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Deadspin | Braves blast 3 home runs in victory over Marlins Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series. Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami. The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits. Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save. The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks. The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski. Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board. The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985. The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King. Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi. Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #Marlins

Deadspin | Braves blast 3 home runs in victory over Marlins
Deadspin | Braves blast 3 home runs in victory over Marlins Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series. Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami. The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits. Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save. The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks. The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski. Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board. The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985. The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King. Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi. Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #MarlinsApr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series.

Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami.

The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits.

Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.

The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.


The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski.

Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board.

The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985.

The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King.

Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi.

Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #Marlins

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Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a single against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bryce Elder threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Atlanta Braves backed him up with three home runs to defeat the visiting Miami Marlins 6-3 on Wednesday in the rubber game of a three-game series.

Elder (2-1) allowed four hits and two walks and struck out seven. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.77 and ended a personal two-game losing streak against Miami.

The Braves got solo home runs from Ozzie Albies, his fourth, and Austin Riley, his first, and a two-run shot from Matt Olson, his fifth. Atlanta banged out 11 hits.

Raisel Iglesias struck out three while working a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save.

The losing pitcher was Chris Paddack (0-3), who threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.

The Braves scored twice in the second inning. Albies parked a cutter into the seats in right field. Atlanta added another run when Mauricio Dubon lined an RBI single to drive in Mike Yastrzemski.

Miami loaded the bases with one out in the fifth but could not score. Atlanta shortstop Dubon fielded a grounder, touched second and fired to first base to retire Xavier Edwards, who was originally called safe. The Braves challenged the play, and it was overturned, ending the inning and keeping the Marlins off the board.

The Braves have turned a double play on the infield in 16 consecutive games dating to March 30. It is the longest active streak in baseball and the longest for Atlanta since a 17-game streak in 1985.

The Braves added a solo homer from Riley to open the sixth, a 402-foot shot into the right field seats. It was the first run allowed this season by reliever John King.

Atlanta put the game away with three runs in the seventh. Drake Baldwin singled in a run and Olson followed with a 423-foot homer off Andrew Nardi.

Miami got its runs in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Liam Hicks, his fourth, off reliever Osvaldo Bido. A third run crossed on a Heriberto Hernandez’s fielder’s-choice grounder.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Braves #blast #home #runs #victory #Marlins

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Which NFL Draft position has the highest hit rate? <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Nobody wants to be a fan of a team that walks away from the NFL Draft with a bust. The NFL is dictated by teams that consistently draft successfully, both by finding Pro Bowl talent in the first round, then adding valuable starters or contributors throughout the rest of the rounds. Miss on those picks and you squander opportunity, make too many of them and your team tumbles down the standings.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Bust” is a universal, albeit subjective phrase that’s too often applied to skill position players and rarely anybody else. <em>Everyone</em> knows the name “JaMarcus Russell,” but what about defensive tackle Justin Harrell who went No. 16 in the same class? Harrell managed to only start two games in his career and register 27 total tackles in three years before being out of the NFL. Harrell was an objectively worse player than Russell, but he wasn’t as <em>damaging</em> to the Green Bay Packers because of his position. Make no mistake, the man was still a bust.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That’s what prompted me to dive into the last 15 years of NFL Draft data from the first round to look at the hits, busts, and everything in between at every position that has been selected. The goal was to find out which positions are safer, routinely netting more long-serving, consistent talent — and those which have had a tendency to fail more often.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s no perfect metric to evaluate a player’s entire career, but perhaps the <em>best</em> we have is “Approximate Value (AV)” from Pro Football Reference. This uses a complex formula <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/about/approximate_value.htm">(found here)</a> to quantify a player’s impact over the course of their career. From there, we can also look critically at drafted AV, which is the value added to the team that took the player. That’s how we avoid cases like Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield, who were busts for the teams that drafted them — but had success elsewhere. In this way we can measure the draft fit.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The final elements are the Mean AV, which removes the highest 5% and lowest 5% of players to ensure that guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen don’t skew the values too much, and finally the Pro Bowl Threshold AV — which averages out what a typical Pro Bowler at the position has as their AV. This is used as a yardstick because by nature AV isn’t designed to be a 1-to-1 comparison between positions.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd53 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><div class="duet--article--table eqjv3q0"><table class="eqjv3q2"><thead><tr><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Position</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">No. of picks</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Total AV</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Average AV</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Mean AV</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Pro Bowl Threshold</h3></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Linebacker</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">788</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">34.26</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">33.04</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Quarterback</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">49</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1878</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">38.3</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">32.72</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">70</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Offensive Tackle</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">64</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1878</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">29.3</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">28.43</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">60</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Defensive Tackle</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">41</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1254</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">30.6</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">27.94</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">50</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Running Back</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">583</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23.2</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">27.61</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">55</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Offensive Guard</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">18</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">492</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">27.3</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">26.43</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">50</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Cornerback</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">54</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1083</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">25.34</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Center</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">8</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">275</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">34.4</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">24.5</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Tight End</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">13</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">300</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23.1</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">23.45</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">40</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Safety</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">21</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">478</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">22.8</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">21.78</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">40</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Edge Rusher</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">82</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">2001</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">24.4</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20.88</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">45</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Wide Receiver</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">65</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">1456</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">22.4</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">20</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">65</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There are really two factors you want to look at to determine the risk of a pick: Firstly, the Mean AV, which this table is sorted by. This is the average approximate value a position has given the team taking him over the last 15 years, and the second is comparing that to the Pro Bowl Threshold for the position. This gives a picture of the chance you’ll get a bust, as well as the chance you’ll get a Pro Bowl caliber talent.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">For example, the average linebacker selected in the first round is almost at the threshold to become a Pro Bowler. This position represents an exceptionally safe pick. We can debate the upside of box linebackers in the modern NFL, but the numbers bear out that if you take a first-round linebacker you’ll likely see success.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Conversely, wide receiver is a minefield. Not only does the position rank lowest in terms of finding long-term success, but on average, less than a third of drafted 1st round receivers go on to become Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Quarterback and edge rushers are also risky positions to draft, with fewer than 50% of drafted 1st round talents going on to be Pro Bowl quality players.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Perhaps the most fascinating position to look at here is cornerback. The hit rate in terms of finding Pro Bowl talent at corner is relatively high in terms of first-round success, but overall, the position grades lower than many others in career value. This <em>could</em> indicate that corners tend to have a smaller window of effective high-level play, which is an area to explore next — but this data didn’t look into the career length of different positions.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s one large inference we can make from this data, and it seems to bear out when we look at NFL teams anecdotally: If you are trying to build a team from the ground up its best to invest picks in the trenches first. These have higher relative hit rates to build the foundation of a team. Meanwhile it’s incredibly risky for a bad team in need of a lot of help to roll the dice on a receiver or quarterback without the other pieces in place, because that does open the organization up to more busts — thereby setting them back further.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When the dust settles, the NFL Draft remains an imprecise science. This data shows what has happened across the league over the years, but ultimately a talented front office and scouting department can buck league-wide trends to consistently find the effective players and build winning organizations.</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #position #highest #hit #rate

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Warriors notch up vintage comeback win over Clippers to stay in the race for NBA playoffs <div id="content-body-70868935" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Stephen Curry hit seven 3-pointers while scoring 35 points, holding every fan at Intuit Dome in his thrall with another dazzling display of his unmatched shooting skill.</p><p>In the fourth quarter of an elimination game, Draymond Green bodied up to Kawhi Leonard and utterly shut down one of the greatest scorers of their generation.</p><p>Curry and Green have already done it all and won it all during their 14 years and four championships together. The Golden State Warriors ‘ visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night was merely a play-in game for the right to travel to Phoenix after a trying regular season that ended with Golden State sitting eight games below .500 and in 10th place in the Western Conference.</p><p>And yet both the style and substance of this 126-121 comeback victory indelibly evoked the brilliance of the Warriors’ golden era.</p><p>The few remaining men who have been around for the whole ride were thrilled to travel back in time.</p><p>“For one night, we’re us. We’re champions again,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And I know that may sound crazy to everybody out there. It’s a play-in game. I don’t care. Just absolutely beautiful to watch.”</p><p>Curry put it even more simply: “That’s what you live for right there.”</p><p>Golden State overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter behind Curry, who scored 27 points in a dominant second half. While he took care of the offense, Green took the defensive lead with a smothering effort against Leonard, who couldn’t score in the fourth quarter until the Clippers were cooked.</p><p>The Warriors also got stellar contributions from two newcomers. Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists with an exciting series of big plays — and 39-year-old Al Horford shocked the entire arena when he hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of just his third game since missing a month with a strained right calf.</p><p>Curry broke a tie with his final 3-pointer, falling into the front row of Clippers fans while the ball pierced the net with 50 seconds left. The superstar was playing just his fifth game since returning from a 27-game absence with a knee injury, and he demonstrated exactly why he rejected any notion that he should shut himself down for the summer.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/num0wr/article70868954.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Clippers_Warriors_Basketball_21265.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/num0wr/article70868954.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Clippers_Warriors_Basketball_21265.jpg" alt="Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game." title="Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game. | Photo Credit: AP </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, left, and Stephen Curry (30) defend against Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard in the first half of an NBA play-in game. | Photo Credit: AP </p></div><p>“This is what you work all year for, all summer, offseason,” Curry said. “We’re not guaranteed a (playoff) series yet, but these nights make everything worth it, because you feel the anxiety of having to perform when the lights are bright, do-or-die game. … Considering how our season has gone, all the injuries and all that, for us to play the way we did tonight was special.”</p><p>Green didn’t score in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors credited their defensive stopper for stifling Leonard, whose play for Toronto in the 2019 NBA Finals is still painful in the minds of Golden State fans.</p><p>With Green hounding his every move, Leonard got only two shots in the fourth quarter. Leonard finished with 21 points while having a fraction of his usual impact on Clippers games.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/basketball/nba-2025-26-regular-season-games-viewership-numbers-details-broadcasters/article70866482.ece" target="_blank">NBA 2025-26 regular-season games’ viewership up by 86 per cent</a></b></p><p>Leonard called Green a “Hall of Fame defender. It was hard to even get shots up.”</p><p>Green thought the Warriors could be a title contender going into this season, but it didn’t happen. Jimmy Butler went down for the season in January, Moses Moody was sidelined in March, and Golden State finished the regular season on a 5-15 skid to its worst record in a full regular season since 2012.</p><p>But after knocking off Los Angeles, Golden State is one win away from making the playoffs anyway. Even for the Warriors who have already won everything, the chance to do the improbable is irresistible.</p><p>“I know we’re not satisfied,” Curry said. “We want to go to Phoenix and guarantee a playoff series against OKC. That’s the next goal, but for us to lock in on just 48 minutes, figure out how to get a win, knowing that the game was not going to be perfect, we were all pretty committed to that. The eight guys that got on the floor all had a part in making it happen.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Warriors #notch #vintage #comeback #win #Clippers #stay #race #NBA #playoffs

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The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.But that history will not extend to the Preakness.Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.You can see the entire message here:The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.And if the schedule gets changed in the future. #Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG herePSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.Published on May 07, 2026 #PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal

Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal
Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.comFeb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.

You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.

Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:

Fire Brad Stevens.

Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.

Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.


May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesMay 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.


May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesMay 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com
Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.comFeb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.

You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.

Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:

Fire Brad Stevens.

Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.

Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.


May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesMay 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

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