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Deadspin | Clippers squander big early lead but hold off Mavs Apr 7, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) drives the ball while under pressure from Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers improved their play-in tournament seeding with a 116-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at Inglewood, Calif. John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers (41-38) moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland in the chase for a preferred eighth-place play-in spot. Los Angeles improved to 7-2 since an overtime victory at Dallas on March 21. Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks (25-54) fell to 2-9 since March 16. The 19-year-old Flagg reached 25 points for the 21st time in his rookie season and was coming off consecutive games of 45 and 51 points. Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard each scored 12 points for Dallas, which lost for the third time in four games against Los Angeles this season. The Clippers got off to a fast start by taking a 17-0 lead just over three minutes into the game. Los Angeles led by as many as 23 points in the opening quarter and finished the period with a 39-26 advantage. The Mavericks continued to chip away, pulling within 65-55 at halftime then taking their first lead at 78-77 on a 3-pointer from Klay Thompson with 3:20 remaining in the third. The Clippers closed the period on a 12-4 run, with Leonard scoring 10 of the points, and took an 89-84 advantage into the fourth. The Clippers took control with a late 13-3 run to take a 112-96 lead with 3:15 remaining following a dunk from Bennedict Mathurin. Leonard was 11-of-19 from the floor for the Clippers, who shot 44.6% as a team. The Mavericks shot 35% and managed to eliminate their big early deficit even while finishing 18.2% from 3-point range. Thompson scored 11 points for the Mavericks on 4-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-10 from 3-point range. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #squander #big #early #lead #hold #Mavs

Deadspin | Clippers squander big early lead but hold off Mavs
Deadspin | Clippers squander big early lead but hold off Mavs Apr 7, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) drives the ball while under pressure from Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers improved their play-in tournament seeding with a 116-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at Inglewood, Calif. John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers (41-38) moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland in the chase for a preferred eighth-place play-in spot. Los Angeles improved to 7-2 since an overtime victory at Dallas on March 21. Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks (25-54) fell to 2-9 since March 16. The 19-year-old Flagg reached 25 points for the 21st time in his rookie season and was coming off consecutive games of 45 and 51 points. Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard each scored 12 points for Dallas, which lost for the third time in four games against Los Angeles this season. The Clippers got off to a fast start by taking a 17-0 lead just over three minutes into the game. Los Angeles led by as many as 23 points in the opening quarter and finished the period with a 39-26 advantage. The Mavericks continued to chip away, pulling within 65-55 at halftime then taking their first lead at 78-77 on a 3-pointer from Klay Thompson with 3:20 remaining in the third. The Clippers closed the period on a 12-4 run, with Leonard scoring 10 of the points, and took an 89-84 advantage into the fourth. The Clippers took control with a late 13-3 run to take a 112-96 lead with 3:15 remaining following a dunk from Bennedict Mathurin. Leonard was 11-of-19 from the floor for the Clippers, who shot 44.6% as a team. The Mavericks shot 35% and managed to eliminate their big early deficit even while finishing 18.2% from 3-point range. Thompson scored 11 points for the Mavericks on 4-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-10 from 3-point range. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #squander #big #early #lead #hold #MavsApr 7, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) drives the ball while under pressure from Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers improved their play-in tournament seeding with a 116-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at Inglewood, Calif.

John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers (41-38) moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers.

The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland in the chase for a preferred eighth-place play-in spot. Los Angeles improved to 7-2 since an overtime victory at Dallas on March 21.

Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks (25-54) fell to 2-9 since March 16. The 19-year-old Flagg reached 25 points for the 21st time in his rookie season and was coming off consecutive games of 45 and 51 points.

Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard each scored 12 points for Dallas, which lost for the third time in four games against Los Angeles this season.

The Clippers got off to a fast start by taking a 17-0 lead just over three minutes into the game. Los Angeles led by as many as 23 points in the opening quarter and finished the period with a 39-26 advantage.


The Mavericks continued to chip away, pulling within 65-55 at halftime then taking their first lead at 78-77 on a 3-pointer from Klay Thompson with 3:20 remaining in the third.

The Clippers closed the period on a 12-4 run, with Leonard scoring 10 of the points, and took an 89-84 advantage into the fourth.

The Clippers took control with a late 13-3 run to take a 112-96 lead with 3:15 remaining following a dunk from Bennedict Mathurin.

Leonard was 11-of-19 from the floor for the Clippers, who shot 44.6% as a team. The Mavericks shot 35% and managed to eliminate their big early deficit even while finishing 18.2% from 3-point range.

Thompson scored 11 points for the Mavericks on 4-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-10 from 3-point range.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Clippers #squander #big #early #lead #hold #Mavs

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Apr 7, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) drives the ball while under pressure from Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and Darius Garland added 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers improved their play-in tournament seeding with a 116-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at Inglewood, Calif.

John Collins scored 12 points and Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points with 10 rebounds as the eighth-place Clippers (41-38) moved a full game ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers.

The Clippers and Blazers will meet Friday at Portland in the chase for a preferred eighth-place play-in spot. Los Angeles improved to 7-2 since an overtime victory at Dallas on March 21.

Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and Marvin Bagley III added 21 as the Mavericks (25-54) fell to 2-9 since March 16. The 19-year-old Flagg reached 25 points for the 21st time in his rookie season and was coming off consecutive games of 45 and 51 points.

Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard each scored 12 points for Dallas, which lost for the third time in four games against Los Angeles this season.

The Clippers got off to a fast start by taking a 17-0 lead just over three minutes into the game. Los Angeles led by as many as 23 points in the opening quarter and finished the period with a 39-26 advantage.

The Mavericks continued to chip away, pulling within 65-55 at halftime then taking their first lead at 78-77 on a 3-pointer from Klay Thompson with 3:20 remaining in the third.

The Clippers closed the period on a 12-4 run, with Leonard scoring 10 of the points, and took an 89-84 advantage into the fourth.

The Clippers took control with a late 13-3 run to take a 112-96 lead with 3:15 remaining following a dunk from Bennedict Mathurin.

Leonard was 11-of-19 from the floor for the Clippers, who shot 44.6% as a team. The Mavericks shot 35% and managed to eliminate their big early deficit even while finishing 18.2% from 3-point range.

Thompson scored 11 points for the Mavericks on 4-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-10 from 3-point range.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Clippers #squander #big #early #lead #hold #Mavs

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The United States Men’s National Team got off to a rousing start at the 2026 World Cup, with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. The USMNT was dynamic, creative, and showed to the entire soccer world that they could be a force to be reckoned with at this tournament.

Now, on the verge of their second match of group play, they have a chance to accomplish another item on this year’s to-do list.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group D ahead of the final matches in group play.

What are the Group D standings?

Here are the current Group D standings, ahead of the final two matches set for June 25.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

United States20061+56
Australia1012203
Paraguay10124-23
Türkiye00203-30

What are the next Group D matches?

There are four matches left in Group D, starting with two on Friday, June 19.

United States 2, Australia 0
Paraguay 1, Türkiye 0

Türkiye vs. United States
Paraguay vs. Australia

What are the scenarios for Group D?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 25. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

The United States has already clinched the top spot in Group D, and will play a third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J. For more on who the United States will play, we are tracking that here.

Australia will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D with a win or draw against Paraguay

Paraguay will advance as the second-place team in Group D with a win against Australia.

Türkiye has already been eliminated.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year.

If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

#World #Cup #advanced #Group">World Cup 2026: How the US advanced out of Group D The United States Men’s National Team got off to a rousing start at the 2026 World Cup, with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. The USMNT was dynamic, creative, and showed to the entire soccer world that they could be a force to be reckoned with at this tournament.Now, on the verge of their second match of group play, they have a chance to accomplish another item on this year’s to-do list.Here are the clinching scenarios for Group D ahead of the final matches in group play.What are the Group D standings?Here are the current Group D standings, ahead of the final two matches set for June 25.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsUnited States20061+56Australia1012203Paraguay10124-23Türkiye00203-30What are the next Group D matches?There are four matches left in Group D, starting with two on Friday, June 19.United States 2, Australia 0Paraguay 1, Türkiye 0Türkiye vs. United StatesParaguay vs. AustraliaWhat are the scenarios for Group D?Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 25. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.The United States has already clinched the top spot in Group D, and will play a third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J. For more on who the United States will play, we are tracking that here.Australia will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D with a win or draw against ParaguayParaguay will advance as the second-place team in Group D with a win against Australia.Türkiye has already been eliminated.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year.If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams. #World #Cup #advanced #Group

standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

The United States has already clinched the top spot in Group D, and will play a third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J. For more on who the United States will play, we are tracking that here.

Australia will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D with a win or draw against Paraguay

Paraguay will advance as the second-place team in Group D with a win against Australia.

Türkiye has already been eliminated.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year.

If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

#World #Cup #advanced #Group">World Cup 2026: How the US advanced out of Group D

The United States Men’s National Team got off to a rousing start at the 2026 World Cup, with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. The USMNT was dynamic, creative, and showed to the entire soccer world that they could be a force to be reckoned with at this tournament.

Now, on the verge of their second match of group play, they have a chance to accomplish another item on this year’s to-do list.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group D ahead of the final matches in group play.

What are the Group D standings?

Here are the current Group D standings, ahead of the final two matches set for June 25.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

United States20061+56
Australia1012203
Paraguay10124-23
Türkiye00203-30

What are the next Group D matches?

There are four matches left in Group D, starting with two on Friday, June 19.

United States 2, Australia 0
Paraguay 1, Türkiye 0

Türkiye vs. United States
Paraguay vs. Australia

What are the scenarios for Group D?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 25. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

The United States has already clinched the top spot in Group D, and will play a third-place team from Group B, E, F, I, or J. For more on who the United States will play, we are tracking that here.

Australia will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group D with a win or draw against Paraguay

Paraguay will advance as the second-place team in Group D with a win against Australia.

Türkiye has already been eliminated.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year.

If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

#World #Cup #advanced #Group
Deadspin | South Africa stun South Korea, advance in second place from Group A June 24, 2026; Monterrey, Mexico; South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko scores their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Eloisa Sanchez-Reuters via Imagn Images Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal lifted South Africa to a must-win 1-0 result against South Korea in their Group A finale in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Maseko put South Africa in front in the 63rd minute with a clinical finish, burying a shot from his favored left foot to the right corner after a precision pass by Tshepang Moremi. Ronwen Williams preserved the lead with a save on Park Jin-seob’s header in the third minute of second-half stoppage time. South Korea (1-2-0, 3 points) needed a win or draw to finish runner-up to Mexico and advance to the round of 32. South Africa (1-1-1, 4 points) had to win and have Czech Republic lose to Mexico in the concurrent match to claim the second spot. Mexico (3-0-9, 9 points) logged a 3-0 win over the Czechs (0-2-1, 1 points), and when the hosts’ 1-0 lead was posted in the Guadalupe stadium in the 55th minute, the South African fans joined the Mexicans in attendance in celebrating. South Africa was written off by many after losing the opening match of the World Cup 2-0 to Mexico while having two players sent off. The South Africans had failed to get out of the group stage in their previous World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2010. South Korea still have a chance to advance in the event as one of the best third-place teams, but they will need other results to go their way. South Korea started as if it were playing for the win with several forays into the penalty area in the first three minutes but soon fell into a conservative mode. That change allowed the underdog South Africans to have the better of the play for the remainder of the first half. If not for three saves by Kim Seung-gyu and poor finishing, South Africa could have carried a lead into halftime. South Korea’s Kim Min-jae’s header in the third minute was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, but after that it was all South Africa. South Africa had two chances in the 30th minute, only to have Kim make back-to-back stops. First, Thalente Mbatha found space at the top of the box and put a well-driven strike on target. Kim made the save but spilled the rebound. Evidence Makgopa, who barely managed to stay onside, collected the rebound at the 6-yard box, but Kim was in perfect position for the denial. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #South #Africa #stun #South #Korea #advance #place #Group June 24, 2026; Monterrey, Mexico; South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko scores their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Eloisa Sanchez-Reuters via Imagn Images

Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal lifted South Africa to a must-win 1-0 result against South Korea in their Group A finale in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

Maseko put South Africa in front in the 63rd minute with a clinical finish, burying a shot from his favored left foot to the right corner after a precision pass by Tshepang Moremi.

Ronwen Williams preserved the lead with a save on Park Jin-seob’s header in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.

South Korea (1-2-0, 3 points) needed a win or draw to finish runner-up to Mexico and advance to the round of 32.

South Africa (1-1-1, 4 points) had to win and have Czech Republic lose to Mexico in the concurrent match to claim the second spot. Mexico (3-0-9, 9 points) logged a 3-0 win over the Czechs (0-2-1, 1 points), and when the hosts’ 1-0 lead was posted in the Guadalupe stadium in the 55th minute, the South African fans joined the Mexicans in attendance in celebrating.

South Africa was written off by many after losing the opening match of the World Cup 2-0 to Mexico while having two players sent off.


The South Africans had failed to get out of the group stage in their previous World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

South Korea still have a chance to advance in the event as one of the best third-place teams, but they will need other results to go their way.

South Korea started as if it were playing for the win with several forays into the penalty area in the first three minutes but soon fell into a conservative mode. That change allowed the underdog South Africans to have the better of the play for the remainder of the first half.

If not for three saves by Kim Seung-gyu and poor finishing, South Africa could have carried a lead into halftime.

South Korea’s Kim Min-jae’s header in the third minute was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, but after that it was all South Africa.

South Africa had two chances in the 30th minute, only to have Kim make back-to-back stops.

First, Thalente Mbatha found space at the top of the box and put a well-driven strike on target. Kim made the save but spilled the rebound. Evidence Makgopa, who barely managed to stay onside, collected the rebound at the 6-yard box, but Kim was in perfect position for the denial.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #South #Africa #stun #South #Korea #advance #place #Group">Deadspin | South Africa stun South Korea, advance in second place from Group A June 24, 2026; Monterrey, Mexico; South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko scores their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Eloisa Sanchez-Reuters via Imagn Images Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal lifted South Africa to a must-win 1-0 result against South Korea in their Group A finale in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Maseko put South Africa in front in the 63rd minute with a clinical finish, burying a shot from his favored left foot to the right corner after a precision pass by Tshepang Moremi. Ronwen Williams preserved the lead with a save on Park Jin-seob’s header in the third minute of second-half stoppage time. South Korea (1-2-0, 3 points) needed a win or draw to finish runner-up to Mexico and advance to the round of 32. South Africa (1-1-1, 4 points) had to win and have Czech Republic lose to Mexico in the concurrent match to claim the second spot. Mexico (3-0-9, 9 points) logged a 3-0 win over the Czechs (0-2-1, 1 points), and when the hosts’ 1-0 lead was posted in the Guadalupe stadium in the 55th minute, the South African fans joined the Mexicans in attendance in celebrating. South Africa was written off by many after losing the opening match of the World Cup 2-0 to Mexico while having two players sent off. The South Africans had failed to get out of the group stage in their previous World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2010. South Korea still have a chance to advance in the event as one of the best third-place teams, but they will need other results to go their way. South Korea started as if it were playing for the win with several forays into the penalty area in the first three minutes but soon fell into a conservative mode. That change allowed the underdog South Africans to have the better of the play for the remainder of the first half. If not for three saves by Kim Seung-gyu and poor finishing, South Africa could have carried a lead into halftime. South Korea’s Kim Min-jae’s header in the third minute was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, but after that it was all South Africa. South Africa had two chances in the 30th minute, only to have Kim make back-to-back stops. First, Thalente Mbatha found space at the top of the box and put a well-driven strike on target. Kim made the save but spilled the rebound. Evidence Makgopa, who barely managed to stay onside, collected the rebound at the 6-yard box, but Kim was in perfect position for the denial. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #South #Africa #stun #South #Korea #advance #place #Group

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