×
Deadspin | Reilly Smith tallies twice as Knights down Kraken, win Pacific title Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas. It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado. Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line. Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net. The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post. Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush. Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #title

Deadspin | Reilly Smith tallies twice as Knights down Kraken, win Pacific title
Deadspin | Reilly Smith tallies twice as Knights down Kraken, win Pacific title Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas. It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado. Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line. Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net. The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post. Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush. Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #titleApr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.


Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line.

Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net.

The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post.

Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush.

Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #title

Sports news

Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.

Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line.

Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net.

The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post.

Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush.

Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #title

Previous post

From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise <div id="content-body-70867956" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowlers have been among the most expensive in this Indian Premier League (IPL). Across their first four games, they have returned an economy of 10.42 and an average of 36.65, the third-highest in the competition, while their dot-ball percentage of 28.9 is the lowest in the tournament.</p><p>The PowerPlay has been even worse. SRH’s four wickets in this phase have come at an economy of 12.04 and an average of 72.25, with seven different bowlers used in the first six overs and only one taking more than a single wicket.</p><p>So, when Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain were handed their IPL debuts against a free-swinging Rajasthan Royals line-up, expectations were low.</p><p>Not, however, for M. Senthilnathan, head coach at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai.</p><p>“Praful’s strength was always the line and length; the length he had was always very solid,” Senthilnathan told  <i>Sportstar</i>. “When he keeps on hitting that length, there could always be some deviation in and out.”</p><p>Monday night delivered. Hinge, as well as Sakib, combined for eight for 58 in eight overs, removing RR’s top five inside the first three overs. Hinge set it up with four wickets in his first two overs, including three in the opening over — the first bowler to do so in an IPL match — before Sakib ensured there was no way back.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Built on repeatable lengths</h4><p>Hinge ripped through the RR top order with the new ball, first dismissing Vaibhav Suryavanshi with a delivery that climbed sharply on him, before splattering Dhruv Jurel’s stumps and having fellow debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius caught in the deep.</p><p>Senthilnathan, who worked with Hinge from 2023 to 2024, first met the 24-year-old during the foundation’s selection trials three years ago, where his potential was immediately apparent.</p><p>“Praful had some injury, so he didn’t bowl much, but from whatever he bowled, we could see that he’s got something. Then he went to rehab, and we got him ready in the off-season from March to August,” he said.</p><p>The recovery from a back injury dominated his 2023 stint, bringing its own physical and mental uncertainties.</p><p>“He had a lot of doubts, everybody goes through it, whether he would be able to play and bowl, those kinds of things will come to anyone,” the coach said. “So, he was doing his rehab, and mentally we were talking to him, just telling him that he would be OK.</p><p>“When he came to the bowling phase, we felt that if the L4 is fractured, then there must be something in his bowling that we need to get right,” Senthilnathan explained. “Nobody has such injuries without any technical fault; there will be something. He was falling off and trying to muscle the ball instead of going forward, so automatically the lateral refraction was happening.</p><p>“So, we started doing a lot of short runs and putting in his mind what we needed to do—go forward rather than twisting or curving his back. We worked on it, and then he went in August, September and played. They (Vidarbha) were also surprised that he was ready, and he had a very reasonable season.”</p><p>Hinge returned to MRF in 2024, this time focused on skill development.</p><p>“We couldn’t put him into hard training when we met in 2023 because of his injury, so in 2024, we really took on the challenge, and he took the challenge as well. He worked on his bowling areas and then worked on skills, looking for the right areas, moving them all from that length.”</p><p>Alongside the technical work came lessons in handling pressure from Aussie fast bowling great Glenn McGrath, who serves as Director at the MRF Pace Foundation.</p><p>“A lot of mental work was also put in by Glenn, about taking the pressure and how to handle pressure in a crunch situation, and at the same time, when there is success, how to handle it,” he noted.</p><p>“These are all very important points, only experience like Glenn McGrath’s would have been able to share.”</p><p>Hinge also went on an exchange programme in Australia, where he trained on the centre wicket at the Gabba alongside current Australian pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson.</p><div class="verticle article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/tmkxsn/article70867987.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Praful_MRF.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/tmkxsn/article70867987.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Praful_MRF.jpeg" alt="Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence." title="Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p></div><p>“That’s a great experience for these boys,” Senthilnathan said. “When they go there, the wickets are different, they’ll be bowling to different kinds of batters, and the wicket is helpful. When the wicket is helpful, you have to be patient and hitting the right areas is what you need to look at. The length also differs in Australia, so all these things they learn, along with professionalism, how to keep yourself fit, what to eat, how to hydrate, how to train, and taking initiative.”</p><p>That work was evident on Monday night. Hinge later said he had been “manifesting” his performance, but Senthilnathan had a more grounded explanation.</p><p>“You can’t do what Jasprit Bumrah is doing, or Prasidh [Krishna] is doing, but Praful is known for something, which has taken him there. You have got to keep on repeating the same thing, so that’s why he’s confident, because he knows that he can bowl those lengths.”</p><h4 class="sub_head">A peculiar action, and a slower ball</h4><p>While Hinge took the spotlight, Senthilnathan was equally impressed by Sakib.</p><p>“Sakib will bowl 140kmph, and he’s very slippery, somewhere close to Bumrah, everything (his action) is quite fast. He’s got good speed; people have not seen his slower one, which he can also execute easily because of his action, so picking it also will be difficult for the batsmen,” he said.</p><p>“I feel a lot of importance has gone to Praful, but this boy has not bowled any less; he’s given a lesser number of runs, and he’s also got four wickets.”</p><p>Sakib, originally from Bihar, was introduced to the Pace Foundation through fellow cricketers and quickly made an impression.</p><p>“Sakib comes from a very humble background, and everything was new for him when he first came here. Everything is taken care of, and they only have to worry about the training they have to do. That phase was good,” Senthilnathan said.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j891vb/article70867994.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Sakib_MRF.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j891vb/article70867994.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Sakib_MRF.jpeg" alt="Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation." title="Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p></div><p>He was later called up as a net bowler with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023, but an injury cut his stint short.</p><p>“He did go to CSK as a net bowler, and they were all impressed, but to his bad luck, he had a stiff back,” Senthilnathan explained. “Had he been able to bowl, CSK probably would not have left him, so he went off. Next year, he went to Kolkata Knight Riders, and they actually won that year.”</p><p>The match against RR showcased both sides of his skill set. He hurried an in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal into a catch at third man and later worked through the middle and lower order, including Donovan Ferreira, with a cleverly disguised slower ball after the batter had crossed fifty.</p><p>Senthilnathan believes there is more to come.</p><p>“I still think we have a lot to see of him at the death. Slower ones will come, and yorkers will come, so 140 kmph+ yorkers, if he handles them too, I think then it will be very good. Picking his action is a bit difficult; it’s not easy, not conventional. He sort of falls in front, so that means there’s no lateral reflection.”</p><h4 class="sub_head">A look to the future</h4><p>The immediate challenge for SRH’s new fast-bowling pair is to sustain this impact through the rest of the IPL.</p><p>For Senthilnathan, the message remains simple.</p><p>“IPL is like a lottery, I won’t say anything more than that, because you’re restricted to bowl only four overs. With four overs, you cannot have too many strategies, so basically, you have to bowl what you know to do. You should do what you know best, simple as that.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #MRF #Pace #Foundation #IPL #spotlightCharting #Praful #Hinge #Sakib #Hussains #meteoric #rise

Next post

IPL 2026: ‘Hazlewood is very confident about his body now,’ says Jitesh Sharma <div id="content-body-70868075" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The return of Josh Hazlewood and the rise of Rasikh Dar have given Royal ​Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling unit real depth and helped the defending ‌Indian Premier League (IPL) champion move top of the ​standings with a win over Lucknow Super ⁠Giants on Wednesday.</p><p>Bengaluru defeated Lucknow by five wickets to draw level on eight points with Rajasthan Royals, edging ahead on net ‌run-rate.</p><p>While veteran batter Virat Kohli remains the headline act and is the leading IPL run-scorer this ‌season with 228 runs, it is the depth ‌of ⁠the bowling unit that has underpinned Bengaluru’s ⁠early consistency.</p><p>Australia quick Hazlewood struggled with hamstring and Achilles injuries last year and missed the T20 World Cup, but after being eased back ​slowly into Bengaluru’s campaign, ‌he is starting to look sharper, vice-captain Jitesh Sharma said.</p><p>“He’s got rest, so he becomes quicker, fitter. He’s very confident about his body now,” he told reporters.</p><p>“He ‌has worked really hard on his injury and ​he’s like a more improved player than last year.”</p><p>Hazlewood’s comeback has coincided with the emergence ⁠of uncapped pacer Dar, who was signed for 60 million Indian rupees ($643,245) ahead of the 2025 season as a ‌long-term investment.</p><p>Dar featured only twice during last year’s title run, with Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal the established pace options.</p><p>Against Lucknow, Dar rewarded that patience, combining with Hazlewood on a dry surface to deny Lucknow any early momentum and returning figures of four for 24.</p><p>Hazlewood complemented the ‌effort with a miserly one for 20, while Krunal Pandya provided control through ​the middle overs.</p><p>“He (Dar) has worked a lot on yorkers and slower ones. He knew the ⁠IPL was around the corner and how one has to ⁠be perfect to play with a certain intensity,” said Jitesh.</p><p>“Errors will be there, so you practise ‌so much that it becomes muscle memory. That’s what helps you perform under pressure.”</p><p>Bengaluru next hosts Delhi Capitals ​on Saturday. </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Hazlewood #confident #body #Jitesh #Sharma

Related Posts

Deadspin | Report: NBA taking no action after Bucks, Giannis investigation Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The NBA will not be taking any action after concluding its investigation into Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down for the final month of the season, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday. The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers and did not play in the final 15 games of the season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March. Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.” Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress. Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members. “From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” Antetokounmpo said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.” ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window. Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NBA #action #Bucks #Giannis #investigationMar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The NBA will not be taking any action after concluding its investigation into Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down for the final month of the season, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday.

The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers and did not play in the final 15 games of the season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March.

Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team.

“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”


Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress.

Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members.

“From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” Antetokounmpo said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”

ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window.

Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season.

The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #NBA #action #Bucks #Giannis #investigation">Deadspin | Report: NBA taking no action after Bucks, Giannis investigation Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The NBA will not be taking any action after concluding its investigation into Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down for the final month of the season, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday. The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers and did not play in the final 15 games of the season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March. Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.” Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress. Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members. “From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” Antetokounmpo said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.” ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window. Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NBA #action #Bucks #Giannis #investigation

Athletics v San Diego Padres
Athletics v San Diego Padres

PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 14: Shotaro Morii #18 of the Athletics bats during the eighth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on March 14, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Diamond Images/Getty Images

#Shotaro #Morii #set #MLB #3way #player #journey">Shotaro Morii set to begin his MLB 3-way player journey PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 14: Shotaro Morii #18 of the Athletics bats during the eighth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on March 14, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) Diamond Images/Getty Images #Shotaro #Morii #set #MLB #3way #player #journey

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has taken his role as a ​footballer from the small screen to the football pitch after signing a professional contract ​with U.S. second-tier side El ⁠Paso Locomotive FC.

Fernandez, who played youth football in Mexico before stepping away from the sport at ‌the age of 15 due to a knee injury, portrayed Dani ‌Rojas in the hit Apple TV+ ‌show ⁠about a British team with a ⁠U.S. coach.

On the sidelines of his acting career, Fernandez, 35, had also been pursuing a return to ​professional football and ‌trained with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire’s reserves earlier this year.

Before signing for El Paso on Tuesday, he underwent ‌a two-month trial with the USL ​Championship club which also included a pre-season appearance.

“(Football) has always been ⁠a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has ‌taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said on the club website.

“Maybe, I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.”

El Paso, founded in 2018, is fourth in ‌Group B of the USL Championship standings.

“Cristo is ​a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our ⁠forward line,” the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez ⁠said.

“His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room ‌allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as ​a club.” 

Published on May 13, 2026

#Ted #Lasso #actor #Cristo #Fernandez #signs #secondtier #football #club">Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez signs for US second-tier football club Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has taken his role as a ​footballer from the small screen to the football pitch after signing a professional contract ​with U.S. second-tier side El ⁠Paso Locomotive FC.Fernandez, who played youth football in Mexico before stepping away from the sport at ‌the age of 15 due to a knee injury, portrayed Dani ‌Rojas in the hit Apple TV+ ‌show ⁠about a British team with a ⁠U.S. coach.On the sidelines of his acting career, Fernandez, 35, had also been pursuing a return to ​professional football and ‌trained with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire’s reserves earlier this year.Before signing for El Paso on Tuesday, he underwent ‌a two-month trial with the USL ​Championship club which also included a pre-season appearance.“(Football) has always been ⁠a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has ‌taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said on the club website.“Maybe, I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.”El Paso, founded in 2018, is fourth in ‌Group B of the USL Championship standings.“Cristo is ​a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our ⁠forward line,” the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez ⁠said.“His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room ‌allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as ​a club.” Published on May 13, 2026 #Ted #Lasso #actor #Cristo #Fernandez #signs #secondtier #football #club

Post Comment