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Deadspin | Call it a comeback? Deshaun Watson reportedly leading Browns’ QB competition Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel practice together at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026. A competition to be the QB1 in Cleveland has a comeback candidate in the lead, according to the Plain Dealer. Deshaun Watson currently is ahead of Shedeur Sanders in an ongoing competition under first-year head coach Todd Monken, per the report. Watson, 30, emerged from the first minicamp of Monken’s tenure with a grasp on the starting spot but Monken did not make an official announcement or declare a “leader” at this stage of the offseason. Monken said he hopes to have a better read on the QB pecking order by the end of the June 9-11 minicamp, a final on-field team session prior to July training camp. Watson did not play last season while recovering from an Achilles injury and two corrective surgeries. His health issues have been one of the few constants during Watson’s time with the Browns, who acquired him from the Houston Texans in a 2022 trade. In three seasons in Cleveland, Watson has never started more than seven games. He has produced 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions while being sacked 70 times in 19 total games. Sanders has been upbeat in his first full offseason as a pro after Monken was positive about how he felt about the former Colorado quarterback during pre-draft evaluations before the 2025 draft. The Browns, then coached by Kevin Stefanski, selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round before taking Sanders two rounds later. Sanders had seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and was sacked 23 times in 2025. He was given a shot as the starter after Joe Flacco was benched (and traded to the Cincinnati Bengals) and Gabriel took over. The Browns drafted another quarterback — former Boise State and Arkansas passer Taylen Green — with the 182nd overall pick last week. Green is viewed as a developmental prospect posing no immediate threat to the competition to start in 2026, but his tools are intriguing. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Green wowed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.36 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical jump. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Call #comeback #Deshaun #Watson #reportedly #leading #Browns #competition

Deadspin | Call it a comeback? Deshaun Watson reportedly leading Browns’ QB competition
Deadspin | Call it a comeback? Deshaun Watson reportedly leading Browns’ QB competition Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel practice together at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026. A competition to be the QB1 in Cleveland has a comeback candidate in the lead, according to the Plain Dealer. Deshaun Watson currently is ahead of Shedeur Sanders in an ongoing competition under first-year head coach Todd Monken, per the report. Watson, 30, emerged from the first minicamp of Monken’s tenure with a grasp on the starting spot but Monken did not make an official announcement or declare a “leader” at this stage of the offseason. Monken said he hopes to have a better read on the QB pecking order by the end of the June 9-11 minicamp, a final on-field team session prior to July training camp. Watson did not play last season while recovering from an Achilles injury and two corrective surgeries. His health issues have been one of the few constants during Watson’s time with the Browns, who acquired him from the Houston Texans in a 2022 trade. In three seasons in Cleveland, Watson has never started more than seven games. He has produced 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions while being sacked 70 times in 19 total games. Sanders has been upbeat in his first full offseason as a pro after Monken was positive about how he felt about the former Colorado quarterback during pre-draft evaluations before the 2025 draft. The Browns, then coached by Kevin Stefanski, selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round before taking Sanders two rounds later. Sanders had seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and was sacked 23 times in 2025. He was given a shot as the starter after Joe Flacco was benched (and traded to the Cincinnati Bengals) and Gabriel took over. The Browns drafted another quarterback — former Boise State and Arkansas passer Taylen Green — with the 182nd overall pick last week. Green is viewed as a developmental prospect posing no immediate threat to the competition to start in 2026, but his tools are intriguing. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Green wowed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.36 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical jump. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Call #comeback #Deshaun #Watson #reportedly #leading #Browns #competitionQuarterbacks Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel practice together at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026.

A competition to be the QB1 in Cleveland has a comeback candidate in the lead, according to the Plain Dealer.

Deshaun Watson currently is ahead of Shedeur Sanders in an ongoing competition under first-year head coach Todd Monken, per the report.

Watson, 30, emerged from the first minicamp of Monken’s tenure with a grasp on the starting spot but Monken did not make an official announcement or declare a “leader” at this stage of the offseason. Monken said he hopes to have a better read on the QB pecking order by the end of the June 9-11 minicamp, a final on-field team session prior to July training camp.

Watson did not play last season while recovering from an Achilles injury and two corrective surgeries. His health issues have been one of the few constants during Watson’s time with the Browns, who acquired him from the Houston Texans in a 2022 trade.


In three seasons in Cleveland, Watson has never started more than seven games. He has produced 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions while being sacked 70 times in 19 total games.

Sanders has been upbeat in his first full offseason as a pro after Monken was positive about how he felt about the former Colorado quarterback during pre-draft evaluations before the 2025 draft. The Browns, then coached by Kevin Stefanski, selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round before taking Sanders two rounds later.

Sanders had seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and was sacked 23 times in 2025. He was given a shot as the starter after Joe Flacco was benched (and traded to the Cincinnati Bengals) and Gabriel took over.

The Browns drafted another quarterback — former Boise State and Arkansas passer Taylen Green — with the 182nd overall pick last week. Green is viewed as a developmental prospect posing no immediate threat to the competition to start in 2026, but his tools are intriguing. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Green wowed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.36 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical jump.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Call #comeback #Deshaun #Watson #reportedly #leading #Browns #competition

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Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel practice together at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026.

A competition to be the QB1 in Cleveland has a comeback candidate in the lead, according to the Plain Dealer.

Deshaun Watson currently is ahead of Shedeur Sanders in an ongoing competition under first-year head coach Todd Monken, per the report.

Watson, 30, emerged from the first minicamp of Monken’s tenure with a grasp on the starting spot but Monken did not make an official announcement or declare a “leader” at this stage of the offseason. Monken said he hopes to have a better read on the QB pecking order by the end of the June 9-11 minicamp, a final on-field team session prior to July training camp.

Watson did not play last season while recovering from an Achilles injury and two corrective surgeries. His health issues have been one of the few constants during Watson’s time with the Browns, who acquired him from the Houston Texans in a 2022 trade.

In three seasons in Cleveland, Watson has never started more than seven games. He has produced 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions while being sacked 70 times in 19 total games.

Sanders has been upbeat in his first full offseason as a pro after Monken was positive about how he felt about the former Colorado quarterback during pre-draft evaluations before the 2025 draft. The Browns, then coached by Kevin Stefanski, selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round before taking Sanders two rounds later.

Sanders had seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and was sacked 23 times in 2025. He was given a shot as the starter after Joe Flacco was benched (and traded to the Cincinnati Bengals) and Gabriel took over.

The Browns drafted another quarterback — former Boise State and Arkansas passer Taylen Green — with the 182nd overall pick last week. Green is viewed as a developmental prospect posing no immediate threat to the competition to start in 2026, but his tools are intriguing. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Green wowed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.36 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical jump.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Panthers pick up QB Bryce Young’s 5th-year option <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28006148.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28006148.jpg" alt="NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Carolina Panthers officially picked up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The move, which Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has been adamant was coming this offseason, keeps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 with Carolina through the 2027 season.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The deadline for fifth-year options to be signed for 2023 first-round picks is May 1. Young is set to make $29.5 million guaranteed in 2027 under the option, although Morgan has also discussed the possibility of signing the quarterback to a long-term extension.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Young, who turns 25 in July, is coming off a season where he set career highs for completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011) and passing touchdowns (23). He led Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2017 and first NFC South title since 2015.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Of Young’s league-leading 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since he was drafted in 2023, six of them came last season.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Over three seasons, Young has thrown for 8,291 yards, 49 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 46 games (44 starts). He has rushed for 718 yards and eight scores and has a 14-30 record as a starter.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Panthers #pick #Bryce #Youngs #5thyear #option

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Deadspin | Blue Jays rout Red Sox to win three-game set Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk. Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games. Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first. Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home. Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball. Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play. Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs. Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1. Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout. Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth. Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer. Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #setApr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk.

Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games.

Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first.

Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home.

Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball.

Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.


Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play.

Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs.

Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1.

Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout.

Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth.

Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer.

Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #set">Deadspin | Blue Jays rout Red Sox to win three-game set Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk. Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games. Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first. Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home. Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball. Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play. Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs. Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1. Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout. Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth. Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer. Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.

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

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

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

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

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

#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com">De’Aaron Fox Is the X-Factor to San Antonio Spurs Playoff Success | Deadspin.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com
Deadspin | Marlins edge Dodgers for first road series win of season Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) slides safely in front of the tag by Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Sandy Alcantara went six strong innings, Javier Sanoja had a go-ahead bloop single in the eighth inning and the visiting Miami Marlins finished off a series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 3-2 win on Wednesday. Liam Hicks and Esteury Ruiz hit home runs as the Marlins took two of three from the two-time defending champion Dodgers for their first road series win of the season. The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth but Miami pulled off the victory when second baseman Xavier Edwards completed an unassisted double play on a Freddie Freeman ground ball to end the game. Alcantara gave up two runs on seven hits over six innings, while left-hander Andrew Nardi (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh and Calvin Faucher pitched the ninth for his first save. Tyler Glasnow gave up two runs on three hits over 5 2/3 innings, while Alex Call and Dalton Rushing drove in runs for Los Angeles, which has won just one of its past four series. The Dodgers are 5-7 since April 18 and finished 3-3 on their just-completed homestand. Edwards singled to lead off the eighth inning for Miami, went to second on a groundout and scored on Sanoja’s bloop single to right off right-hander Will Klein (1-2). The Marlins took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Hicks hit a towering home run down the right field line that nearly made it into the second deck. The Dodgers answered immediately when Max Muncy doubled in the bottom of the second and scored when Edwards lost Alex Call’s popup in the sun as the ball fell untouched on the infield dirt. Miami did not have another hit off Glasnow until the fifth when Ruiz hit a two-out home run on the first pitch. Los Angeles tied it 2-2 in the sixth when Kyle Tucker led off with a double and scored on Rushing’s one-out single to right field. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #edge #Dodgers #road #series #win #seasonApr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) slides safely in front of the tag by Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Sandy Alcantara went six strong innings, Javier Sanoja had a go-ahead bloop single in the eighth inning and the visiting Miami Marlins finished off a series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 3-2 win on Wednesday.

Liam Hicks and Esteury Ruiz hit home runs as the Marlins took two of three from the two-time defending champion Dodgers for their first road series win of the season.

The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth but Miami pulled off the victory when second baseman Xavier Edwards completed an unassisted double play on a Freddie Freeman ground ball to end the game.

Alcantara gave up two runs on seven hits over six innings, while left-hander Andrew Nardi (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh and Calvin Faucher pitched the ninth for his first save.

Tyler Glasnow gave up two runs on three hits over 5 2/3 innings, while Alex Call and Dalton Rushing drove in runs for Los Angeles, which has won just one of its past four series.


The Dodgers are 5-7 since April 18 and finished 3-3 on their just-completed homestand.

Edwards singled to lead off the eighth inning for Miami, went to second on a groundout and scored on Sanoja’s bloop single to right off right-hander Will Klein (1-2).

The Marlins took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Hicks hit a towering home run down the right field line that nearly made it into the second deck.

The Dodgers answered immediately when Max Muncy doubled in the bottom of the second and scored when Edwards lost Alex Call’s popup in the sun as the ball fell untouched on the infield dirt.

Miami did not have another hit off Glasnow until the fifth when Ruiz hit a two-out home run on the first pitch.

Los Angeles tied it 2-2 in the sixth when Kyle Tucker led off with a double and scored on Rushing’s one-out single to right field.

–Field Level Media

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

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