Deadspin | Raptors in must-win game vs. Knicks as they work to avoid play-in Apr 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images It’s been four long years since the Toronto Raptors competed in the postseason. To avoid a potential Eastern Conference play-in slot, the Raptors can’t lose to a team that has owned them for nearly as long. Toronto (45-35), which just beat Miami twice in three days at home, travels to New York to take on the Knicks (52-28) on Friday. The Raptors will close the regular season on Sunday at home against the Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors have an identical record to the Atlanta Hawks, and the teams sit in fifth and sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. But the Orlando Magic enter play Friday one game back and could move out of the play-in and into the guaranteed playoffs if everything falls right. The Raptors, who averaged 32 wins per season over the past three playoff-less campaigns, swept the four-game season series against Miami with a 128-114 victory on Thursday. Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 38 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. RJ Barrett had 22 points and six rebounds, and Collin Murray-Boyles added 17 points and eight rebounds. According to the Toronto Sun, Ingram, who leads the Raptors with 21.5 points per game, set a franchise record for most total points in a season by a player in his first year with the team. Ingram, who now has 1,614, passed both Kawhi Leonard (1,596, 2018-19) and then Mike James (1,604, 2005-06). “We need BI to be aggressive. We need him to be forceful. He did a good job not just scoring. He grabbed seven rebounds, seven assists today,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “How aggressive he is and his ability to get to the rim. I think that’s a game-changer.” With Thursday’s win, Rajakovic joined Dwane Casey, Nick Nurse, Sam Mitchell and Lenny Wilkens as the only Toronto coaches with 100 career wins with the franchise. One team he has yet to beat, however, is New York. The Knicks have won 12 straight against the Raptors, including four previous meetings this season. New York won each of those contests by double digits. Coach Mike Brown’s club, which has won four straight overall, was victorious in its sixth straight game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. It was a big win, too, as the Knicks took the season series from the Boston Celtics with a 112-106 victory. Josh Hart had 26 points, including two 3-pointers in the final minute, to lead New York. Jalen Brunson had 25 points and 10 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Knicks moved to two games behind Boston for the No. 2 seed in the East with two games to play. In the process, Brown collected his 52nd victory, the most in one season for a Knicks head coach since the 2012-13 season, and one more than predecessor Tom Thibodeau had in his five seasons at the helm. “It didn’t register that they had 51 wins (last season) or whatever, and I wasn’t trying to pass what they had last year. I was trying to hopefully help the team improve going into the playoffs and then hopefully make a run at this thing,” Brown said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #mustwin #game #Knicks #work #avoid #playin

Deadspin | Raptors in must-win game vs. Knicks as they work to avoid play-in
Deadspin | Raptors in must-win game vs. Knicks as they work to avoid play-in Apr 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images It’s been four long years since the Toronto Raptors competed in the postseason. To avoid a potential Eastern Conference play-in slot, the Raptors can’t lose to a team that has owned them for nearly as long. Toronto (45-35), which just beat Miami twice in three days at home, travels to New York to take on the Knicks (52-28) on Friday. The Raptors will close the regular season on Sunday at home against the Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors have an identical record to the Atlanta Hawks, and the teams sit in fifth and sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. But the Orlando Magic enter play Friday one game back and could move out of the play-in and into the guaranteed playoffs if everything falls right. The Raptors, who averaged 32 wins per season over the past three playoff-less campaigns, swept the four-game season series against Miami with a 128-114 victory on Thursday. Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 38 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. RJ Barrett had 22 points and six rebounds, and Collin Murray-Boyles added 17 points and eight rebounds. According to the Toronto Sun, Ingram, who leads the Raptors with 21.5 points per game, set a franchise record for most total points in a season by a player in his first year with the team. Ingram, who now has 1,614, passed both Kawhi Leonard (1,596, 2018-19) and then Mike James (1,604, 2005-06). “We need BI to be aggressive. We need him to be forceful. He did a good job not just scoring. He grabbed seven rebounds, seven assists today,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “How aggressive he is and his ability to get to the rim. I think that’s a game-changer.” With Thursday’s win, Rajakovic joined Dwane Casey, Nick Nurse, Sam Mitchell and Lenny Wilkens as the only Toronto coaches with 100 career wins with the franchise. One team he has yet to beat, however, is New York. The Knicks have won 12 straight against the Raptors, including four previous meetings this season. New York won each of those contests by double digits. Coach Mike Brown’s club, which has won four straight overall, was victorious in its sixth straight game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. It was a big win, too, as the Knicks took the season series from the Boston Celtics with a 112-106 victory. Josh Hart had 26 points, including two 3-pointers in the final minute, to lead New York. Jalen Brunson had 25 points and 10 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Knicks moved to two games behind Boston for the No. 2 seed in the East with two games to play. In the process, Brown collected his 52nd victory, the most in one season for a Knicks head coach since the 2012-13 season, and one more than predecessor Tom Thibodeau had in his five seasons at the helm. “It didn’t register that they had 51 wins (last season) or whatever, and I wasn’t trying to pass what they had last year. I was trying to hopefully help the team improve going into the playoffs and then hopefully make a run at this thing,” Brown said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #mustwin #game #Knicks #work #avoid #playinApr 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

It’s been four long years since the Toronto Raptors competed in the postseason. To avoid a potential Eastern Conference play-in slot, the Raptors can’t lose to a team that has owned them for nearly as long.

Toronto (45-35), which just beat Miami twice in three days at home, travels to New York to take on the Knicks (52-28) on Friday. The Raptors will close the regular season on Sunday at home against the Brooklyn Nets.

The Raptors have an identical record to the Atlanta Hawks, and the teams sit in fifth and sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. But the Orlando Magic enter play Friday one game back and could move out of the play-in and into the guaranteed playoffs if everything falls right.

The Raptors, who averaged 32 wins per season over the past three playoff-less campaigns, swept the four-game season series against Miami with a 128-114 victory on Thursday.

Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 38 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. RJ Barrett had 22 points and six rebounds, and Collin Murray-Boyles added 17 points and eight rebounds.

According to the Toronto Sun, Ingram, who leads the Raptors with 21.5 points per game, set a franchise record for most total points in a season by a player in his first year with the team. Ingram, who now has 1,614, passed both Kawhi Leonard (1,596, 2018-19) and then Mike James (1,604, 2005-06).


“We need BI to be aggressive. We need him to be forceful. He did a good job not just scoring. He grabbed seven rebounds, seven assists today,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “How aggressive he is and his ability to get to the rim. I think that’s a game-changer.”

With Thursday’s win, Rajakovic joined Dwane Casey, Nick Nurse, Sam Mitchell and Lenny Wilkens as the only Toronto coaches with 100 career wins with the franchise.

One team he has yet to beat, however, is New York. The Knicks have won 12 straight against the Raptors, including four previous meetings this season. New York won each of those contests by double digits.

Coach Mike Brown’s club, which has won four straight overall, was victorious in its sixth straight game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

It was a big win, too, as the Knicks took the season series from the Boston Celtics with a 112-106 victory. Josh Hart had 26 points, including two 3-pointers in the final minute, to lead New York.

Jalen Brunson had 25 points and 10 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Knicks moved to two games behind Boston for the No. 2 seed in the East with two games to play.

In the process, Brown collected his 52nd victory, the most in one season for a Knicks head coach since the 2012-13 season, and one more than predecessor Tom Thibodeau had in his five seasons at the helm.

“It didn’t register that they had 51 wins (last season) or whatever, and I wasn’t trying to pass what they had last year. I was trying to hopefully help the team improve going into the playoffs and then hopefully make a run at this thing,” Brown said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raptors #mustwin #game #Knicks #work #avoid #playin

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Apr 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) controls the ball against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

It’s been four long years since the Toronto Raptors competed in the postseason. To avoid a potential Eastern Conference play-in slot, the Raptors can’t lose to a team that has owned them for nearly as long.

Toronto (45-35), which just beat Miami twice in three days at home, travels to New York to take on the Knicks (52-28) on Friday. The Raptors will close the regular season on Sunday at home against the Brooklyn Nets.

The Raptors have an identical record to the Atlanta Hawks, and the teams sit in fifth and sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. But the Orlando Magic enter play Friday one game back and could move out of the play-in and into the guaranteed playoffs if everything falls right.

The Raptors, who averaged 32 wins per season over the past three playoff-less campaigns, swept the four-game season series against Miami with a 128-114 victory on Thursday.

Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 38 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. RJ Barrett had 22 points and six rebounds, and Collin Murray-Boyles added 17 points and eight rebounds.

According to the Toronto Sun, Ingram, who leads the Raptors with 21.5 points per game, set a franchise record for most total points in a season by a player in his first year with the team. Ingram, who now has 1,614, passed both Kawhi Leonard (1,596, 2018-19) and then Mike James (1,604, 2005-06).

“We need BI to be aggressive. We need him to be forceful. He did a good job not just scoring. He grabbed seven rebounds, seven assists today,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “How aggressive he is and his ability to get to the rim. I think that’s a game-changer.”

With Thursday’s win, Rajakovic joined Dwane Casey, Nick Nurse, Sam Mitchell and Lenny Wilkens as the only Toronto coaches with 100 career wins with the franchise.

One team he has yet to beat, however, is New York. The Knicks have won 12 straight against the Raptors, including four previous meetings this season. New York won each of those contests by double digits.

Coach Mike Brown’s club, which has won four straight overall, was victorious in its sixth straight game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

It was a big win, too, as the Knicks took the season series from the Boston Celtics with a 112-106 victory. Josh Hart had 26 points, including two 3-pointers in the final minute, to lead New York.

Jalen Brunson had 25 points and 10 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Knicks moved to two games behind Boston for the No. 2 seed in the East with two games to play.

In the process, Brown collected his 52nd victory, the most in one season for a Knicks head coach since the 2012-13 season, and one more than predecessor Tom Thibodeau had in his five seasons at the helm.

“It didn’t register that they had 51 wins (last season) or whatever, and I wasn’t trying to pass what they had last year. I was trying to hopefully help the team improve going into the playoffs and then hopefully make a run at this thing,” Brown said.

–Field Level Media

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WNBA free agency grades: Nneka Ogwumike to the Sparks gets an A <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Another big-ticket free agent is off the board, as Chiney Ogwumike got to break the news that her sister will be heading back to the Los Angeles Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike, a 14-year WNBA veteran, left the Sparks two seasons ago to sign with the Seattle Storm.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">On Thursday night, she announced via social media that she would not be returning to the Storm, and Friday morning, the news came out that she intends to return to the Sparks.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">After 12 seasons and one championship, Ogwumike’s departure was part of a changeover for the Sparks as they fell out of the playoff picture. They’ve spent the past few seasons rebuilding, and last season were able to bring Kelsey Plum in from the Las Vegas Aces. Bringing a player like Nneka back brings more veteran presence into the pair with Plum, while boosting their young frontcourt star, Cameron Brink.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This move also means both Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby might be on the move as well, and if a rumored trade to <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/los-angeles-sparks-wnba/113597/sparks-trade-rumors-rickea-jackson-ariel-atkins-sky-wnba-offseason">send Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky</a> for Ariel Atkins goes through over the weekend, the Sparks’ lineup will look much different this season.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Overall, the move is great by the Sparks — Ogwumike is still one of the best frontcourt presences in the WNBA. In 2025, she averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds for a playoff Storm team. She’s a 10x All-Star, and just played a huge part in getting the CBA negotiations done. Pairing her with Plum and Brink will elevate the team, and hopefully attract more free agents to the Sparks as well.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I’m not sure if this is a championship-contending roster yet, but the Sparks have set themselves up well for the season ahead.</p></div> #WNBA #free #agency #grades #Nneka #Ogwumike #Sparks

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Deadspin | Heat waive Terry Rozier, months after federal indictment Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Heat guard Terry Rozier was waived on Friday, months after he was indicted for an alleged role in an illegal gambling ring. Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering. His contract was set to expire and he has not played in a game for the Heat this season. The move was necessary for Miami to add a player to its postseason roster. His .6 million salary was the subject of arbitration facilitated by the NBA Players Association. He was placed on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest. But Rozier fought for his paycheck successfully and has since been paid his full salary. The union filed for arbitration on behalf of Rozier, arguing that he was due his salary. The arbitrator agreed with the union. Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” figures for Rozier’s stats in that contest. Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #waive #Terry #Rozier #months #federal #indictmentMar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Heat guard Terry Rozier was waived on Friday, months after he was indicted for an alleged role in an illegal gambling ring.

Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering. His contract was set to expire and he has not played in a game for the Heat this season.

The move was necessary for Miami to add a player to its postseason roster.

His $26.6 million salary was the subject of arbitration facilitated by the NBA Players Association. He was placed on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest.


But Rozier fought for his paycheck successfully and has since been paid his full salary.

The union filed for arbitration on behalf of Rozier, arguing that he was due his salary. The arbitrator agreed with the union.

Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” figures for Rozier’s stats in that contest.

Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heat #waive #Terry #Rozier #months #federal #indictment">Deadspin | Heat waive Terry Rozier, months after federal indictment Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Heat guard Terry Rozier was waived on Friday, months after he was indicted for an alleged role in an illegal gambling ring. Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering. His contract was set to expire and he has not played in a game for the Heat this season. The move was necessary for Miami to add a player to its postseason roster. His .6 million salary was the subject of arbitration facilitated by the NBA Players Association. He was placed on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest. But Rozier fought for his paycheck successfully and has since been paid his full salary. The union filed for arbitration on behalf of Rozier, arguing that he was due his salary. The arbitrator agreed with the union. Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” figures for Rozier’s stats in that contest. Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #waive #Terry #Rozier #months #federal #indictment

Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.

With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.

After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.

ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.

The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.

Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari">Indian Football League 2025-26: Shillong Lajong secures comfortable victory against Namdhari Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clashThe visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari

New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.

The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.

Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari">Indian Football League 2025-26: Shillong Lajong secures comfortable victory against Namdhari

Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.

With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.

After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.

ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.

The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.

Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari
Deadspin | Report: Aces finalizing 3-year deal with G Jewell Loyd Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. Three-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd is close to signing a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces, ESPN reported on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report. Loyd, 32, played in a career-best 44 games in 2025 during her first season with Las Vegas, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She is averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 371 career games (335 starts) with the Seattle Storm and Aces. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Aces #finalizing #3year #deal #Jewell #LoydLas Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.

Three-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd is close to signing a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces, ESPN reported on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed in the report.


Loyd, 32, played in a career-best 44 games in 2025 during her first season with Las Vegas, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

She is averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 371 career games (335 starts) with the Seattle Storm and Aces.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Aces #finalizing #3year #deal #Jewell #Loyd">Deadspin | Report: Aces finalizing 3-year deal with G Jewell Loyd Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. Three-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd is close to signing a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces, ESPN reported on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report. Loyd, 32, played in a career-best 44 games in 2025 during her first season with Las Vegas, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She is averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 371 career games (335 starts) with the Seattle Storm and Aces. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Aces #finalizing #3year #deal #Jewell #Loyd

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