Deadspin | Kawhi Leonard, James Harden carry Clippers past Hornets

Sports news January 13, 2026

Jan 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard scored 19 of his 35 points in the third quarter and James Harden added 32 points and 10 assists as the Los Angeles Clippers continued their hot streak with a 117-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday in Inglewood, Calif.

Jordan Miller put up 14 points and Ivica Zubac contributed nine points and 11 rebounds as the Clippers improved to 10-2 since opening the season with a 6-21 record. Leonard delivered his sixth game with at least 30 points over the last 12 contests.

LaMelo Ball produced 25 points and rookie Kon Knueppel added 18 for the Hornets, who were coming off a season-high 150-point game at Golden State on Saturday.

Moussa Diabate amassed 13 points and 15 rebounds and Brandon Miller also had 13 points as the Hornets took their sixth loss in nine games and fell to 1-1 on a five-game road trip. Charlotte gave up 100 points for just the second time in six games.

The Hornets led 100-99 with 7:18 remaining after a 3-pointer from Tre Mann. The Clippers charged in front on three consecutive 3-pointers, one by Miller and the last two by Harden, for a 108-100 advantage with 5:58 left.

A layup from Harden and a dunk from Kobe Sanders gave Los Angeles a 112-101 lead with 4:33 remaining. Leonard extended the decisive run to 15-1 on a jumper with 3:16 to go, giving the hosts a 114-101 lead.

Harden went 3 of 11 from 3-point range and Leonard went 5 of 9 as Los Angeles shot 36.7% (18 of 49) from long distance as a team. Harden moved into ninth place on the all-time scoring list, passing Shaquille O’Neal.

The Clippers took a 45-43 lead after a defensive-minded first half in which both teams shot worse than 40% from the floor. Los Angeles led despite hitting 32.6% over the first two quarters as Harden scored 13 points and Leonard had 11.

–Field Level Media

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Emma Stone’s Taut Look At The Golden Globes Reignites Wild Speculations

Oct 14, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Puerto Rico during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

#FIFA #World #Cup #Begins #Deadspin.com">

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Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A general view of the FIFA World Cup Trophy on display during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at American Dream. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

It has been an undeniably strange buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But in four short days, the tournament will finally begin in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. And like it or not, after swearing once again that you’re going to boycott FIFA and its questionable ways, you’re going to be eating up every second of it.
But first, you’ll need to play catch-up on what you’ve missed. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with seven frequently asked questions about the return of the world’s biggest sporting event.
Who is in the 2026 World Cup?
With 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup is the largest in the tournament’s history, up from 32 teams between 1998 and 2022. All of the usual suspects are here. Well, except for Italy. (It’s a long story.) There’s also a lot of less familiar faces and even four newcomers: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
What is the format?
Just as they have been since 1986, teams are drawn into groups of four and will play a three-match round robin. But this time, the single-elimination knockout phase that follows will double in size to 32 teams. All 12 teams that finish first or second will advance to the bracket, as well as the eight best third-place finishers.
Who is going to win this thing?
France and Spain are oddsmakers’ favorites, with England close behind. In other words, France and Spain have the two best teams, and the sportsbooks know English people will bet with their hearts instead of their minds. Brazil, Argentina and Portugal follow close behind. History suggests the value is with Brazil and Argentina; Germany, the 2014 champs, are the only European nation ever to win a World Cup hosted in the Americas.
Do the Americans have a chance?
What do you call “a chance”? They probably won’t win, but it’s not absurd to try. If you’re going to think of it like American sports, Team USA is stronger relative to the field than 1985 Villanova or 2014 UConn was during their respective March Madness title runs. But the modern NCAA Tournament has been played more than 40 times. This will only be the 12th World Cup played with more than 16 entrants, and only the 23rd total.
Who is this Lamine Yamal guy?
Spain’s 18-year-old FC Barcelona prodigy is the most hyped teenage World Cup talent since a 17-year-old Pele led Brazil to its first World Cup title in 1958. In the 2025-26 season, Yamal scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more to help Barca to its 29th La Liga title. He already has 101 career appearances in the Spanish top flight, and will already be making his second major international tournament appearance after he helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Wait, Messi and Ronaldo are still around?

Oct 14, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Puerto Rico during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only are the former La Liga rivals still competing for their national teams, but they are still producing on the international stage despite moving on to lesser club leagues like MLS and the Saudi Pro League. The 38-year-old Messi led all of South American qualifying with eight goals, while the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal’s qualifying effort with five.
Where Should I Watch?
Given FIFA’s … erm, capitalistic … ticket pricing scheme, the overwhelming majority of ordinary fans will choose to watch the games at home rather than in person. But there is some good news on that front: Of the 104 World Cup matches, 70 will be available on over-the-air Fox TV for English speakers, and 92 will be broadcast over Telemundo’s Spanish-speaking airwaves. So if you are looking for an excuse to buy a digital TV antenna, this is it.

#FIFA #World #Cup #Begins #Deadspin.com">Everything You Need To Know Before The 2026 FIFA World Cup Begins | Deadspin.com

Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A general view of the FIFA World Cup Trophy on display during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at American Dream. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

It has been an undeniably strange buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But in four short days, the tournament will finally begin in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. And like it or not, after swearing once again that you’re going to boycott FIFA and its questionable ways, you’re going to be eating up every second of it.

But first, you’ll need to play catch-up on what you’ve missed. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with seven frequently asked questions about the return of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Who is in the 2026 World Cup?

With 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup is the largest in the tournament’s history, up from 32 teams between 1998 and 2022. All of the usual suspects are here. Well, except for Italy. (It’s a long story.) There’s also a lot of less familiar faces and even four newcomers: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

What is the format?

Just as they have been since 1986, teams are drawn into groups of four and will play a three-match round robin. But this time, the single-elimination knockout phase that follows will double in size to 32 teams. All 12 teams that finish first or second will advance to the bracket, as well as the eight best third-place finishers.

Who is going to win this thing?

France and Spain are oddsmakers’ favorites, with England close behind. In other words, France and Spain have the two best teams, and the sportsbooks know English people will bet with their hearts instead of their minds. Brazil, Argentina and Portugal follow close behind. History suggests the value is with Brazil and Argentina; Germany, the 2014 champs, are the only European nation ever to win a World Cup hosted in the Americas.

Do the Americans have a chance?

What do you call “a chance”? They probably won’t win, but it’s not absurd to try. If you’re going to think of it like American sports, Team USA is stronger relative to the field than 1985 Villanova or 2014 UConn was during their respective March Madness title runs. But the modern NCAA Tournament has been played more than 40 times. This will only be the 12th World Cup played with more than 16 entrants, and only the 23rd total.

Who is this Lamine Yamal guy?

Spain’s 18-year-old FC Barcelona prodigy is the most hyped teenage World Cup talent since a 17-year-old Pele led Brazil to its first World Cup title in 1958. In the 2025-26 season, Yamal scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more to help Barca to its 29th La Liga title. He already has 101 career appearances in the Spanish top flight, and will already be making his second major international tournament appearance after he helped Spain win Euro 2024.

Wait, Messi and Ronaldo are still around?

Oct 14, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Puerto Rico during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only are the former La Liga rivals still competing for their national teams, but they are still producing on the international stage despite moving on to lesser club leagues like MLS and the Saudi Pro League. The 38-year-old Messi led all of South American qualifying with eight goals, while the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal’s qualifying effort with five.

Where Should I Watch?

Given FIFA’s … erm, capitalistic … ticket pricing scheme, the overwhelming majority of ordinary fans will choose to watch the games at home rather than in person. But there is some good news on that front: Of the 104 World Cup matches, 70 will be available on over-the-air Fox TV for English speakers, and 92 will be broadcast over Telemundo’s Spanish-speaking airwaves. So if you are looking for an excuse to buy a digital TV antenna, this is it.

#FIFA #World #Cup #Begins #Deadspin.com

North Carolina needed a hero to extend its season on Saturday.

The Tar Heels got just that from starting pitcher Jason DeCaro.

Facing elimination against Southern California, the Tar Heels stayed alive in the NCAA baseball tournament with a 4-0 win at home to even their Super Regional series at 1-1. And DeCaro was the star, as the righty went the distance for a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and one walk, while striking out eight.

DeCaro was aggressive on the bump, and that paid off in a huge way as he reached an 0-2 count on 14 of the 31 batters he faced Saturday. Speaking with ESPN after the game, the first nine-inning shutout of his collegiate career, DeCaro said that was completely by design.

“Just trying to go after them, they’re a pretty aggressive bunch. We figured we’d get ahead [in the count] a good bit,” said the UNC starting pitcher.

And despite throwing over 100 pitches — 117 to be exact — DeCaro still had his velocity in the ninth inning, as he was consistently in the mid-90s during his final inning of work.

Yet the final out came on this devastating breaking ball, for a strikeout to complete the outing:

While the Tar Heels did not need much offense on Saturday, thanks to DeCaro’s stellar game, they got what they needed thanks to home runs from Colin Hynek and Erik Paulsen. Each drilled a solo shot to spark the North Carolina offense.

Their other two runs came via sacrifice flies.

But DeCaro was the story, as the righty delivered a true gem in likely his final start in front of the North Carolina faithful, as he is a likely early pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. It was also something of a redemption arc for DeCaro, who lasted just over three innings in each of his last two starts, before stepping up when UNC needed him the most on Saturday.

“We knew we had to win two games no matter what this weekend, so just keeping that mindset,” added DeCaro after the game.

The two team will meet tomorrow with a spot in the Men’s College World Series on the line.

#Jason #DeCaro #delivers #gem #UNC #avoids #elimination #USC">

mwasimuddin125 0

North Carolina needed a hero to extend its season on Saturday.

The Tar Heels got just that from starting pitcher Jason DeCaro.

“Just trying to go after them, they’re a pretty aggressive bunch. We figured we’d get ahead [in the count] a good bit,” said the UNC starting pitcher.

And despite throwing over 100 pitches — 117 to be exact — DeCaro still had his velocity in the ninth inning, as he was consistently in the mid-90s during his final inning of work.

Yet the final out came on this devastating breaking ball, for a strikeout to complete the outing:

Their other two runs came via sacrifice flies.

“We knew we had to win two games no matter what this weekend, so just keeping that mindset,” added DeCaro after the game.

The two team will meet tomorrow with a spot in the Men’s College World Series on the line.

#Jason #DeCaro #delivers #gem #UNC #avoids #elimination #USC">Jason DeCaro delivers a gem as UNC avoids elimination against USC

North Carolina needed a hero to extend its season on Saturday.

The Tar Heels got just that from starting pitcher Jason DeCaro.

“Just trying to go after them, they’re a pretty aggressive bunch. We figured we’d get ahead [in the count] a good bit,” said the UNC starting pitcher.

And despite throwing over 100 pitches — 117 to be exact — DeCaro still had his velocity in the ninth inning, as he was consistently in the mid-90s during his final inning of work.

Yet the final out came on this devastating breaking ball, for a strikeout to complete the outing:

Their other two runs came via sacrifice flies.

“We knew we had to win two games no matter what this weekend, so just keeping that mindset,” added DeCaro after the game.

The two team will meet tomorrow with a spot in the Men’s College World Series on the line.

#Jason #DeCaro #delivers #gem #UNC #avoids #elimination #USC

Reigning world champion Marc Marquez claimed his first Sunday race win of the season after holding off young Spanish compatriot Pedro Acosta to win the Hungarian MotoGP.

Francesco Bagnaia finished a distant third, while the top two in the standings, Aprilia pair Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, crashed out at the first corner.

In a battle of generations, the 33-year-old Marquez, who also won Saturday’s sprint, and 22-year-old Acosta exchanged the lead a couple of times before the veteran pulled away in the closing laps.

Marquez beat Acosta by 1.343 seconds. It was the veteran’s 100th victory across all categories and Ducati’s 100th win in the sport.

“I’m super happy,” said Marquez, who rushed back after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder and a broken foot following a crash at the French Grand Prix in early May.

“The price was expensive, but happy to have another comeback.”

The 4.8km Balaton Park circuit, which hosted its first MotoGP last year, is narrow, twisty and not conducive to overtaking. Most riders do not like it, but Marquez feels right at home. Last year, the Spaniard swept the board, taking pole position, sprint race, fastest lap and overall victory.

An additional advantage for Marquez was that Balaton Park is one of the six circuits this season that run anticlockwise. The Spaniard has always preferred left-hand corners, and they were even more helpful this weekend because he was nursing his right shoulder.

“I don’t know if I’ll have chances like this again in the upcoming races. I wasn’t feeling great on Friday, but I made a good step forward on Saturday,” he said.

Bagnaia finished 11.632 seconds behind Marquez on a factory Ducati, a ride that Acosta, who is with KTM, is widely expected to take over next season.

At the start, bikes tumbled like bowling pins going into the first corner.

Martin, who is second in the standings, locked up coming out of the short start straight, lost control and flew into the tightly bunched pack along with his bike, hitting Bezzecchi. Fermin Aldeguer of Ducati Gresini, Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse and Fabio di Giannantonio on a VR46 Ducati also went down.

Bagnaia said he saw Martin coming out of the corner of his eye.

“When I started to brake, I just saw something arriving so fast, and it was Martin arriving at double speed,” Bagnaia said.

“Maybe he was too inside and locked the front, because the new tarmac on corner one was very slippery.”

ALSO READ: F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Verstappen retires on opening lap after car stalls at start

Di Giannantonio remounted and collected four points after finishing 12th.

Marquez had sped off from pole position and was already clear of the chaos behind him. Only Acosta, who narrowly avoided the wave of crashing bikes, was able to give chase and quickly closed in before moving past.

By halfway, the leading pair had pulled six seconds clear of Bagnaia.

Marquez overtook on lap 14 and held off Acosta’s immediate counter-attack before pulling clear and easing off on the final lap.

“We tried everything, it was a really good battle, I hope that everyone at home enjoyed it,” said Acosta, who is still chasing his first MotoGP victory. “The pace was good. Qualifying again was good. Back-to-back podiums, I’m quite happy.”

Ai Ogura of Trackhouse was fourth, while Luca Marini finished fifth for Honda.

Bezzecchi, Martin and Di Giannantonio remained in the top three places in the standings. Acosta climbed to fourth, while Marquez moved up to fifth.

Published on Jun 07, 2026

#Hungarian #MotoGP #Marc #Marquez #beats #Pedro #Acosta #Bezzecchi #Martin #crash #early">

Hungarian MotoGP: Marc Marquez beats Pedro Acosta as Bezzecchi, Martin crash out early Reigning world champion Marc Marquez claimed his first Sunday race win of the season after holding off young Spanish compatriot Pedro Acosta to win the Hungarian MotoGP.Francesco Bagnaia finished a distant third, while the top two in the standings, Aprilia pair Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, crashed out at the first corner.In a battle of generations, the 33-year-old Marquez, who also won Saturday’s sprint, and 22-year-old Acosta exchanged the lead a couple of times before the veteran pulled away in the closing laps.Marquez beat Acosta by 1.343 seconds. It was the veteran’s 100th victory across all categories and Ducati’s 100th win in the sport.“I’m super happy,” said Marquez, who rushed back after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder and a broken foot following a crash at the French Grand Prix in early May.“The price was expensive, but happy to have another comeback.”The 4.8km Balaton Park circuit, which hosted its first MotoGP last year, is narrow, twisty and not conducive to overtaking. Most riders do not like it, but Marquez feels right at home. Last year, the Spaniard swept the board, taking pole position, sprint race, fastest lap and overall victory.An additional advantage for Marquez was that Balaton Park is one of the six circuits this season that run anticlockwise. The Spaniard has always preferred left-hand corners, and they were even more helpful this weekend because he was nursing his right shoulder.“I don’t know if I’ll have chances like this again in the upcoming races. I wasn’t feeling great on Friday, but I made a good step forward on Saturday,” he said.Bagnaia finished 11.632 seconds behind Marquez on a factory Ducati, a ride that Acosta, who is with KTM, is widely expected to take over next season.At the start, bikes tumbled like bowling pins going into the first corner.Martin, who is second in the standings, locked up coming out of the short start straight, lost control and flew into the tightly bunched pack along with his bike, hitting Bezzecchi. Fermin Aldeguer of Ducati Gresini, Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse and Fabio di Giannantonio on a VR46 Ducati also went down.Bagnaia said he saw Martin coming out of the corner of his eye.“When I started to brake, I just saw something arriving so fast, and it was Martin arriving at double speed,” Bagnaia said.“Maybe he was too inside and locked the front, because the new tarmac on corner one was very slippery.”ALSO READ: F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Verstappen retires on opening lap after car stalls at startDi Giannantonio remounted and collected four points after finishing 12th.Marquez had sped off from pole position and was already clear of the chaos behind him. Only Acosta, who narrowly avoided the wave of crashing bikes, was able to give chase and quickly closed in before moving past.By halfway, the leading pair had pulled six seconds clear of Bagnaia.Marquez overtook on lap 14 and held off Acosta’s immediate counter-attack before pulling clear and easing off on the final lap.“We tried everything, it was a really good battle, I hope that everyone at home enjoyed it,” said Acosta, who is still chasing his first MotoGP victory. “The pace was good. Qualifying again was good. Back-to-back podiums, I’m quite happy.”Ai Ogura of Trackhouse was fourth, while Luca Marini finished fifth for Honda.Bezzecchi, Martin and Di Giannantonio remained in the top three places in the standings. Acosta climbed to fourth, while Marquez moved up to fifth.Published on Jun 07, 2026 #Hungarian #MotoGP #Marc #Marquez #beats #Pedro #Acosta #Bezzecchi #Martin #crash #early

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Reigning world champion Marc Marquez claimed his first Sunday race win of the season after holding off young Spanish compatriot Pedro Acosta to win the Hungarian MotoGP.
Francesco Bagnaia finished a distant third, while the top two in the standings, Aprilia pair Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, crashed out at the first corner.
In a battle of generations, the 33-year-old Marquez, who also won Saturday’s sprint, and 22-year-old Acosta exchanged the lead a couple of times before the veteran pulled away in the closing laps.
Marquez beat Acosta by 1.343 seconds. It was the veteran’s 100th victory across all categories and Ducati’s 100th win in the sport.
“I’m super happy,” said Marquez, who rushed back after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder and a broken foot following a crash at the French Grand Prix in early May.
“The price was expensive, but happy to have another comeback.”
The 4.8km Balaton Park circuit, which hosted its first MotoGP last year, is narrow, twisty and not conducive to overtaking. Most riders do not like it, but Marquez feels right at home. Last year, the Spaniard swept the board, taking pole position, sprint race, fastest lap and overall victory.
An additional advantage for Marquez was that Balaton Park is one of the six circuits this season that run anticlockwise. The Spaniard has always preferred left-hand corners, and they were even more helpful this weekend because he was nursing his right shoulder.
“I don’t know if I’ll have chances like this again in the upcoming races. I wasn’t feeling great on Friday, but I made a good step forward on Saturday,” he said.
Bagnaia finished 11.632 seconds behind Marquez on a factory Ducati, a ride that Acosta, who is with KTM, is widely expected to take over next season.
At the start, bikes tumbled like bowling pins going into the first corner.
Martin, who is second in the standings, locked up coming out of the short start straight, lost control and flew into the tightly bunched pack along with his bike, hitting Bezzecchi. Fermin Aldeguer of Ducati Gresini, Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse and Fabio di Giannantonio on a VR46 Ducati also went down.
Bagnaia said he saw Martin coming out of the corner of his eye.
“When I started to brake, I just saw something arriving so fast, and it was Martin arriving at double speed,” Bagnaia said.
“Maybe he was too inside and locked the front, because the new tarmac on corner one was very slippery.”
ALSO READ: F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Verstappen retires on opening lap after car stalls at start
Di Giannantonio remounted and collected four points after finishing 12th.
Marquez had sped off from pole position and was already clear of the chaos behind him. Only Acosta, who narrowly avoided the wave of crashing bikes, was able to give chase and quickly closed in before moving past.
By halfway, the leading pair had pulled six seconds clear of Bagnaia.
Marquez overtook on lap 14 and held off Acosta’s immediate counter-attack before pulling clear and easing off on the final lap.
“We tried everything, it was a really good battle, I hope that everyone at home enjoyed it,” said Acosta, who is still chasing his first MotoGP victory. “The pace was good. Qualifying again was good. Back-to-back podiums, I’m quite happy.”
Ai Ogura of Trackhouse was fourth, while Luca Marini finished fifth for Honda.
Bezzecchi, Martin and Di Giannantonio remained in the top three places in the standings. Acosta climbed to fourth, while Marquez moved up to fifth.
Published on Jun 07, 2026

#Hungarian #MotoGP #Marc #Marquez #beats #Pedro #Acosta #Bezzecchi #Martin #crash #early">Hungarian MotoGP: Marc Marquez beats Pedro Acosta as Bezzecchi, Martin crash out early