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Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown. Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday. However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110. The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch. “Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced. Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points. Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record. Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles. “Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.” The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury. Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers. “Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seed

Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed
Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown. Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday. However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110. The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch. “Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced. Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points. Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record. Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles. “Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.” The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury. Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers. “Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seedMar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown.

Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday.

However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110.

The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch.

“Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.”

Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced.

Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points.


Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record.

Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday.

Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles.

“Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.”

The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury.

Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers.

“Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seed

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Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown.

Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday.

However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110.

The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch.

“Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.”

Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced.

Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points.

Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record.

Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday.

Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles.

“Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.”

The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury.

Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers.

“Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.”

–Field Level Media

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VIDEO | From Dhoni dreams to IPL reality: Mukul Choudhary finishes it for LSG <div id="content-body-70846363" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Mukul Choudhary’s rise from a M.S. Dhoni-inspired dreamer to a match-winner has been rapid, but not accidental. At Eden Gardens on Thursday, the 21-year-old powered Lucknow Super Giants to a <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-kkr-vs-lsg-game-result-match-report-mukul-choudhary-unbeaten-50-lucknow-super-giants/article70843903.ece" target="_self">last-ball, three-wicket win</a> over Kolkata Knight Riders with a stunning, unbeaten 54 off 27 balls.</p><p>“I dedicate this to my father… I also always watch MS (Dhoni) sir, the way he finishes,” Mukul said, reflecting on the influence of Dhoni.</p><p>That composure is built on routine. “Everyday I hit around 100-150 sixes… for the last five-six months, I’ve been practising a lot,” he revealed. His confidence in high-pressure finishes isn’t new either. Recalling a domestic game, he said: “25 runs were needed from the last over and five runs from the last ball… I got picked from that innings.”</p><p>Against KKR, that belief resurfaced as he turned 128/7 into victory. “I never thought about the result, just wanted to take the match till the end… in the end it became clear that ‘yes I can do it’.”</p><p>A key part of that clarity is mental discipline. “When there are many things going around, I want to sit down peacefully for five seconds and take 2-3 deep breaths, just watch the ball and play the ball.”</p><p>Support from skipper Rishabh Pant has also been crucial. “Rishabh bhaiya told me that ‘don’t think so much, just do what you have been doing’.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 10, 2026</p></div> #VIDEO #Dhoni #dreams #IPL #reality #Mukul #Choudhary #finishes #LSG

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Deadspin | Kevin Durant scores 29 as Rockets hold off 76ers for 8th straight win Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images Kevin Durant scored a game-high 29 points and drilled a critical late 3-pointer that helped the host Houston Rockets fend off the hard-charging Philadelphia 76ers 113-102 on Thursday. The Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games but had to sweat out the final minutes. The 76ers (43-37) shaved a 28-point third-quarter deficit to 107-102 when VJ Edgecombe followed a pair of missed free throws by Durant with a short jumper with 1:36 to play. However, Durant nailed a 3-pointer on the next possession to settle the game for the Rockets (51-29) once and for all. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson added 19 points apiece for Houston while Tari Eason added 15 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Alperen Sengun (12) and Josh Okogie (10) combined for 22 rebounds. The 76ers played without Joel Embiid, who underwent an emergency appendectomy earlier on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey paced Philadelphia with 23 points while Edgecombe added 21 points, six rebounds and a game-high eight assists. Andre Drummond grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. The 76ers have dropped three straight games and four of six. Eason sank a 3-pointer with 2:44 remaining in the third that pushed the Rockets to a 96-68 lead. But the 76ers, behind reserve Quentin Grimes (20 points), engineered a stunning rally in the fourth, starting with a 16-0 run that included the Rockets going scoreless for more than four minutes. After turning a 9-0 spurt into a 17-10 lead, Houston added a 13-3 blitz capped by a Thompson dunk that pushed the margin to 33-20. The 76ers committed three turnovers during the second Houston run and had six total in the opening period that the Rockets converted into 12 points. The Rockets entered the second with a 35-26 advantage and continued to extend that margin. Reed Sheppard sandwiched a pair of 3-pointers around a Durant field goal that lifted Houston to a 65-47 lead with 3:47 left in the half, and the Rockets opened a 23-point cushion before Maxey caught fire. Maxey, held scoreless in the first quarter, tallied 15 points in the second, including the final eight for the 76ers in the half. His consecutive treys down the stretch cut the deficit to 73-56 entering halftime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kevin #Durant #scores #Rockets #hold #76ers #8th #straight #winApr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant scored a game-high 29 points and drilled a critical late 3-pointer that helped the host Houston Rockets fend off the hard-charging Philadelphia 76ers 113-102 on Thursday.

The Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games but had to sweat out the final minutes. The 76ers (43-37) shaved a 28-point third-quarter deficit to 107-102 when VJ Edgecombe followed a pair of missed free throws by Durant with a short jumper with 1:36 to play.

However, Durant nailed a 3-pointer on the next possession to settle the game for the Rockets (51-29) once and for all.

Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson added 19 points apiece for Houston while Tari Eason added 15 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Alperen Sengun (12) and Josh Okogie (10) combined for 22 rebounds.

The 76ers played without Joel Embiid, who underwent an emergency appendectomy earlier on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey paced Philadelphia with 23 points while Edgecombe added 21 points, six rebounds and a game-high eight assists. Andre Drummond grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds.


The 76ers have dropped three straight games and four of six.

Eason sank a 3-pointer with 2:44 remaining in the third that pushed the Rockets to a 96-68 lead. But the 76ers, behind reserve Quentin Grimes (20 points), engineered a stunning rally in the fourth, starting with a 16-0 run that included the Rockets going scoreless for more than four minutes.

After turning a 9-0 spurt into a 17-10 lead, Houston added a 13-3 blitz capped by a Thompson dunk that pushed the margin to 33-20. The 76ers committed three turnovers during the second Houston run and had six total in the opening period that the Rockets converted into 12 points.

The Rockets entered the second with a 35-26 advantage and continued to extend that margin. Reed Sheppard sandwiched a pair of 3-pointers around a Durant field goal that lifted Houston to a 65-47 lead with 3:47 left in the half, and the Rockets opened a 23-point cushion before Maxey caught fire.

Maxey, held scoreless in the first quarter, tallied 15 points in the second, including the final eight for the 76ers in the half. His consecutive treys down the stretch cut the deficit to 73-56 entering halftime.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kevin #Durant #scores #Rockets #hold #76ers #8th #straight #win">Deadspin | Kevin Durant scores 29 as Rockets hold off 76ers for 8th straight win Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images Kevin Durant scored a game-high 29 points and drilled a critical late 3-pointer that helped the host Houston Rockets fend off the hard-charging Philadelphia 76ers 113-102 on Thursday. The Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games but had to sweat out the final minutes. The 76ers (43-37) shaved a 28-point third-quarter deficit to 107-102 when VJ Edgecombe followed a pair of missed free throws by Durant with a short jumper with 1:36 to play. However, Durant nailed a 3-pointer on the next possession to settle the game for the Rockets (51-29) once and for all. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson added 19 points apiece for Houston while Tari Eason added 15 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Alperen Sengun (12) and Josh Okogie (10) combined for 22 rebounds. The 76ers played without Joel Embiid, who underwent an emergency appendectomy earlier on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey paced Philadelphia with 23 points while Edgecombe added 21 points, six rebounds and a game-high eight assists. Andre Drummond grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. The 76ers have dropped three straight games and four of six. Eason sank a 3-pointer with 2:44 remaining in the third that pushed the Rockets to a 96-68 lead. But the 76ers, behind reserve Quentin Grimes (20 points), engineered a stunning rally in the fourth, starting with a 16-0 run that included the Rockets going scoreless for more than four minutes. After turning a 9-0 spurt into a 17-10 lead, Houston added a 13-3 blitz capped by a Thompson dunk that pushed the margin to 33-20. The 76ers committed three turnovers during the second Houston run and had six total in the opening period that the Rockets converted into 12 points. The Rockets entered the second with a 35-26 advantage and continued to extend that margin. Reed Sheppard sandwiched a pair of 3-pointers around a Durant field goal that lifted Houston to a 65-47 lead with 3:47 left in the half, and the Rockets opened a 23-point cushion before Maxey caught fire. Maxey, held scoreless in the first quarter, tallied 15 points in the second, including the final eight for the 76ers in the half. His consecutive treys down the stretch cut the deficit to 73-56 entering halftime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kevin #Durant #scores #Rockets #hold #76ers #8th #straight #win

Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli said that it is dissatisfied with the refereeing decisions during its match against Al Fayha on April 8, while its forward Ivan Toney implied that the officials are favouring certain clubs.

In a statement on Thursday, the team said, “The referee’s decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome, which in turn affected the team’s position in the title race.”

Toney scored to take the lead, and Fayha’s Jason equalised before Al Ahli had two penalty appeals for handball turned down by VAR. The result left the side in third place on the table with 66 points from 28 games, four adrift of leader Al Nassr, which has played a game less.

ALSO READ | Messi’s Argentina to face Honduras, Iceland in World Cup warm-ups

“Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League. Al-Ahli Club Company calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team’s players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made,” it added.

Following the match, Toney vented out his feelings to Saudi media outlet Thmanyah, alleging that the fourth official told him to “focus on the Asian Champions League” instead of the league.

“I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’ This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth,” he said.

“We know who (the decisions are helping). Who are we chasing? If decisions go our way, we have a good chance, but if they continue like this it will be tough,” Toney added.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Ahli #slams #refereeing #Saudi #Pro #League #Ivan #Toney #alleges #favouritism">Al Ahli slams refereeing in Saudi Pro League, Ivan Toney alleges favouritism Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli said that it is dissatisfied with the refereeing decisions during its match against Al Fayha on April 8, while its forward Ivan Toney implied that the officials are favouring certain clubs.In a statement on Thursday, the team said, “The referee’s decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome, which in turn affected the team’s position in the title race.”Toney scored to take the lead, and Fayha’s Jason equalised before Al Ahli had two penalty appeals for handball turned down by VAR. The result left the side in third place on the table with 66 points from 28 games, four adrift of leader Al Nassr, which has played a game less.ALSO READ | Messi’s Argentina to face Honduras, Iceland in World Cup warm-ups“Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League. Al-Ahli Club Company calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team’s players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made,” it added.Following the match, Toney vented out his feelings to Saudi media outlet Thmanyah, alleging that the fourth official told him to “focus on the Asian Champions League” instead of the league.“I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’ This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth,” he said.“We know who (the decisions are helping). Who are we chasing? If decisions go our way, we have a good chance, but if they continue like this it will be tough,” Toney added.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #Ahli #slams #refereeing #Saudi #Pro #League #Ivan #Toney #alleges #favouritism

Messi’s Argentina to face Honduras, Iceland in World Cup warm-ups

“Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League. Al-Ahli Club Company calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team’s players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made,” it added.

Following the match, Toney vented out his feelings to Saudi media outlet Thmanyah, alleging that the fourth official told him to “focus on the Asian Champions League” instead of the league.

“I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’ This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth,” he said.

“We know who (the decisions are helping). Who are we chasing? If decisions go our way, we have a good chance, but if they continue like this it will be tough,” Toney added.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Ahli #slams #refereeing #Saudi #Pro #League #Ivan #Toney #alleges #favouritism">Al Ahli slams refereeing in Saudi Pro League, Ivan Toney alleges favouritism

Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli said that it is dissatisfied with the refereeing decisions during its match against Al Fayha on April 8, while its forward Ivan Toney implied that the officials are favouring certain clubs.

In a statement on Thursday, the team said, “The referee’s decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome, which in turn affected the team’s position in the title race.”

Toney scored to take the lead, and Fayha’s Jason equalised before Al Ahli had two penalty appeals for handball turned down by VAR. The result left the side in third place on the table with 66 points from 28 games, four adrift of leader Al Nassr, which has played a game less.

ALSO READ | Messi’s Argentina to face Honduras, Iceland in World Cup warm-ups

“Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League. Al-Ahli Club Company calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team’s players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made,” it added.

Following the match, Toney vented out his feelings to Saudi media outlet Thmanyah, alleging that the fourth official told him to “focus on the Asian Champions League” instead of the league.

“I don’t know if the referee turned off his microphone before he said what he told me: ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’ This is why we need the audio recordings to be released, so the fans can see the truth,” he said.

“We know who (the decisions are helping). Who are we chasing? If decisions go our way, we have a good chance, but if they continue like this it will be tough,” Toney added.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Ahli #slams #refereeing #Saudi #Pro #League #Ivan #Toney #alleges #favouritism
Deadspin | Kraken stay in playoff hunt with shootout win over Knights Apr 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle (7) and forward Bobby McMann (74), left, battle Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel (9) for puck during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Rookie Berkly Catton sparked a rally from a two-goal deficit in the third period and scored the winner in the fifth round of a shootout as the Seattle Kraken kept their slim postseason hopes alive with a 4-3 victory against the visiting Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Jared McCann and Bobby McMann also scored in regulation and Vince Dunn had two assists for the Kraken (33-34-11, 77 points), who snapped a six-game skid (0-5-1). Goaltender Joey Daccord made 31 saves and stopped four of five shootout attempts. Mark Stone scored twice, Brett Howden also tallied and Adin Hill stopped 30 of 33 shots for the Golden Knights (36-26-17, 89 points), who lost for the first time in five games under new coach John Tortorella. Vegas is tied with the Anaheim Ducks for second in the Pacific Division, both teams one point behind the Edmonton Oilers. With Seattle trailing 3-1, Catton scored a fluke goal at 6:11 of the third. Adam Larsson dumped the puck into the offensive zone and it took a strange bounce off a stanchion, ricocheting in front of the crease after Hill had skated behind the net. Catton tapped the puck into the yawning cage. The Kraken tied it on McMann’s wrist shot from the right faceoff dot into the far upper corner of the net at 9:16. The Golden Knights opened the scoring at 10:04 of the first period. Stone scored on a wrist shot from the slot after taking a pass from Rasmus Andersson. Seattle’s Brandon Montour was whistled for hooking Jack Eichel just before the buzzer ending the period, giving Vegas a power play to start the second. The Golden Knights tallied 55 seconds into the middle frame as Eichel sent a pass from the left faceoff circle to the far post, where Stone tapped it in while battling Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak for positioning. The Kraken pulled within 2-1 on McCann’s slap shot past a screened Hill from the top of the right faceoff circle while on the man advantage at 17:54 of the second. The Golden Knights restored their two-goal advantage on a 4-on-2 rush at 1:11 of the third. Mitch Marner’s centering pass went off Pavel Dorofeyev’s stick and then Howden’s skate on its way into the net. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #stay #playoff #hunt #shootout #win #KnightsApr 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle (7) and forward Bobby McMann (74), left, battle Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel (9) for puck during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Rookie Berkly Catton sparked a rally from a two-goal deficit in the third period and scored the winner in the fifth round of a shootout as the Seattle Kraken kept their slim postseason hopes alive with a 4-3 victory against the visiting Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.

Jared McCann and Bobby McMann also scored in regulation and Vince Dunn had two assists for the Kraken (33-34-11, 77 points), who snapped a six-game skid (0-5-1). Goaltender Joey Daccord made 31 saves and stopped four of five shootout attempts.

Mark Stone scored twice, Brett Howden also tallied and Adin Hill stopped 30 of 33 shots for the Golden Knights (36-26-17, 89 points), who lost for the first time in five games under new coach John Tortorella. Vegas is tied with the Anaheim Ducks for second in the Pacific Division, both teams one point behind the Edmonton Oilers.

With Seattle trailing 3-1, Catton scored a fluke goal at 6:11 of the third. Adam Larsson dumped the puck into the offensive zone and it took a strange bounce off a stanchion, ricocheting in front of the crease after Hill had skated behind the net. Catton tapped the puck into the yawning cage.


The Kraken tied it on McMann’s wrist shot from the right faceoff dot into the far upper corner of the net at 9:16.

The Golden Knights opened the scoring at 10:04 of the first period. Stone scored on a wrist shot from the slot after taking a pass from Rasmus Andersson.

Seattle’s Brandon Montour was whistled for hooking Jack Eichel just before the buzzer ending the period, giving Vegas a power play to start the second. The Golden Knights tallied 55 seconds into the middle frame as Eichel sent a pass from the left faceoff circle to the far post, where Stone tapped it in while battling Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak for positioning.

The Kraken pulled within 2-1 on McCann’s slap shot past a screened Hill from the top of the right faceoff circle while on the man advantage at 17:54 of the second.

The Golden Knights restored their two-goal advantage on a 4-on-2 rush at 1:11 of the third. Mitch Marner’s centering pass went off Pavel Dorofeyev’s stick and then Howden’s skate on its way into the net.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kraken #stay #playoff #hunt #shootout #win #Knights">Deadspin | Kraken stay in playoff hunt with shootout win over Knights Apr 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle (7) and forward Bobby McMann (74), left, battle Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel (9) for puck during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Rookie Berkly Catton sparked a rally from a two-goal deficit in the third period and scored the winner in the fifth round of a shootout as the Seattle Kraken kept their slim postseason hopes alive with a 4-3 victory against the visiting Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Jared McCann and Bobby McMann also scored in regulation and Vince Dunn had two assists for the Kraken (33-34-11, 77 points), who snapped a six-game skid (0-5-1). Goaltender Joey Daccord made 31 saves and stopped four of five shootout attempts. Mark Stone scored twice, Brett Howden also tallied and Adin Hill stopped 30 of 33 shots for the Golden Knights (36-26-17, 89 points), who lost for the first time in five games under new coach John Tortorella. Vegas is tied with the Anaheim Ducks for second in the Pacific Division, both teams one point behind the Edmonton Oilers. With Seattle trailing 3-1, Catton scored a fluke goal at 6:11 of the third. Adam Larsson dumped the puck into the offensive zone and it took a strange bounce off a stanchion, ricocheting in front of the crease after Hill had skated behind the net. Catton tapped the puck into the yawning cage. The Kraken tied it on McMann’s wrist shot from the right faceoff dot into the far upper corner of the net at 9:16. The Golden Knights opened the scoring at 10:04 of the first period. Stone scored on a wrist shot from the slot after taking a pass from Rasmus Andersson. Seattle’s Brandon Montour was whistled for hooking Jack Eichel just before the buzzer ending the period, giving Vegas a power play to start the second. The Golden Knights tallied 55 seconds into the middle frame as Eichel sent a pass from the left faceoff circle to the far post, where Stone tapped it in while battling Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak for positioning. The Kraken pulled within 2-1 on McCann’s slap shot past a screened Hill from the top of the right faceoff circle while on the man advantage at 17:54 of the second. The Golden Knights restored their two-goal advantage on a 4-on-2 rush at 1:11 of the third. Mitch Marner’s centering pass went off Pavel Dorofeyev’s stick and then Howden’s skate on its way into the net. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #stay #playoff #hunt #shootout #win #Knights

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