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Deadspin | Pete Alonso, Orioles determined to heat up vs. Astros Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles infielder Pete Alonso (25) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images The Baltimore Orioles would like for first baseman Pete Alonso to get untracked. They hope to see more signs of that Wednesday night against the visiting Houston Astros after the slugger unleashed an opposite-field home run in a 5-3 Baltimore victory Tuesday in the series opener. Alonso, a big free-agent prize for the Orioles in the offseason, is batting only .198 with four homers and 12 RBIs this season. “I think my swing feels good,” he said. “Just need to get a ball or two to find some grass or maybe a seat.” Alonso put one in the seats over the right-field fence in the fifth inning Tuesday. Every time he homers, it’s a signal that he could be on the verge of a breakout. “His defense right now has been better than advertised,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “It’s been elite for us at first base. So it’s just on the offensive side of the ball, and he’s close. You can see it in the box, you can see it in his work. So I think once he kind of gets in that groove, it’s going to be dangerous.” Alonso said it’s clear that the best is still to come from the Orioles, who halted a two-game skid on Tuesday. “I think from the group largely, there’s been a lot of great individual performances, but I think from a lineup perspective, not everyone’s got going,” Alonso said. “I think once everyone kind of gets going, we start getting on the same page clicking, we’re going to put some runs up, which is going to alleviate some of the stress for the pitching staff.” Right-hander Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will be Baltimore’s starting pitcher for the middle game of the three-game series with the Astros. He gained his first victory of the season last Wednesday despite giving up five runs in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 win at Kansas City. The Orioles have won in his past three starts. Bassitt has made 16 career starts vs. Houston, recording a 5-6 record and 4.32 ERA in 89 2/3 innings. That marks the most innings he has logged against any opponent in his 12-year big-league career. The Astros have the worst record in the American League and are dealing with injuries that have altered the available roster. “It’s unfortunate that we have to go through this again,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “But we find ourselves in a spot that we know we have been here before. … We have a roster now that I feel good about. Putting these guys in the best position to have some success is the most important thing while we get the rest of the guys back.” Houston’s starting pitcher on Wednesday will be right-hander Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27 ERA), who’s coming off last Wednesday’s six shutout innings in a 2-0 victory at Cleveland. He’ll face the Orioles for the first time. Espada said the Astros will have infielder Jeremy Pena back with the team Wednesday, but he won’t be activated to play. Instead, he’ll continue rehab work for a hamstring strain. Outfielder Colton Cowser hasn’t been in Baltimore’s lineup for four straight games, but Albernaz said part of that is because of Leody Taveras’ production. “It’s nothing about Cowser,” Albernaz said. Taveras is batting .286 this season, with two homers and 15 RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pete #Alonso #Orioles #determined #heat #Astros

Deadspin | Pete Alonso, Orioles determined to heat up vs. Astros
Deadspin | Pete Alonso, Orioles determined to heat up vs. Astros Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles infielder Pete Alonso (25) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images The Baltimore Orioles would like for first baseman Pete Alonso to get untracked. They hope to see more signs of that Wednesday night against the visiting Houston Astros after the slugger unleashed an opposite-field home run in a 5-3 Baltimore victory Tuesday in the series opener. Alonso, a big free-agent prize for the Orioles in the offseason, is batting only .198 with four homers and 12 RBIs this season. “I think my swing feels good,” he said. “Just need to get a ball or two to find some grass or maybe a seat.” Alonso put one in the seats over the right-field fence in the fifth inning Tuesday. Every time he homers, it’s a signal that he could be on the verge of a breakout. “His defense right now has been better than advertised,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “It’s been elite for us at first base. So it’s just on the offensive side of the ball, and he’s close. You can see it in the box, you can see it in his work. So I think once he kind of gets in that groove, it’s going to be dangerous.” Alonso said it’s clear that the best is still to come from the Orioles, who halted a two-game skid on Tuesday. “I think from the group largely, there’s been a lot of great individual performances, but I think from a lineup perspective, not everyone’s got going,” Alonso said. “I think once everyone kind of gets going, we start getting on the same page clicking, we’re going to put some runs up, which is going to alleviate some of the stress for the pitching staff.” Right-hander Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will be Baltimore’s starting pitcher for the middle game of the three-game series with the Astros. He gained his first victory of the season last Wednesday despite giving up five runs in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 win at Kansas City. The Orioles have won in his past three starts. Bassitt has made 16 career starts vs. Houston, recording a 5-6 record and 4.32 ERA in 89 2/3 innings. That marks the most innings he has logged against any opponent in his 12-year big-league career. The Astros have the worst record in the American League and are dealing with injuries that have altered the available roster. “It’s unfortunate that we have to go through this again,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “But we find ourselves in a spot that we know we have been here before. … We have a roster now that I feel good about. Putting these guys in the best position to have some success is the most important thing while we get the rest of the guys back.” Houston’s starting pitcher on Wednesday will be right-hander Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27 ERA), who’s coming off last Wednesday’s six shutout innings in a 2-0 victory at Cleveland. He’ll face the Orioles for the first time. Espada said the Astros will have infielder Jeremy Pena back with the team Wednesday, but he won’t be activated to play. Instead, he’ll continue rehab work for a hamstring strain. Outfielder Colton Cowser hasn’t been in Baltimore’s lineup for four straight games, but Albernaz said part of that is because of Leody Taveras’ production. “It’s nothing about Cowser,” Albernaz said. Taveras is batting .286 this season, with two homers and 15 RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pete #Alonso #Orioles #determined #heat #AstrosApr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles infielder Pete Alonso (25) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles would like for first baseman Pete Alonso to get untracked.

They hope to see more signs of that Wednesday night against the visiting Houston Astros after the slugger unleashed an opposite-field home run in a 5-3 Baltimore victory Tuesday in the series opener.

Alonso, a big free-agent prize for the Orioles in the offseason, is batting only .198 with four homers and 12 RBIs this season.

“I think my swing feels good,” he said. “Just need to get a ball or two to find some grass or maybe a seat.”

Alonso put one in the seats over the right-field fence in the fifth inning Tuesday. Every time he homers, it’s a signal that he could be on the verge of a breakout.

“His defense right now has been better than advertised,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “It’s been elite for us at first base. So it’s just on the offensive side of the ball, and he’s close. You can see it in the box, you can see it in his work. So I think once he kind of gets in that groove, it’s going to be dangerous.”

Alonso said it’s clear that the best is still to come from the Orioles, who halted a two-game skid on Tuesday.

“I think from the group largely, there’s been a lot of great individual performances, but I think from a lineup perspective, not everyone’s got going,” Alonso said. “I think once everyone kind of gets going, we start getting on the same page clicking, we’re going to put some runs up, which is going to alleviate some of the stress for the pitching staff.”


Right-hander Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will be Baltimore’s starting pitcher for the middle game of the three-game series with the Astros. He gained his first victory of the season last Wednesday despite giving up five runs in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 win at Kansas City. The Orioles have won in his past three starts.

Bassitt has made 16 career starts vs. Houston, recording a 5-6 record and 4.32 ERA in 89 2/3 innings. That marks the most innings he has logged against any opponent in his 12-year big-league career.

The Astros have the worst record in the American League and are dealing with injuries that have altered the available roster.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to go through this again,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “But we find ourselves in a spot that we know we have been here before. … We have a roster now that I feel good about. Putting these guys in the best position to have some success is the most important thing while we get the rest of the guys back.”

Houston’s starting pitcher on Wednesday will be right-hander Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27 ERA), who’s coming off last Wednesday’s six shutout innings in a 2-0 victory at Cleveland. He’ll face the Orioles for the first time.

Espada said the Astros will have infielder Jeremy Pena back with the team Wednesday, but he won’t be activated to play. Instead, he’ll continue rehab work for a hamstring strain.

Outfielder Colton Cowser hasn’t been in Baltimore’s lineup for four straight games, but Albernaz said part of that is because of Leody Taveras’ production.

“It’s nothing about Cowser,” Albernaz said.

Taveras is batting .286 this season, with two homers and 15 RBIs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pete #Alonso #Orioles #determined #heat #Astros

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Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles infielder Pete Alonso (25) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Orioles would like for first baseman Pete Alonso to get untracked.

They hope to see more signs of that Wednesday night against the visiting Houston Astros after the slugger unleashed an opposite-field home run in a 5-3 Baltimore victory Tuesday in the series opener.

Alonso, a big free-agent prize for the Orioles in the offseason, is batting only .198 with four homers and 12 RBIs this season.

“I think my swing feels good,” he said. “Just need to get a ball or two to find some grass or maybe a seat.”

Alonso put one in the seats over the right-field fence in the fifth inning Tuesday. Every time he homers, it’s a signal that he could be on the verge of a breakout.

“His defense right now has been better than advertised,” Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. “It’s been elite for us at first base. So it’s just on the offensive side of the ball, and he’s close. You can see it in the box, you can see it in his work. So I think once he kind of gets in that groove, it’s going to be dangerous.”

Alonso said it’s clear that the best is still to come from the Orioles, who halted a two-game skid on Tuesday.

“I think from the group largely, there’s been a lot of great individual performances, but I think from a lineup perspective, not everyone’s got going,” Alonso said. “I think once everyone kind of gets going, we start getting on the same page clicking, we’re going to put some runs up, which is going to alleviate some of the stress for the pitching staff.”

Right-hander Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) will be Baltimore’s starting pitcher for the middle game of the three-game series with the Astros. He gained his first victory of the season last Wednesday despite giving up five runs in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 win at Kansas City. The Orioles have won in his past three starts.

Bassitt has made 16 career starts vs. Houston, recording a 5-6 record and 4.32 ERA in 89 2/3 innings. That marks the most innings he has logged against any opponent in his 12-year big-league career.

The Astros have the worst record in the American League and are dealing with injuries that have altered the available roster.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to go through this again,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “But we find ourselves in a spot that we know we have been here before. … We have a roster now that I feel good about. Putting these guys in the best position to have some success is the most important thing while we get the rest of the guys back.”

Houston’s starting pitcher on Wednesday will be right-hander Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27 ERA), who’s coming off last Wednesday’s six shutout innings in a 2-0 victory at Cleveland. He’ll face the Orioles for the first time.

Espada said the Astros will have infielder Jeremy Pena back with the team Wednesday, but he won’t be activated to play. Instead, he’ll continue rehab work for a hamstring strain.

Outfielder Colton Cowser hasn’t been in Baltimore’s lineup for four straight games, but Albernaz said part of that is because of Leody Taveras’ production.

“It’s nothing about Cowser,” Albernaz said.

Taveras is batting .286 this season, with two homers and 15 RBIs.

–Field Level Media

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NFL Power Rankings: Which team has the best 2027 Super Bowl chances after the draft? <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The NFL schedule hits one of its only lulls as the wait until training camp begins. The 2026 NFL Draft is in the rear view (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1112551/nfl-draft-2026-team-grades-every-franchise-eagles-49ers-bears">read our full team grades here</a>), and with it a chance to look at how all 32 teams changed with their incoming rookies. Naturally everyone got better, that’s just the nature of the beast — but some teams did a lot more work patching their holes than others, including several teams who still have an eye on the future, rather than worrying about competing now.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">We divided the league up into four distinct tiers based on where we think they’ll end up.</p></div><div><p><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Tanking for No. 1, or bust</h3></p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">We start at the bottom with three teams that clearly have no plan to be competitive this season, with 2027 already on the horizon. The shared DNA here is that all three teams are searching for franchise quarterbacks, and we’re going into one of the most stacked QB classes in recent memory. They will be duking it out to see who’s worst in order to control their draft destiny and make their pick between Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and Julian Sayin — who are presumably the best three QBs coming out.</p></div><div><p><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Chance of making the playoffs</h3></p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Like any good bell curve, this is our bulge. All these teams made significant enough improvement through the draft and free agency that they very well <em>could</em> make the playoffs, but there are also good enough reasons to doubt that they’re ready to take the next step. This can be due to some major holes that haven’t been patched, or simply a factor of being locked in a division with teams that are further along in the process. None of these teams making the postseason would be a surprise, nor would it shock us if they’re drafting Top 5.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>20. Washington Commanders</strong></p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">These are the teams we’ve identified as either division winners or highly-rated Wild Card teams. You can see where the split comes in for some of the iffier divisions like the NFC South, which has the Panthers in this tier — but the Buccaneers right behind them. There is an outside chance one of these teams goes on a Cinderella run to the Super Bowl, but it’s highly-unlikely based on other teams higher on this list.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Finally, we reach the seven teams that legitimately feel like they could make it all the way to the Super Bowl in February. These were dominant teams from a year ago who got better this offseason, or are healing from key injuries and now return in 2026 to make a statement. Any combination of these teams in the Super Bowl wouldn’t be surprising to us, and it’s more than likely one of them will end up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the end.</p></div> #NFL #Power #Rankings #team #Super #Bowl #chances #draft

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FIFA opens talks on rule requiring clubs to field at least one homegrown young player during matches <div id="content-body-70920539" itemprop="articleBody"><p>FIFA has opened talks on making it mandatory for all professional teams to field at least one homegrown young player throughout a match.</p><p>The FIFA Council agreed late on Tuesday to work towards a formal plan within a year, following global consultation with stakeholders.</p><p>The move is aimed at increasing playing opportunities for young players developed by clubs, especially at teams that usually rely on bought and imported talent.</p><p>FIFA said it is targeting “a regulatory obligation that senior club teams are obliged to always have at least one homegrown player from the Under-20 or Under-21 category on the field of play.”</p><p>Such a rule would be stricter than existing regulations in national and international club competitions, including the Champions League, which require a quota of homegrown and club-trained players in squad lists.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:<a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/fifa-world-cup-2026-prize-money-boosted-full-details-of-amount-for-teams-in-wc/article70919243.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> FIFA boosts cash payments for World Cup 2026</a></b></p><p>However, those rules do not make it compulsory for clubs to select such players in their starting line-ups or use them during matches.</p><p>Champions League rules require each squad to reserve at least eight places for “locally trained players” in a maximum squad of 25.</p><p>A locally trained player is defined by Champions League organiser UEFA as one developed by the club itself or by another club in the same country for at least three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 29, 2026</p></div> #FIFA #opens #talks #rule #requiring #clubs #field #homegrown #young #player #matches

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Deadspin | Knicks finish sweep of Cavs, make first NBA Finals since 1999 May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the third quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images CLEVELAND — Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals with a 130-93 rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday night. The Knicks, who will play in the championship series for the first time since 1999, extended their franchise playoff-record winning streak to 11 games — matching the third-longest run in a single postseason in league history. OG Anunoby had 17 points and Landry Shamet scored 16 off the bench on 4-for-4 3-point shooting for New York, which built a 29-point lead in the second quarter and went up 123-78 in the fourth. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges finished with 15 points apiece, and Josh Hart added six points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Donovan Mitchell logged 31 points and Evan Mobley posted 15 points and seven rebounds for Cleveland, which reached the East finals for the first time since 2018. James Harden had 12 points and five turnovers while missing all six of his 3-point tries. The Knicks’ Mike Brown is off to the NBA Finals for the second time as a head coach, having led the Cavaliers to their first East crown in 2007. The 37-point defeat was the Cavaliers’ largest ever in a playoff home game. New York dominated the rebounding battle 60-33 with backup center Mitchell Robinson grabbing 10 boards in 18 minutes. New York delivered the knockout blow early with a 20-0 run over a span of 5:52 from late in the first quarter into the second. A dunk by Towns punctuated the surge, making the score 50-26. The Knicks eventually built a 61-32 lead on Shamet’s third 3-pointer of the half. Mitchell scored 10 points and Mobley had seven in the first six minutes, putting the Cavaliers up 17-14. A 9-0 run then put New York on top for good. Robinson entered for New York and made an impact with six points and four rebounds, sparking a 24-9 run to end the quarter. Cleveland backup point guard Dennis Schroder was a late scratch with an illness. Among the Knicks’ celebrity fans seated courtside were comedian Tracy Morgan, filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Timothee Chalamet. –Brian Dulik, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Knicks #finish #sweep #Cavs #NBA #FinalsMay 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the third quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

CLEVELAND — Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals with a 130-93 rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday night.

The Knicks, who will play in the championship series for the first time since 1999, extended their franchise playoff-record winning streak to 11 games — matching the third-longest run in a single postseason in league history.

OG Anunoby had 17 points and Landry Shamet scored 16 off the bench on 4-for-4 3-point shooting for New York, which built a 29-point lead in the second quarter and went up 123-78 in the fourth. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges finished with 15 points apiece, and Josh Hart added six points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Donovan Mitchell logged 31 points and Evan Mobley posted 15 points and seven rebounds for Cleveland, which reached the East finals for the first time since 2018. James Harden had 12 points and five turnovers while missing all six of his 3-point tries.

The Knicks’ Mike Brown is off to the NBA Finals for the second time as a head coach, having led the Cavaliers to their first East crown in 2007.

The 37-point defeat was the Cavaliers’ largest ever in a playoff home game.


New York dominated the rebounding battle 60-33 with backup center Mitchell Robinson grabbing 10 boards in 18 minutes.

New York delivered the knockout blow early with a 20-0 run over a span of 5:52 from late in the first quarter into the second. A dunk by Towns punctuated the surge, making the score 50-26.

The Knicks eventually built a 61-32 lead on Shamet’s third 3-pointer of the half.

Mitchell scored 10 points and Mobley had seven in the first six minutes, putting the Cavaliers up 17-14. A 9-0 run then put New York on top for good. Robinson entered for New York and made an impact with six points and four rebounds, sparking a 24-9 run to end the quarter.

Cleveland backup point guard Dennis Schroder was a late scratch with an illness.

Among the Knicks’ celebrity fans seated courtside were comedian Tracy Morgan, filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Timothee Chalamet.

–Brian Dulik, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Knicks #finish #sweep #Cavs #NBA #Finals">Deadspin | Knicks finish sweep of Cavs, make first NBA Finals since 1999 May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the third quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images CLEVELAND — Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals with a 130-93 rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday night. The Knicks, who will play in the championship series for the first time since 1999, extended their franchise playoff-record winning streak to 11 games — matching the third-longest run in a single postseason in league history. OG Anunoby had 17 points and Landry Shamet scored 16 off the bench on 4-for-4 3-point shooting for New York, which built a 29-point lead in the second quarter and went up 123-78 in the fourth. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges finished with 15 points apiece, and Josh Hart added six points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Donovan Mitchell logged 31 points and Evan Mobley posted 15 points and seven rebounds for Cleveland, which reached the East finals for the first time since 2018. James Harden had 12 points and five turnovers while missing all six of his 3-point tries. The Knicks’ Mike Brown is off to the NBA Finals for the second time as a head coach, having led the Cavaliers to their first East crown in 2007. The 37-point defeat was the Cavaliers’ largest ever in a playoff home game. New York dominated the rebounding battle 60-33 with backup center Mitchell Robinson grabbing 10 boards in 18 minutes. New York delivered the knockout blow early with a 20-0 run over a span of 5:52 from late in the first quarter into the second. A dunk by Towns punctuated the surge, making the score 50-26. The Knicks eventually built a 61-32 lead on Shamet’s third 3-pointer of the half. Mitchell scored 10 points and Mobley had seven in the first six minutes, putting the Cavaliers up 17-14. A 9-0 run then put New York on top for good. Robinson entered for New York and made an impact with six points and four rebounds, sparking a 24-9 run to end the quarter. Cleveland backup point guard Dennis Schroder was a late scratch with an illness. Among the Knicks’ celebrity fans seated courtside were comedian Tracy Morgan, filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Timothee Chalamet. –Brian Dulik, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Knicks #finish #sweep #Cavs #NBA #Finals

Carla Leite called for the iso.

Dribbling out the clock, the 5’9 guard shooed away her teammates with confidence. The only thing standing between the 22-year-old and the Barclays Center basket?

Stewart is an elite defender — one of the WNBA’s most consistent. She’s also 6’4. But that didn’t matter. Leite, a 17.3% career three-point shooter in the WNBA, pulled up for three.

Leite smiled, knowing she had just iced the game. Thanks to her big triple, the Portland Fire led the New York Liberty by 6 points with 14.4 seconds to spare. Liberty guard Marine Johannes responded with a three-pointer of her own, but the game was out of reach.

The pull-up three was Leite’s second consecutive clutch basket in the final seconds of Monday night’s 81-74 Fire win over the Liberty. Twenty-five seconds earlier, Leite drove to the basket to give the Fire a 5-point lead with 40 seconds to play.

And, Monday wasn’t the first time she took over in the clutch, either.

Two weeks earlier, when the Fire pulled out the franchise’s first-ever win, Leite also stepped up down the stretch against the Liberty. She drove to the basket with 27.1 seconds to play, tying up the game against New York. A Sarah Ashlee Barker game-winner ended up securing that May 12th win.

Leite is having a strong all-around season. On Monday, she scored a team-high 18 points on 8-14 shooting; the Fire outscored the Liberty by 8 points in her 22 minutes on the floor.

Leite’s points, rebounds, and assists per game have all more than doubled; she averaged 7.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, and has seen those numbers rise to 15 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season. Her efficiency has also risen; she averaged 38.7% in her rookie campaign and is shooting 5% better this year in Portland.

The Fire are 3-2 in the five games the sophomore guard has played.

Leite is far from the only reason why the Fire, one of two 2026 expansion teams, have begun the season 4-3. Bridget Carleton, the No. 1 overall pick in the expansion draft, is averaging 16.5 points per game, 10 more than she averaged last year as a role player on the Minnesota Lynx. Emily Engslter, Megan Gustafson, Nyadiew Puoch, and Luisa Geiselsoder have all been key contributors.

And, Ashlee Barker, who is averaging 10.3 points off the bench, has also been a monster in the clutch. In addition to her game-winner earlier in the month, Barker completed an and-one driving layup in the final minute of a crunch-time victory over the Connecticut Sun. In Monday’s win over the Liberty, she hit a go-ahead corner three to give the Fire a one-point edge with just under four minutes to spare. The Fire never trailed again.

But, Leite — left unprotected by the Golden State Valkyries after her rookie season — has been the primary scoring option in the clutch.

And, on Monday, she did it again.

#WNBA #clutchtime #superstar">The WNBA has a new clutch-time superstar Carla Leite called for the iso.Dribbling out the clock, the 5’9 guard shooed away her teammates with confidence. The only thing standing between the 22-year-old and the Barclays Center basket?Stewart is an elite defender — one of the WNBA’s most consistent. She’s also 6’4. But that didn’t matter. Leite, a 17.3% career three-point shooter in the WNBA, pulled up for three.Leite smiled, knowing she had just iced the game. Thanks to her big triple, the Portland Fire led the New York Liberty by 6 points with 14.4 seconds to spare. Liberty guard Marine Johannes responded with a three-pointer of her own, but the game was out of reach.The pull-up three was Leite’s second consecutive clutch basket in the final seconds of Monday night’s 81-74 Fire win over the Liberty. Twenty-five seconds earlier, Leite drove to the basket to give the Fire a 5-point lead with 40 seconds to play.And, Monday wasn’t the first time she took over in the clutch, either.Two weeks earlier, when the Fire pulled out the franchise’s first-ever win, Leite also stepped up down the stretch against the Liberty. She drove to the basket with 27.1 seconds to play, tying up the game against New York. A Sarah Ashlee Barker game-winner ended up securing that May 12th win.Leite is having a strong all-around season. On Monday, she scored a team-high 18 points on 8-14 shooting; the Fire outscored the Liberty by 8 points in her 22 minutes on the floor.Leite’s points, rebounds, and assists per game have all more than doubled; she averaged 7.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, and has seen those numbers rise to 15 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season. Her efficiency has also risen; she averaged 38.7% in her rookie campaign and is shooting 5% better this year in Portland.The Fire are 3-2 in the five games the sophomore guard has played.Leite is far from the only reason why the Fire, one of two 2026 expansion teams, have begun the season 4-3. Bridget Carleton, the No. 1 overall pick in the expansion draft, is averaging 16.5 points per game, 10 more than she averaged last year as a role player on the Minnesota Lynx. Emily Engslter, Megan Gustafson, Nyadiew Puoch, and Luisa Geiselsoder have all been key contributors.And, Ashlee Barker, who is averaging 10.3 points off the bench, has also been a monster in the clutch. In addition to her game-winner earlier in the month, Barker completed an and-one driving layup in the final minute of a crunch-time victory over the Connecticut Sun. In Monday’s win over the Liberty, she hit a go-ahead corner three to give the Fire a one-point edge with just under four minutes to spare. The Fire never trailed again.But, Leite — left unprotected by the Golden State Valkyries after her rookie season — has been the primary scoring option in the clutch.And, on Monday, she did it again. #WNBA #clutchtime #superstar

Colombia on Monday announced its 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez making the cut for the tournament.

Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz will headline Nestor Lorenzo’s side as it vies to clinch its first World Cup title. Defender Jhon Duran, who plays for Saudi side Al Nassr, was among the notable absentees.

Colombia did not qualify for the World Cup Finals in 2022 and was knocked out in the Round of 16 by England on penalties in 2018. It’s best finish came in the 2014 edition when it reached the quarterfinals and lost to Brazil.

In 2026, it has been pitted in Group K where it will face title contender Portugal, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo.

COLOMBIA FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: C. Vargas, A. Montero, D. Ospina

Defenders: D. Sánchez, J. Lucumí, Y. Mina, W. Ditta, D. Muñoz, S. Arias, J. Mojica, D. Machado

Midfielders: J. Lerma, J. Portilla, R. Ríos, K. Castaño, G. Puerta, J. Arias, J. Carrascal, J. F. Quintero, J. Rodríguez

Forwards: L. Díaz, J. Campaz, A. Gómez, L. Suárez, J. Córdoba, J. Hernández

Published on May 25, 2026

#Colombia #announces #squad #FIFA #World #Cup #Full #list #players #confirmed">Colombia announces squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 — Full list of players confirmed Colombia on Monday announced its 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez making the cut for the tournament.Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz will headline Nestor Lorenzo’s side as it vies to clinch its first World Cup title. Defender Jhon Duran, who plays for Saudi side Al Nassr, was among the notable absentees.Colombia did not qualify for the World Cup Finals in 2022 and was knocked out in the Round of 16 by England on penalties in 2018. It’s best finish came in the 2014 edition when it reached the quarterfinals and lost to Brazil.In 2026, it has been pitted in Group K where it will face title contender Portugal, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. COLOMBIA FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 FULL SQUAD Goalkeepers: C. Vargas, A. Montero, D. Ospina Defenders: D. Sánchez, J. Lucumí, Y. Mina, W. Ditta, D. Muñoz, S. Arias, J. Mojica, D. Machado Midfielders: J. Lerma, J. Portilla, R. Ríos, K. Castaño, G. Puerta, J. Arias, J. Carrascal, J. F. Quintero, J. Rodríguez Forwards: L. Díaz, J. Campaz, A. Gómez, L. Suárez, J. Córdoba, J. Hernández Published on May 25, 2026 #Colombia #announces #squad #FIFA #World #Cup #Full #list #players #confirmed

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