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Deadspin | Padres cool off Mariners, stretch win streak to 6 Apr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) tags out San Diego Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets (30) to turn a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with three RBIs Tuesday night and Michael King fired six strong innings for his second straight win as the San Diego Padres stopped the visiting Seattle Mariners 4-1. King (2-1) allowed four hits and a run, walking two and fanning five in San Diego’s sixth straight win. Its high-leverage bullpen arms took care of matters from there with Mason Miller pitching the ninth for his fifth save in as many chances. Bryan Woo (0-2) took the loss for Seattle, permitting eight hits and three runs over seven innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The result ended the Mariners’ four-game winning streak. The Padres rapped out 11 hits and continued their recent offensive surge. They have outscored opponents 40-15 during their streak, winning every game by at least three runs. Seattle initiated scoring in the second. Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley singled before J.P. Crawford was plunked to fill the bases. Dominic Canzone cashed in Arozarena with a sacrifice fly to center. That lead lasted until the third, when San Diego touched Woo for three runs. Ramon Laureano tripled with one out and rode home on a single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Jackson Merrill singled Tatis Jr. to third, then stole second before Bogaerts’ single plated both runners. The Padres capped the scoring in the eighth when Merrill doubled, advanced to third on Manny Machado’s fly ball to deep left and trotted home on Bogaerts’ third hit of the game. Merrill also collected three hits for San Diego and Laureano finished with two. Arozarena was the only Mariner with two hits. The result was just the Padres’ fifth win in their last 19 matchups with the Mariners. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #cool #Mariners #stretch #win #streak

Deadspin | Padres cool off Mariners, stretch win streak to 6
Deadspin | Padres cool off Mariners, stretch win streak to 6 Apr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) tags out San Diego Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets (30) to turn a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with three RBIs Tuesday night and Michael King fired six strong innings for his second straight win as the San Diego Padres stopped the visiting Seattle Mariners 4-1. King (2-1) allowed four hits and a run, walking two and fanning five in San Diego’s sixth straight win. Its high-leverage bullpen arms took care of matters from there with Mason Miller pitching the ninth for his fifth save in as many chances. Bryan Woo (0-2) took the loss for Seattle, permitting eight hits and three runs over seven innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The result ended the Mariners’ four-game winning streak. The Padres rapped out 11 hits and continued their recent offensive surge. They have outscored opponents 40-15 during their streak, winning every game by at least three runs. Seattle initiated scoring in the second. Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley singled before J.P. Crawford was plunked to fill the bases. Dominic Canzone cashed in Arozarena with a sacrifice fly to center. That lead lasted until the third, when San Diego touched Woo for three runs. Ramon Laureano tripled with one out and rode home on a single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Jackson Merrill singled Tatis Jr. to third, then stole second before Bogaerts’ single plated both runners. The Padres capped the scoring in the eighth when Merrill doubled, advanced to third on Manny Machado’s fly ball to deep left and trotted home on Bogaerts’ third hit of the game. Merrill also collected three hits for San Diego and Laureano finished with two. Arozarena was the only Mariner with two hits. The result was just the Padres’ fifth win in their last 19 matchups with the Mariners. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #cool #Mariners #stretch #win #streakApr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) tags out San Diego Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets (30) to turn a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with three RBIs Tuesday night and Michael King fired six strong innings for his second straight win as the San Diego Padres stopped the visiting Seattle Mariners 4-1.

King (2-1) allowed four hits and a run, walking two and fanning five in San Diego’s sixth straight win. Its high-leverage bullpen arms took care of matters from there with Mason Miller pitching the ninth for his fifth save in as many chances.

Bryan Woo (0-2) took the loss for Seattle, permitting eight hits and three runs over seven innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The result ended the Mariners’ four-game winning streak.

The Padres rapped out 11 hits and continued their recent offensive surge. They have outscored opponents 40-15 during their streak, winning every game by at least three runs.


Seattle initiated scoring in the second. Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley singled before J.P. Crawford was plunked to fill the bases. Dominic Canzone cashed in Arozarena with a sacrifice fly to center.

That lead lasted until the third, when San Diego touched Woo for three runs. Ramon Laureano tripled with one out and rode home on a single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Jackson Merrill singled Tatis Jr. to third, then stole second before Bogaerts’ single plated both runners.

The Padres capped the scoring in the eighth when Merrill doubled, advanced to third on Manny Machado’s fly ball to deep left and trotted home on Bogaerts’ third hit of the game.

Merrill also collected three hits for San Diego and Laureano finished with two. Arozarena was the only Mariner with two hits.

The result was just the Padres’ fifth win in their last 19 matchups with the Mariners.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #cool #Mariners #stretch #win #streak

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Apr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) tags out San Diego Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets (30) to turn a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with three RBIs Tuesday night and Michael King fired six strong innings for his second straight win as the San Diego Padres stopped the visiting Seattle Mariners 4-1.

King (2-1) allowed four hits and a run, walking two and fanning five in San Diego’s sixth straight win. Its high-leverage bullpen arms took care of matters from there with Mason Miller pitching the ninth for his fifth save in as many chances.

Bryan Woo (0-2) took the loss for Seattle, permitting eight hits and three runs over seven innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The result ended the Mariners’ four-game winning streak.

The Padres rapped out 11 hits and continued their recent offensive surge. They have outscored opponents 40-15 during their streak, winning every game by at least three runs.

Seattle initiated scoring in the second. Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley singled before J.P. Crawford was plunked to fill the bases. Dominic Canzone cashed in Arozarena with a sacrifice fly to center.

That lead lasted until the third, when San Diego touched Woo for three runs. Ramon Laureano tripled with one out and rode home on a single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Jackson Merrill singled Tatis Jr. to third, then stole second before Bogaerts’ single plated both runners.

The Padres capped the scoring in the eighth when Merrill doubled, advanced to third on Manny Machado’s fly ball to deep left and trotted home on Bogaerts’ third hit of the game.

Merrill also collected three hits for San Diego and Laureano finished with two. Arozarena was the only Mariner with two hits.

The result was just the Padres’ fifth win in their last 19 matchups with the Mariners.

–Field Level Media

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New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 <div id="content-body-70864933" itemprop="articleBody"><p>New Zealand will play at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after beating Papua New Guinea 1-0 Wednesday in the final of the Oceania Confederation Qualifying Series.</p><p>Sunderland midfielder Katie Kitching scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending New Zealand to a World Cup for the seventh time.</p><p>Papua New Guinea still has a chance to qualify through an inter-continental playoff during the international window in November or December.</p><p>New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defence.</p><p>Deven Jackson appeared to have scored from Rebecca Stott’s through ball in the 32nd minute but the VAR showed Jackson had been caught by PNG’s offside trap.</p><p>New Zealand was awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Maya Hahn was brought down in the box but the decision was overturned after the officials considered replays for more than five minutes.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/rjxo3e/article70865002.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2271422585.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/rjxo3e/article70865002.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GettyImages-2271422585.jpg" alt="Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal." title="Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images </p></div><p>New Zealand’s finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.</p><p>“It’s amazing. We had a job that we had to get done tonight and we did what we needed to do to get the result,” New Zealand coach Michael Mayne said. “We’re over the moon with going to the World Cup and now we can plan and see what we have to do this year to get ready for the World Cup.</p><p>“At halftime we spoke about our finishing. Frustration had to be tempered. We were creating, we felt a goal was going to come and it was one of those games in which we had opportunities but weren’t clinical when we needed to be.”</p><p>Papua New Guinea didn’t have a shot on goal but it’s defence was superb. It earned its place in the final with a 1-0 win over giant-killer American Samoa while New Zealand beat Fiji 5-0 in the semifinals.</p><p>“I’m very proud of the girls,” Papua New Guinea coach Ericson Komeng said. “We weren’t clinical enough tonight to compete with New Zealand but I’m proud of the girls for all the hard work they put in today.</p><p>“We just have to go back and work on little things and get ready for the playoff.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #Zealand #qualifies #FIFA #Womens #World #Cup

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Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems. The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games. “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.” Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday. Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times. Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced. The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons. “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him. “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.” The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics. Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #lossAug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems.

The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series.

Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park.

Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.”

Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday.

Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times.


Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced.

The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons.

“For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him.

“My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.”

The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox.

Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics.

Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss">Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems. The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games. “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.” Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday. Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times. Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced. The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons. “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him. “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.” The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics. Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start. #Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA
IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.

Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday. Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha Match resumes The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session IND 67/1 The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch.  IND 67/1 – Rain stops play Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower.  IND 50/1 Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests.  Rahul, Padikkal at the crease K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface. Early setback India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down! Sri Lanka declares Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece.  Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1 India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session. Welcome! Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026 #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

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NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. 

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday. Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha Match resumes The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session IND 67/1 The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch.  IND 67/1 – Rain stops play Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower.  IND 50/1 Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests.  Rahul, Padikkal at the crease K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface. Early setback India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down! Sri Lanka declares Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece.  Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1 India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session. Welcome! Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026 #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay

IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.

Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday. Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha Match resumes The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session IND 67/1 The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch.  IND 67/1 – Rain stops play Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower.  IND 50/1 Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests.  Rahul, Padikkal at the crease K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface. Early setback India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down! Sri Lanka declares Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece.  Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1 India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session. Welcome! Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026 #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

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NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. 

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

  • Match resumes

    The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be:

    2:30 to 2:50 PM second session

    2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea

    3:10 to 5:28 PM third session

  • IND 67/1

    The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 

  • IND 67/1 – Rain stops play

    Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 

  • IND 50/1

    Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 

  • Rahul, Padikkal at the crease

    K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.

  • Early setback

    India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!

  • Sri Lanka declares

    Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 

  • Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1

    India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1

    Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.

  • Welcome!

    Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. 

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

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