×
Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games. “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.” ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years. For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present). Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11). Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8. She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury. “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.” Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938). For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025). Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games. The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times. Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists. “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.” Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix. For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas

Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas
Deadspin | Mercury re-sign Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb. Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games. “Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.” ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years. For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present). Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11). Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8. She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury. “Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.” Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938). For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025). Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games. The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times. Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists. “Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.” Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix. For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #ThomasOct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.

Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.

“Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”

ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.

For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).

Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.

A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).

Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.

She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.


“Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”

Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).

For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).

Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.

The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.

Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.

“Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”

Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.

For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas

Sports news

Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury, after a run to the WNBA Finals in 2025, announced on Sunday the re-signing of core players Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb.

Copper, 31, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 26.9 minutes in 28 regular-season games (all starts) in her second season with Phoenix. The guard also averaged 17.8 points in starting 11 playoff games.

“Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”

ESPN reported that Copper’s contract is for two years.

For her career, the four-time All-Star averages 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 24.1 minutes in 319 games (203 starts) for the Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017-23) and Mercury (2024-present).

Washington selected Copper seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft out of Rutgers. She was the WNBA Finals MVP for the 2021 champion Chicago Sky.

A six-time All-Star, Bonner, 38, won league titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014 and was All-WNBA first team in 2015 and second team in 2020. She was thr Sixth Player of the Year for three straight seasons (2009-11).

Bonner was waived by the Indiana Fever on June 25, 2025, and signed with the Mercury on July 8.

She posted combined averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 23.6 minutes in 33 games (four starts) last season, including 24 (one start) for the Mercury.

“Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” U’Ren said. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”

Bonner ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (7,807 points) as well as in games played (535) and free throws (1,938).

For her career, Bonner averages 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.0 minutes for the Mercury (2009-19, 2025), Connecticut Sun (2020-24) and Fever (2025).

Thomas, 34, averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 31.3 minutes in starting all 39 regular-season games she played in her first campaign with the Mercury in 2025. The forward also averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in starting all 11 playoff games.

The six-time All-Star has been selected first-team All-WNBA three times and to the All-Defensive first or second team seven times.

Thomas recorded an WNBA single-season record eight triple-doubles in 2025 and set the league mark with 357 assists.

“Alyssa is a generational player, natural leader and one of the fiercest competitors our sport has seen, and we’re excited to have her back in Phoenix,” U’Ren said. “Her ability to control the game on both ends and elevate her teammates helped fuel our run to the finals last season.”

Whitcomb, 37, averaged 9.1 points while hitting 38.5% of her shots from the floor, including 36.1% from long range as she made a team-high 86 3-pointers in 43 games (20 starts) with Phoenix.

For her career, Whitcomb averages 7.2 points and makes 39.2% from the field and 36.1% from distance range in 307 games (89 starts) for the Seattle Storm (2017-20, 2023-24), Liberty (2021-22) and Mercury. The guard won league titles with the Storm in 2018 and 2020.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Mercury #resign #Kahleah #Copper #DeWanna #Bonner #Alyssa #Thomas

Previous post

Krunal Pandya: I don’t pre-plan or practise my bouncers but rely on gut feeling <div id="content-body-70856360" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Soon after checking into the team hotel in Mumbai on Saturday, Krunal Pandya settled into a chair and briefed his hairstylist to “do something different”.</p><p>After all, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder was gearing up to face his alma mater — and a side led by his younger brother.</p><p>The makeover took 90 minutes, and the result — call it what you will — certainly stood out. It drew curious glances from opponents and fans alike. But while the hairstyle grabbed eyeballs, it was Krunal’s on-field craft that truly made a statement.</p><p>Greeting Hardik Pandya with a surprise bouncer, mixing slinging deliveries with his conventional left-arm spin, and varying his pace cleverly, Krunal showcased his uncanny knack for improvisation. His spell of 4-0-26-1 ensured Mumbai Indians was never really in the hunt while chasing the stiff 241-run target set by RCB at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night.</p><p>“I have never shied away from trying different and new things. With the Impact Player rule, previously, without an impact player, you had No. 6 and No. 7 as all-rounders. Batsmanship was quite different, but now, having eight pure batters plus the skill set. You see young boys like Mukul (Choudhary), Vaibhav (Suryavanshi), so many of them are just coming and hitting from ball one consistently.”</p><p>Krunal admitted that evolving his skill set has helped him retain relevance in a format increasingly tilted towards the batters.</p><p>“As a bowler, I always want to be one step ahead with the skill set as well as with the mental battle. It (variation) has just purely come from that. Whether it is me bending my knee and bowling that ball or a bouncer,” Krunal said.</p><p>“I am glad that it is coming out well and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who will survive and who can take something out of it and do well in this format. Because, for a finger spinner with flat tracks, eight batters, it has become very difficult. I am glad that I have been able to contribute in a nice way.”</p><p>The 35-year-old, the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice, also revealed that the bouncer is more instinct than strategy.</p><p>“I am someone who follows my gut. I don’t pre-plan that I want to bowl a fourth or fifth, or sixth ball a bouncer. There are days when I will bowl two bouncers back-to-back, and suddenly I will bowl the first ball and the sixth ball. So, there are no such plans, but it is more sort of a gut feeling when to bowl which ball, and I just commit 100 per cent to that,” Krunal said.</p><p>“I don’t practise that much, where I go and practise bowling bouncers. It is just that I actually bowl in the game. But yeah, I have been bowling consistently for a long period of time.”</p><p>As long as Krunal continues to blend artistry with adaptability, RCB — and perhaps even the fans — won’t mind more “different” hairstyles.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #Krunal #Pandya #dont #preplan #practise #bouncers #rely #gut #feeling

Next post

जलियांवाला बाग के बलिदानियों को नमन: राष्ट्रपति मूर्मु और पीएम मोदी ने दी श्रद्धांजलि, कहा- देश सदैव ऋणी रहेगा

Related Posts

Deadspin | Trail Blazers lock up No. 8 seed in West by beating Kings Apr 12, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) dunks the basketball over Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell (32) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Deni Avdija recorded 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers secured the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a 122-110 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings in the regular-season finale for both teams. Jrue Holiday added 23 points and seven rebounds for Portland (42-40), which will play beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign. Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson added 15 points apiece and Donovan Clingan had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Portland will visit the No. 7 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in the play-in round. The winner goes directly to the NBA playoffs while the loser will have a second opportunity on Friday. Precious Achiuwa registered 27 points and 11 rebounds and Nique Clifford added 24 points and seven rebounds for the Kings. Maxime Raynaud had 21 points and nine rebounds for Sacramento (22-60), which finished with the second-most losses in franchise history. The Kings went 17-65 in 2008-09. Sacramento was without DeMar DeRozan (hamstring) for the third straight game. Holiday’s 20-footer gave Portland a 118-104 lead with 2:51 remaining and he knocked down a driving bank shot 42 seconds later as the Trail Blazers wrapped up the No. 8 seed in style. Portland began the day with the same record as the Los Angeles Clippers but holding the tiebreaker advantage. The Clippers finished beating the Golden State Warriors shortly after the Trail Blazers closed out their win. Los Angeles is the No. 9 seed and will host No. 10 Golden State on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers shot 46.5% from the field, including 16 of 46 from 3-point range, while finishing 4-0 against the Kings this season. Sacramento made 48.2% of its shots and was 7 of 21 from behind the arc. Portland outscored the Kings 44-24 in the second quarter to hold a 77-57 halftime lead. Avdija had 17 points in the half for the Trail Blazers while Achiuwa and Clifford scored 14 apiece in the half for Sacramento. The Kings darted out of the gates in the third quarter with eight straight points as part of a 17-4 burst. Raynaud capped it with a dunk to bring Sacramento within 81-74 with 6:43 left in the period. Portland pushed its lead back to 13 on Henderson’s three-point play with 2:40 left in the quarter. The Trail Blazers led 96-84 entering the final stanza. Sacramento was within single digits at 104-95 as Doug McDermott buried a 3-pointer with 8:13 to play before Portland went on a finishing kick. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Trail #Blazers #lock #seed #West #beating #KingsApr 12, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) dunks the basketball over Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell (32) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Deni Avdija recorded 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers secured the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a 122-110 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Jrue Holiday added 23 points and seven rebounds for Portland (42-40), which will play beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.

Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson added 15 points apiece and Donovan Clingan had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers.

Portland will visit the No. 7 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in the play-in round. The winner goes directly to the NBA playoffs while the loser will have a second opportunity on Friday.

Precious Achiuwa registered 27 points and 11 rebounds and Nique Clifford added 24 points and seven rebounds for the Kings. Maxime Raynaud had 21 points and nine rebounds for Sacramento (22-60), which finished with the second-most losses in franchise history. The Kings went 17-65 in 2008-09.

Sacramento was without DeMar DeRozan (hamstring) for the third straight game.

Holiday’s 20-footer gave Portland a 118-104 lead with 2:51 remaining and he knocked down a driving bank shot 42 seconds later as the Trail Blazers wrapped up the No. 8 seed in style.


Portland began the day with the same record as the Los Angeles Clippers but holding the tiebreaker advantage. The Clippers finished beating the Golden State Warriors shortly after the Trail Blazers closed out their win. Los Angeles is the No. 9 seed and will host No. 10 Golden State on Wednesday.

The Trail Blazers shot 46.5% from the field, including 16 of 46 from 3-point range, while finishing 4-0 against the Kings this season.

Sacramento made 48.2% of its shots and was 7 of 21 from behind the arc.

Portland outscored the Kings 44-24 in the second quarter to hold a 77-57 halftime lead. Avdija had 17 points in the half for the Trail Blazers while Achiuwa and Clifford scored 14 apiece in the half for Sacramento.

The Kings darted out of the gates in the third quarter with eight straight points as part of a 17-4 burst. Raynaud capped it with a dunk to bring Sacramento within 81-74 with 6:43 left in the period.

Portland pushed its lead back to 13 on Henderson’s three-point play with 2:40 left in the quarter.

The Trail Blazers led 96-84 entering the final stanza. Sacramento was within single digits at 104-95 as Doug McDermott buried a 3-pointer with 8:13 to play before Portland went on a finishing kick.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Trail #Blazers #lock #seed #West #beating #Kings">Deadspin | Trail Blazers lock up No. 8 seed in West by beating Kings Apr 12, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) dunks the basketball over Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell (32) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Deni Avdija recorded 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers secured the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a 122-110 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings in the regular-season finale for both teams. Jrue Holiday added 23 points and seven rebounds for Portland (42-40), which will play beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign. Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson added 15 points apiece and Donovan Clingan had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Portland will visit the No. 7 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in the play-in round. The winner goes directly to the NBA playoffs while the loser will have a second opportunity on Friday. Precious Achiuwa registered 27 points and 11 rebounds and Nique Clifford added 24 points and seven rebounds for the Kings. Maxime Raynaud had 21 points and nine rebounds for Sacramento (22-60), which finished with the second-most losses in franchise history. The Kings went 17-65 in 2008-09. Sacramento was without DeMar DeRozan (hamstring) for the third straight game. Holiday’s 20-footer gave Portland a 118-104 lead with 2:51 remaining and he knocked down a driving bank shot 42 seconds later as the Trail Blazers wrapped up the No. 8 seed in style. Portland began the day with the same record as the Los Angeles Clippers but holding the tiebreaker advantage. The Clippers finished beating the Golden State Warriors shortly after the Trail Blazers closed out their win. Los Angeles is the No. 9 seed and will host No. 10 Golden State on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers shot 46.5% from the field, including 16 of 46 from 3-point range, while finishing 4-0 against the Kings this season. Sacramento made 48.2% of its shots and was 7 of 21 from behind the arc. Portland outscored the Kings 44-24 in the second quarter to hold a 77-57 halftime lead. Avdija had 17 points in the half for the Trail Blazers while Achiuwa and Clifford scored 14 apiece in the half for Sacramento. The Kings darted out of the gates in the third quarter with eight straight points as part of a 17-4 burst. Raynaud capped it with a dunk to bring Sacramento within 81-74 with 6:43 left in the period. Portland pushed its lead back to 13 on Henderson’s three-point play with 2:40 left in the quarter. The Trail Blazers led 96-84 entering the final stanza. Sacramento was within single digits at 104-95 as Doug McDermott buried a 3-pointer with 8:13 to play before Portland went on a finishing kick. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Trail #Blazers #lock #seed #West #beating #Kings

Berekum Chelsea winger Dominic Frimpong has ​been killed in an ‌armed robbery on his ​side’s team bus ⁠as they returned from a Ghana Premier League fixture ‌at Samartex on Sunday, the Ghana ‌Football Association said.

The ‌robbers ⁠fired at the bus ⁠as it tried to reverse, striking Frimpong, 20, in ​the head. ‌He later died in hospital and is the only reported casualty from ‌the incident.

“The Ghana ​Football Association (GFA) has received with profound shock ⁠and deep sorrow the tragic news of the ‌passing of Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea Football Club,” it said.

“The incident has sent shockwaves across the entire ‌football fraternity. The GFA extends ​its heartfelt condolences to the family of ⁠the deceased, his teammates, ⁠technical staff, management, and all at Berekum ‌Chelsea during this extremely difficult time.”

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Ghana #football #player #Dominic #Frimpong #killed #attack #Berekum #Chelsea #team #bus">Ghana football player Dominic Frimpong killed in attack on Berekum Chelsea team bus Berekum Chelsea winger Dominic Frimpong has ​been killed in an ‌armed robbery on his ​side’s team bus ⁠as they returned from a Ghana Premier League fixture ‌at Samartex on Sunday, the Ghana ‌Football Association said.The ‌robbers ⁠fired at the bus ⁠as it tried to reverse, striking Frimpong, 20, in ​the head. ‌He later died in hospital and is the only reported casualty from ‌the incident.“The Ghana ​Football Association (GFA) has received with profound shock ⁠and deep sorrow the tragic news of the ‌passing of Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea Football Club,” it said.“The incident has sent shockwaves across the entire ‌football fraternity. The GFA extends ​its heartfelt condolences to the family of ⁠the deceased, his teammates, ⁠technical staff, management, and all at Berekum ‌Chelsea during this extremely difficult time.”Published on Apr 13, 2026 #Ghana #football #player #Dominic #Frimpong #killed #attack #Berekum #Chelsea #team #bus

Deadspin | Nikola Jokic, Nuggets beat Spurs for 12th straight victory Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 18-plus minutes of court time — all in the first half — as the visiting Nuggets rolled to a 128-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in the regular-season finale for both playoff-bound teams. The Nuggets (54-28) clinched the third seed in Western Conference and will host sixth-seeded Minnesota for the first two games of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series either April 18 or 19. Denver ended the regular season with 12 straight wins and took three of the four games against the Spurs this year. Jokic played the necessary minutes to reach the league’s 65-game threshold for postseason award consideration. That game total also allowed Jokic to become the first player in NBA history to lead in both rebounds per game (12.9) and assists per game (10.7). Victor Wembanyama sat out the game for San Antonio, which already clinched the No. 2 spot in the West and had little to gain from Sunday’s game. The Spurs will host the winner of Tuesday’s 7/8 play-in tournament game between Phoenix and Portland in the opening two contests of a best-of-seven first-round playoffs series on either April 18 or 19. The Spurs had a three-game winning streak snapped but finished the campaign with a 62-20 mark, their best since the 2015-16 season in which they won 67 games. Julian Strawther had 25 points to lead the Nuggets, with Jonas Valanciunas adding 16 points and 11 rebounds, David Roddy amassing 15 points and 13 rebounds, Bruce Brown scoring 14 points, Curtis Jones hitting for 13 and Jalen Pickett tallying 11. De’Aaron Fox paced the Spurs with 24 points. Devin Vassell added 19, Keldon Johnson had 18, Carter Bryant scoring 13, Harrison Barnes 12 and Stephon Castle finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Jokic played all 12 minutes of the first quarter, scoring 12 points and taking seven rebounds to help the Nuggets establish a 37-34 lead at the end of the period. Denver pushed its advantage to 23 points with 3:02 to play in the second quarter before the Spurs pulled to within 70-56 at the break. The Nuggets also got 16 points from Strawther in the first half and Jones scored 13. San Antonio got 15 points from Vassell and 14 from Fox. The Spurs tried to get back in game, drawing to within nine points in the third quarter and to 101-95 after a Bryant layup with 11:14 left in the game. But Denver’s reserve players had enough in the tank to finish off the win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nikola #Jokic #Nuggets #beat #Spurs #12th #straight #victoryApr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 18-plus minutes of court time — all in the first half — as the visiting Nuggets rolled to a 128-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in the regular-season finale for both playoff-bound teams.

The Nuggets (54-28) clinched the third seed in Western Conference and will host sixth-seeded Minnesota for the first two games of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series either April 18 or 19. Denver ended the regular season with 12 straight wins and took three of the four games against the Spurs this year.

Jokic played the necessary minutes to reach the league’s 65-game threshold for postseason award consideration. That game total also allowed Jokic to become the first player in NBA history to lead in both rebounds per game (12.9) and assists per game (10.7).

Victor Wembanyama sat out the game for San Antonio, which already clinched the No. 2 spot in the West and had little to gain from Sunday’s game. The Spurs will host the winner of Tuesday’s 7/8 play-in tournament game between Phoenix and Portland in the opening two contests of a best-of-seven first-round playoffs series on either April 18 or 19.

The Spurs had a three-game winning streak snapped but finished the campaign with a 62-20 mark, their best since the 2015-16 season in which they won 67 games.


Julian Strawther had 25 points to lead the Nuggets, with Jonas Valanciunas adding 16 points and 11 rebounds, David Roddy amassing 15 points and 13 rebounds, Bruce Brown scoring 14 points, Curtis Jones hitting for 13 and Jalen Pickett tallying 11.

De’Aaron Fox paced the Spurs with 24 points. Devin Vassell added 19, Keldon Johnson had 18, Carter Bryant scoring 13, Harrison Barnes 12 and Stephon Castle finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Jokic played all 12 minutes of the first quarter, scoring 12 points and taking seven rebounds to help the Nuggets establish a 37-34 lead at the end of the period. Denver pushed its advantage to 23 points with 3:02 to play in the second quarter before the Spurs pulled to within 70-56 at the break.

The Nuggets also got 16 points from Strawther in the first half and Jones scored 13. San Antonio got 15 points from Vassell and 14 from Fox.

The Spurs tried to get back in game, drawing to within nine points in the third quarter and to 101-95 after a Bryant layup with 11:14 left in the game. But Denver’s reserve players had enough in the tank to finish off the win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nikola #Jokic #Nuggets #beat #Spurs #12th #straight #victory">Deadspin | Nikola Jokic, Nuggets beat Spurs for 12th straight victory Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 18-plus minutes of court time — all in the first half — as the visiting Nuggets rolled to a 128-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in the regular-season finale for both playoff-bound teams. The Nuggets (54-28) clinched the third seed in Western Conference and will host sixth-seeded Minnesota for the first two games of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series either April 18 or 19. Denver ended the regular season with 12 straight wins and took three of the four games against the Spurs this year. Jokic played the necessary minutes to reach the league’s 65-game threshold for postseason award consideration. That game total also allowed Jokic to become the first player in NBA history to lead in both rebounds per game (12.9) and assists per game (10.7). Victor Wembanyama sat out the game for San Antonio, which already clinched the No. 2 spot in the West and had little to gain from Sunday’s game. The Spurs will host the winner of Tuesday’s 7/8 play-in tournament game between Phoenix and Portland in the opening two contests of a best-of-seven first-round playoffs series on either April 18 or 19. The Spurs had a three-game winning streak snapped but finished the campaign with a 62-20 mark, their best since the 2015-16 season in which they won 67 games. Julian Strawther had 25 points to lead the Nuggets, with Jonas Valanciunas adding 16 points and 11 rebounds, David Roddy amassing 15 points and 13 rebounds, Bruce Brown scoring 14 points, Curtis Jones hitting for 13 and Jalen Pickett tallying 11. De’Aaron Fox paced the Spurs with 24 points. Devin Vassell added 19, Keldon Johnson had 18, Carter Bryant scoring 13, Harrison Barnes 12 and Stephon Castle finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Jokic played all 12 minutes of the first quarter, scoring 12 points and taking seven rebounds to help the Nuggets establish a 37-34 lead at the end of the period. Denver pushed its advantage to 23 points with 3:02 to play in the second quarter before the Spurs pulled to within 70-56 at the break. The Nuggets also got 16 points from Strawther in the first half and Jones scored 13. San Antonio got 15 points from Vassell and 14 from Fox. The Spurs tried to get back in game, drawing to within nine points in the third quarter and to 101-95 after a Bryant layup with 11:14 left in the game. But Denver’s reserve players had enough in the tank to finish off the win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nikola #Jokic #Nuggets #beat #Spurs #12th #straight #victory

Post Comment