top of the fifth.

The first three hitters of the inning reached before Luzardo rebounded to strike out Jorge Barrosa. However, Marte followed with a two-run single and then Ildemaro Vargas’ base hit made it 4-3.

Two batters later, McCann laced a two-run double to right to put the visitors ahead by a run. McCann began the game on the bench but came on when Gabriel Moreno (lower back tightness) made an early exit. The veteran catcher was 1-for-15 before hitting his second double of the season.

The Phillies did not threaten in the fifth, six or seventh innings against Soroka and relievers Jonathan Loaisiga and Juan Morillo. Morillo came back out for the eighth and struck out three batters, working around a two-out walk to Bryson Stott.

Paul Sewald allowed a two-out triple to Justin Crawford in the ninth before Turner flied out to end the ballgame. Sewald registered his fourth save.

All nine Phillies fanned at least once as the Diamondback pitching staff struck out 16. Marsh and Alec Bohm went down on strikes three times apiece.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Diamondbacks #pitchers #fan #Phillies #1run #victory">Deadspin | Diamondbacks pitchers fan 16 Phillies in 1-run victory Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) hits a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Ketel Marte and James McCann each drove in two runs as the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks posted a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in the opener of a three-game series. Arizona’s Michael Soroka (3-0) settled down after a rough start to allow four runs, five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 10 for the second time this season, helping the Diamondbacks to their fifth win in six games. Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run for Philadelphia, which has lost three in a row. Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo (1-2) was charged with five runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out eight. After not scoring in its previous 20 innings, Philadelphia erupted for four runs in the first inning against Soroka. Trea Turner led off with a single and advanced on Kyle Schwarber’s walk. Bryce Harper delivered a double to right to make it 1-0, and Marsh followed with an opposite-field blast over the left-field wall. The Phillies put two runners on with two outs in the fourth, but Soroka retired Turner to escape the jam. That set the stage for a five-run rally by Arizona in the top of the fifth. The first three hitters of the inning reached before Luzardo rebounded to strike out Jorge Barrosa. However, Marte followed with a two-run single and then Ildemaro Vargas’ base hit made it 4-3. Two batters later, McCann laced a two-run double to right to put the visitors ahead by a run. McCann began the game on the bench but came on when Gabriel Moreno (lower back tightness) made an early exit. The veteran catcher was 1-for-15 before hitting his second double of the season. The Phillies did not threaten in the fifth, six or seventh innings against Soroka and relievers Jonathan Loaisiga and Juan Morillo. Morillo came back out for the eighth and struck out three batters, working around a two-out walk to Bryson Stott. Paul Sewald allowed a two-out triple to Justin Crawford in the ninth before Turner flied out to end the ballgame. Sewald registered his fourth save. All nine Phillies fanned at least once as the Diamondback pitching staff struck out 16. Marsh and Alec Bohm went down on strikes three times apiece. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Diamondbacks #pitchers #fan #Phillies #1run #victory

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Friday held a meeting with senior leadership of Commonwealth Sport, reaffirming India’s commitment to delivering a world-class, athlete-centric, and sustainable Games in 2030.

Mandaviya conveyed his regards to the Commonwealth Sport delegation for choosing India as the host for the 2030 edition. “There is a lot of enthusiasm in the country to host these games successfully, and India is ready to welcome the sporting world, with all its colour and cultural vibrancy. The centenary celebrations of the Commonwealth would be a moment to remember,” Mandaviya said.

The Sports Minister additionally apprised the delegation of the expansion of the Khelo India Games. He highlighted the different types of sports and games being conducted under Khelo India, including Asmita Leagues for women and the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games.

READ: Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026

The Commonwealth Sport delegation, led by its president, Donald Rukare, included CEO Katie Sadleir, Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall, Director of Sport Ann-Louise Morgan, and major events expert Neil Carney. The discussions focused on preparatory actions, coordination mechanisms, and timelines to ensure the efficient delivery of the Games, with both sides aligning on the roadmap and key milestones going forward.

During the meeting, Mandaviya also outlined Ahmedabad’s strong infrastructure base, connectivity, and institutional backing as key strengths for hosting CWG 2030.

He further emphasised the strong focus on legacy planning, including the creation of durable sports infrastructure and increased grassroots participation across the country.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Union #Sports #Minister #Mansukh #Mandaviya #meets #Commonwealth #Sport #president #reaffirms #Indias #vision #CWG">Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya meets Commonwealth Sport president, reaffirms India’s vision for CWG 2030 Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Friday held a meeting with senior leadership of Commonwealth Sport, reaffirming India’s commitment to delivering a world-class, athlete-centric, and sustainable Games in 2030.Mandaviya conveyed his regards to the Commonwealth Sport delegation for choosing India as the host for the 2030 edition. “There is a lot of enthusiasm in the country to host these games successfully, and India is ready to welcome the sporting world, with all its colour and cultural vibrancy. The centenary celebrations of the Commonwealth would be a moment to remember,” Mandaviya said.The Sports Minister additionally apprised the delegation of the expansion of the Khelo India Games. He highlighted the different types of sports and games being conducted under Khelo India, including Asmita Leagues for women and the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games.READ: Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026The Commonwealth Sport delegation, led by its president, Donald Rukare, included CEO Katie Sadleir, Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall, Director of Sport Ann-Louise Morgan, and major events expert Neil Carney. The discussions focused on preparatory actions, coordination mechanisms, and timelines to ensure the efficient delivery of the Games, with both sides aligning on the roadmap and key milestones going forward.During the meeting, Mandaviya also outlined Ahmedabad’s strong infrastructure base, connectivity, and institutional backing as key strengths for hosting CWG 2030.He further emphasised the strong focus on legacy planning, including the creation of durable sports infrastructure and increased grassroots participation across the country.Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Union #Sports #Minister #Mansukh #Mandaviya #meets #Commonwealth #Sport #president #reaffirms #Indias #vision #CWG

Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026

The Commonwealth Sport delegation, led by its president, Donald Rukare, included CEO Katie Sadleir, Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall, Director of Sport Ann-Louise Morgan, and major events expert Neil Carney. The discussions focused on preparatory actions, coordination mechanisms, and timelines to ensure the efficient delivery of the Games, with both sides aligning on the roadmap and key milestones going forward.

During the meeting, Mandaviya also outlined Ahmedabad’s strong infrastructure base, connectivity, and institutional backing as key strengths for hosting CWG 2030.

He further emphasised the strong focus on legacy planning, including the creation of durable sports infrastructure and increased grassroots participation across the country.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Union #Sports #Minister #Mansukh #Mandaviya #meets #Commonwealth #Sport #president #reaffirms #Indias #vision #CWG">Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya meets Commonwealth Sport president, reaffirms India’s vision for CWG 2030

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Friday held a meeting with senior leadership of Commonwealth Sport, reaffirming India’s commitment to delivering a world-class, athlete-centric, and sustainable Games in 2030.

Mandaviya conveyed his regards to the Commonwealth Sport delegation for choosing India as the host for the 2030 edition. “There is a lot of enthusiasm in the country to host these games successfully, and India is ready to welcome the sporting world, with all its colour and cultural vibrancy. The centenary celebrations of the Commonwealth would be a moment to remember,” Mandaviya said.

The Sports Minister additionally apprised the delegation of the expansion of the Khelo India Games. He highlighted the different types of sports and games being conducted under Khelo India, including Asmita Leagues for women and the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games.

READ: Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026

The Commonwealth Sport delegation, led by its president, Donald Rukare, included CEO Katie Sadleir, Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall, Director of Sport Ann-Louise Morgan, and major events expert Neil Carney. The discussions focused on preparatory actions, coordination mechanisms, and timelines to ensure the efficient delivery of the Games, with both sides aligning on the roadmap and key milestones going forward.

During the meeting, Mandaviya also outlined Ahmedabad’s strong infrastructure base, connectivity, and institutional backing as key strengths for hosting CWG 2030.

He further emphasised the strong focus on legacy planning, including the creation of durable sports infrastructure and increased grassroots participation across the country.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Union #Sports #Minister #Mansukh #Mandaviya #meets #Commonwealth #Sport #president #reaffirms #Indias #vision #CWG
Deadspin | NBA roundup: Hawks clinch playoff berth with rout of Cavaliers Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder reacts on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images CJ McCollum scored 25 of his game-high 29 points in the first half and Dyson Daniels collected 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists as the Atlanta Hawks clinched a playoff spot with a 124-102 rout of the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Jalen Johnson had 18 points and nine rebounds and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 for the Hawks (46-35), who will finish either fifth or sixth in the Eastern Conference. Southeast Division champion Atlanta missed the playoffs in the last two seasons. Daniels posted his second career triple-double and McCollum drained 6-of-8 3-point attempts. The Hawks built a 92-59 lead in the third quarter, when Alexander-Walker and Johnson each had 11 points to deliver the knockout blow. James Harden scored 20 points and dished out five assists, and Tyrese Proctor had 15 points in the final quarter for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers (51-30). Cleveland will have home-court advantage in the first round against either Atlanta or the Toronto Raptors. Lakers 101, Suns 73 LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading Los Angeles to a convincing victory over visiting Phoenix. Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series. The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge. Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns, who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game. Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return. 76ers 105, Pacers 94 Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, Andre Drummond posted a double-double off the bench, and Philadelphia assured itself of finishing no worse than eighth in the Eastern Conference after beating Indiana in Indianapolis. With Joel Embiid out due to appendicitis, Drummond produced 10 points and 16 rebounds. The 76ers ended a three-game skid and stayed alive in the chase for the East’s sixth and final automatic playoff berth. Jarace Walker’s 17 points led the Pacers, who have lost four of the past five. Micah Potter finished 13 points and 10 rebounds. Pistons 118, Hornets 100 Jalen Duren scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and Detroit rode a strong stretch early in the fourth quarter to a win over host Charlotte. Duncan Robinson racked up 19 points, Cade Cunningham had 14 points, Ronald Holland II posted 13 points and Ausar Thompson added 12 points for the Pistons, who have won five of their past six games. Detroit had already locked up first place in the Eastern Conference. The outcome means the Hornets will be in the East’s play-in tournament. The loss eliminated any chance that they could advance directly to the playoff bracket. LaMelo Ball’s 27 points, including six 3-point baskets, led the Hornets, while Brandon Miller had 22 points. Coby White, after missing the team’s Tuesday game night because of groin soreness, scored 11 points off the bench. Bucks 125, Nets 108 AJ Green scored a career-high 35 points to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Brooklyn in Milwaukee’s final home game of the season. Milwaukee snapped a two-game skid as Green also became just the third Buck ever to make 10 or more 3-pointers in a game (11-for-16). Cormac Ryan added 28 while Taurean Prince scored 18 with 10 rebounds. Jericho Sims posted a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Tyson Etienne led Brooklyn with 23 points. Malachi Smith nearly contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. The Nets only played seven players and each contributed double figures. Reserve Nolan Traore scored 14 points in just over 16 minutes of action. Nuggets 127, Thunder 107 Jonas Valanciunas amassed 23 points and 17 rebounds, both season highs, and Julian Strawther added 22 points as host Denver beat Oklahoma City in a matchup of benches. Denver clinched at least the fourth seed in the Western Conference with its 11th straight win. The Nuggets can still capture the No. 3 seed with a win Sunday in San Antonio or a Los Angeles Lakers’ loss. Denver rested its entire starting five and Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson, both of whom have been sidelined with hamstring strains. Oklahoma City has secured the top overall seed. The only starter dressed for either team was Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, who was required to play at least 20 minutes in each of the final two games to qualify for postseason awards, according to coach Mark Daigneault. Jazz 147, Grizzlies 101 Rookie Blake Hinson scored a career-high 30 points and two Utah reserves logged triple-doubles, helping the Jazz snap a 10-game losing streak with a demolition of Memphis in Salt Lake City. Rookie Bez Mbeng logged 27 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds and three steals for his first triple-double. John Konchar registered a triple-double for a second straight game, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. Kennedy Chandler added 26 points and 10 assists to help the Jazz get in the win column for only the second time in 16 games. Dariq Whitehead led Memphis with a career-best 21 points. Rookie Toby Okani had a career-high 20 points and Adama Bal added 18 for the Grizzlies, who used just six players while losing their seventh straight game. Kings 124, Warriors 118 Devin Carter set career highs with six 3-pointers, 29 points and nine rebounds as Sacramento beat visiting Golden State. Carter shot 11-for-18 from the floor and 6-for-11 from 3-point range for Sacramento, which avenged a 110-105 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday in San Francisco. Maxime Raynaud scored 23 points, Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden scored 20 apiece, and Malik Monk added 11. Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with a career-high 30 points and De’Anthony Melton added 17. The Warriors lost for the sixth time in their past seven games, and they will compete in the play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed in the West. Heat 140, Wizards 117 Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scored 24 points each as Miami snapped a two-game losing streak, crushing host Washington. Bam Adebayo added 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Heat, who are locked into a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Adebayo scored a franchise-record 83 points against Washington on March 10. Miami completed a 4-0 season sweep of Washington. The Heat, however, have just four wins over the past 14 games. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 23 points for the Heat, and Kasparas Jakucionis had 16. Bub Carrington led Washington with 30 points, matching his season high. Bilal Coulibaly added 25 points and five assists and Will Riley scored 16 points for the Wizards, who have the NBA’s worst record as they fell for the 25th time in 26 games. Knicks 112, Raptors 95 Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his game-high 29 points in the third quarter as New York clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory over visiting Toronto. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 10 rebounds while Mikal Bridges logged 13 points for New York, which has won seven straight home games and five games in a row overall. The Knicks have a 30-9 home mark this season. Sandro Mamukelashvili produced 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Toronto, which fell into a tie with the Orlando Magic for the sixth and final automatic playoff spot in the East. The Raptors hold the tiebreaker edge. Brandon Ingram had 16 points and six assists for the Raptors. Ja’Kobe Walter went 4 of 7 from beyond the arc en route to 15 points. Trail Blazers 116, Clippers 97 Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as Portland powered past visiting Los Angeles. The teams are now tied with 41-40 records and one game to go, but the Trail Blazers own the tiebreaker, which would leave them eighth in the Western Conference. Donovan Clingan added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Portland. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez knocked down five 3-pointers on the way to 21 points. Magic 127, Bulls 103 Franz Wagner scored 25 points and Jamal Cain added 20 as visiting Orlando stretched its winning streak to five games with a victory against Chicago. Orlando remained alive for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference — which would allow the Magic to avoid the play-in tournament — with one game remaining in the regular season. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Magic. Paolo Banchero scored 14 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists. Chicago suffered its eighth loss in 10 games despite 23 points from Tre Jones. The Bulls have lost 50 games for the first time since 2018-19. Matas Buzelis had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls before leaving in the third quarter with a sprained right ankle. Spurs 139, Mavericks 120 Victor Wembanyama showed that he is playoff ready after an injury by amassing 40 points and 13 rebounds as host San Antonio pummeled Dallas. Wembanyama, back after missing a game and a half with a left rib contusion, reached the 65-game requirement for league postseason awards. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and 10 assists for the Spurs, who have won 14 of their past 15 games. Cooper Flagg put up 33 points and Max Christie had 16 for the Mavericks, who have lost three in a row. Celtics 144, Pelicans 118 Boston tied an NBA record by making 29 3-point field goals and secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs by beating visiting New Orleans. Boston took 59 3-point shots but didn’t put up a shot on its final possession. The record for made 3-pointers in a game is also shared by the 2020 Milwaukee Bucks, the 2024 Celtics and the 2026 Memphis Grizzlies. The Celtics received 24 points from Sam Hauser, who was 8 of 12 from 3-point territory. Jaylen Brown scored 23 and Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists. Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 36. Timberwolves 136, Rockets 132 Donte DiVincenzo scored 11 of his 18 points to spark a fourth-quarter rally, and Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in 23 points off the bench as short-handed Minnesota snapped host Houston’s eight-game winning streak. Anthony Edwards scored 22 points in his return after missing 10 of the previous 12 games. The Timberwolves, playing without starters Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert and sixth man Naz Reid, shot 57.3% from the floor, including 15 of 30 from behind the arc. Amen Thompson scored a career-high 41 points to pace the Rockets and added nine rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant posted 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Alperen Sengun totaled 22 points and eight assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Hawks #clinch #playoff #berth #rout #CavaliersApr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder reacts on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

CJ McCollum scored 25 of his game-high 29 points in the first half and Dyson Daniels collected 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists as the Atlanta Hawks clinched a playoff spot with a 124-102 rout of the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Jalen Johnson had 18 points and nine rebounds and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 for the Hawks (46-35), who will finish either fifth or sixth in the Eastern Conference. Southeast Division champion Atlanta missed the playoffs in the last two seasons.

Daniels posted his second career triple-double and McCollum drained 6-of-8 3-point attempts. The Hawks built a 92-59 lead in the third quarter, when Alexander-Walker and Johnson each had 11 points to deliver the knockout blow.

James Harden scored 20 points and dished out five assists, and Tyrese Proctor had 15 points in the final quarter for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers (51-30). Cleveland will have home-court advantage in the first round against either Atlanta or the Toronto Raptors.

Lakers 101, Suns 73

LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading Los Angeles to a convincing victory over visiting Phoenix.

Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series. The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge.

Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns, who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game. Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return.

76ers 105, Pacers 94

Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, Andre Drummond posted a double-double off the bench, and Philadelphia assured itself of finishing no worse than eighth in the Eastern Conference after beating Indiana in Indianapolis.

With Joel Embiid out due to appendicitis, Drummond produced 10 points and 16 rebounds. The 76ers ended a three-game skid and stayed alive in the chase for the East’s sixth and final automatic playoff berth.

Jarace Walker’s 17 points led the Pacers, who have lost four of the past five. Micah Potter finished 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Pistons 118, Hornets 100

Jalen Duren scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and Detroit rode a strong stretch early in the fourth quarter to a win over host Charlotte.

Duncan Robinson racked up 19 points, Cade Cunningham had 14 points, Ronald Holland II posted 13 points and Ausar Thompson added 12 points for the Pistons, who have won five of their past six games. Detroit had already locked up first place in the Eastern Conference. The outcome means the Hornets will be in the East’s play-in tournament.

The loss eliminated any chance that they could advance directly to the playoff bracket. LaMelo Ball’s 27 points, including six 3-point baskets, led the Hornets, while Brandon Miller had 22 points. Coby White, after missing the team’s Tuesday game night because of groin soreness, scored 11 points off the bench.

Bucks 125, Nets 108

AJ Green scored a career-high 35 points to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Brooklyn in Milwaukee’s final home game of the season.

Milwaukee snapped a two-game skid as Green also became just the third Buck ever to make 10 or more 3-pointers in a game (11-for-16). Cormac Ryan added 28 while Taurean Prince scored 18 with 10 rebounds. Jericho Sims posted a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Tyson Etienne led Brooklyn with 23 points. Malachi Smith nearly contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. The Nets only played seven players and each contributed double figures. Reserve Nolan Traore scored 14 points in just over 16 minutes of action.

Nuggets 127, Thunder 107

Jonas Valanciunas amassed 23 points and 17 rebounds, both season highs, and Julian Strawther added 22 points as host Denver beat Oklahoma City in a matchup of benches.

Denver clinched at least the fourth seed in the Western Conference with its 11th straight win. The Nuggets can still capture the No. 3 seed with a win Sunday in San Antonio or a Los Angeles Lakers’ loss. Denver rested its entire starting five and Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson, both of whom have been sidelined with hamstring strains.

Oklahoma City has secured the top overall seed. The only starter dressed for either team was Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, who was required to play at least 20 minutes in each of the final two games to qualify for postseason awards, according to coach Mark Daigneault.

Jazz 147, Grizzlies 101

Rookie Blake Hinson scored a career-high 30 points and two Utah reserves logged triple-doubles, helping the Jazz snap a 10-game losing streak with a demolition of Memphis in Salt Lake City.

Rookie Bez Mbeng logged 27 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds and three steals for his first triple-double. John Konchar registered a triple-double for a second straight game, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. Kennedy Chandler added 26 points and 10 assists to help the Jazz get in the win column for only the second time in 16 games.

Dariq Whitehead led Memphis with a career-best 21 points. Rookie Toby Okani had a career-high 20 points and Adama Bal added 18 for the Grizzlies, who used just six players while losing their seventh straight game.

Kings 124, Warriors 118

Devin Carter set career highs with six 3-pointers, 29 points and nine rebounds as Sacramento beat visiting Golden State.


Carter shot 11-for-18 from the floor and 6-for-11 from 3-point range for Sacramento, which avenged a 110-105 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday in San Francisco. Maxime Raynaud scored 23 points, Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden scored 20 apiece, and Malik Monk added 11.

Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with a career-high 30 points and De’Anthony Melton added 17. The Warriors lost for the sixth time in their past seven games, and they will compete in the play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed in the West.

Heat 140, Wizards 117

Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scored 24 points each as Miami snapped a two-game losing streak, crushing host Washington.

Bam Adebayo added 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Heat, who are locked into a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Adebayo scored a franchise-record 83 points against Washington on March 10. Miami completed a 4-0 season sweep of Washington. The Heat, however, have just four wins over the past 14 games. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 23 points for the Heat, and Kasparas Jakucionis had 16.

Bub Carrington led Washington with 30 points, matching his season high. Bilal Coulibaly added 25 points and five assists and Will Riley scored 16 points for the Wizards, who have the NBA’s worst record as they fell for the 25th time in 26 games.

Knicks 112, Raptors 95

Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his game-high 29 points in the third quarter as New York clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory over visiting Toronto.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 10 rebounds while Mikal Bridges logged 13 points for New York, which has won seven straight home games and five games in a row overall. The Knicks have a 30-9 home mark this season.

Sandro Mamukelashvili produced 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Toronto, which fell into a tie with the Orlando Magic for the sixth and final automatic playoff spot in the East. The Raptors hold the tiebreaker edge. Brandon Ingram had 16 points and six assists for the Raptors. Ja’Kobe Walter went 4 of 7 from beyond the arc en route to 15 points.

Trail Blazers 116, Clippers 97

Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as Portland powered past visiting Los Angeles.

The teams are now tied with 41-40 records and one game to go, but the Trail Blazers own the tiebreaker, which would leave them eighth in the Western Conference. Donovan Clingan added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Portland.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez knocked down five 3-pointers on the way to 21 points.

Magic 127, Bulls 103

Franz Wagner scored 25 points and Jamal Cain added 20 as visiting Orlando stretched its winning streak to five games with a victory against Chicago.

Orlando remained alive for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference — which would allow the Magic to avoid the play-in tournament — with one game remaining in the regular season. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Magic. Paolo Banchero scored 14 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists.

Chicago suffered its eighth loss in 10 games despite 23 points from Tre Jones. The Bulls have lost 50 games for the first time since 2018-19. Matas Buzelis had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls before leaving in the third quarter with a sprained right ankle.

Spurs 139, Mavericks 120

Victor Wembanyama showed that he is playoff ready after an injury by amassing 40 points and 13 rebounds as host San Antonio pummeled Dallas.

Wembanyama, back after missing a game and a half with a left rib contusion, reached the 65-game requirement for league postseason awards. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and 10 assists for the Spurs, who have won 14 of their past 15 games.

Cooper Flagg put up 33 points and Max Christie had 16 for the Mavericks, who have lost three in a row.

Celtics 144, Pelicans 118

Boston tied an NBA record by making 29 3-point field goals and secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs by beating visiting New Orleans.

Boston took 59 3-point shots but didn’t put up a shot on its final possession. The record for made 3-pointers in a game is also shared by the 2020 Milwaukee Bucks, the 2024 Celtics and the 2026 Memphis Grizzlies.

The Celtics received 24 points from Sam Hauser, who was 8 of 12 from 3-point territory. Jaylen Brown scored 23 and Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists. Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 36.

Timberwolves 136, Rockets 132

Donte DiVincenzo scored 11 of his 18 points to spark a fourth-quarter rally, and Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in 23 points off the bench as short-handed Minnesota snapped host Houston’s eight-game winning streak.

Anthony Edwards scored 22 points in his return after missing 10 of the previous 12 games. The Timberwolves, playing without starters Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert and sixth man Naz Reid, shot 57.3% from the floor, including 15 of 30 from behind the arc.

Amen Thompson scored a career-high 41 points to pace the Rockets and added nine rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant posted 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Alperen Sengun totaled 22 points and eight assists.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Hawks #clinch #playoff #berth #rout #Cavaliers">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Hawks clinch playoff berth with rout of Cavaliers Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder reacts on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images CJ McCollum scored 25 of his game-high 29 points in the first half and Dyson Daniels collected 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists as the Atlanta Hawks clinched a playoff spot with a 124-102 rout of the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Jalen Johnson had 18 points and nine rebounds and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 for the Hawks (46-35), who will finish either fifth or sixth in the Eastern Conference. Southeast Division champion Atlanta missed the playoffs in the last two seasons. Daniels posted his second career triple-double and McCollum drained 6-of-8 3-point attempts. The Hawks built a 92-59 lead in the third quarter, when Alexander-Walker and Johnson each had 11 points to deliver the knockout blow. James Harden scored 20 points and dished out five assists, and Tyrese Proctor had 15 points in the final quarter for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers (51-30). Cleveland will have home-court advantage in the first round against either Atlanta or the Toronto Raptors. Lakers 101, Suns 73 LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading Los Angeles to a convincing victory over visiting Phoenix. Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series. The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge. Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns, who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game. Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return. 76ers 105, Pacers 94 Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, Andre Drummond posted a double-double off the bench, and Philadelphia assured itself of finishing no worse than eighth in the Eastern Conference after beating Indiana in Indianapolis. With Joel Embiid out due to appendicitis, Drummond produced 10 points and 16 rebounds. The 76ers ended a three-game skid and stayed alive in the chase for the East’s sixth and final automatic playoff berth. Jarace Walker’s 17 points led the Pacers, who have lost four of the past five. Micah Potter finished 13 points and 10 rebounds. Pistons 118, Hornets 100 Jalen Duren scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and Detroit rode a strong stretch early in the fourth quarter to a win over host Charlotte. Duncan Robinson racked up 19 points, Cade Cunningham had 14 points, Ronald Holland II posted 13 points and Ausar Thompson added 12 points for the Pistons, who have won five of their past six games. Detroit had already locked up first place in the Eastern Conference. The outcome means the Hornets will be in the East’s play-in tournament. The loss eliminated any chance that they could advance directly to the playoff bracket. LaMelo Ball’s 27 points, including six 3-point baskets, led the Hornets, while Brandon Miller had 22 points. Coby White, after missing the team’s Tuesday game night because of groin soreness, scored 11 points off the bench. Bucks 125, Nets 108 AJ Green scored a career-high 35 points to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Brooklyn in Milwaukee’s final home game of the season. Milwaukee snapped a two-game skid as Green also became just the third Buck ever to make 10 or more 3-pointers in a game (11-for-16). Cormac Ryan added 28 while Taurean Prince scored 18 with 10 rebounds. Jericho Sims posted a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Tyson Etienne led Brooklyn with 23 points. Malachi Smith nearly contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. The Nets only played seven players and each contributed double figures. Reserve Nolan Traore scored 14 points in just over 16 minutes of action. Nuggets 127, Thunder 107 Jonas Valanciunas amassed 23 points and 17 rebounds, both season highs, and Julian Strawther added 22 points as host Denver beat Oklahoma City in a matchup of benches. Denver clinched at least the fourth seed in the Western Conference with its 11th straight win. The Nuggets can still capture the No. 3 seed with a win Sunday in San Antonio or a Los Angeles Lakers’ loss. Denver rested its entire starting five and Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson, both of whom have been sidelined with hamstring strains. Oklahoma City has secured the top overall seed. The only starter dressed for either team was Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, who was required to play at least 20 minutes in each of the final two games to qualify for postseason awards, according to coach Mark Daigneault. Jazz 147, Grizzlies 101 Rookie Blake Hinson scored a career-high 30 points and two Utah reserves logged triple-doubles, helping the Jazz snap a 10-game losing streak with a demolition of Memphis in Salt Lake City. Rookie Bez Mbeng logged 27 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds and three steals for his first triple-double. John Konchar registered a triple-double for a second straight game, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. Kennedy Chandler added 26 points and 10 assists to help the Jazz get in the win column for only the second time in 16 games. Dariq Whitehead led Memphis with a career-best 21 points. Rookie Toby Okani had a career-high 20 points and Adama Bal added 18 for the Grizzlies, who used just six players while losing their seventh straight game. Kings 124, Warriors 118 Devin Carter set career highs with six 3-pointers, 29 points and nine rebounds as Sacramento beat visiting Golden State. Carter shot 11-for-18 from the floor and 6-for-11 from 3-point range for Sacramento, which avenged a 110-105 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday in San Francisco. Maxime Raynaud scored 23 points, Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden scored 20 apiece, and Malik Monk added 11. Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with a career-high 30 points and De’Anthony Melton added 17. The Warriors lost for the sixth time in their past seven games, and they will compete in the play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed in the West. Heat 140, Wizards 117 Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scored 24 points each as Miami snapped a two-game losing streak, crushing host Washington. Bam Adebayo added 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Heat, who are locked into a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Adebayo scored a franchise-record 83 points against Washington on March 10. Miami completed a 4-0 season sweep of Washington. The Heat, however, have just four wins over the past 14 games. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 23 points for the Heat, and Kasparas Jakucionis had 16. Bub Carrington led Washington with 30 points, matching his season high. Bilal Coulibaly added 25 points and five assists and Will Riley scored 16 points for the Wizards, who have the NBA’s worst record as they fell for the 25th time in 26 games. Knicks 112, Raptors 95 Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his game-high 29 points in the third quarter as New York clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory over visiting Toronto. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 10 rebounds while Mikal Bridges logged 13 points for New York, which has won seven straight home games and five games in a row overall. The Knicks have a 30-9 home mark this season. Sandro Mamukelashvili produced 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Toronto, which fell into a tie with the Orlando Magic for the sixth and final automatic playoff spot in the East. The Raptors hold the tiebreaker edge. Brandon Ingram had 16 points and six assists for the Raptors. Ja’Kobe Walter went 4 of 7 from beyond the arc en route to 15 points. Trail Blazers 116, Clippers 97 Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as Portland powered past visiting Los Angeles. The teams are now tied with 41-40 records and one game to go, but the Trail Blazers own the tiebreaker, which would leave them eighth in the Western Conference. Donovan Clingan added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Portland. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez knocked down five 3-pointers on the way to 21 points. Magic 127, Bulls 103 Franz Wagner scored 25 points and Jamal Cain added 20 as visiting Orlando stretched its winning streak to five games with a victory against Chicago. Orlando remained alive for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference — which would allow the Magic to avoid the play-in tournament — with one game remaining in the regular season. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Magic. Paolo Banchero scored 14 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists. Chicago suffered its eighth loss in 10 games despite 23 points from Tre Jones. The Bulls have lost 50 games for the first time since 2018-19. Matas Buzelis had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls before leaving in the third quarter with a sprained right ankle. Spurs 139, Mavericks 120 Victor Wembanyama showed that he is playoff ready after an injury by amassing 40 points and 13 rebounds as host San Antonio pummeled Dallas. Wembanyama, back after missing a game and a half with a left rib contusion, reached the 65-game requirement for league postseason awards. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and 10 assists for the Spurs, who have won 14 of their past 15 games. Cooper Flagg put up 33 points and Max Christie had 16 for the Mavericks, who have lost three in a row. Celtics 144, Pelicans 118 Boston tied an NBA record by making 29 3-point field goals and secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs by beating visiting New Orleans. Boston took 59 3-point shots but didn’t put up a shot on its final possession. The record for made 3-pointers in a game is also shared by the 2020 Milwaukee Bucks, the 2024 Celtics and the 2026 Memphis Grizzlies. The Celtics received 24 points from Sam Hauser, who was 8 of 12 from 3-point territory. Jaylen Brown scored 23 and Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists. Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 36. Timberwolves 136, Rockets 132 Donte DiVincenzo scored 11 of his 18 points to spark a fourth-quarter rally, and Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in 23 points off the bench as short-handed Minnesota snapped host Houston’s eight-game winning streak. Anthony Edwards scored 22 points in his return after missing 10 of the previous 12 games. The Timberwolves, playing without starters Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert and sixth man Naz Reid, shot 57.3% from the floor, including 15 of 30 from behind the arc. Amen Thompson scored a career-high 41 points to pace the Rockets and added nine rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant posted 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Alperen Sengun totaled 22 points and eight assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Hawks #clinch #playoff #berth #rout #Cavaliers

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