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Deadspin | Patrick Reed: ‘Traditional way of golf’ key in PGA Tour return Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition. Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024. Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour. “I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing. “When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard. “For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.” Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old. Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa. That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings. That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018. This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game. “There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.” Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters? “That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.” –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patrick #Reed #Traditional #golf #key #PGA #Tour #return

Deadspin | Patrick Reed: ‘Traditional way of golf’ key in PGA Tour return
Deadspin | Patrick Reed: ‘Traditional way of golf’ key in PGA Tour return Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition. Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024. Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour. “I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing. “When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard. “For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.” Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old. Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa. That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings. That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018. This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game. “There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.” Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters? “That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.” –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patrick #Reed #Traditional #golf #key #PGA #Tour #returnApr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition.

Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024.

Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour.

“I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing.

“When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard.

“For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.”

Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old.


Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa.

That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings.

That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018.

This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game.

“There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.”

Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters?

“That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Patrick #Reed #Traditional #golf #key #PGA #Tour #return

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Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrick Reed plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — For someone who has long backed up his goal of being known as a worldwide player, including a three-plus-year stint with LIV Golf, it took standing on a practice range in Dubai for Patrick Reed to feel the draw back to tradition.

Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, but had to withstand an early birdie binge from playing parter and fellow LIV player David Puig before going on to claim his first stroke play victory since a win on the Asia Tour 2024.

Despite having a contract offer to re-sign with LIV, Reed announced three days later that he would be returning to the PGA Tour.

“I definitely happened quickly,” Reed acknowledged of the decision. “I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing.

“When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you’re the last man on that tee box. Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard.

“For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.”

Reed made it clear that he holds no ill will towards LIV Golf, and that he had a great experience with the Saudi-backed league. But after competing in 27 countries since 2022 alone, it was the pull back to the PGA Tour and to a more traditional golf schedule that proved the deciding factor for the 35-year-old.

Reed and his wife, Justine, have an 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son at home in Woodlands, Texas. He mentioned multiple times that he enjoys being a dad to his “kiddos,” and is coming off a month-long break since his most recent event on the DP World Tour in South Africa.

That said, Reed acknowledged that 2026 will “be an exception.” Since he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until Aug. 25, Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season. He has already banked a pair of victories and currently leads the Race to Dubai standings.

That affords Reed more flexibility in planning his trips overseas while still maintaining a cushion toward regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season. It also allowed him an extended break before heading to Augusta, where Reed won the Masters Tournament in 2018.

This will be Reed’s 13th Masters, and he views Augusta National as a place where he needs to stay patient while being creative with his shots and getting “out of being that robot.” By that, he meant using every club in his bag, various shot shapes and relying on his well-regarded short game.

“There’s just something so special about this place,” he said. “I feel like it’s the best test of golf we play all year round. For a guy that’s played just about everywhere in the world, it’s one of those places that I say hands down it’s the best test of golf and best golf course I’ve ever played.”

Reed has four top-10 finishes at Augusta since that 2018 victory, including solo third place last year. In a tournament considered to be fairly wide open in 2026, might this be Reed’s year to claim a second Masters?

“That one jacket is getting a little lonely,” he said with a laugh. “Might need one more.”

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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Indian women’s hockey team set to tour Argentina for four-match series <div id="content-body-70833109" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Indian senior women’s hockey team is set to tour Argentina for a four-match series at the CeNARD in Buenos Aires between April 13-17. The matches are all scheduled to start at 11 AM local time (6:30 PM IST).</p><p>India and Argentina have enjoyed competitive encounters in recent years, including a thrilling 2-2 draw decided by shootout in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 last June.</p><p>This upcoming tour will offer valuable match practice against quality international opposition. That may help the national team build momentum ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands and the Asian Games later this year.</p><p>“We are travelling to Argentina with a squad of 24 players, and that is a very deliberate choice. This tour is about giving more players the chance to perform at the highest level. Argentina is one of the best teams in the world, and that environment will tell us a lot about where each player stands. We want to see who steps up when it matters,” chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.</p><p>“To earn a place in this team, you need to show everyone that you are a team player first. Individual quality is important, but if you cannot connect with the group and work for each other, it will be very difficult to make this squad”, he added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #Indian #womens #hockey #team #set #tour #Argentina #fourmatch #series

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Deadspin | Ty France drives in 4 runs as Padres push past Cubs Apr 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) scores ahead of the throw to Chicago Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros (25) during the fifth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Ty France knocked in four runs Monday night and Manny Machado doubled twice and singled before leaving the game as the San Diego Padres rallied for a 9-7 win over the visiting Chicago Cubs. In winning its ninth straight home game, San Diego reached four Chicago pitchers for 14 hits. Machado scored three runs before departing after his sixth-inning at-bat, possibly due to a left leg injury. Nick Castellanos gave the Padres a 6-5 lead in the fifth when he stroked a two-run single off reliever Ben Brown (1-1), scoring Machado and France. In the seventh, France bounced a two-run triple into the left field corner that plated Xander Bogaerts and Miguel Andujar. Randy Vasquez (3-0) got the win despite allowing a season-high five runs on five hits in five innings, walking three and fanning four. Closer Mason Miller finished the game in a non-save situation, allowing two ninth-inning runs that ended his scoreless streak at 34 2/3 innings dating back to last season. Cubs starter Matthew Boyd lasted just four-plus innings, leaving after Machado doubled to start the fifth. Boyd was charged with five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four. Chicago has lost three in a row immediately after a 10-game winning streak. San Diego has won six of its past eight. San Diego, which entered the night with just three first-inning runs in 27 games, doubled that total as Boyd struggled with his fastball command. In a frame that featured two walks, Jackson Merrill nicked him for an RBI single and France drilled a two-run ground-rule double. Chicago answered using the long ball. Seiya Suzuki belted a solo shot to start the second, his fifth of the year, all in the past seven games. Then Moises Ballesteros cracked a grand slam with two outs in the third, his fifth of the year, to make it 5-3 Cubs. The Padres pulled a run back in their half of the third when Andujar’s fielder’s-choice grounder scored Machado, who led off with a double. San Diego capped its scoring in the eighth when Gavin Sheets, who replaced Machado in the cleanup spot, walloped a solo homer to right, his fourth of the year. Suzuki and Dansby Swanson each bagged two of the Cubs’ eight hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #France #drives #runs #Padres #push #CubsApr 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) scores ahead of the throw to Chicago Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros (25) during the fifth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Ty France knocked in four runs Monday night and Manny Machado doubled twice and singled before leaving the game as the San Diego Padres rallied for a 9-7 win over the visiting Chicago Cubs.

In winning its ninth straight home game, San Diego reached four Chicago pitchers for 14 hits. Machado scored three runs before departing after his sixth-inning at-bat, possibly due to a left leg injury.

Nick Castellanos gave the Padres a 6-5 lead in the fifth when he stroked a two-run single off reliever Ben Brown (1-1), scoring Machado and France. In the seventh, France bounced a two-run triple into the left field corner that plated Xander Bogaerts and Miguel Andujar.

Randy Vasquez (3-0) got the win despite allowing a season-high five runs on five hits in five innings, walking three and fanning four. Closer Mason Miller finished the game in a non-save situation, allowing two ninth-inning runs that ended his scoreless streak at 34 2/3 innings dating back to last season.

Cubs starter Matthew Boyd lasted just four-plus innings, leaving after Machado doubled to start the fifth. Boyd was charged with five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four.


Chicago has lost three in a row immediately after a 10-game winning streak. San Diego has won six of its past eight.

San Diego, which entered the night with just three first-inning runs in 27 games, doubled that total as Boyd struggled with his fastball command. In a frame that featured two walks, Jackson Merrill nicked him for an RBI single and France drilled a two-run ground-rule double.

Chicago answered using the long ball. Seiya Suzuki belted a solo shot to start the second, his fifth of the year, all in the past seven games. Then Moises Ballesteros cracked a grand slam with two outs in the third, his fifth of the year, to make it 5-3 Cubs.

The Padres pulled a run back in their half of the third when Andujar’s fielder’s-choice grounder scored Machado, who led off with a double.

San Diego capped its scoring in the eighth when Gavin Sheets, who replaced Machado in the cleanup spot, walloped a solo homer to right, his fourth of the year.

Suzuki and Dansby Swanson each bagged two of the Cubs’ eight hits.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #France #drives #runs #Padres #push #Cubs">Deadspin | Ty France drives in 4 runs as Padres push past Cubs Apr 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) scores ahead of the throw to Chicago Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros (25) during the fifth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Ty France knocked in four runs Monday night and Manny Machado doubled twice and singled before leaving the game as the San Diego Padres rallied for a 9-7 win over the visiting Chicago Cubs. In winning its ninth straight home game, San Diego reached four Chicago pitchers for 14 hits. Machado scored three runs before departing after his sixth-inning at-bat, possibly due to a left leg injury. Nick Castellanos gave the Padres a 6-5 lead in the fifth when he stroked a two-run single off reliever Ben Brown (1-1), scoring Machado and France. In the seventh, France bounced a two-run triple into the left field corner that plated Xander Bogaerts and Miguel Andujar. Randy Vasquez (3-0) got the win despite allowing a season-high five runs on five hits in five innings, walking three and fanning four. Closer Mason Miller finished the game in a non-save situation, allowing two ninth-inning runs that ended his scoreless streak at 34 2/3 innings dating back to last season. Cubs starter Matthew Boyd lasted just four-plus innings, leaving after Machado doubled to start the fifth. Boyd was charged with five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four. Chicago has lost three in a row immediately after a 10-game winning streak. San Diego has won six of its past eight. San Diego, which entered the night with just three first-inning runs in 27 games, doubled that total as Boyd struggled with his fastball command. In a frame that featured two walks, Jackson Merrill nicked him for an RBI single and France drilled a two-run ground-rule double. Chicago answered using the long ball. Seiya Suzuki belted a solo shot to start the second, his fifth of the year, all in the past seven games. Then Moises Ballesteros cracked a grand slam with two outs in the third, his fifth of the year, to make it 5-3 Cubs. The Padres pulled a run back in their half of the third when Andujar’s fielder’s-choice grounder scored Machado, who led off with a double. San Diego capped its scoring in the eighth when Gavin Sheets, who replaced Machado in the cleanup spot, walloped a solo homer to right, his fourth of the year. Suzuki and Dansby Swanson each bagged two of the Cubs’ eight hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #France #drives #runs #Padres #push #Cubs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder swept into the second round of the NBA playoffs on Monday with a 131-122 victory at Phoenix.

The top-seeded Thunder captured the Western Conference best-of-seven series 4-0, completing a third consecutive sweep in the opening round.

“We just came in ready,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Love to play basketball, a group full of great kids that have fun together.

“We do it for each other. None of us are selfish. We all want the next man to succeed and when you have those three things and put them together you get success.”

Oklahoma City will meet either Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets in a second-round series. The Lakers lead that matchup 3-1.

“Ultimately, we’ve got to get better in the days between our next opponent,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

The Thunder became the first team to reach the second round on the same night the upstart Orlando Magic pushed Eastern Conference top seed Detroit to the brink of elimination with a 94-88 triumph to seize a 3-1 series advantage.

Denver Nuggets avoided an early exit as Serbian center Nikola Jokic had a triple double with 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds to spark the hosts over Minnesota 125-113, pulling Denver within 3-2 against the Timberwolves.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player who had a playoff career high 42 points in a game three victory, added eight assists to spark a visiting Thunder squad that boasts the top post-season scoring attack and defensive statistics.

Chet Holmgren added 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, who also had 22 points from Ajay Mitchell and 18 points and 12 rebounds from Isaiah Hartenstein.

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 24 points.

At Orlando, Desmond Bane scored 22 points, hitting 5-of-10 shots from three-point range to lead the Magic, who can send off the Pistons with a victory on Wednesday in Detroit.

Franz Wagner scored 19 points for Orlando before being benched with a sore right calf while Paolo Banchero added 18 and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Pistons, whose 60-22 record topped the East, must win three in a row to avoid an epic ouster at the hands of eighth seed Orlando, which went 45-37.

Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 25 points while Tobias Harris added 20 for the Pistons, who committed 20 turnovers, twice as many as Orlando.

The Magic have not reached the second round of the playoffs since 2010, dropping six series in the first round and missing the post-season nine times.

The Pistons have not reached the second round since 2008, dropping four first-round matchups and missing the playoffs 13 times.

Bank open for Bane

Bane banked in a three-point shot with 1:16 remaining to give the Magic a 92-86 lead and Orlando added late free throws to seal Detroit’s fate, the Pistons going more than five minutes without a basket from the floor.

At Denver, the Nuggets forced a game six at Minnesota on Thursday with a blowout triumph thanks to three-time NBA MVP Jokic and his teammates.

Jamal Murray scored 24 points, Spencer Jones had 20 and Cameron Johnson added 18 for Denver while Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points.

“We did a good job of bringing the energy for 48 minutes,” Murray said. “We’ve got to be poised and relaxed when we go to their building.”

The T-Wolves were without two top guards. Anthony Edwards is out with a bone bruise and hyper-extended left knee while Donte DiVincenzo will miss the remainder of the playoffs with a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#NBA #Playoffs #Thunder #sweep #Suns #Denver #avoids #ouster #Pistons #brink">NBA Playoffs: Thunder sweep Suns, Denver avoids ouster, Pistons on the brink Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder swept into the second round of the NBA playoffs on Monday with a 131-122 victory at Phoenix.The top-seeded Thunder captured the Western Conference best-of-seven series 4-0, completing a third consecutive sweep in the opening round.“We just came in ready,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Love to play basketball, a group full of great kids that have fun together.“We do it for each other. None of us are selfish. We all want the next man to succeed and when you have those three things and put them together you get success.”Oklahoma City will meet either Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets in a second-round series. The Lakers lead that matchup 3-1.“Ultimately, we’ve got to get better in the days between our next opponent,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.The Thunder became the first team to reach the second round on the same night the upstart Orlando Magic pushed Eastern Conference top seed Detroit to the brink of elimination with a 94-88 triumph to seize a 3-1 series advantage.Denver Nuggets avoided an early exit as Serbian center Nikola Jokic had a triple double with 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds to spark the hosts over Minnesota 125-113, pulling Denver within 3-2 against the Timberwolves.Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player who had a playoff career high 42 points in a game three victory, added eight assists to spark a visiting Thunder squad that boasts the top post-season scoring attack and defensive statistics.Chet Holmgren added 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, who also had 22 points from Ajay Mitchell and 18 points and 12 rebounds from Isaiah Hartenstein.Devin Booker led Phoenix with 24 points.At Orlando, Desmond Bane scored 22 points, hitting 5-of-10 shots from three-point range to lead the Magic, who can send off the Pistons with a victory on Wednesday in Detroit.Franz Wagner scored 19 points for Orlando before being benched with a sore right calf while Paolo Banchero added 18 and grabbed eight rebounds.The Pistons, whose 60-22 record topped the East, must win three in a row to avoid an epic ouster at the hands of eighth seed Orlando, which went 45-37.Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 25 points while Tobias Harris added 20 for the Pistons, who committed 20 turnovers, twice as many as Orlando.The Magic have not reached the second round of the playoffs since 2010, dropping six series in the first round and missing the post-season nine times.The Pistons have not reached the second round since 2008, dropping four first-round matchups and missing the playoffs 13 times.Bank open for BaneBane banked in a three-point shot with 1:16 remaining to give the Magic a 92-86 lead and Orlando added late free throws to seal Detroit’s fate, the Pistons going more than five minutes without a basket from the floor.At Denver, the Nuggets forced a game six at Minnesota on Thursday with a blowout triumph thanks to three-time NBA MVP Jokic and his teammates.Jamal Murray scored 24 points, Spencer Jones had 20 and Cameron Johnson added 18 for Denver while Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points.“We did a good job of bringing the energy for 48 minutes,” Murray said. “We’ve got to be poised and relaxed when we go to their building.”The T-Wolves were without two top guards. Anthony Edwards is out with a bone bruise and hyper-extended left knee while Donte DiVincenzo will miss the remainder of the playoffs with a ruptured right Achilles tendon.Published on Apr 28, 2026 #NBA #Playoffs #Thunder #sweep #Suns #Denver #avoids #ouster #Pistons #brink

Deadspin | Nikola Jokic’s triple-double extends Nuggets’ series with Wolves Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) drives to the net against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) as forward Cameron Johnson (23) and guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) defend in the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Nikola Jokic recorded 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds as the host Denver Nuggets stayed alive with a 125-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series on Monday. Jamal Murray scored 24 points, Spencer Jones posted a playoff career-high 20 points and Cameron Johnson finished with 18 for third-seeded Denver, which had lost three straight following a Game 1 home victory. Game 6 in the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis. Both teams had key players missing Monday night. Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) were out for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, and Ayo Dosunmu and Mike Conley started in their absences. Dosunmu had 18 points after pouring in 43 on Saturday the Timberwolves’ Game 4 victory. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points and nine rebounds. Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 15 apiece. Jaden McDaniels, loudly booed whenever he possessed the ball, added 13 points, and Naz Reid contributed 12 points for the Timberwolves, who committed 25 turnovers. Jones made his second career playoff start in place of Aaron Gordon (calf). The Nuggets built a 10-point lead in the first quarter, but Minnesota cut it to 34-33 early in the second. Denver closed the half on a 7-2 run to take a 60-51 lead into intermission, and then quickly expanded the advantage early in the third. After the score was 63-54, Jones hit a trio of 3-pointers and a running dunk that made it 78-59 midway through the frame. The Timberwolves got within 82-67, but Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. converted three-point plays, Johnson hit from deep and Christian Braun dunked to make it 95-72. It was 106-84 before Minnesota made a push. Randle hit a hook shot, Dosunmu had a steal and a layup and Hyland made a layup to cut the gap to 13. After Jokic sank two free throws, Randle converted a three-point play and Reid’s jumper got the Timberwolves within 10. Braun drained a trey, Murray dunked and Jokic had a layup that resulted in a three-point play, making it an 18-point game with 3:33 to go, and Denver closed it out. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nikola #Jokics #tripledouble #extends #Nuggets #series #WolvesApr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) drives to the net against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) as forward Cameron Johnson (23) and guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) defend in the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic recorded 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds as the host Denver Nuggets stayed alive with a 125-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series on Monday.

Jamal Murray scored 24 points, Spencer Jones posted a playoff career-high 20 points and Cameron Johnson finished with 18 for third-seeded Denver, which had lost three straight following a Game 1 home victory.

Game 6 in the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Both teams had key players missing Monday night. Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) were out for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, and Ayo Dosunmu and Mike Conley started in their absences.

Dosunmu had 18 points after pouring in 43 on Saturday the Timberwolves’ Game 4 victory.


Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points and nine rebounds. Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 15 apiece. Jaden McDaniels, loudly booed whenever he possessed the ball, added 13 points, and Naz Reid contributed 12 points for the Timberwolves, who committed 25 turnovers.

Jones made his second career playoff start in place of Aaron Gordon (calf).

The Nuggets built a 10-point lead in the first quarter, but Minnesota cut it to 34-33 early in the second. Denver closed the half on a 7-2 run to take a 60-51 lead into intermission, and then quickly expanded the advantage early in the third.

After the score was 63-54, Jones hit a trio of 3-pointers and a running dunk that made it 78-59 midway through the frame. The Timberwolves got within 82-67, but Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. converted three-point plays, Johnson hit from deep and Christian Braun dunked to make it 95-72.

It was 106-84 before Minnesota made a push. Randle hit a hook shot, Dosunmu had a steal and a layup and Hyland made a layup to cut the gap to 13. After Jokic sank two free throws, Randle converted a three-point play and Reid’s jumper got the Timberwolves within 10.

Braun drained a trey, Murray dunked and Jokic had a layup that resulted in a three-point play, making it an 18-point game with 3:33 to go, and Denver closed it out.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nikola #Jokics #tripledouble #extends #Nuggets #series #Wolves">Deadspin | Nikola Jokic’s triple-double extends Nuggets’ series with Wolves Apr 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) drives to the net against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) as forward Cameron Johnson (23) and guard Jamal Murray (27) and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) defend in the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Nikola Jokic recorded 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds as the host Denver Nuggets stayed alive with a 125-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series on Monday. Jamal Murray scored 24 points, Spencer Jones posted a playoff career-high 20 points and Cameron Johnson finished with 18 for third-seeded Denver, which had lost three straight following a Game 1 home victory. Game 6 in the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis. Both teams had key players missing Monday night. Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) were out for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, and Ayo Dosunmu and Mike Conley started in their absences. Dosunmu had 18 points after pouring in 43 on Saturday the Timberwolves’ Game 4 victory. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points and nine rebounds. Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 15 apiece. Jaden McDaniels, loudly booed whenever he possessed the ball, added 13 points, and Naz Reid contributed 12 points for the Timberwolves, who committed 25 turnovers. Jones made his second career playoff start in place of Aaron Gordon (calf). The Nuggets built a 10-point lead in the first quarter, but Minnesota cut it to 34-33 early in the second. Denver closed the half on a 7-2 run to take a 60-51 lead into intermission, and then quickly expanded the advantage early in the third. After the score was 63-54, Jones hit a trio of 3-pointers and a running dunk that made it 78-59 midway through the frame. The Timberwolves got within 82-67, but Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. converted three-point plays, Johnson hit from deep and Christian Braun dunked to make it 95-72. It was 106-84 before Minnesota made a push. Randle hit a hook shot, Dosunmu had a steal and a layup and Hyland made a layup to cut the gap to 13. After Jokic sank two free throws, Randle converted a three-point play and Reid’s jumper got the Timberwolves within 10. Braun drained a trey, Murray dunked and Jokic had a layup that resulted in a three-point play, making it an 18-point game with 3:33 to go, and Denver closed it out. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nikola #Jokics #tripledouble #extends #Nuggets #series #Wolves

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