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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Commonwealth Games 2026 closing ceremony LIVE: Glasgow bids farewell, Ahmedabad 2030 handover in focus Simple Minds to headline the farewellGlasgow rock band Simple Minds will headline the ceremony. The group, led by Jim Kerr, will bring the 11-day sporting programme to a close in its home city.The Scottish line-up also includes Cammy Barnes, BEMZ, Sandi Thom, Shereen Cutkelvin, Elephant Sessions, radio personality George Bowie and dance group Diversity.  #Commonwealth #Games #closing #ceremony #LIVE #Glasgow #bids #farewell #Ahmedabad #handover #focus

Deadspin | Dodgers, with a big trade win in hand, look to avoid sweep vs. Red Sox Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process. One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade. Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday. “I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA. In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings. Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list. And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives. “I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition. After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games. “He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.” Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game. The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics. Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain. After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal. “I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #SoxAug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process.

One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade.

Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox.

Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday.

“I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA.

In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings.

Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list.


And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives.

“I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition.

After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games.

“He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.”

Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game.

The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics.

Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain.

After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal.

“I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox">Deadspin | Dodgers, with a big trade win in hand, look to avoid sweep vs. Red Sox Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process. One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade. Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday. “I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA. In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings. Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list. And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives. “I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition. After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games. “He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.” Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game. The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics. Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain. After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal. “I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox

The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.

Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.

Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.

The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?

Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix.

Potential Winner: Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.

Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.

Potential Loser: Golden State Valkyries

The Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.

Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.

That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.

Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum

The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.

Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury

The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.

But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension.

#Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers">Blockbuster Kelsey Plum trade: biggest winners and losers The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix. Potential Winner: Los Angeles SparksThe Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.Potential Loser: Golden State ValkyriesThe Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension. #Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers

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