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Deadspin | Jon Rahm confident he’ll play in ’27 Ryder Cup despite DPWT stalemate  Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm hits his tee shot on the eighth hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   AUGUSTA, Ga. — John Rahm is confident his issues with the DP World Tour will be resolved in plenty of time for the Spaniard to compete for Europe in the 2027 Ryder Cup.  Eight LIV Golf players agreed to drop their appeals, pay pending fines to the DPWT and play in a mandatory minimum of six events — two determined by the tour — to retain membership. Rahm has declined to pay his fines, which reportedly exceed  million, and said last month that the conditions amount to “extorting players like myself.”  He took a much softer stance at the Masters on Tuesday, saying that discussions remain ongoing and that he’s confident the sides will reach a resolution.  “We keep talking to the DP World Tour and trying to figure out a solution that works best,” Rahm said. “I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody. So I have faith in us and the DP World Tour we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”  European Ryder Cup players must be active members of the DPWT. Asked if he feels confident that he will be able to compete at Adare Manor in Ireland in September 2027, Rahm simply replied, “Yes.”  In fact, Rahm is hopeful that the situation will be resolved in time for him to play in multiple events following the conclusion of the LIV Golf season in late August. He mentioned the Irish Open, the Spanish Open, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and “maybe even the (Alfred) Dunhill” as DPWT events he is looking forward to potentially playing later this year.   One of the main sticking points for Rahm is the two additional events being required of LIV players. He said previously that if he were required to only play the typical minimum of four required by the tour that he would have already signed the agreement. For now, Rahm says he doesn’t even know what his status with the DPWT is.  “I truly don’t know. If I were unable right now, it doesn’t matter since I’m not planning to tee it up until after August like I have done in my career,” he said. “I do intend to continue to support the DP World Tour. I’ve been very thankful to be a member. I’ve been very thankful to support the tour and play some wonderful events.  Rahm, 31, has been widely criticized for being the only one of nine LIV players in his situation not to drop his appeal and accept the DPWT’s requirements to maintain membership. Fellow European Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy said he thought it was “a really generous deal,” and likened it to the one that Brooks Koepka agreed to in order to return to the PGA Tour.  Rahm said Masters week is not the time to be talking about his situation with the DPWT, but insisted that he has already shown a willingness to seek a compromise.  “We keep trying to negotiate. I have given in quite a bit in a few things — we’re going to work it out,” he said. “As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September.”  –Derek Harper, Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #confident #hell #play #Ryder #Cup #DPWT #stalemate

Deadspin | Jon Rahm confident he’ll play in ’27 Ryder Cup despite DPWT stalemate
Deadspin | Jon Rahm confident he’ll play in ’27 Ryder Cup despite DPWT stalemate  Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm hits his tee shot on the eighth hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images   AUGUSTA, Ga. — John Rahm is confident his issues with the DP World Tour will be resolved in plenty of time for the Spaniard to compete for Europe in the 2027 Ryder Cup.  Eight LIV Golf players agreed to drop their appeals, pay pending fines to the DPWT and play in a mandatory minimum of six events — two determined by the tour — to retain membership. Rahm has declined to pay his fines, which reportedly exceed  million, and said last month that the conditions amount to “extorting players like myself.”  He took a much softer stance at the Masters on Tuesday, saying that discussions remain ongoing and that he’s confident the sides will reach a resolution.  “We keep talking to the DP World Tour and trying to figure out a solution that works best,” Rahm said. “I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody. So I have faith in us and the DP World Tour we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”  European Ryder Cup players must be active members of the DPWT. Asked if he feels confident that he will be able to compete at Adare Manor in Ireland in September 2027, Rahm simply replied, “Yes.”  In fact, Rahm is hopeful that the situation will be resolved in time for him to play in multiple events following the conclusion of the LIV Golf season in late August. He mentioned the Irish Open, the Spanish Open, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and “maybe even the (Alfred) Dunhill” as DPWT events he is looking forward to potentially playing later this year.   One of the main sticking points for Rahm is the two additional events being required of LIV players. He said previously that if he were required to only play the typical minimum of four required by the tour that he would have already signed the agreement. For now, Rahm says he doesn’t even know what his status with the DPWT is.  “I truly don’t know. If I were unable right now, it doesn’t matter since I’m not planning to tee it up until after August like I have done in my career,” he said. “I do intend to continue to support the DP World Tour. I’ve been very thankful to be a member. I’ve been very thankful to support the tour and play some wonderful events.  Rahm, 31, has been widely criticized for being the only one of nine LIV players in his situation not to drop his appeal and accept the DPWT’s requirements to maintain membership. Fellow European Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy said he thought it was “a really generous deal,” and likened it to the one that Brooks Koepka agreed to in order to return to the PGA Tour.  Rahm said Masters week is not the time to be talking about his situation with the DPWT, but insisted that he has already shown a willingness to seek a compromise.  “We keep trying to negotiate. I have given in quite a bit in a few things — we’re going to work it out,” he said. “As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September.”  –Derek Harper, Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #confident #hell #play #Ryder #Cup #DPWT #stalemateApr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm hits his tee shot on the eighth hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — John Rahm is confident his issues with the DP World Tour will be resolved in plenty of time for the Spaniard to compete for Europe in the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Eight LIV Golf players agreed to drop their appeals, pay pending fines to the DPWT and play in a mandatory minimum of six events — two determined by the tour — to retain membership. Rahm has declined to pay his fines, which reportedly exceed $3 million, and said last month that the conditions amount to “extorting players like myself.”

He took a much softer stance at the Masters on Tuesday, saying that discussions remain ongoing and that he’s confident the sides will reach a resolution.

“We keep talking to the DP World Tour and trying to figure out a solution that works best,” Rahm said. “I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody. So I have faith in us and the DP World Tour we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”

European Ryder Cup players must be active members of the DPWT. Asked if he feels confident that he will be able to compete at Adare Manor in Ireland in September 2027, Rahm simply replied, “Yes.”


In fact, Rahm is hopeful that the situation will be resolved in time for him to play in multiple events following the conclusion of the LIV Golf season in late August. He mentioned the Irish Open, the Spanish Open, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and “maybe even the (Alfred) Dunhill” as DPWT events he is looking forward to potentially playing later this year.

One of the main sticking points for Rahm is the two additional events being required of LIV players. He said previously that if he were required to only play the typical minimum of four required by the tour that he would have already signed the agreement. For now, Rahm says he doesn’t even know what his status with the DPWT is.

“I truly don’t know. If I were unable right now, it doesn’t matter since I’m not planning to tee it up until after August like I have done in my career,” he said. “I do intend to continue to support the DP World Tour. I’ve been very thankful to be a member. I’ve been very thankful to support the tour and play some wonderful events.

Rahm, 31, has been widely criticized for being the only one of nine LIV players in his situation not to drop his appeal and accept the DPWT’s requirements to maintain membership. Fellow European Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy said he thought it was “a really generous deal,” and likened it to the one that Brooks Koepka agreed to in order to return to the PGA Tour.

Rahm said Masters week is not the time to be talking about his situation with the DPWT, but insisted that he has already shown a willingness to seek a compromise.

“We keep trying to negotiate. I have given in quite a bit in a few things — we’re going to work it out,” he said. “As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September.”


–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #confident #hell #play #Ryder #Cup #DPWT #stalemate

Apr 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jon Rahm hits his tee shot on the eighth hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — John Rahm is confident his issues with the DP World Tour will be resolved in plenty of time for the Spaniard to compete for Europe in the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Eight LIV Golf players agreed to drop their appeals, pay pending fines to the DPWT and play in a mandatory minimum of six events — two determined by the tour — to retain membership. Rahm has declined to pay his fines, which reportedly exceed $3 million, and said last month that the conditions amount to “extorting players like myself.”

He took a much softer stance at the Masters on Tuesday, saying that discussions remain ongoing and that he’s confident the sides will reach a resolution.

“We keep talking to the DP World Tour and trying to figure out a solution that works best,” Rahm said. “I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody. So I have faith in us and the DP World Tour we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”

European Ryder Cup players must be active members of the DPWT. Asked if he feels confident that he will be able to compete at Adare Manor in Ireland in September 2027, Rahm simply replied, “Yes.”

In fact, Rahm is hopeful that the situation will be resolved in time for him to play in multiple events following the conclusion of the LIV Golf season in late August. He mentioned the Irish Open, the Spanish Open, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and “maybe even the (Alfred) Dunhill” as DPWT events he is looking forward to potentially playing later this year.

One of the main sticking points for Rahm is the two additional events being required of LIV players. He said previously that if he were required to only play the typical minimum of four required by the tour that he would have already signed the agreement. For now, Rahm says he doesn’t even know what his status with the DPWT is.

“I truly don’t know. If I were unable right now, it doesn’t matter since I’m not planning to tee it up until after August like I have done in my career,” he said. “I do intend to continue to support the DP World Tour. I’ve been very thankful to be a member. I’ve been very thankful to support the tour and play some wonderful events.

Rahm, 31, has been widely criticized for being the only one of nine LIV players in his situation not to drop his appeal and accept the DPWT’s requirements to maintain membership. Fellow European Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy said he thought it was “a really generous deal,” and likened it to the one that Brooks Koepka agreed to in order to return to the PGA Tour.

Rahm said Masters week is not the time to be talking about his situation with the DPWT, but insisted that he has already shown a willingness to seek a compromise.

“We keep trying to negotiate. I have given in quite a bit in a few things — we’re going to work it out,” he said. “As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Jon #Rahm #confident #hell #play #Ryder #Cup #DPWT #stalemate

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Fernando Mendoza makes big NFL Draft decision <div><div class="g6j1tz1 g6j1tz2"><div class="_1nfb3k4n _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="College Football Playoff National Championship: Miami v Indiana" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=480 480w, 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src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=2400"/></div><div class="_1nfb3k4m _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="College Football Playoff National Championship: Miami v Indiana" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=480 480w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=540 540w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=640 640w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=750 750w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=828 828w, 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https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257157605.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.46773577701413%2C100%2C99.064528445972&w=2400"/></div></div><p><figcaption class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl5a">MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)</figcaption> <cite class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl55">Getty Images</cite></p></div> #Fernando #Mendoza #big #NFL #Draft #decision

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‘The Boys’ Boss and Cast Share ‘Bittersweet’ Goodbyes Ahead of Season 5: ‘I’m Sad It’s Over, but Grateful It Happened’

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Thunder again clinch top seed with win over Clippers  Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   Chet Holmgren scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points with 11 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory Wednesday over the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, Calif.  Isaiah Joe scored 21 points off the bench and Jalen Williams added 18 as the Thunder grabbed the Western Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed for the third consecutive season with their seven straight victory. Oklahoma City, which won the franchise’s first NBA title last season, will have home-court advantage through the NBA Finals.  Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points and Kobe Sanders added 17 off the bench for the Clippers, who have already clinched a spot in the play-in tournament following a 6-21 start to the season. Los Angeles played without Darius Garland (toe).  Brook Lopez and Jordan Miller each scored 16 points as the Clippers remained in eighth place in the Western Conference. The eighth and ninth seeds in the West will be decided Friday when the Clippers visit the Portland Trail Blazers.  Suns 112, Mavericks 107  Devin Booker had 37 points and nine assists, Dillon Brooks scored 28 points and made a late layup to seal the outcome, and host Phoenix held off Dallas to clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.  Royce O’Neale scored 14 points and fellow reserve Collin Gillespie had 13 for the Suns (44-36), who lost an 18-point lead and fell behind in the fourth quarter in their final regular-season home game. The Suns will open the play-in round Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Clippers or Portland Trail Blazers, who still must decide the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds.   John Poulakidas had a career-high 23 points and made five 3-pointers, and Marvin Bagley III had 20 points for the Mavericks (25-55), who have lost 10 of 12. Cooper Flagg had 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, strengthening his Rookie of the Year case. Flagg and his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets are in a two-man race.  Cavaliers 122, Hawks 116  Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points and Evan Mobley had 22 points and a career-high-tying 19 rebounds, powering Cleveland to a win over visiting Atlanta in a potential Eastern Conference playoff preview.  James Harden put up 21 points and Jarrett Allen netted 16 for Cleveland, which is assured of finishing no lower than fourth in the East. The Cavaliers, who have won four straight and six of their past seven, moved within one-half game of the third-place New York Knicks.  Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 25 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 off the bench for the fifth-place Hawks, who failed to clinch a playoff berth. All-Star forward Jalen Johnson had 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists before fouling out. Atlanta is one-half game ahead of the Toronto Raptors, but both teams could fall out of the top six and into the play-in tournament.  Pistons 137, Bucks 111  Jalen Duren scored 21 points with nine rebounds to lead Detroit to a win over visiting Milwaukee.  Detroit, already the owner of the top seed in the Eastern Conference, won its fourth game in its last five contests. Duncan Robinson added 20 points while superstar Cade Cunningham made his return from an 11-game absence for a collapsed lung. He contributed 13 points with 10 assists.   The Bucks fell for the second game in a row and eighth time in their last 10 games. Michigan native Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 23 points while Jericho Sims put up a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.  Magic 132, Timberwolves 120  Paolo Banchero had 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Orlando beat visiting Minnesota for its fourth consecutive victory.  Desmond Bane scored 18 points and Franz Wagner added 17 for Orlando, which moved into seventh place in the tight Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers with two games remaining. Goga Bitadze had 14 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, Tristan da Silva added 12 points, and Jalen Suggs and Jevon Carter finished with 11 apiece.  Terrence Shannon Jr. set career highs with five 3-pointers and 33 points for short-handed Minnesota, which clinched the sixth position in the Western Conference on Tuesday. Jaden McDaniels returned after missing six games with a knee injury and scored 18 points in 19 minutes. Naz Reid had 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 12.  Nuggets 136, Grizzlies 119  Jamal Murray scored 26 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season, and host Denver beat Memphis for its 10th win in a row.  Cameron Johnson posted 18 points as the Nuggets moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.  Cedric Coward finished with 27 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost six in a row and 19 of their past 21.  Spurs 112, Trail Blazers 101  De’Aaron Fox poured in 25 points and San Antonio’s reserves contributed 48 points as the host Spurs defeated Portland.  San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama (rib) and Stephon Castle (knee) but still had enough to log their 13th win in 14 games. The Spurs became locked into the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference when the Oklahoma City Thunder won their game.  Deni Avdija paced Portland with 29 points, with Scoot Henderson scoring 20. The Trail Blazers remain ninth in the West, a game back of the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the teams’ Friday meeting in Portland.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Thunder #clinch #top #seed #win #ClippersApr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Chet Holmgren scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points with 11 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory Wednesday over the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, Calif.

Isaiah Joe scored 21 points off the bench and Jalen Williams added 18 as the Thunder grabbed the Western Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed for the third consecutive season with their seven straight victory. Oklahoma City, which won the franchise’s first NBA title last season, will have home-court advantage through the NBA Finals.

Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points and Kobe Sanders added 17 off the bench for the Clippers, who have already clinched a spot in the play-in tournament following a 6-21 start to the season. Los Angeles played without Darius Garland (toe).

Brook Lopez and Jordan Miller each scored 16 points as the Clippers remained in eighth place in the Western Conference. The eighth and ninth seeds in the West will be decided Friday when the Clippers visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

Suns 112, Mavericks 107

Devin Booker had 37 points and nine assists, Dillon Brooks scored 28 points and made a late layup to seal the outcome, and host Phoenix held off Dallas to clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Royce O’Neale scored 14 points and fellow reserve Collin Gillespie had 13 for the Suns (44-36), who lost an 18-point lead and fell behind in the fourth quarter in their final regular-season home game. The Suns will open the play-in round Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Clippers or Portland Trail Blazers, who still must decide the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds.

John Poulakidas had a career-high 23 points and made five 3-pointers, and Marvin Bagley III had 20 points for the Mavericks (25-55), who have lost 10 of 12. Cooper Flagg had 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, strengthening his Rookie of the Year case. Flagg and his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets are in a two-man race.

Cavaliers 122, Hawks 116

Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points and Evan Mobley had 22 points and a career-high-tying 19 rebounds, powering Cleveland to a win over visiting Atlanta in a potential Eastern Conference playoff preview.

James Harden put up 21 points and Jarrett Allen netted 16 for Cleveland, which is assured of finishing no lower than fourth in the East. The Cavaliers, who have won four straight and six of their past seven, moved within one-half game of the third-place New York Knicks.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 25 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 off the bench for the fifth-place Hawks, who failed to clinch a playoff berth. All-Star forward Jalen Johnson had 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists before fouling out. Atlanta is one-half game ahead of the Toronto Raptors, but both teams could fall out of the top six and into the play-in tournament.

Pistons 137, Bucks 111

Jalen Duren scored 21 points with nine rebounds to lead Detroit to a win over visiting Milwaukee.


Detroit, already the owner of the top seed in the Eastern Conference, won its fourth game in its last five contests. Duncan Robinson added 20 points while superstar Cade Cunningham made his return from an 11-game absence for a collapsed lung. He contributed 13 points with 10 assists.

The Bucks fell for the second game in a row and eighth time in their last 10 games. Michigan native Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 23 points while Jericho Sims put up a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Magic 132, Timberwolves 120

Paolo Banchero had 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Orlando beat visiting Minnesota for its fourth consecutive victory.

Desmond Bane scored 18 points and Franz Wagner added 17 for Orlando, which moved into seventh place in the tight Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers with two games remaining. Goga Bitadze had 14 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, Tristan da Silva added 12 points, and Jalen Suggs and Jevon Carter finished with 11 apiece.

Terrence Shannon Jr. set career highs with five 3-pointers and 33 points for short-handed Minnesota, which clinched the sixth position in the Western Conference on Tuesday. Jaden McDaniels returned after missing six games with a knee injury and scored 18 points in 19 minutes. Naz Reid had 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 12.

Nuggets 136, Grizzlies 119

Jamal Murray scored 26 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season, and host Denver beat Memphis for its 10th win in a row.

Cameron Johnson posted 18 points as the Nuggets moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Cedric Coward finished with 27 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost six in a row and 19 of their past 21.

Spurs 112, Trail Blazers 101

De’Aaron Fox poured in 25 points and San Antonio’s reserves contributed 48 points as the host Spurs defeated Portland.

San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama (rib) and Stephon Castle (knee) but still had enough to log their 13th win in 14 games. The Spurs became locked into the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference when the Oklahoma City Thunder won their game.

Deni Avdija paced Portland with 29 points, with Scoot Henderson scoring 20. The Trail Blazers remain ninth in the West, a game back of the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the teams’ Friday meeting in Portland.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Thunder #clinch #top #seed #win #Clippers">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Thunder again clinch top seed with win over Clippers  Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   Chet Holmgren scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points with 11 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory Wednesday over the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, Calif.  Isaiah Joe scored 21 points off the bench and Jalen Williams added 18 as the Thunder grabbed the Western Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed for the third consecutive season with their seven straight victory. Oklahoma City, which won the franchise’s first NBA title last season, will have home-court advantage through the NBA Finals.  Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points and Kobe Sanders added 17 off the bench for the Clippers, who have already clinched a spot in the play-in tournament following a 6-21 start to the season. Los Angeles played without Darius Garland (toe).  Brook Lopez and Jordan Miller each scored 16 points as the Clippers remained in eighth place in the Western Conference. The eighth and ninth seeds in the West will be decided Friday when the Clippers visit the Portland Trail Blazers.  Suns 112, Mavericks 107  Devin Booker had 37 points and nine assists, Dillon Brooks scored 28 points and made a late layup to seal the outcome, and host Phoenix held off Dallas to clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.  Royce O’Neale scored 14 points and fellow reserve Collin Gillespie had 13 for the Suns (44-36), who lost an 18-point lead and fell behind in the fourth quarter in their final regular-season home game. The Suns will open the play-in round Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Clippers or Portland Trail Blazers, who still must decide the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds.   John Poulakidas had a career-high 23 points and made five 3-pointers, and Marvin Bagley III had 20 points for the Mavericks (25-55), who have lost 10 of 12. Cooper Flagg had 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, strengthening his Rookie of the Year case. Flagg and his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets are in a two-man race.  Cavaliers 122, Hawks 116  Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points and Evan Mobley had 22 points and a career-high-tying 19 rebounds, powering Cleveland to a win over visiting Atlanta in a potential Eastern Conference playoff preview.  James Harden put up 21 points and Jarrett Allen netted 16 for Cleveland, which is assured of finishing no lower than fourth in the East. The Cavaliers, who have won four straight and six of their past seven, moved within one-half game of the third-place New York Knicks.  Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 25 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 off the bench for the fifth-place Hawks, who failed to clinch a playoff berth. All-Star forward Jalen Johnson had 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists before fouling out. Atlanta is one-half game ahead of the Toronto Raptors, but both teams could fall out of the top six and into the play-in tournament.  Pistons 137, Bucks 111  Jalen Duren scored 21 points with nine rebounds to lead Detroit to a win over visiting Milwaukee.  Detroit, already the owner of the top seed in the Eastern Conference, won its fourth game in its last five contests. Duncan Robinson added 20 points while superstar Cade Cunningham made his return from an 11-game absence for a collapsed lung. He contributed 13 points with 10 assists.   The Bucks fell for the second game in a row and eighth time in their last 10 games. Michigan native Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 23 points while Jericho Sims put up a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.  Magic 132, Timberwolves 120  Paolo Banchero had 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Orlando beat visiting Minnesota for its fourth consecutive victory.  Desmond Bane scored 18 points and Franz Wagner added 17 for Orlando, which moved into seventh place in the tight Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers with two games remaining. Goga Bitadze had 14 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, Tristan da Silva added 12 points, and Jalen Suggs and Jevon Carter finished with 11 apiece.  Terrence Shannon Jr. set career highs with five 3-pointers and 33 points for short-handed Minnesota, which clinched the sixth position in the Western Conference on Tuesday. Jaden McDaniels returned after missing six games with a knee injury and scored 18 points in 19 minutes. Naz Reid had 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 12.  Nuggets 136, Grizzlies 119  Jamal Murray scored 26 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season, and host Denver beat Memphis for its 10th win in a row.  Cameron Johnson posted 18 points as the Nuggets moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.  Cedric Coward finished with 27 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost six in a row and 19 of their past 21.  Spurs 112, Trail Blazers 101  De’Aaron Fox poured in 25 points and San Antonio’s reserves contributed 48 points as the host Spurs defeated Portland.  San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama (rib) and Stephon Castle (knee) but still had enough to log their 13th win in 14 games. The Spurs became locked into the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference when the Oklahoma City Thunder won their game.  Deni Avdija paced Portland with 29 points, with Scoot Henderson scoring 20. The Trail Blazers remain ninth in the West, a game back of the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the teams’ Friday meeting in Portland.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Thunder #clinch #top #seed #win #Clippers

Two-time Olympian Manika Batra shocked sixth seed Miyuu Kihara of Japan to reach the second round of the WTT Contender event in Taiyuan, China, on Thursday.

World No. 49 Manika defeated World No. 25 Kihara 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7) in 43 minutes to set up a round-of-16 clash against Miu Hirano, another Japanese paddler currently ranked 36th in the ITTF Rankings.

Manika led 6-2 in the second game after bagging the opener easily. However, Kihara managed to fight back, saving two game points before levelling the match.

The Japanese player was on her way to steal the third game as well as she won three points in a row from 8-10 down but this time, the Indian held her nerve to eventually take a 2-1 lead in the fixture.

Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.

From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#WTT #Contender #Taiyuan #Manika #Batra #beats #Miyuu #Kihara #reached">WTT Contender Taiyuan: Manika Batra beats WR 25 Miyuu Kihara, reached round of 16  Two-time Olympian Manika Batra shocked sixth seed Miyuu Kihara of Japan to reach the second round of the WTT Contender event in Taiyuan, China, on Thursday.World No. 49 Manika defeated World No. 25 Kihara 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7) in 43 minutes to set up a round-of-16 clash against Miu Hirano, another Japanese paddler currently ranked 36th in the ITTF Rankings.Manika led 6-2 in the second game after bagging the opener easily. However, Kihara managed to fight back, saving two game points before levelling the match.The Japanese player was on her way to steal the third game as well as she won three points in a row from 8-10 down but this time, the Indian held her nerve to eventually take a 2-1 lead in the fixture.What a thriller! 🔥Manika Batra battles fiercely to topple the No.6 seed in the #WTTTaiyuan Round of 16 🙌🏻#TableTennispic.twitter.com/dVoKyzPEb7— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) April 9, 2026Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.Published on Apr 09, 2026  #WTT #Contender #Taiyuan #Manika #Batra #beats #Miyuu #Kihara #reached

Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.

From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#WTT #Contender #Taiyuan #Manika #Batra #beats #Miyuu #Kihara #reached">WTT Contender Taiyuan: Manika Batra beats WR 25 Miyuu Kihara, reached round of 16

Two-time Olympian Manika Batra shocked sixth seed Miyuu Kihara of Japan to reach the second round of the WTT Contender event in Taiyuan, China, on Thursday.

World No. 49 Manika defeated World No. 25 Kihara 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 14-12, 9-11, 11-7) in 43 minutes to set up a round-of-16 clash against Miu Hirano, another Japanese paddler currently ranked 36th in the ITTF Rankings.

Manika led 6-2 in the second game after bagging the opener easily. However, Kihara managed to fight back, saving two game points before levelling the match.

The Japanese player was on her way to steal the third game as well as she won three points in a row from 8-10 down but this time, the Indian held her nerve to eventually take a 2-1 lead in the fixture.

Kihara edged out Manika in a closely-fought fourth game, forcing a decider.

From 3-3 in the fifth game, Manika dictated terms and converted her first match point to secure her maiden win over Kihara in their third meeting.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#WTT #Contender #Taiyuan #Manika #Batra #beats #Miyuu #Kihara #reached

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