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Deadspin | Kawhi Leonard, Clippers hotter than the Suns

Deadspin | Kawhi Leonard, Clippers hotter than the Suns

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Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and center Mark Williams (15) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points, Ivica Zubac had 14 points and a season-high 20 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers continued their torrid run with a 117-93 victory over the host Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

John Collins scored 16 points and had nine rebounds and reserve Jordan Miller scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half for the Clippers.

Los Angeles guard James Harden missed the game for personal reasons. The Suns were without guards Devin Booker (ankle) and Jalen Green (hamstring, hip).

The Clippers are 17-4 since opening the season 6-21, the best current run in the league, and have not lost two games in a row since stopping a five-game losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 20

Grayson Allen scored 23 points, Dillon Brooks had 22 points and Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin had 12 points apiece for the Suns, who had a three-game winning streak broken.

The bigger, more physical Clippers had a 63-35 rebounding advantage and scored 64 points in the paint.

Leonard had eight rebounds and five assists. Miller made three 3-pointers.

The Clippers shot 51.8% from the field.

The Suns a season-low 33.3% from the field and made 19 of 46 3-pointers.

Allen, Brooks, Gillespie and Goodwin had four 3-pointers apiece, and Royce O’Neale made three.

The teams met for the final time in the regular season, splitting the four games.

Los Angeles asserted its inside strength early, scoring 18 points in the paint for a 24-20 lead. Zubac and Leonard had five rebounds apiece.

The Clippers bumped their lead to 35-22 with eight minutes left in the first half with a 15-2 run that began late in the first quarter. The Clippers led 49-43 at half, when Leonard had 14 points and Allen had 13.

Zubac’s layup gave the Clippers a 66-52 advantage midway through the third quarter that grew to 85-71 entering the fourth.

Miller made two 3-pointers in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter for a 94-73 edge and the Suns were never closer than 14.

–Field Level Media

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CJ McCollum scored six of his game-high 32 points in the final two-plus minutes Monday night for the visiting ​Atlanta Hawks, which stormed back from an eight-point deficit in the last ‌five minutes to stun the New York Knicks 107-106 ​in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference ⁠first-round series.

The Hawks ended on a 15-6 run to even the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.

McCollum missed two free throws with 5.6 ‌seconds left. The Knicks had a timeout left, but they pushed the ball up the court and ‌Josh Hart dished to Mikal Bridges, who missed a 12-foot ‌attempt ⁠for the win from the left wing as time ⁠expired.

Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points off the bench for the Hawks while Jalen Johnson (17 points) and Onyeka Okongwu (15 points) also got into double ​figures. Jalen Brunson scored 29 ‌points for the Knicks. Hart recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points.

Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105

Donovan Mitchell scored nine of his 30 points in the ‌fourth quarter and James Harden had 28 points, lifting ​Cleveland over visiting Toronto for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

The Cavaliers beat Toronto ⁠for the 12th straight time in the playoffs, tying the NBA record for consecutive playoff wins over a single opponent. Mitchell added ‌seven boards and five assists, while Harden also had five steals and four assists. Evan Mobley had 25 points and eight rebounds.

Scottie Barnes scored a playoff career-high 26 points for the Raptors, who never led.

Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114

Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch ‌3-pointer with 1:05 left, and visiting Minnesota rallied from a 19-point deficit ​to beat Denver in Game 2 to level their playoff series.

NBA Playoffs 2025-26: Hawks rally back to level series with Knicks, Edwards stars as Timberwolves edge Nuggets CJ McCollum scored six of his game-high 32 points in the final two-plus minutes Monday night for the visiting ​Atlanta Hawks, which stormed back from an eight-point deficit in the last ‌five minutes to stun the New York Knicks 107-106 ​in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference ⁠first-round series.The Hawks ended on a 15-6 run to even the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.McCollum missed two free throws with 5.6 ‌seconds left. The Knicks had a timeout left, but they pushed the ball up the court and ‌Josh Hart dished to Mikal Bridges, who missed a 12-foot ‌attempt ⁠for the win from the left wing as time ⁠expired.Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points off the bench for the Hawks while Jalen Johnson (17 points) and Onyeka Okongwu (15 points) also got into double ​figures. Jalen Brunson scored 29 ‌points for the Knicks. Hart recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points.Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105Donovan Mitchell scored nine of his 30 points in the ‌fourth quarter and James Harden had 28 points, lifting ​Cleveland over visiting Toronto for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.The Cavaliers beat Toronto ⁠for the 12th straight time in the playoffs, tying the NBA record for consecutive playoff wins over a single opponent. Mitchell added ‌seven boards and five assists, while Harden also had five steals and four assists. Evan Mobley had 25 points and eight rebounds.Scottie Barnes scored a playoff career-high 26 points for the Raptors, who never led.Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch ‌3-pointer with 1:05 left, and visiting Minnesota rallied from a 19-point deficit ​to beat Denver in Game 2 to level their playoff series. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets. | Photo Credit: AP Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets. | Photo Credit: AP Julius Randle had 24 points and ⁠nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to ⁠help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup. DiVincenzo finished with 16 points and Jaden McDaniels had ‌14 points.Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game, and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds ​and eight assists for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #rally #level #series #Knicks #Edwards #stars #Timberwolves #edge #Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets. | Photo Credit: AP

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets. | Photo Credit: AP

Julius Randle had 24 points and ⁠nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to ⁠help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup. DiVincenzo finished with 16 points and Jaden McDaniels had ‌14 points.

Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game, and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds ​and eight assists for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #rally #level #series #Knicks #Edwards #stars #Timberwolves #edge #Nuggets">NBA Playoffs 2025-26: Hawks rally back to level series with Knicks, Edwards stars as Timberwolves edge Nuggets CJ McCollum scored six of his game-high 32 points in the final two-plus minutes Monday night for the visiting ​Atlanta Hawks, which stormed back from an eight-point deficit in the last ‌five minutes to stun the New York Knicks 107-106 ​in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference ⁠first-round series.The Hawks ended on a 15-6 run to even the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.McCollum missed two free throws with 5.6 ‌seconds left. The Knicks had a timeout left, but they pushed the ball up the court and ‌Josh Hart dished to Mikal Bridges, who missed a 12-foot ‌attempt ⁠for the win from the left wing as time ⁠expired.Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points off the bench for the Hawks while Jalen Johnson (17 points) and Onyeka Okongwu (15 points) also got into double ​figures. Jalen Brunson scored 29 ‌points for the Knicks. Hart recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 18 points.Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105Donovan Mitchell scored nine of his 30 points in the ‌fourth quarter and James Harden had 28 points, lifting ​Cleveland over visiting Toronto for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.The Cavaliers beat Toronto ⁠for the 12th straight time in the playoffs, tying the NBA record for consecutive playoff wins over a single opponent. Mitchell added ‌seven boards and five assists, while Harden also had five steals and four assists. Evan Mobley had 25 points and eight rebounds.Scottie Barnes scored a playoff career-high 26 points for the Raptors, who never led.Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch ‌3-pointer with 1:05 left, and visiting Minnesota rallied from a 19-point deficit ​to beat Denver in Game 2 to level their playoff series. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets. | Photo Credit: AP Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s win over the Denver Nuggets. | Photo Credit: AP Julius Randle had 24 points and ⁠nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to ⁠help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup. DiVincenzo finished with 16 points and Jaden McDaniels had ‌14 points.Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game, and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds ​and eight assists for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #rally #level #series #Knicks #Edwards #stars #Timberwolves #edge #Nuggets

Deadspin | Wyatt Johnston tallies twice as Stars level series vs. Wild Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) stops a shot by Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Wyatt Johnston scored two goals as the Dallas Stars bounced back with a 4-2 win over the visiting Minnesota Wild on Monday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series. Matt Duchene finished with a goal and an assist for Dallas, which evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1. The set will shift to Saint Paul, Minn., for the next two games, starting with Game 3 on Wednesday night. Jason Robertson added a goal for the Stars, Nils Lundkvist logged two assists. Goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 29 of 31 shots for the victory. Brock Faber scored both goals for Minnesota, on assists from Quinn Hughes. Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt allowed three goals on 31 shots. Dallas opened the scoring on an unlikely goal 8:58 into the first period. Johnston fired a slap shot wide right that ricocheted off the end boards and banked in off Wallstedt. The Wild evened the score at 1-all less than three minutes later. Faber weaved through traffic and flicked a wrist shot from the slot for his first career playoff goal. The Stars grabbed a 2-1 lead on a power-play goal with 15:58 left in the second period. Mikko Rantanen slid a pass toward the front of the crease for Duchene, who punched in a one-timer to put Dallas back on top. Dallas grabbed a two-goal lead with 12:51 left in the third period. Lundkvist fired a wrist shot from the point, and Robertson deflected the puck into the net. The Wild quickly responded to pull within 3-2 with 10:13 to go. Faber took a pass from Joel Eriksson Ek and beat Oettinger on his stick side for his second goal of the game. Johnston added an empty-net goal with 49.7 seconds left to seal the victory. Minnesota forward Yakov Trenin exited the game and did not return after absorbing a crushing check from Stars forward Colin Blackwell at center ice in the first period. The Wild played the rest of the contest with 11 forwards instead of 12, which forced coach John Hynes to shuffle some of his lines. The Wild also played without forward Mats Zuccarello, who was a late scratch because of an upper-body injury. Bobby Brink made his playoff debut in Zuccarello’s place. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wyatt #Johnston #tallies #Stars #level #series #WildApr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) stops a shot by Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Wyatt Johnston scored two goals as the Dallas Stars bounced back with a 4-2 win over the visiting Minnesota Wild on Monday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Matt Duchene finished with a goal and an assist for Dallas, which evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1. The set will shift to Saint Paul, Minn., for the next two games, starting with Game 3 on Wednesday night.

Jason Robertson added a goal for the Stars, Nils Lundkvist logged two assists. Goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 29 of 31 shots for the victory.

Brock Faber scored both goals for Minnesota, on assists from Quinn Hughes. Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt allowed three goals on 31 shots.

Dallas opened the scoring on an unlikely goal 8:58 into the first period. Johnston fired a slap shot wide right that ricocheted off the end boards and banked in off Wallstedt.

The Wild evened the score at 1-all less than three minutes later. Faber weaved through traffic and flicked a wrist shot from the slot for his first career playoff goal.


The Stars grabbed a 2-1 lead on a power-play goal with 15:58 left in the second period. Mikko Rantanen slid a pass toward the front of the crease for Duchene, who punched in a one-timer to put Dallas back on top.

Dallas grabbed a two-goal lead with 12:51 left in the third period. Lundkvist fired a wrist shot from the point, and Robertson deflected the puck into the net.

The Wild quickly responded to pull within 3-2 with 10:13 to go. Faber took a pass from Joel Eriksson Ek and beat Oettinger on his stick side for his second goal of the game.

Johnston added an empty-net goal with 49.7 seconds left to seal the victory.

Minnesota forward Yakov Trenin exited the game and did not return after absorbing a crushing check from Stars forward Colin Blackwell at center ice in the first period. The Wild played the rest of the contest with 11 forwards instead of 12, which forced coach John Hynes to shuffle some of his lines.

The Wild also played without forward Mats Zuccarello, who was a late scratch because of an upper-body injury. Bobby Brink made his playoff debut in Zuccarello’s place.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wyatt #Johnston #tallies #Stars #level #series #Wild">Deadspin | Wyatt Johnston tallies twice as Stars level series vs. Wild Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) stops a shot by Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Wyatt Johnston scored two goals as the Dallas Stars bounced back with a 4-2 win over the visiting Minnesota Wild on Monday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series. Matt Duchene finished with a goal and an assist for Dallas, which evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1. The set will shift to Saint Paul, Minn., for the next two games, starting with Game 3 on Wednesday night. Jason Robertson added a goal for the Stars, Nils Lundkvist logged two assists. Goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 29 of 31 shots for the victory. Brock Faber scored both goals for Minnesota, on assists from Quinn Hughes. Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt allowed three goals on 31 shots. Dallas opened the scoring on an unlikely goal 8:58 into the first period. Johnston fired a slap shot wide right that ricocheted off the end boards and banked in off Wallstedt. The Wild evened the score at 1-all less than three minutes later. Faber weaved through traffic and flicked a wrist shot from the slot for his first career playoff goal. The Stars grabbed a 2-1 lead on a power-play goal with 15:58 left in the second period. Mikko Rantanen slid a pass toward the front of the crease for Duchene, who punched in a one-timer to put Dallas back on top. Dallas grabbed a two-goal lead with 12:51 left in the third period. Lundkvist fired a wrist shot from the point, and Robertson deflected the puck into the net. The Wild quickly responded to pull within 3-2 with 10:13 to go. Faber took a pass from Joel Eriksson Ek and beat Oettinger on his stick side for his second goal of the game. Johnston added an empty-net goal with 49.7 seconds left to seal the victory. Minnesota forward Yakov Trenin exited the game and did not return after absorbing a crushing check from Stars forward Colin Blackwell at center ice in the first period. The Wild played the rest of the contest with 11 forwards instead of 12, which forced coach John Hynes to shuffle some of his lines. The Wild also played without forward Mats Zuccarello, who was a late scratch because of an upper-body injury. Bobby Brink made his playoff debut in Zuccarello’s place. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wyatt #Johnston #tallies #Stars #level #series #Wild

Former Tottenham star Edgar Davids on Tuesday told AFP that the fallen London giant will find it hard to avoid relegation and condemned “a lack of quality and a lack of management”.

Tottenham is on its third manager of a disastrous season and sits in the Premier League relegation zone, two points adrift of safety with five matches left.

Former Netherlands international midfielder Davids said the appointment of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi three weeks ago was a good move, but fears for Spurs’ Premier League future.

Asked by AFP how Tottenham had ended up in such a predicament, Davids said, “It’s very obvious, if you pay peanuts, you get… It’s a lack of quality and a lack of management. Everything.”

Davids, who played for Spurs in 2005-2006 after starring for Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan, said Spurs should have strengthened an injury-hit squad in the winter transfer window.

“I hope they stay up, I think it’s a very good thing they got in De Zerbi,” said the 53-year-old, speaking at the announcement of the “Hong Kong Football Festival” featuring Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus in August.

“But it’s hard. They should have done big things in the winter period to get some players in. It was obvious.”

Tottenham, which has not won in the league since late December, travels to already-relegated Wolves on Saturday.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#ExSpurs #star #Davids #condemns #lack #quality #lack #management #Tottenham">Ex-Spurs star Davids condemns ‘lack of quality, lack of management’ at Tottenham Former Tottenham star Edgar Davids on Tuesday told AFP that the fallen London giant will find it hard to avoid relegation and condemned “a lack of quality and a lack of management”.Tottenham is on its third manager of a disastrous season and sits in the Premier League relegation zone, two points adrift of safety with five matches left.Former Netherlands international midfielder Davids said the appointment of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi three weeks ago was a good move, but fears for Spurs’ Premier League future.Asked by AFP how Tottenham had ended up in such a predicament, Davids said, “It’s very obvious, if you pay peanuts, you get… It’s a lack of quality and a lack of management. Everything.”Davids, who played for Spurs in 2005-2006 after starring for Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan, said Spurs should have strengthened an injury-hit squad in the winter transfer window.“I hope they stay up, I think it’s a very good thing they got in De Zerbi,” said the 53-year-old, speaking at the announcement of the “Hong Kong Football Festival” featuring Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus in August.“But it’s hard. They should have done big things in the winter period to get some players in. It was obvious.”Tottenham, which has not won in the league since late December, travels to already-relegated Wolves on Saturday.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #ExSpurs #star #Davids #condemns #lack #quality #lack #management #Tottenham

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