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Deadspin | Growing Wizards go for back-to-back wins vs. Grizzlies

Deadspin | Growing Wizards go for back-to-back wins vs. Grizzlies

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Dec 26, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) celebrates with Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) after a called timeout by the Toronto Raptors in the second halfat Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards own the NBA’s second-worst record at 6-23, but there have been some encouraging signs the past few weeks.

A week ago, the Wizards defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 130-122. In that game, Washington erased a 20-point first-half deficit and recorded its biggest come-from-behind victory of the season.

Memphis visits Washington on Sunday as the Wizards try to build on an even more impressive win. On Friday night, they knocked off Toronto by posting their highest-scoring output of the season in a 138-117 triumph. Washington shot 59.3% and got 23 points from Kyshawn George, who made nine of his 13 shot attempts.

In what has been a trying season for Wizards coach Brian Keefe, the results during the holiday season have him filled with good cheer.

“We had 60-something (points) in the paint,” Keefe said following the win over Toronto. “We just made the right play over and over again. We kept trusting each other.”

“Our team is really growing offensively with our sharing and our spacing and our passing. We are finishing possessions. But the key was finishing with big fourth-quarter defense. It all started with the ‘D’ in the fourth.”

Keefe said he has seen encouraging signs. He hopes the wins over Memphis and Toronto are the spark.

“We want to keep getting better,” Keefe said. “We wanted to take care of the paint defensively (against Toronto) and we did that.

“Our passing — seeing the open man, hitting the roller, or skipping to the weak side. That stuff is growing. For us, it’s always about the process. That’s going to lead to wins, we believe.”

Memphis enters Sunday’s game against the Wizards trying to reach the .500 mark for the second time in as many weeks. The Grizzlies were in a similar position when they played Washington on Dec. 20 in Memphis.

The return of star point guard Ja Morant has the injury-prone Grizzlies in a seemingly better position. After missing four games, Morant was back in the lineup Friday night and led the Grizzlies to a 125-104 victory over Milwaukee. He finished with 17 points, 10 assists, and two steals and was the catalyst in the team recovering from a 10-point first-quarter deficit.

Morant hopes he can stay on the court for a lengthy run, something that has been difficult for him this season. He has appeared in back-to-back games just once since Veterans Day.

He’s trying to get back in game shape, though he had to play within a minutes restriction Friday. He logged 25 minutes against the Bucks.

“Just getting some more consecutive games under my belt (will help),” Morant said. “Feeling the gym environment . . . the physicality, all that goes into rhythm. Right now, we have a lot of guys that are down, so we don’t have too many resources where, when I was out, I could bump with people and stuff. We need guys available. That was an interesting part, but we got it done. I’m back in the rotation, trying to continue to take care of my body, stack these games up and that rhythm will come.”

Morant appeared to find a comfort level in the second quarter against Milwaukee. He opened the quarter by scoring six points and assisting on two other baskets. His energy and efficiency helped the Grizzlies outscore the Bucks 35-15 in the second quarter to take a 60-50 halftime lead. Memphis never trailed again.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Seth Lugo’s durability on display as Royals aim to sweep Giants Jul 17, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images Amid all the health issues within Kansas City’s rotation, Seth Lugo continues to grind. Looking for another strong home start, the veteran right-hander also tries to continue his recent starting dominance over San Francisco as the Royals aim for a three-game sweep of the Giants on Wednesday. Lugo (3-6, 4.39 ERA) could be headed toward a first losing record in his five seasons serving primarily as a starter. However, the 36-year-old is scheduled to make his team-leading 21st start, and seven of his 11 quality starts have come through 11 home appearances. That makes him a potentially enticing trade option. However, the Royals’ front office noted it won’t actively shop Lugo or fellow veteran hurler Michael Wacha, but will listen to offers presented as Kansas City sits last in the American League Central. “I think the general thought is it’s going to have to be very enticing for us, because (Lugo and Wacha), we’re going to count on,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. Five of Lugo’s quality starts have come while going 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA in his last six outings at home. The only non-quality start during that stretch came June 10, when he left in the fourth against Texas after taking a line drive to the forehead. On Friday, Lugo allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings of Kansas City’s 7-6, 10-inning home victory over San Diego. Since returning to a full-time starter role in 2023, Lugo is 2-1 with a 1.01 ERA in four starts against the Giants. The most recent outing came in 2024 at Kansas City, where he yielded two runs over seven innings. Following back-to-back one-run victories, with quality starts from Wacha and Luinder Avila, the Royals are 4-1 on a post-All-Star break six-game homestand. “We got an opportunity for a sweep,” Vinnie Pasquantino, who had two hits with an RBI during the 3-2 win Tuesday, told Royals.TV. “Gotta try to take it the best we can.” San Francisco, meanwhile, has totaled 11 runs, 23 hits and gone 4-of-25 with runners in scoring position while losing four straight on a six-game trip. “You got to control what you can control,” Giants manager Tony Vitello said. Among the major league leaders in batting average at .323, the Giants’ Luis Arraez is likely to rejoin the lineup after being rested Tuesday. He’s 1-for-5 all-time versus Lugo. Teammate Rafael Devers is 4-for-8 with two homers against Lugo. Scheduled San Francisco starter Landen Roupp (7-8, 3.98) has recorded four quality starts in his last five, and allowed one run and five hits over 15 innings while going 2-0 in July. On Friday, the right-hander gave up two of those hits through seven innings during the Giants’ 7-0 victory at Seattle. Roupp’s only previous start against the Royals came in 2024, when he allowed three hits and three walks over five innings of San Francisco’s 9-0 win at Kansas City. While Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. could miss a second straight game with back tightness, teammate Jac Caglianone might also sit after he exited Tuesday’s contest with a sore right shoulder. “Just landed hard,” Caglianone told reporters, “but I should be good.” Salvador Perez, 0-for-2 versus Roupp, remains one shy of tying George Brett’s franchise-record 317 homers. He was hit on the wrist with a pitch Tuesday but stayed in the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seth #Lugos #durability #display #Royals #aim #sweep #GiantsJul 17, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Amid all the health issues within Kansas City’s rotation, Seth Lugo continues to grind.

Looking for another strong home start, the veteran right-hander also tries to continue his recent starting dominance over San Francisco as the Royals aim for a three-game sweep of the Giants on Wednesday.

Lugo (3-6, 4.39 ERA) could be headed toward a first losing record in his five seasons serving primarily as a starter. However, the 36-year-old is scheduled to make his team-leading 21st start, and seven of his 11 quality starts have come through 11 home appearances.

That makes him a potentially enticing trade option. However, the Royals’ front office noted it won’t actively shop Lugo or fellow veteran hurler Michael Wacha, but will listen to offers presented as Kansas City sits last in the American League Central.

“I think the general thought is it’s going to have to be very enticing for us, because (Lugo and Wacha), we’re going to count on,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said.

Five of Lugo’s quality starts have come while going 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA in his last six outings at home. The only non-quality start during that stretch came June 10, when he left in the fourth against Texas after taking a line drive to the forehead.

On Friday, Lugo allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings of Kansas City’s 7-6, 10-inning home victory over San Diego.

Since returning to a full-time starter role in 2023, Lugo is 2-1 with a 1.01 ERA in four starts against the Giants. The most recent outing came in 2024 at Kansas City, where he yielded two runs over seven innings.

Following back-to-back one-run victories, with quality starts from Wacha and Luinder Avila, the Royals are 4-1 on a post-All-Star break six-game homestand.

“We got an opportunity for a sweep,” Vinnie Pasquantino, who had two hits with an RBI during the 3-2 win Tuesday, told Royals.TV.


“Gotta try to take it the best we can.”

San Francisco, meanwhile, has totaled 11 runs, 23 hits and gone 4-of-25 with runners in scoring position while losing four straight on a six-game trip.

“You got to control what you can control,” Giants manager Tony Vitello said.

Among the major league leaders in batting average at .323, the Giants’ Luis Arraez is likely to rejoin the lineup after being rested Tuesday. He’s 1-for-5 all-time versus Lugo.

Teammate Rafael Devers is 4-for-8 with two homers against Lugo.

Scheduled San Francisco starter Landen Roupp (7-8, 3.98) has recorded four quality starts in his last five, and allowed one run and five hits over 15 innings while going 2-0 in July.

On Friday, the right-hander gave up two of those hits through seven innings during the Giants’ 7-0 victory at Seattle. Roupp’s only previous start against the Royals came in 2024, when he allowed three hits and three walks over five innings of San Francisco’s 9-0 win at Kansas City.

While Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. could miss a second straight game with back tightness, teammate Jac Caglianone might also sit after he exited Tuesday’s contest with a sore right shoulder.

“Just landed hard,” Caglianone told reporters, “but I should be good.”

Salvador Perez, 0-for-2 versus Roupp, remains one shy of tying George Brett’s franchise-record 317 homers. He was hit on the wrist with a pitch Tuesday but stayed in the game.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Seth #Lugos #durability #display #Royals #aim #sweep #Giants">Deadspin | Seth Lugo’s durability on display as Royals aim to sweep Giants Jul 17, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images Amid all the health issues within Kansas City’s rotation, Seth Lugo continues to grind. Looking for another strong home start, the veteran right-hander also tries to continue his recent starting dominance over San Francisco as the Royals aim for a three-game sweep of the Giants on Wednesday. Lugo (3-6, 4.39 ERA) could be headed toward a first losing record in his five seasons serving primarily as a starter. However, the 36-year-old is scheduled to make his team-leading 21st start, and seven of his 11 quality starts have come through 11 home appearances. That makes him a potentially enticing trade option. However, the Royals’ front office noted it won’t actively shop Lugo or fellow veteran hurler Michael Wacha, but will listen to offers presented as Kansas City sits last in the American League Central. “I think the general thought is it’s going to have to be very enticing for us, because (Lugo and Wacha), we’re going to count on,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. Five of Lugo’s quality starts have come while going 2-2 with a 2.94 ERA in his last six outings at home. The only non-quality start during that stretch came June 10, when he left in the fourth against Texas after taking a line drive to the forehead. On Friday, Lugo allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings of Kansas City’s 7-6, 10-inning home victory over San Diego. Since returning to a full-time starter role in 2023, Lugo is 2-1 with a 1.01 ERA in four starts against the Giants. The most recent outing came in 2024 at Kansas City, where he yielded two runs over seven innings. Following back-to-back one-run victories, with quality starts from Wacha and Luinder Avila, the Royals are 4-1 on a post-All-Star break six-game homestand. “We got an opportunity for a sweep,” Vinnie Pasquantino, who had two hits with an RBI during the 3-2 win Tuesday, told Royals.TV. “Gotta try to take it the best we can.” San Francisco, meanwhile, has totaled 11 runs, 23 hits and gone 4-of-25 with runners in scoring position while losing four straight on a six-game trip. “You got to control what you can control,” Giants manager Tony Vitello said. Among the major league leaders in batting average at .323, the Giants’ Luis Arraez is likely to rejoin the lineup after being rested Tuesday. He’s 1-for-5 all-time versus Lugo. Teammate Rafael Devers is 4-for-8 with two homers against Lugo. Scheduled San Francisco starter Landen Roupp (7-8, 3.98) has recorded four quality starts in his last five, and allowed one run and five hits over 15 innings while going 2-0 in July. On Friday, the right-hander gave up two of those hits through seven innings during the Giants’ 7-0 victory at Seattle. Roupp’s only previous start against the Royals came in 2024, when he allowed three hits and three walks over five innings of San Francisco’s 9-0 win at Kansas City. While Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. could miss a second straight game with back tightness, teammate Jac Caglianone might also sit after he exited Tuesday’s contest with a sore right shoulder. “Just landed hard,” Caglianone told reporters, “but I should be good.” Salvador Perez, 0-for-2 versus Roupp, remains one shy of tying George Brett’s franchise-record 317 homers. He was hit on the wrist with a pitch Tuesday but stayed in the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seth #Lugos #durability #display #Royals #aim #sweep #Giants

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TORONTO, CANADA. – JULY 5: Azzi Fudd #35 of the Dallas Wings shoots a free throw during the game against the Toronto Tempo on July 5, 2026 at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)
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#Azzi #Fudd #headlines #list #WNBA #threepoint #participants">Azzi Fudd headlines list of WNBA three-point participants TORONTO, CANADA. – JULY 5: Azzi Fudd #35 of the Dallas Wings shoots a free throw during the game against the Toronto Tempo on July 5, 2026 at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images #Azzi #Fudd #headlines #list #WNBA #threepoint #participants

The Commonwealth Games (CWG) have traditionally been one of India’s most productive multi-sport events, with the country consistently returning home with a healthy medal haul. But at Glasgow 2026, India’s prospects have taken a hit after several sports, including badminton, were dropped from the programme, with organisers holding cost management responsible for the trim.

The decision, understandably, has not gone down well within India’s badminton community, with chief national coach P. Gopichand among those disappointed.

“Commonwealth was an important event and badminton not being there in Glasgow was quite shocking. It’s done and dusted for this edition, but we are hoping that in our edition in Ahmedabad, we would have badminton featuring back again. Indian players are stronger than ever, so we do expect some medals from the event as well,” he said in an interaction organised by Sports Authority of India.

“From an athlete’s perspective, Asian Games are tough for some events, but also there are some where the participation of countries like Australia, England and Jamaica makes the Commonwealth Games make its standards higher than Asian Games.”

The Commonwealth Games is not the only area where badminton has seen change. The sport has also introduced proposals that have split opinion, including a new scoring system and trials involving synthetic shuttlecocks.

“What’s the point of complaining when it’s done? That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t spoken against it,” he quipped. “For me, the sport has been very, very exciting in the last few years. We have tournaments filled with crowds. The calendar is packed with tournaments, and there was no need for us to mess with the system,” Gopichand said, talking about the new 3×15 scoring system replacing the traditional 21-point format.

The 52-year-old was, however, more receptive to the prospect of synthetic shuttlecocks, citing the need to make the sport more sustainable.

Gopichand also weighed in on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s remarks about the lack of recognition for badminton players after India’s bronze medal-winning team returned home to a subdued reception. Satwik’s comments sparked debate, prompting him to later clarify that he was not asking for “money or grand parades” but simply urging people “to celebrate every win, big or small” across all sports.

“In a lot of ways, I endorse what Satwik said. It’s unfortunate that one of the best players the country has ever produced feels that way, especially in doubles. We’ve never had anybody reach anywhere close to where they have reached. What he said is genuine. To have them win something big and then not get the recognition which they feel they should is unfortunate,” he said.

“That said, I genuinely would love to see badminton and other sports being recognized more. But unfortunately, ground realities are that it doesn’t happen. Everybody should lend a hand to ensure that these players’ performances are portrayed better and the visibility is more, so that it is not just fans watching them but also the younger kids taking them as role models and we produce better players for the future.”

(Watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live only Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.)

Published on Jul 19, 2026

#Gopichand #badmintons #Commonwealth #Games #Snub #SatwikChirags #call #recognition #format #facing #sport">Gopichand on badminton’s Commonwealth Games 2026 Snub, Satwik-Chirag’s call for recognition and format changes facing sport The Commonwealth Games (CWG) have traditionally been one of India’s most productive multi-sport events, with the country consistently returning home with a healthy medal haul. But at Glasgow 2026, India’s prospects have taken a hit after several sports, including badminton, were dropped from the programme, with organisers holding cost management responsible for the trim.The decision, understandably, has not gone down well within India’s badminton community, with chief national coach P. Gopichand among those disappointed.“Commonwealth was an important event and badminton not being there in Glasgow was quite shocking. It’s done and dusted for this edition, but we are hoping that in our edition in Ahmedabad, we would have badminton featuring back again. Indian players are stronger than ever, so we do expect some medals from the event as well,” he said in an interaction organised by Sports Authority of India.“From an athlete’s perspective, Asian Games are tough for some events, but also there are some where the participation of countries like Australia, England and Jamaica makes the Commonwealth Games make its standards higher than Asian Games.”The Commonwealth Games is not the only area where badminton has seen change. The sport has also introduced proposals that have split opinion, including a new scoring system and trials involving synthetic shuttlecocks.“What’s the point of complaining when it’s done? That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t spoken against it,” he quipped. “For me, the sport has been very, very exciting in the last few years. We have tournaments filled with crowds. The calendar is packed with tournaments, and there was no need for us to mess with the system,” Gopichand said, talking about the new 3×15 scoring system replacing the traditional 21-point format.The 52-year-old was, however, more receptive to the prospect of synthetic shuttlecocks, citing the need to make the sport more sustainable.Gopichand also weighed in on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s remarks about the lack of recognition for badminton players after India’s bronze medal-winning team returned home to a subdued reception. Satwik’s comments sparked debate, prompting him to later clarify that he was not asking for “money or grand parades” but simply urging people “to celebrate every win, big or small” across all sports.“In a lot of ways, I endorse what Satwik said. It’s unfortunate that one of the best players the country has ever produced feels that way, especially in doubles. We’ve never had anybody reach anywhere close to where they have reached. What he said is genuine. To have them win something big and then not get the recognition which they feel they should is unfortunate,” he said.“That said, I genuinely would love to see badminton and other sports being recognized more. But unfortunately, ground realities are that it doesn’t happen. Everybody should lend a hand to ensure that these players’ performances are portrayed better and the visibility is more, so that it is not just fans watching them but also the younger kids taking them as role models and we produce better players for the future.”(Watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live only Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.)Published on Jul 19, 2026 #Gopichand #badmintons #Commonwealth #Games #Snub #SatwikChirags #call #recognition #format #facing #sport

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