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Deadspin | LeBron James reaches 12K assists as Lakers crush Suns Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing 101-73 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles (52-29) will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series. The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets (53-28) with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge. Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns (44-37), who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game. The Suns’ Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return. He had eight points in 13 minutes. Assist No. 12,000 came less than five minutes into the game when James collected a rebound on the defensive end and threw a long chest pass to the other end. Deandre Ayton caught the ball over the smaller Collin Gillespie and put it in the hoop. That was James’ second assist of the contest. At the game’s end, James’ total sat at 12,010. Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton is the all-time leader with 15,806 career assists. Recently retired Chris Paul (12,552) is second and Jason Kidd (12,091) stands third. Rui Hachimura added 13 points and Ayton scored 10 for the Lakers, who shot 50.7% from the field and were 8 of 20 (40%) from 3-point range. James had 14 points and five assists in the first quarter. Los Angeles led 30-14 late in the period before the Suns went on a 22-5 burst and took a 36-35 lead in the second quarter on a 3-pointer by O’Neale. The Lakers recovered to lead 57-48 at halftime. James had 22 points and Kennard added 17 in the half. Late in the third quarter, James scored on a layup to push the lead to 17. Then he stole the ball and cruised uncontested for a ferocious dunk that made it 79-60 with 1:12 left in the period. Los Angeles held an 81-64 edge entering the fourth quarter and led by as many as 29 as Phoenix managed just nine final-quarter points on 4-of-21 shooting (19%). The Suns committed 24 turnovers and shot just 33.8%, including a shaky 7 of 40 (17.5%) from behind the arc. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LeBron #James #reaches #12K #assists #Lakers #crush #Suns

Deadspin | LeBron James reaches 12K assists as Lakers crush Suns
Deadspin | LeBron James reaches 12K assists as Lakers crush Suns Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing 101-73 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles (52-29) will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series. The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets (53-28) with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge. Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns (44-37), who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game. The Suns’ Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return. He had eight points in 13 minutes. Assist No. 12,000 came less than five minutes into the game when James collected a rebound on the defensive end and threw a long chest pass to the other end. Deandre Ayton caught the ball over the smaller Collin Gillespie and put it in the hoop. That was James’ second assist of the contest. At the game’s end, James’ total sat at 12,010. Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton is the all-time leader with 15,806 career assists. Recently retired Chris Paul (12,552) is second and Jason Kidd (12,091) stands third. Rui Hachimura added 13 points and Ayton scored 10 for the Lakers, who shot 50.7% from the field and were 8 of 20 (40%) from 3-point range. James had 14 points and five assists in the first quarter. Los Angeles led 30-14 late in the period before the Suns went on a 22-5 burst and took a 36-35 lead in the second quarter on a 3-pointer by O’Neale. The Lakers recovered to lead 57-48 at halftime. James had 22 points and Kennard added 17 in the half. Late in the third quarter, James scored on a layup to push the lead to 17. Then he stole the ball and cruised uncontested for a ferocious dunk that made it 79-60 with 1:12 left in the period. Los Angeles held an 81-64 edge entering the fourth quarter and led by as many as 29 as Phoenix managed just nine final-quarter points on 4-of-21 shooting (19%). The Suns committed 24 turnovers and shot just 33.8%, including a shaky 7 of 40 (17.5%) from behind the arc. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LeBron #James #reaches #12K #assists #Lakers #crush #SunsApr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing 101-73 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles (52-29) will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series.

The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets (53-28) with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge.

Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns (44-37), who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game.

The Suns’ Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return. He had eight points in 13 minutes.

Assist No. 12,000 came less than five minutes into the game when James collected a rebound on the defensive end and threw a long chest pass to the other end. Deandre Ayton caught the ball over the smaller Collin Gillespie and put it in the hoop.

That was James’ second assist of the contest. At the game’s end, James’ total sat at 12,010.


Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton is the all-time leader with 15,806 career assists. Recently retired Chris Paul (12,552) is second and Jason Kidd (12,091) stands third.

Rui Hachimura added 13 points and Ayton scored 10 for the Lakers, who shot 50.7% from the field and were 8 of 20 (40%) from 3-point range.

James had 14 points and five assists in the first quarter. Los Angeles led 30-14 late in the period before the Suns went on a 22-5 burst and took a 36-35 lead in the second quarter on a 3-pointer by O’Neale.

The Lakers recovered to lead 57-48 at halftime. James had 22 points and Kennard added 17 in the half.

Late in the third quarter, James scored on a layup to push the lead to 17. Then he stole the ball and cruised uncontested for a ferocious dunk that made it 79-60 with 1:12 left in the period.

Los Angeles held an 81-64 edge entering the fourth quarter and led by as many as 29 as Phoenix managed just nine final-quarter points on 4-of-21 shooting (19%).

The Suns committed 24 turnovers and shot just 33.8%, including a shaky 7 of 40 (17.5%) from behind the arc.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #LeBron #James #reaches #12K #assists #Lakers #crush #Suns

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Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing 101-73 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that assured Los Angeles (52-29) will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series.

The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets (53-28) with one game to play, and Los Angeles owns the tiebreaker edge.

Dillon Brooks scored 12 points and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns (44-37), who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). Phoenix scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game.

The Suns’ Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return. He had eight points in 13 minutes.

Assist No. 12,000 came less than five minutes into the game when James collected a rebound on the defensive end and threw a long chest pass to the other end. Deandre Ayton caught the ball over the smaller Collin Gillespie and put it in the hoop.

That was James’ second assist of the contest. At the game’s end, James’ total sat at 12,010.

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton is the all-time leader with 15,806 career assists. Recently retired Chris Paul (12,552) is second and Jason Kidd (12,091) stands third.

Rui Hachimura added 13 points and Ayton scored 10 for the Lakers, who shot 50.7% from the field and were 8 of 20 (40%) from 3-point range.

James had 14 points and five assists in the first quarter. Los Angeles led 30-14 late in the period before the Suns went on a 22-5 burst and took a 36-35 lead in the second quarter on a 3-pointer by O’Neale.

The Lakers recovered to lead 57-48 at halftime. James had 22 points and Kennard added 17 in the half.

Late in the third quarter, James scored on a layup to push the lead to 17. Then he stole the ball and cruised uncontested for a ferocious dunk that made it 79-60 with 1:12 left in the period.

Los Angeles held an 81-64 edge entering the fourth quarter and led by as many as 29 as Phoenix managed just nine final-quarter points on 4-of-21 shooting (19%).

The Suns committed 24 turnovers and shot just 33.8%, including a shaky 7 of 40 (17.5%) from behind the arc.

–Field Level Media

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NBA roundup: LeBron shines in Lakers’ win; Wembanyama helps Spurs beat Mavericks <div id="content-body-70850530" itemprop="articleBody"><p>LeBron James ‌scored 28 points and dished 12 assists to become the fourth player in NBA history to top 12,000 in a career, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing victory (101-73) over visiting Phoenix Suns.</p><p>Luke Kennard added 19 points in the victory that ​assured the Lakers will finish no lower than fourth place in the Western Conference and have homecourt advantage in a first-round playoff series. The Lakers remain one game behind the third-place Denver Nuggets with one game to play, and own the tiebreaker edge.</p><p>Dillon ⁠Brooks scored 12 points, and reserve Royce O’Neale added 11 for the Suns, who were without star Devin Booker (ankle). The Suns scored just 25 second-half points in a contest that meant nothing after it previously locked up the No. 7 spot in the West and a home play-in game. Grayson Allen exited in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury and didn’t return.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Spurs 139, Mavericks 120</h4><p>Victor Wembanyama showed that he is playoff-ready after an injury by amassing 40 points and 13 rebounds as host San Antonio Spurs pummelled Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>Wembanyama, back after missing a game and a ⁠half with a left rib contusion, reached the 65-game requirement for league postseason awards. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and 10 assists for the Spurs, who have won 14 of their past 15 games.</p><p>Cooper Flagg put up 33 points, and Max Christie had 16 for the Mavericks, who have lost three in a row.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Hawks 124, Cavaliers 102</h4><p>CJ McCollum scored 25 of his game-high 29 points in the first half, and Dyson Daniels collected 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Atlanta Hawks clinched a playoff spot with a 124-102 rout of the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.</p><p>Jalen Johnson had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 for the Hawks (46-35), who will finish either fifth or sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Southeast Division champions have missed the playoffs in the last two seasons.</p><p>Daniels posted his second career triple-double, and McCollum drained six-of-eight three-point attempts. The Hawks built a 92-59 lead in ​the third quarter, when Alexander-Walker and Johnson each had 11 points to deliver the knockout blow.</p><p>James Harden scored 20 points and dished out five assists, and Tyrese Proctor had 15 points in the final quarter for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers (51-30). They will have home-court advantage in the first round against either the Hawks or the Toronto Raptors.</p><h4 class="sub_head">76ers 105, Pacers 94</h4><p>Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, and Andre Drummond posted a double-double off the bench, as Philadelphia 76ers assured itself of finishing no worse than eighth in the Eastern Conference after beating Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.</p><p>With Joel Embiid out due to appendicitis, Drummond produced 10 points and 16 rebounds. The 76ers ended a three-game ‌skid and stayed alive in the chase for the East’s sixth and final automatic playoff berth.</p><p>Jarace Walker’s 17 points led the Pacers, who have lost four of the past five. Micah Potter finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Pistons 118, Hornets 100</h4><p>Jalen Duren scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field, as Detroit Pistons rode a strong stretch early in the fourth quarter to a win over host Charlotte Hornets.</p><p>Duncan Robinson racked up 19 points, Cade Cunningham had 14 points, Ronald Holland II posted 13 points and Ausar Thompson added 12 ‌points for the Pistons, who have won five of their past six games.</p><p>Detroit had already locked up first place in the Eastern Conference. The outcome means the Hornets will be in the East’s play-in tournament.</p><p>The loss eliminated any chance that they could advance directly to the playoff bracket. ‌LaMelo ⁠Ball’s 27 points, including six three-point baskets, led the Hornets, while Brandon Miller had 22 points. Coby White, after missing the team’s Tuesday game night because of groin soreness, scored 11 points off the bench.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Bucks 125, Nets 108</h4><p>AJ Green scored a career-high 35 points ⁠to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Brooklyn Nets in Milwaukee Bucks’ final home game of the season.</p><p>The Bucks snapped a two-game skid as Green also became just the third Buck ever to make 10 or more three-pointers in a game (11-for-16). Cormac Ryan added 28 while Taurean Prince scored 18 with 10 rebounds. Jericho Sims posted a double- double off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds.</p><p>Tyson Etienne led the Nets with 23 points. Malachi Smith nearly contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. The Nets only played seven players and each contributed double figures. Reserve Nolan Traore scored 14 points in just over 16 minutes of action.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Nuggets 127, Thunder 107</h4><p>Jonas Valanciunas amassed 23 points and 17 rebounds, both season highs, and Julian Strawther added ​22 points as host Denver Nuggets beat Oklahoma City Thunder in a matchup of benches.</p><p>The Nuggets clinched at least the fourth seed in the Western ‌Conference with their 11th straight win. They can still capture the No. 3 seed with a win on Sunday in San Antonio or with the Lakers’ loss. They rested its entire starting five and Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson, both of whom have been sidelined with hamstring strains.</p><p>The Thunder have secured the top overall seed. The only starter dressed for either team was Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, who was required to play at least 20 minutes in each of the final two games to qualify for postseason awards, according to coach Mark Daigneault.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Jazz 147, Grizzlies 101</h4><p>Rookie Blake Hinson scored a career-high 30 points, and two reserves logged triple-doubles, helping Utah Jazz snap a 10-game losing streak with a demolition of Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City.</p><p>Rookie Bez Mbeng logged 27 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds and three steals for his first triple-double. John Konchar registered a ‌triple-double for a second straight game, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. Kennedy Chandler added 26 points and 10 assists to help the Jazz get into the win column for only the second time in 16 games.</p><p>Dariq Whitehead led the Grizzlies with ​a career-best 21 points.</p><p>Rookie Toby Okani had a career-high 20 points, and Adama Bal added 18 for the Grizzlies, who used just six players while losing their seventh straight game.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Kings 124, Warriors 118</h4><p>Devin Carter set career highs with six three-pointers, 29 points and nine rebounds as Sacramento Kings beat visiting Golden State Warriors.</p><p>Carter shot 11-for-18 from the floor and 6-for-11 from three-point range for the Kings, which avenged a 110-105 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday in San Francisco. Maxime Raynaud scored 23 points, Nique ⁠Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden scored 20 apiece, and Malik Monk added 11.</p><p>Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with a career-high 30 points, and De’Anthony Melton added 17. They lost for the sixth time in their past seven games, and will compete in the play-in tournament as the No. 10 seed in the West.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Heat 140, Wizards 117</h4><p>Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scored 24 points each as Miami Heat snapped a two-game losing streak, crushing host Washington Wizards.</p><p>Bam Adebayo added 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Heat, who are locked into a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Adebayo scored a franchise-record 83 points against the Wizards on March ‌10. The Heat completed a 4-0 season sweep of the Wizards.</p><p>The Heat, however, have just four wins over the past 14 games. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 23 points for them, and Kasparas Jakucionis had 16.</p><p>Bub Carrington led the scoring with 30 points, Bilal Coulibaly added 25 points and five assists, while Will Riley scored 16 points for the Wizards, who have the NBA’s worst record as they fell for the 25th time in 26 games.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Knicks 112, Raptors 95</h4><p>Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his game-high 29 points in the third quarter as New York Knicks clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory over visiting Toronto Raptors.</p><p>Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 10 rebounds while Mikal Bridges logged 13 points for the Knicks, who have seven straight home games and five games in a row overall. They have a 30-9 home mark this season.</p><p>Sandro Mamukelashvili produced 17 points and eight rebounds to lead the Raptors, who fell into a tie with the Orlando Magic for the sixth and final automatic playoff spot in the East. The Raptors hold the tiebreaker edge. Brandon Ingram had 16 points and six assists for the Raptors. Ja’Kobe Walter went 4 of 7 from beyond the arc en route to 15 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Trail Blazers 116, Clippers 97</h4><p>Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as Portland Trail Blazers powered past visiting Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>The teams are now tied with 41-40 records and one game to go, but the Trail Blazers own the tiebreaker, which would leave them eighth in the ‌Western Conference. Donovan Clingan added 18 points and 13 rebounds for the hosts.</p><p>Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez knocked down five three-pointers on the way to 21 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Magic 127, Bulls 103</h4><p>Franz Wagner scored 25 points, and Jamal Cain added 20 as visiting Orlando Magic stretched its winning streak to five games with a victory against ​Chicago Bulls.</p><p>The Magic remained alive for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference—which would allow them to avoid the play-in tournament—with one game remaining in the regular season. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Magic. Paolo Banchero scored 14 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists.</p><p>The Bulls suffered their eighth loss in 10 games despite 23 points from Tre Jones. They have now lost 50 games for the first time since 2018-19. Matas Buzelis had ⁠14 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls before leaving in the third quarter with a sprained right ankle.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Celtics 144, Pelicans 118</h4><p>Boston Celtics tied an NBA record by making 29 three-point field goals and secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs by beating visiting New Orleans Pelicans.</p><p>The Celtics took 59 three-point shots but didn’t put up a shot ‌on their final possession. The record for made three-pointers in a game is also shared by the 2020 Milwaukee Bucks, the 2024 Celtics and the 2026 Grizzlies.</p><p>The Celtics received 24 points from Sam Hauser, who was 8 of 12 from three-point territory. Jaylen Brown scored 23, and Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists. Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 36.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Timberwolves 136, Rockets 132</h4><p>Donte DiVincenzo scored 11 of his 18 points to spark a fourth-quarter rally, and Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in 23 points off the bench as short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves snapped host Houston Rockets’ eight-game winning streak.</p><p>Anthony ​Edwards scored 22 points in his return after missing 10 of the previous 12 games. The Timberwolves, playing without starters Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert and sixth man Naz Reid, shot 57.3 per cent from the floor, including 15 of 30 from behind the arc.</p><p>Amen Thompson scored a career-high 41 points to pace the Rockets and added nine rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Durant posted 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Alperen Sengun totalled 22 points and eight assists.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 11, 2026</p></div> #NBA #roundup #LeBron #shines #Lakers #win #Wembanyama #helps #Spurs #beat #Mavericks

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Deadspin | Marlins attempt to recapture June success in series finale vs. Rockies Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again. Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver. Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday. “He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.” The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012. Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead. “Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.” McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine. McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning. “I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.” Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two. Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24. “He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.” Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits. Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts. Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday. Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games. Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #RockiesJun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again.

Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver.

Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.

“He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.”

The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012.

Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead.

“Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.”

McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine.

McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning.


“I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.”

Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two.

Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24.

“He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.”

Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits.

Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts.

Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday.

Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games.

Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies">Deadspin | Marlins attempt to recapture June success in series finale vs. Rockies Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch to Minnesota Twins third baseman Brooks Lee (22) in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Mickey Moniak is beginning to perform like a No. 1 overall draft pick again. Moniak will try to keep his latest hot streak going for the Colorado Rockies when they oppose the Miami Marlins in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon in Denver. Moniak came within a single of hitting for the cycle in the Rockies’ 6-3 win against the Marlins on Wednesday. The first pick in the 2016 draft also homered in Colorado’s 14-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday. “He was a first overall (pick) for a reason, so it’s never been a thing of talent,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Moniak following the Wednesday game. “Guys take a circuitous route to find a place that they settle into in a part of their career. It seems like he’s found a place here in Denver that he’s comfortable in, and certainly swings the bat very well in this ballpark, and he was a big factor for them (Wednesday) evening.” The Marlins fell on the first day of July after finishing June with a 20-6 record, the best mark in the majors and the best month in their history (.769). It was only the second time in franchise annals that Miami won at least 20 games in a month, following a 21-8 ledger in May 2012. Miami starter Max Meyer came into the Wednesday game with a shiny 9-0 record, but with one out in the first, Moniak hit the second pitch he saw from Meyer over the fence for a 1-0 lead. “Staying on a fastball, drove it out to left-center,” Moniak said. “When I’m doing that, things are usually feeling pretty good.” McCullough would like to see a better approach at the plate from his hitters in the series finale. Miami struck out 11 times on Wednesday, with Esteury Ruiz (four), Kyle Stowers (three) and Owen Caissie (two) accounting for nine. McCullough did witness something he’d never seen before: a pinch-hit inside-the-park homer. Joe Mack circled the bases after his long fly ball took an odd bounce off the center field wall in the seventh inning. “I didn’t have Joe Mack doing that on my bingo card,” McCullough said. “This ballpark’s crazy.” Colorado plans to send veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound in hopes of splitting the series after dropping the first two. Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) showed signs of rebounding from a difficult stretch in which he went 10 straight starts without a victory and lost seven times. He ended the skid on Saturday when he allowed two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings during an 8-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was his first win since April 24. “He pounded the zone. He got ahead. He didn’t try to do too much,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He was efficient with his pitches. He threw his sinker a ton and got some quick outs. Didn’t hunt the punchout, which was great. I thought Mike was very, very good.” Lorenzen faced the Marlins in the second game of the season and went 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Miami. He allowed three runs and seven hits. Lorenzen has had decent success against the Marlins in his career overall, going 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances, including seven starts. Following the Wednesday game, McCullough named Ryan Gusto as his starting pitcher for Thursday. Gusto (0-2, 5.06 ERA) tossed 3 1/3 shutout innings in his latest outing, on Saturday in a no-decision against the host St. Louis Cardinals. That came after a similar performance on June 21, when the right-hander limited the San Francisco Giants to one run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Miami won both games. Gusto has never faced the Rockies in his two-year major league career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #attempt #recapture #June #success #series #finale #Rockies

The United States is moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Folarin Balogun’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be enough, as the United States knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night.

So, what is up next for the United States at the World Cup?

A match against Belgium, one of the top ten teams in the world prior to the start of the tournament. Belgium booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win against Senegal, and now await the United States in the Round of 16.

Here’s what you need to know about Belgium ahead of Monday’s matchup.

Belgium’s run to the Round of 16

Belgium accomplished something we have not seen since, well, the United States during the 2010 World Cup.

Winning the group despite not winning either of their first two matches.

After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt followed by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone goal an own goal from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, booking a match in the Round of 32 against Senegal.

In that match against New Zealand a pair of goals from Leandro Trossard, the first in the 28th minute and the second in the 50th minute, were enough for Belgium to move on. But Rudi Garcia’s side added three more for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outside the box, was in particular a stunning moment.

Then came the match against Senegal in the Round of 32, which almost mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The first 85 minutes or so were all Senegal, as the African side built a 2-0 lead and looked to be moving on to the Round of 16 themselves.

Everything then changed in the closing minutes of ordinary time.

First it was Lukaku, who came on as a substitute and pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute:

Then just minutes later Youri Tielemans somehow got to this ball into the box, and his header pulled Belgium level:

The match advanced to extra time, and in the second 15 minutes, it was again Tielemans calling for the ball in the box, only this time he was chopped down to the turf.

After a video review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all but sent Belgium through to the Round of 16:

Moments later that was official, as the final whistle blew.

The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium against Senegal, and his moment of brilliance against New Zealand illustrates what the former Manchester City player is capable of:

That goal, coming days ahead of his 35th birthday, was his 38th international goal for Belgium. He was also a critical piece for Belgium during the team’s run to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, as he finished the tournament with a goal and a pair of assists.

The imposing striker, used as more of a super sub at this point in his career, can still impact a match. Coming off the bench against Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his side equalized mere seconds after he came onto the pitch, with his presence in front impacting the flow of play.

And it was his goal against Senegal late in the match that pulled Belgium back into the contest:

Lukaku appeared in just five matches for Napoli this past year, scoring once, but seems to be nearing full fitness at this point in the World Cup. And that comes at a dangerous time for the United States defenders.

The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six goals and added six assists during the EPL season. His brace against New Zealand was a big reason Belgium won the group, and this goal highlights his skill and quality:

Not only do you see the lovely touch and turn, but the reaction skills to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and finish are top notch.

The Real Madrid keeper remains one of the best to ever do it.

While Thibaut Courtois may retire from the international stage following this World Cup, he remains a hulking presence in goal, his 6’7 frame sending shivers down the spine of many a striker. Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets over seven matches, and conceding just six times.

While he has battled injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded just twice ahead of the Round of 16.

He also set a new national record in the match against New Zealand, as it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.

The Manchester City forward has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit, and was subbed off the pitch in the second half against Senegal. Doku also missed the match against Iraq due to a respiratory infection, and did briefly return home to be with his wife Shireen as the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Praise.

While he has yet to open his account in the 2026 World Cup, he remains a threat that the USMNT will have to monitor when he is on the pitch.

#United #States #play #World #Cup">Who does the United States play in the World Cup Round of 16? The United States is moving on to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Folarin Balogun’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be enough, as the United States knocked off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday night.So, what is up next for the United States at the World Cup?A match against Belgium, one of the top ten teams in the world prior to the start of the tournament. Belgium booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic, comeback win against Senegal, and now await the United States in the Round of 16.Here’s what you need to know about Belgium ahead of Monday’s matchup.Belgium’s run to the Round of 16Belgium accomplished something we have not seen since, well, the United States during the 2010 World Cup.Winning the group despite not winning either of their first two matches.After a pair of punchless performances in group play – a 1-1 draw with Egypt followed by a 0-0 draw with Iran, with the lone goal an own goal from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany – Belgium clinched the top spot in Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, booking a match in the Round of 32 against Senegal.In that match against New Zealand a pair of goals from Leandro Trossard, the first in the 28th minute and the second in the 50th minute, were enough for Belgium to move on. But Rudi Garcia’s side added three more for good measure, as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. De Bruyne’s strike, coming outside the box, was in particular a stunning moment.Then came the match against Senegal in the Round of 32, which almost mirrored Belgium’s run to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The first 85 minutes or so were all Senegal, as the African side built a 2-0 lead and looked to be moving on to the Round of 16 themselves.Everything then changed in the closing minutes of ordinary time.First it was Lukaku, who came on as a substitute and pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute:Then just minutes later Youri Tielemans somehow got to this ball into the box, and his header pulled Belgium level:The match advanced to extra time, and in the second 15 minutes, it was again Tielemans calling for the ball in the box, only this time he was chopped down to the turf.After a video review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped to the spot, buried his shot, and all but sent Belgium through to the Round of 16:Moments later that was official, as the final whistle blew.The Napoli midfielder earned his 123rd cap for Belgium against Senegal, and his moment of brilliance against New Zealand illustrates what the former Manchester City player is capable of:That goal, coming days ahead of his 35th birthday, was his 38th international goal for Belgium. He was also a critical piece for Belgium during the team’s run to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, as he finished the tournament with a goal and a pair of assists.The imposing striker, used as more of a super sub at this point in his career, can still impact a match. Coming off the bench against Egypt in Belgium’s opening match of group play, his side equalized mere seconds after he came onto the pitch, with his presence in front impacting the flow of play.And it was his goal against Senegal late in the match that pulled Belgium back into the contest:Lukaku appeared in just five matches for Napoli this past year, scoring once, but seems to be nearing full fitness at this point in the World Cup. And that comes at a dangerous time for the United States defenders.The midfielder was a key part of Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, as he scored six goals and added six assists during the EPL season. His brace against New Zealand was a big reason Belgium won the group, and this goal highlights his skill and quality:Not only do you see the lovely touch and turn, but the reaction skills to play the ball to his foot off the deflection and finish are top notch.The Real Madrid keeper remains one of the best to ever do it.While Thibaut Courtois may retire from the international stage following this World Cup, he remains a hulking presence in goal, his 6’7 frame sending shivers down the spine of many a striker. Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup, recording 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets over seven matches, and conceding just six times.While he has battled injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, he has conceded just twice ahead of the Round of 16.He also set a new national record in the match against New Zealand, as it was his 18th World Cup tie for Belgium.The Manchester City forward has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, with a pair of assists to his credit, and was subbed off the pitch in the second half against Senegal. Doku also missed the match against Iraq due to a respiratory infection, and did briefly return home to be with his wife Shireen as the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Praise.While he has yet to open his account in the 2026 World Cup, he remains a threat that the USMNT will have to monitor when he is on the pitch. #United #States #play #World #Cup

For 90 minutes in Philadelphia, Haitians were home again.

Outside Lincoln Financial Field, vendors sold griot and patties from food trucks while Creole floated through the humid afternoon air. Families arrived wrapped in blue and red flags. Children who had never lived in Haiti knew every word of ‘La Dessalinienne’, the national anthem.

The team eventually lost to Brazil, but the result almost felt beside the point.

For a country that has endured political violence, earthquakes and humanitarian crises, simply returning to the World Cup had become a celebration of survival. Many of those in the stands had travelled not from Port-au-Prince but from Brooklyn, Miami, Boston and Montreal. They carried two homes with them: one they had left behind and one they had built in the United States of America.

The expanded 48-team World Cup has not just introduced new footballing nations, but also reunited immigrant communities scattered across North America. Every match has become a family reunion of sorts, with flags stored away for years reappearing.

Dallas, home to one of the largest and most active West African populations in the United States, welcomed the Ivory Coast team with the Abidjan Farot Welcome Party on the eve of its round-of-32 clash. “My son has never been to Abidjan or anywhere in Ivory Coast. So, I brought him here so that he could feel to be part of the nation. We are incredibly proud of our team who has connected us in this World Cup,” said N’Guessan, who had travelled from Atlanta with his four-year-old son and was frantically waving a ‘Welcome to Dallas’ sign as the likes of Amad Diallo and Yan Diamonde happily posed for selfies and signed autographs.

Tanya Marie surprised her mother, Chilemb Munung, with World Cup tickets to watch the Democratic Republic of Congo play Portugal at Houston Stadium. “To go to that and represent my country to be seen. It was just… I can’t even express to myself what I was feeling there, but it was like oh my God,” Chilemb said after the match.

For 90 minutes, football dissolved the distance between where these communities came from and where they live now.

But some supporters never reached the stadiums.

Many fans were denied visas, while teams and officials from countries such as Iran and Iraq faced entry complications. Iran spent much of the tournament preparing across the border in Tijuana before hopping over on matchdays because of complications in entering and staying in the United States. Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was sent home from Miami Airport even before the World Cup began, while Iraq player Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move ahead with ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, opening the door to the loss of legal protection for thousands of people. The programme, introduced by Congress in 1990, has allowed people from countries facing war, political instability or natural disasters to remain in the United States.

For many Haitian supporters, the timing could hardly have been worse.

Days after their country had stood shoulder to shoulder with Brazil, families who had lived in the United States for many years were confronted with fresh uncertainty.

“The injustice of the justice system impacts over 375,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who have been living in the United States for the past 3, 5, 10, 15 years. They are the people who came here in search of safety and protection due to extreme conditions that have plagued Haiti for a very long time since after the earthquake that happened in 2010, killing over 250,000 people and leaving the country in complete chaos,” said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.

While the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 30 order blocking President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship for children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily offered reassurance to U.S.-born children, it did nothing to ease the uncertainty facing Haitian parents confronting the possible loss of Temporary Protected Status.

This World Cup has given the diaspora a rare public stage to celebrate where it comes from. Now, many within those same communities are being forced to defend their place in the country where they have built new lives.

Published on Jul 02, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Flags #families #fragile #belonging">FIFA World Cup 2026: Flags, families and fragile belonging For 90 minutes in Philadelphia, Haitians were home again.Outside Lincoln Financial Field, vendors sold griot and patties from food trucks while Creole floated through the humid afternoon air. Families arrived wrapped in blue and red flags. Children who had never lived in Haiti knew every word of ‘La Dessalinienne’, the national anthem.The team eventually lost to Brazil, but the result almost felt beside the point.For a country that has endured political violence, earthquakes and humanitarian crises, simply returning to the World Cup had become a celebration of survival. Many of those in the stands had travelled not from Port-au-Prince but from Brooklyn, Miami, Boston and Montreal. They carried two homes with them: one they had left behind and one they had built in the United States of America.The expanded 48-team World Cup has not just introduced new footballing nations, but also reunited immigrant communities scattered across North America. Every match has become a family reunion of sorts, with flags stored away for years reappearing.Dallas, home to one of the largest and most active West African populations in the United States, welcomed the Ivory Coast team with the Abidjan Farot Welcome Party on the eve of its round-of-32 clash. “My son has never been to Abidjan or anywhere in Ivory Coast. So, I brought him here so that he could feel to be part of the nation. We are incredibly proud of our team who has connected us in this World Cup,” said N’Guessan, who had travelled from Atlanta with his four-year-old son and was frantically waving a ‘Welcome to Dallas’ sign as the likes of Amad Diallo and Yan Diamonde happily posed for selfies and signed autographs.Tanya Marie surprised her mother, Chilemb Munung, with World Cup tickets to watch the Democratic Republic of Congo play Portugal at Houston Stadium. “To go to that and represent my country to be seen. It was just… I can’t even express to myself what I was feeling there, but it was like oh my God,” Chilemb said after the match.For 90 minutes, football dissolved the distance between where these communities came from and where they live now.But some supporters never reached the stadiums.Many fans were denied visas, while teams and officials from countries such as Iran and Iraq faced entry complications. Iran spent much of the tournament preparing across the border in Tijuana before hopping over on matchdays because of complications in entering and staying in the United States. Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was sent home from Miami Airport even before the World Cup began, while Iraq player Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move ahead with ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, opening the door to the loss of legal protection for thousands of people. The programme, introduced by Congress in 1990, has allowed people from countries facing war, political instability or natural disasters to remain in the United States.For many Haitian supporters, the timing could hardly have been worse.Days after their country had stood shoulder to shoulder with Brazil, families who had lived in the United States for many years were confronted with fresh uncertainty.“The injustice of the justice system impacts over 375,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who have been living in the United States for the past 3, 5, 10, 15 years. They are the people who came here in search of safety and protection due to extreme conditions that have plagued Haiti for a very long time since after the earthquake that happened in 2010, killing over 250,000 people and leaving the country in complete chaos,” said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.While the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 30 order blocking President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship for children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily offered reassurance to U.S.-born children, it did nothing to ease the uncertainty facing Haitian parents confronting the possible loss of Temporary Protected Status.This World Cup has given the diaspora a rare public stage to celebrate where it comes from. Now, many within those same communities are being forced to defend their place in the country where they have built new lives.Published on Jul 02, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Flags #families #fragile #belonging

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