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Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday. Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points. Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness. The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good. Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one. Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem. The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break. Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals. Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play. The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berth

Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth
Deadspin | Timberwolves end skid with win over Pacers, clinch playoff berth Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday. Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points. Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness. The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good. Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one. Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem. The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break. Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals. Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play. The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berthApr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.

Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.

Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.

The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good.


Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one.

Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem.

The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break.

Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals.

Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play.

The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timberwolves #skid #win #Pacers #clinch #playoff #berth

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Apr 7, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Julius Randle and Bones Hyland added 19 apiece and Naz Reid contributed 17 for Minnesota (47-32), which strengthened its hold on sixth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves finished the night clinching a playoff spot and avoiding the play-in after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets 119-105 later Tuesday.

Rookie Ethan Thompson posted 17 points for the Pacers (18-61), who suffered their third straight defeat. Obi Toppin and Jalen Slawson both had 14 points.

Indiana’s season-long injury crisis continued when forward Kobe Brown, who was in the starting five, was unable to play after halftime with lower back soreness.

The Pacers jumped ahead 7-3 before the Timberwolves turned the tables with a 26-7 tear to take control of the contest for good.

Minnesota instigated its fightback from the perimeter, going 6 of 9 from deep for the quarter — led by Randle and Donte DiVincenzo — to lead 35-27 after one.

Toppin helped Indiana close the gap to 58-53, but turnovers continued to be a big problem.

The Pacers coughed up the ball 10 times in the second period, and 16 for the first half for 21 points conceded, to trail 63-53 at the break.

Veteran Mike Conley was active as the Wolves pressed home their advantage with a 15-3 run either side of the halftime interval. Conley finished the game with eight points, three assists and three steals.

Dosunmu had 11 points in the third period, during which Minnesota shot 15 of 23 for a 39-24 quarter to lead 102-77 with one to play.

The Timberwolves’ advantage grew to 116-85 when DiVincenzo buried his third three, capitalizing on another Indiana turnover. DiVincenzo and Jaylen Clark each posted 11 points for Minnesota.

–Field Level Media

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The Masters 2026: McIlroy chases repeat; Scheffler and DeChambeau among as challengers in Augusta <div id="content-body-70837983" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Rory McIlroy seeks a historic repeat victory starting Thursday at the 90th Masters, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a host of challengers in firm and fast conditions.</p><p>Second-ranked McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the green jacket at Augusta National last year, but only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have won back-to-back green jackets, Woods the most recent in 2001-2002.</p><p>“Maybe not the largest field in golf but it’s the strongest,” McIlroy said. “I know that I can do it now, so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play.”</p><p>McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since.</p><p>“I’ve taken the last three weeks to make sure I’m 100 percent coming in here, which I am,” McIlroy said.</p><p>“I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game. It has been a good three weeks at home getting ready physically and mentally and just trying to prepare for everything this week is going to throw at me.”</p><p>Scheffler, last year’s British Open and PGA Championship winner, has failed in two Masters repeat bids.</p><p>“Defending can always be difficult, but I think that’s mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years,” Scheffler said. “That’s just extremely challenging, especially when you look at these major championships.”</p><p>Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, has been off for three weeks as wife Meredith gave birth to son Remy on March 27.</p><p>“Game feels like it’s in a good spot,” Scheffler said. “I feel rested and ready to go this week.”</p><p>DeChambeau, who edged McIlroy for the 2024 US Open title, was in the final Sunday group last year at the Masters when the Northern Ireland star made history.</p><p>“It’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry,” DeChambeau said. “It kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf.</p><p>“It’s one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there’s more of those to come because it’s great for the game.”</p><p>DeChambeau, ranked 24th, won LIV Golf titles in Singapore and South Africa last month and likes speed at Augusta.</p><p>“If it’s firm and fast, the greens are going to be even more difficult to hit than they already are,” DeChambeau said. “I feel really good. It’s just about going out and executing.”</p><h4 class="sub_head">‘Be more precise’</h4><p>Precision will be at a premium with no rain in the forecast to soften the course.</p><p>“You have to be more precise when it’s firm,” American Kurt Kitayama said. “Whenever it’s firm and fast makes any course difficult, and especially with how sloped the greens are, it’s going to be even more penalizing missing your spots.”</p><p>Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion who holds the 72-hole Masters record score of 20-under par 268, is already seeing strong bounces on the course.</p><p>“Makes it a little bit more difficult,” Johnson said. “You have to be spot on with pretty much all your clubs and where they’re going, especially if it gets firm. The landing areas get really small.”</p><p>Other contenders include World No. 3 Cameron Young, who won The Players Championship last month; England’s fourth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood, last year’s Tour Championship winner, and England’s ninth-ranked Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 08, 2026</p></div> #Masters #McIlroy #chases #repeat #Scheffler #DeChambeau #among #challengers #Augusta

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Commonwealth Sport delegation begins four-day Gujarat visit to review preparations for 2030 Games <div id="content-body-70837979" itemprop="articleBody"><p>A delegation of Commonwealth Sport began its four-day Gujarat visit on Wednesday to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad city.</p><p>The five-member delegation, led by Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, along with officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), will be in the state from April 8 to 11, officials said.</p><p>Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city was formally awarded the hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport’s general assembly in November last year, paving the way for the multi-sport event’s return to the country after two decades.</p><p>The delegation began its tour with a courtesy meeting with State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the capital Gandhinagar.</p><p>Commonwealth Sport president Rukare and CEO Katie Sadleir appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Gujarat, an official release said.</p><p>CM Patel wrote on <i>X</i>, “It was a pleasure to meet the Commonwealth sport delegation in Gandhinagar during their first official visit to Gujarat to review preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, led by President Donald Rukare.”</p><p><b>READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl-valuations-rcb-rr-indian-sport-imbalance/article70836947.ece#google_vignette" target="_blank">Off-side: India’s sporting boom is a one-sport story, for now</a></b></p><p>“We discussed our time-bound, qualitative, and effective planning, inspired by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to deliver the centenary edition with excellence through strong teamwork,” he added.</p><p>The CM assured the delegation and the IOA that the State Government would provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games.</p><p>“Showcasing our world-class infrastructure and readiness, we reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the successful hosting of CWG 2030,” Patel said on the social media platform.</p><p>Rukare and Sadleir invited CM Patel to attend and study the arrangements for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the CM accepted the invitation.</p><p>“Thanked the delegation for their invitation to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026, which will offer valuable learning as we prepare to set new global benchmarks in sports hosting,” he wrote.</p><p>During the four-day visit, the Commonwealth Sport delegation will inspect key venues proposed for the Games, including Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Vadodara Cricket Stadium, and the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, the release said.</p><p>Highlighting that the Commonwealth Games 2030 will mark the centenary edition, Rukare described it as a matter of great pride for Gujarat and Ahmedabad to host the event. He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and encouragement toward sports, it added.</p><p>Rukare also expressed enthusiasm to work collaboratively so that the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat become not only a sporting event but also a celebration of cultural vibrancy, the release said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 08, 2026</p></div> #Commonwealth #Sport #delegation #begins #fourday #Gujarat #visit #review #preparations #Games

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Deadspin | Valkyries lead WNBA with 0M valuation Sep 17, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase talks with guard Veronica Burton (22) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Lynx in game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA’s most valuable franchise for a second straight year, according to Sportico. The team has a valuation of 0 million after setting a league record with million in revenue during its inaugural season in 2025. The New York Liberty rank a distant second at 0 million, followed by the Indiana Fever (0M), Seattle Storm (5M) and Phoenix Mercury (0M). The Atlanta Dream (0M) rank last among the 13 teams that played in 2025. The 2026 expansion teams in Toronto and Portland were not included. The average value of those 13 teams was 7 million, up a whopping 59% over the previous year. By comparison, Sportico’s average values in other leagues include the NFL at .13 billion, NBA at .51 billion, MLB at .17 billion, NHL at .1 billion, MLS at 7 million and NWSL at 4 million. The Valkyries are leading the way thanks to a massive season-ticket base of more than 10,000 fans and sponsorships with United Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, AT&T and Chase, among others. The Valkyries were valued at 0 million in 2025 — 10 times the original franchise purchase price of million in 2023. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Valkyries #lead #WNBA #850M #valuationSep 17, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase talks with guard Veronica Burton (22) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Lynx in game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA’s most valuable franchise for a second straight year, according to Sportico.

The team has a valuation of $850 million after setting a league record with $78 million in revenue during its inaugural season in 2025.

The New York Liberty rank a distant second at $600 million, followed by the Indiana Fever ($560M), Seattle Storm ($425M) and Phoenix Mercury ($420M). The Atlanta Dream ($280M) rank last among the 13 teams that played in 2025. The 2026 expansion teams in Toronto and Portland were not included.


The average value of those 13 teams was $427 million, up a whopping 59% over the previous year.

By comparison, Sportico’s average values in other leagues include the NFL at $7.13 billion, NBA at $5.51 billion, MLB at $3.17 billion, NHL at $2.1 billion, MLS at $767 million and NWSL at $184 million.

The Valkyries are leading the way thanks to a massive season-ticket base of more than 10,000 fans and sponsorships with United Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, AT&T and Chase, among others.

The Valkyries were valued at $500 million in 2025 — 10 times the original franchise purchase price of $50 million in 2023.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Valkyries #lead #WNBA #850M #valuation">Deadspin | Valkyries lead WNBA with 0M valuation Sep 17, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase talks with guard Veronica Burton (22) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Lynx in game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA’s most valuable franchise for a second straight year, according to Sportico. The team has a valuation of 0 million after setting a league record with million in revenue during its inaugural season in 2025. The New York Liberty rank a distant second at 0 million, followed by the Indiana Fever (0M), Seattle Storm (5M) and Phoenix Mercury (0M). The Atlanta Dream (0M) rank last among the 13 teams that played in 2025. The 2026 expansion teams in Toronto and Portland were not included. The average value of those 13 teams was 7 million, up a whopping 59% over the previous year. By comparison, Sportico’s average values in other leagues include the NFL at .13 billion, NBA at .51 billion, MLB at .17 billion, NHL at .1 billion, MLS at 7 million and NWSL at 4 million. The Valkyries are leading the way thanks to a massive season-ticket base of more than 10,000 fans and sponsorships with United Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, AT&T and Chase, among others. The Valkyries were valued at 0 million in 2025 — 10 times the original franchise purchase price of million in 2023. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Valkyries #lead #WNBA #850M #valuation

F1 Grand Prix of Miami - Previews
F1 Grand Prix of Miami - Previews

MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 30: George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team arrives in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on April 30, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Formula 1 via Getty Images

#takes #Sprint #pole #Miami #Grand #Prix">Who takes F1 Sprint pole at the Miami Grand Prix? MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 30: George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team arrives in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on April 30, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) Formula 1 via Getty Images #takes #Sprint #pole #Miami #Grand #Prix

Deadspin | Real Salt Lake M Noel Caliskan signs extension Feb 21, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Real Salt Lake midfielder Noel Caliskan (92) watches play during the second half against Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images Real Salt Lake signed midfielder Noel Caliskan to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season. The deal announced Thursday with the 25-year-old German international includes an option for 2029-30. Caliskan has tallied one goal and four assists in 39 MLS matches (33 starts) since joining the club in 2024. “Noel has seized every opportunity presented to him over recent seasons, and we are pleased to reward his development as a professional,” said Kurt Schmid, RSL’s chief soccer officer. “Starting 32 of our last 35 matches — spanning both midfield and right back — is a clear demonstration of the confidence our staff and his teammates have in his skill and versatility.” Caliskan began his MLS career with the Portland Timbers, who drafted him in the first round (15th overall) in 2023. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Real #Salt #Lake #Noel #Caliskan #signs #extensionFeb 21, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Real Salt Lake midfielder Noel Caliskan (92) watches play during the second half against Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Real Salt Lake signed midfielder Noel Caliskan to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season.

The deal announced Thursday with the 25-year-old German international includes an option for 2029-30.


Caliskan has tallied one goal and four assists in 39 MLS matches (33 starts) since joining the club in 2024.

“Noel has seized every opportunity presented to him over recent seasons, and we are pleased to reward his development as a professional,” said Kurt Schmid, RSL’s chief soccer officer. “Starting 32 of our last 35 matches — spanning both midfield and right back — is a clear demonstration of the confidence our staff and his teammates have in his skill and versatility.”

Caliskan began his MLS career with the Portland Timbers, who drafted him in the first round (15th overall) in 2023.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Real #Salt #Lake #Noel #Caliskan #signs #extension">Deadspin | Real Salt Lake M Noel Caliskan signs extension Feb 21, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Real Salt Lake midfielder Noel Caliskan (92) watches play during the second half against Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images Real Salt Lake signed midfielder Noel Caliskan to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season. The deal announced Thursday with the 25-year-old German international includes an option for 2029-30. Caliskan has tallied one goal and four assists in 39 MLS matches (33 starts) since joining the club in 2024. “Noel has seized every opportunity presented to him over recent seasons, and we are pleased to reward his development as a professional,” said Kurt Schmid, RSL’s chief soccer officer. “Starting 32 of our last 35 matches — spanning both midfield and right back — is a clear demonstration of the confidence our staff and his teammates have in his skill and versatility.” Caliskan began his MLS career with the Portland Timbers, who drafted him in the first round (15th overall) in 2023. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Real #Salt #Lake #Noel #Caliskan #signs #extension

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