Indian sports wrap, April 15: Diksha Dagar leads Indian challenge at Joburg Ladies Open GOLFDiksha leads group of five IndiansGolfer Diksha Dagar will spearhead a five-member Indian contingent at the Joburg Ladies Open, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the Sunshine Ladies Tour, starting in Johannesburg on Thursday.Diksha, currently in the top 10 of the LET’s Order of Merit with two top-10 finishes from six starts, will be joined by fellow Indians Avani Prashanth, Pranavi Urs, Hitaashee Bakshi and Tvesa Malik, a former winner on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.Making her debut in South Africa, Hitaashee has rediscovered form after four missed cuts, finishing tied ninth at the Australian WPGA Championship, the fourth event of the Australian swing.Avani, after a good rookie season in 2025, has had a modest season with three cuts in five starts, but her best finish had been a tied-39th at the PIF Saudi Ladies International at the start of the season.Tvesa, who lost her card last season, will be making her first LET start in 2026, and a good week will give her confidence for the upcoming Investec Women’s South African Open at Royal Cape.Tvesa will be the first Indian to tee off alongside Ana Dawn of Isle of Mann and Kaiyuree Moodley of South Africa, while Pranavi will play with Emma Spitz of Austria and Marta Martin of Spain.Diksha will tee off with Luna Sobron Galmes of Spain. Avani plays with Alice Hewson of England and Patricie Mackova of Czech Republic and Hitaashee has been grouped with Alexandra Försterling and England’s Annabell Fuller.– PTIShubhankar opens two-shot lead at Boulders Classic Shubhankar Sharma took a two-shot lead after two rounds of Boulders Classic. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Shubhankar Sharma took a two-shot lead after two rounds of Boulders Classic. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Shubhankar Sharma carded a second consecutive six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead after round two of the inaugural Rs 1 crore Boulders Classic here on Wednesday.The 29-year-old Shubhankar (66-66), a six-time DP World PGTI winner, is playing his first event on the tour since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021.He moved to the top of the leaderboard at 12-under 132 with a steady and controlled display over the first two days.36-year-old Divyanshu Bajaj (69-65) of Kolkata produced an error-free seven-under 65 to climb from tied 14th to solo second at 10-under 134.Overnight leader Vishesh Sharma (65-70) of Hyderabad slipped to third at nine-under 135 after a round of two-under 70 at the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club.Honey Baisoya, a winner on the DP World PGTI this year, broke the course record with an immaculate round of eight-under 64 that propelled him 38 spots from overnight tied 42nd to tied fourth at a total of eight-under 136.Ajeetesh Sandhu (68) and Anshul Kabthiyal (67) shared fourth place with Baisoya.Shubhankar fired seven birdies against a lone bogey, closing strongly with back-to-back birdies to build on his opening-round momentum.Yuvraj Sandhu, one of the pre-tournament favourites, followed his opening round of 73 with a four-under 68 to be placed tied 27th at three-under 141.The cut fell at even-par 144, with 53 of 131 players advancing to the last two rounds.– Team SportstarTABLE TENNISTN, Bengal, Delhi storm into pre-quarters of Jr and Youth National TTPowerhouses Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Delhi stamped their authority early on, cruising into the pre-quarterfinals from their respective groups in the Under-19 girls’ team event at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships in Dehradun.With just one round of league matches remaining — Telangana vs Punjab (Group A), Uttarakhand vs Assam (Group B), and PSPBA vs Chandigarh (Group C) — the outcomes will have little impact on the three dominant leaders, who have already sealed their spots.However, the final round will determine the second qualifiers from each group, adding intrigue to the closing league fixtures.Elsewhere, Maharashtra (Group D), Uttar Pradesh (Group E), NCOE (Group F), Karnataka (Group G), and Gujarat (Group H) have virtually secured their pre-quarterfinal berths.Yet, the race for the remaining knockout spots remains intense, particularly in Groups E and F, where the battle for the second qualification place is expected to go down to the wire.Placed in a tough Group C, hosts Uttarakhand lost their match to West Bengal 0-3, but they can redeem themselves when they take on Assam in their last-round tie later today.– PTIFOOTBALLFC Goa marches into RFDL Final, to face Bengaluru FCFC Goa officially confirmed its place in the Reliance Foundation Development League 2025-26 final. Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Punjab FC in the semifinal second leg at the GMC Stadium, in Goa, the Gaurs progressed on aggregate 5-2. Punjab’s Vishal Yadav opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, but Goa’s Kavya Sunil Katkar equalised in the 24th. Konsam Sanathoi Singh restored Punjab’s lead late in the 83rd minute, however, it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. The match ended with Sitroy Carvalho receiving a red card in stoppage time.FC Goa now clashes against Bengaluru FC in a highly anticipated final on Saturday.– Team SportstarIndia U-17 men’s team to play friendlies against United Arab Emirates in ThailandThe Indian U17 men’s team will play two friendly matches against United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, in Samut Prakan, Thailand.The friendlies, part of India and UAE’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts’ squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.Last month, Bibiano Fernandes’ side had played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win) and Korea Republic (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata. India U-17 men’s 24-member squad for friendlies against UAE in Thailand: Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar. Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Shubham Poonia. Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom. Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam. India U-17 men’s friendlies schedule: 16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India 16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India – Team SporstarPublished on Apr 15, 2026 #Indian #sports #wrap #April #Diksha #Dagar #leads #Indian #challenge #Joburg #Ladies #Open

Indian sports wrap, April 15: Diksha Dagar leads Indian challenge at Joburg Ladies Open
GOLF
Diksha leads group of five Indians
Golfer Diksha Dagar will spearhead a five-member Indian contingent at the Joburg Ladies Open, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the Sunshine Ladies Tour, starting in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Diksha, currently in the top 10 of the LET’s Order of Merit with two top-10 finishes from six starts, will be joined by fellow Indians Avani Prashanth, Pranavi Urs, Hitaashee Bakshi and Tvesa Malik, a former winner on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.
Making her debut in South Africa, Hitaashee has rediscovered form after four missed cuts, finishing tied ninth at the Australian WPGA Championship, the fourth event of the Australian swing.
Avani, after a good rookie season in 2025, has had a modest season with three cuts in five starts, but her best finish had been a tied-39th at the PIF Saudi Ladies International at the start of the season.
Tvesa, who lost her card last season, will be making her first LET start in 2026, and a good week will give her confidence for the upcoming Investec Women’s South African Open at Royal Cape.
Tvesa will be the first Indian to tee off alongside Ana Dawn of Isle of Mann and Kaiyuree Moodley of South Africa, while Pranavi will play with Emma Spitz of Austria and Marta Martin of Spain.
Diksha will tee off with Luna Sobron Galmes of Spain. Avani plays with Alice Hewson of England and Patricie Mackova of Czech Republic and Hitaashee has been grouped with Alexandra Försterling and England’s Annabell Fuller.
– PTI
Shubhankar opens two-shot lead at Boulders Classic
Shubhankar Sharma took a two-shot lead after two rounds of Boulders Classic. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Shubhankar Sharma took a two-shot lead after two rounds of Boulders Classic. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Shubhankar Sharma carded a second consecutive six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead after round two of the inaugural Rs 1 crore Boulders Classic here on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old Shubhankar (66-66), a six-time DP World PGTI winner, is playing his first event on the tour since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021.
He moved to the top of the leaderboard at 12-under 132 with a steady and controlled display over the first two days.
36-year-old Divyanshu Bajaj (69-65) of Kolkata produced an error-free seven-under 65 to climb from tied 14th to solo second at 10-under 134.
Overnight leader Vishesh Sharma (65-70) of Hyderabad slipped to third at nine-under 135 after a round of two-under 70 at the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club.
Honey Baisoya, a winner on the DP World PGTI this year, broke the course record with an immaculate round of eight-under 64 that propelled him 38 spots from overnight tied 42nd to tied fourth at a total of eight-under 136.
Ajeetesh Sandhu (68) and Anshul Kabthiyal (67) shared fourth place with Baisoya.
Shubhankar fired seven birdies against a lone bogey, closing strongly with back-to-back birdies to build on his opening-round momentum.
Yuvraj Sandhu, one of the pre-tournament favourites, followed his opening round of 73 with a four-under 68 to be placed tied 27th at three-under 141.
The cut fell at even-par 144, with 53 of 131 players advancing to the last two rounds.
– Team Sportstar
TABLE TENNIS
TN, Bengal, Delhi storm into pre-quarters of Jr and Youth National TT
Powerhouses Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Delhi stamped their authority early on, cruising into the pre-quarterfinals from their respective groups in the Under-19 girls’ team event at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships in Dehradun.
With just one round of league matches remaining — Telangana vs Punjab (Group A), Uttarakhand vs Assam (Group B), and PSPBA vs Chandigarh (Group C) — the outcomes will have little impact on the three dominant leaders, who have already sealed their spots.
However, the final round will determine the second qualifiers from each group, adding intrigue to the closing league fixtures.
Elsewhere, Maharashtra (Group D), Uttar Pradesh (Group E), NCOE (Group F), Karnataka (Group G), and Gujarat (Group H) have virtually secured their pre-quarterfinal berths.
Yet, the race for the remaining knockout spots remains intense, particularly in Groups E and F, where the battle for the second qualification place is expected to go down to the wire.
Placed in a tough Group C, hosts Uttarakhand lost their match to West Bengal 0-3, but they can redeem themselves when they take on Assam in their last-round tie later today.
– PTI
FOOTBALL
FC Goa marches into RFDL Final, to face Bengaluru FC
FC Goa officially confirmed its place in the Reliance Foundation Development League 2025-26 final. Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Punjab FC in the semifinal second leg at the GMC Stadium, in Goa, the Gaurs progressed on aggregate 5-2.
Punjab’s Vishal Yadav opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, but Goa’s Kavya Sunil Katkar equalised in the 24th. Konsam Sanathoi Singh restored Punjab’s lead late in the 83rd minute, however, it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. The match ended with Sitroy Carvalho receiving a red card in stoppage time.
FC Goa now clashes against Bengaluru FC in a highly anticipated final on Saturday.
– Team Sportstar
India U-17 men’s team to play friendlies against United Arab Emirates in Thailand
The Indian U17 men’s team will play two friendly matches against United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
The friendlies, part of India and UAE’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts’ squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.
Last month, Bibiano Fernandes’ side had played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win) and Korea Republic (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata.
India U-17 men’s 24-member squad for friendlies against UAE in Thailand:
Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.
Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Shubham Poonia.
Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.
Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
India U-17 men’s friendlies schedule:
16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India
16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India
– Team Sporstar
Published on Apr 15, 2026
#Indian #sports #wrap #April #Diksha #Dagar #leads #Indian #challenge #Joburg #Ladies #Open

Sports news diksha dagar, india sports, india sports news april 15, indian sports news, indian sports news today, table tennis, tt, tt news April 15, 2026

GOLF

Diksha leads group of five Indians

Golfer Diksha Dagar will spearhead a five-member Indian contingent at the Joburg Ladies Open, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the Sunshine Ladies Tour, starting in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Diksha, currently in the top 10 of the LET’s Order of Merit with two top-10 finishes from six starts, will be joined by fellow Indians Avani Prashanth, Pranavi Urs, Hitaashee Bakshi and Tvesa Malik, a former winner on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.

Making her debut in South Africa, Hitaashee has rediscovered form after four missed cuts, finishing tied ninth at the Australian WPGA Championship, the fourth event of the Australian swing.

Avani, after a good rookie season in 2025, has had a modest season with three cuts in five starts, but her best finish had been a tied-39th at the PIF Saudi Ladies International at the start of the season.

Tvesa, who lost her card last season, will be making her first LET start in 2026, and a good week will give her confidence for the upcoming Investec Women’s South African Open at Royal Cape.

Tvesa will be the first Indian to tee off alongside Ana Dawn of Isle of Mann and Kaiyuree Moodley of South Africa, while Pranavi will play with Emma Spitz of Austria and Marta Martin of Spain.

Diksha will tee off with Luna Sobron Galmes of Spain. Avani plays with Alice Hewson of England and Patricie Mackova of Czech Republic and Hitaashee has been grouped with Alexandra Försterling and England’s Annabell Fuller.

– PTI

Shubhankar opens two-shot lead at Boulders Classic

Shubhankar Sharma took a two-shot lead after two rounds of Boulders Classic.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

lightbox-info

Shubhankar Sharma took a two-shot lead after two rounds of Boulders Classic.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Shubhankar Sharma carded a second consecutive six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead after round two of the inaugural Rs 1 crore Boulders Classic here on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Shubhankar (66-66), a six-time DP World PGTI winner, is playing his first event on the tour since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021.

He moved to the top of the leaderboard at 12-under 132 with a steady and controlled display over the first two days.

36-year-old Divyanshu Bajaj (69-65) of Kolkata produced an error-free seven-under 65 to climb from tied 14th to solo second at 10-under 134.

Overnight leader Vishesh Sharma (65-70) of Hyderabad slipped to third at nine-under 135 after a round of two-under 70 at the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club.

Honey Baisoya, a winner on the DP World PGTI this year, broke the course record with an immaculate round of eight-under 64 that propelled him 38 spots from overnight tied 42nd to tied fourth at a total of eight-under 136.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (68) and Anshul Kabthiyal (67) shared fourth place with Baisoya.

Shubhankar fired seven birdies against a lone bogey, closing strongly with back-to-back birdies to build on his opening-round momentum.

Yuvraj Sandhu, one of the pre-tournament favourites, followed his opening round of 73 with a four-under 68 to be placed tied 27th at three-under 141.

The cut fell at even-par 144, with 53 of 131 players advancing to the last two rounds.

– Team Sportstar

TABLE TENNIS

TN, Bengal, Delhi storm into pre-quarters of Jr and Youth National TT

Powerhouses Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Delhi stamped their authority early on, cruising into the pre-quarterfinals from their respective groups in the Under-19 girls’ team event at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships in Dehradun.

With just one round of league matches remaining — Telangana vs Punjab (Group A), Uttarakhand vs Assam (Group B), and PSPBA vs Chandigarh (Group C) — the outcomes will have little impact on the three dominant leaders, who have already sealed their spots.

However, the final round will determine the second qualifiers from each group, adding intrigue to the closing league fixtures.

Elsewhere, Maharashtra (Group D), Uttar Pradesh (Group E), NCOE (Group F), Karnataka (Group G), and Gujarat (Group H) have virtually secured their pre-quarterfinal berths.

Yet, the race for the remaining knockout spots remains intense, particularly in Groups E and F, where the battle for the second qualification place is expected to go down to the wire.

Placed in a tough Group C, hosts Uttarakhand lost their match to West Bengal 0-3, but they can redeem themselves when they take on Assam in their last-round tie later today.

– PTI

FOOTBALL

FC Goa marches into RFDL Final, to face Bengaluru FC

FC Goa officially confirmed its place in the Reliance Foundation Development League 2025-26 final. Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Punjab FC in the semifinal second leg at the GMC Stadium, in Goa, the Gaurs progressed on aggregate 5-2.

Punjab’s Vishal Yadav opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, but Goa’s Kavya Sunil Katkar equalised in the 24th. Konsam Sanathoi Singh restored Punjab’s lead late in the 83rd minute, however, it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. The match ended with Sitroy Carvalho receiving a red card in stoppage time.

FC Goa now clashes against Bengaluru FC in a highly anticipated final on Saturday.

– Team Sportstar

India U-17 men’s team to play friendlies against United Arab Emirates in Thailand

The Indian U17 men’s team will play two friendly matches against United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

The friendlies, part of India and UAE’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts’ squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.

Last month, Bibiano Fernandes’ side had played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win) and Korea Republic (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata.

India U-17 men’s 24-member squad for friendlies against UAE in Thailand:

Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Shubham Poonia.

Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.

Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

India U-17 men’s friendlies schedule:

16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India

16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India

– Team Sporstar

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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Deadspin | Jamie Murray, 7-time Grand Slam doubles champ, retires <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/23680855.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/23680855.jpg" alt="Tennis: Wimbledon" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jul 4, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Andy Murray (GBR) (R) hugs brother Jamie Murray (L)(GBR) after their match against Rinky Hijikata and John Peers (both AUS)(both not pictured) in gentlemen’s doubles on day four of The Championships Wimbledon 2024 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Scotland’s Jamie Murray, a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion and older brother of Andy Murray, announced his retirement from professional tennis on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>“My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years,” Jamie Murray, 40, posted on Instagram. “I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“Thanks Mum, Dad, Andy, Ale, Alan, Louis and Thomas for all your incredible support, efforts and sacrifices throughout my career that allowed me to achieve everything I could in the game.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Murray won 34 career ATP Tour doubles titles, including the Australian Open and U.S. Open in 2016 with Bruno Soares of Brazil. He also win five major titles in mixed doubles: Wimbledon (2007, 2017) and the U.S. Open (2017-19).</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>In 2016, Jamie Murray became the first British player to rise to World No. 1 in the doubles rankings. He helped Great Britain win the Davis Cup in 2015.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Andy Murray, 38, retired in 2024.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Jamie #Murray #7time #Grand #Slam #doubles #champ #retires

Five NFL Quarterbacks Who Appear Poised To Win Starting Jobs In 2026 | Deadspin.com Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images It’s an easy year for predicting NFL quarterback competitions.As teams across the NFL landscape put a bow on voluntary OTAs this week before turning the page to mandatory veteran minicamps, quarterback competitions will begin to take form.This year, it feels like the quarterback competitions are a little bit more obvious than they’ve been in previous years. Let’s look at the obvious winners first, before we get into some of the more complex battles.Minnesota Vikings: Kyler MurrayThere’s no way that Murray signed with the Vikings in free agency without some sort of guarantee that he’d have an upper hand over J.J. McCarthy.The Vikings should probably give up on McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who underwhelmed during his first season as the starter, throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes. Minnesota employed Justin Jefferson, the best receiver in the NFL. The Vikings should see if Murray could get Jefferson the football and turn his career around similar to Sam Darnold a few seasons ago.Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) speaks with head coach Shane Steichen in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the Colts gave Anthony Richardson’s representatives permission to seek a trade.While Richardson could still be moved before Week 1 in mid-September, it feels like there aren’t many suitors for the 24-year-old quarterback. The Colts looked prime to finish as a top seed in the AFC before Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon last season. He’s a no-brainer QB1 in 2026, assuming he’s fully recovered.Atlanta Falcons: Tua TagovailoaKevin Stefanski just can’t help himself from starting quarterback controversies. He arrived in Atlanta with Michael Penix Jr. on his rookie deal after the Falcons selected the former Washington quarterback with the No. 8 overall selection in 2024.Injuries have complicated Penix’s outlook, clearing the way for the veteran Tagovailoa to start the season in Atlanta.The Falcons gave Stefanski a high price tag coaching contract to turn Atlanta around in a very winnable division. Expect the former two-time Coach of the Year to trust Tagovailoa over Penix.Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Raiders gave Cousins a five-year, 2 million contract, but the deal is essentially a one-year, fully guaranteed million contract. It’s split between the Raiders and Falcons, who had to release him after just two seasons. million is an expensive backup. The Raiders could decide to let the veteran start the first few games before turning the keys over to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.Cleveland Browns: Shedeur SandersEven though all reports indicate that Deshaun Watson is ahead of Shedeur Sanders to start Cleveland’s quarterback competition, the Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams should change some things.There’s no denying that the youth movement is underway in Cleveland, moving on from Garrett in favor of 25-year-old EDGE Jared Verse. That benefits Sanders, who is six years younger than Watson.Watson hasn’t played good football since 2020, and after three big injuries and two full seasons on the sideline, it’s impossible to expect the 30-year-old to return to form in the final year of the disastrous contract he received upon arriving in Cleveland. #NFL #Quarterbacks #Poised #Win #Starting #Jobs #Deadspin.com

Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) speaks with head coach Shane Steichen in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

#NFL #Quarterbacks #Poised #Win #Starting #Jobs #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It’s an easy year for predicting NFL quarterback competitions.
As teams across the NFL landscape put a bow on voluntary OTAs this week before turning the page to mandatory veteran minicamps, quarterback competitions will begin to take form.
This year, it feels like the quarterback competitions are a little bit more obvious than they’ve been in previous years. Let’s look at the obvious winners first, before we get into some of the more complex battles.
Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray
There’s no way that Murray signed with the Vikings in free agency without some sort of guarantee that he’d have an upper hand over J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings should probably give up on McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who underwhelmed during his first season as the starter, throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes. Minnesota employed Justin Jefferson, the best receiver in the NFL. The Vikings should see if Murray could get Jefferson the football and turn his career around similar to Sam Darnold a few seasons ago.
Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones

Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) speaks with head coach Shane Steichen in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the Colts gave Anthony Richardson’s representatives permission to seek a trade.
While Richardson could still be moved before Week 1 in mid-September, it feels like there aren’t many suitors for the 24-year-old quarterback. The Colts looked prime to finish as a top seed in the AFC before Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon last season. He’s a no-brainer QB1 in 2026, assuming he’s fully recovered.
Atlanta Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa
Kevin Stefanski just can’t help himself from starting quarterback controversies. He arrived in Atlanta with Michael Penix Jr. on his rookie deal after the Falcons selected the former Washington quarterback with the No. 8 overall selection in 2024.
Injuries have complicated Penix’s outlook, clearing the way for the veteran Tagovailoa to start the season in Atlanta.
The Falcons gave Stefanski a high price tag coaching contract to turn Atlanta around in a very winnable division. Expect the former two-time Coach of the Year to trust Tagovailoa over Penix.
Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Raiders gave Cousins a five-year, $172 million contract, but the deal is essentially a one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million contract. It’s split between the Raiders and Falcons, who had to release him after just two seasons.
$20 million is an expensive backup. The Raiders could decide to let the veteran start the first few games before turning the keys over to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders
Even though all reports indicate that Deshaun Watson is ahead of Shedeur Sanders to start Cleveland’s quarterback competition, the Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams should change some things.
There’s no denying that the youth movement is underway in Cleveland, moving on from Garrett in favor of 25-year-old EDGE Jared Verse. That benefits Sanders, who is six years younger than Watson.
Watson hasn’t played good football since 2020, and after three big injuries and two full seasons on the sideline, it’s impossible to expect the 30-year-old to return to form in the final year of the disastrous contract he received upon arriving in Cleveland.

#NFL #Quarterbacks #Poised #Win #Starting #Jobs #Deadspin.com">Five NFL Quarterbacks Who Appear Poised To Win Starting Jobs In 2026 | Deadspin.com

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It’s an easy year for predicting NFL quarterback competitions.

As teams across the NFL landscape put a bow on voluntary OTAs this week before turning the page to mandatory veteran minicamps, quarterback competitions will begin to take form.

This year, it feels like the quarterback competitions are a little bit more obvious than they’ve been in previous years. Let’s look at the obvious winners first, before we get into some of the more complex battles.

Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray

There’s no way that Murray signed with the Vikings in free agency without some sort of guarantee that he’d have an upper hand over J.J. McCarthy.

The Vikings should probably give up on McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who underwhelmed during his first season as the starter, throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes. Minnesota employed Justin Jefferson, the best receiver in the NFL. The Vikings should see if Murray could get Jefferson the football and turn his career around similar to Sam Darnold a few seasons ago.

Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones

Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) speaks with head coach Shane Steichen in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the Colts gave Anthony Richardson’s representatives permission to seek a trade.

While Richardson could still be moved before Week 1 in mid-September, it feels like there aren’t many suitors for the 24-year-old quarterback. The Colts looked prime to finish as a top seed in the AFC before Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon last season. He’s a no-brainer QB1 in 2026, assuming he’s fully recovered.

Atlanta Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa

Kevin Stefanski just can’t help himself from starting quarterback controversies. He arrived in Atlanta with Michael Penix Jr. on his rookie deal after the Falcons selected the former Washington quarterback with the No. 8 overall selection in 2024.

Injuries have complicated Penix’s outlook, clearing the way for the veteran Tagovailoa to start the season in Atlanta.

The Falcons gave Stefanski a high price tag coaching contract to turn Atlanta around in a very winnable division. Expect the former two-time Coach of the Year to trust Tagovailoa over Penix.

Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Raiders gave Cousins a five-year, $172 million contract, but the deal is essentially a one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million contract. It’s split between the Raiders and Falcons, who had to release him after just two seasons.

$20 million is an expensive backup. The Raiders could decide to let the veteran start the first few games before turning the keys over to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders

Even though all reports indicate that Deshaun Watson is ahead of Shedeur Sanders to start Cleveland’s quarterback competition, the Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams should change some things.

There’s no denying that the youth movement is underway in Cleveland, moving on from Garrett in favor of 25-year-old EDGE Jared Verse. That benefits Sanders, who is six years younger than Watson.

Watson hasn’t played good football since 2020, and after three big injuries and two full seasons on the sideline, it’s impossible to expect the 30-year-old to return to form in the final year of the disastrous contract he received upon arriving in Cleveland.

#NFL #Quarterbacks #Poised #Win #Starting #Jobs #Deadspin.com

SAN ANTONIO – The NBA’s defending champions required five regular season games and seven Western Conference Finals bashfests to suss out San Antonio’s Spurs, failed.

The Knicks needed but three quarters. Another dynamite fourth quarter from Knick hero Jalen Brunson gave New York its first Finals lead in a over a half-century on Wednesday night, toppling San Antonio 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

That previous Finals advantage, a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1973 NBA Finals, was celebrated by Knick reserve center Phil Jackson on a beach at Malibu with an unnamed actress, according to Phil’s book ‘Maverick,’ Jackson “gobbling LSD for breakfast.”

Brunson (and Knicks coach Mike Brown, for that matter) appeared to show little instinct toward toward Phil’s breakfast of champions after Game 1, giving every indication these current Knicks keep these sainted Spurs in sensible range.

And within the same level as previous combatants. We worried over the Knicks faltering against stiff Western competition after facing Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in the previous three rounds (Eh, Woof, and Whatever). We shoulda concerned ourselves with whether or not San Antonio was ready for the team that only needed 14 outings to escape the East.

The visiting Knicks delicately primed past the restrictions of rust in the team’s first contest since May 25. New York was down 10 points in the second quarter and 14 in the third before colluding to surprise San Antonio in what the NBA calls “clutch minutes,” the final five minutes of a close game. Timing issues aside, it felt as if every second of Game 1 was crucially clutch, the utter and pristine picture of all-out NBA playoff basketball.

Brunson finished with 30 but was no angel on his way toward the mark, flinging lefty hopers over the arms of Victor Wembanyama, spinning out repeatedly on floaters and only using arms on in-and-out three-pointers. Those were practice legs, scrimmage flings, and Brunson (7-22 entering the third period, 5-9 from the floor in the final 12 minutes) needed every second surrounding him to re-locate his crouch.

Once the legs returned, though, over. Brunson’s corner three off a Mikal Bridges offensive rebound with 1:50 remaining gave New York a 97-95 lead, all the grasp it needed. Rust was absolutely an issue, for these visiting Knicks, now they’ll band together to earn a full endorsement deal with an anti-rust spray, we won’t name any brands because we’re not sponsored ourselves, but watch for “polyurethane resins” to be uttered by Jose Alvarado on an advertisement sometime this summer.

Alvarado helped keep the visitor’s wits throughout, his presence was badly needed in the second quarter when Brunson turned his ankle and left the game. Alvarado, perhaps buoyed by Brunson bounding over with both legs to complain to Scott Foster during the injury timeout, hit 3-of-3 from the field in his run, seven points, three defensive boards and an assist and a steal, because he’s Jose Alvarado.

Bothered by foul trouble, Josh Hart barely worked that second quarter. Josh made up for it.

In one of the finest three-point performances in NBA Finals history, Hart’s derring-do stole the home court advantage right out from Texas’ ten-gallon hat. Four steals and six assists from Hart, who covered all angles defensively while still sustaining his sniff for the passing lanes. His shot was off (1-5 from the field, 0-3 from deep) but he was in the right place in every other instance, a superior all-around performance, even if his jumper doesn’t go all the way around.

The home team failed to clasp past 100 points per 100 possessions, the Spurs missed three-quarters of their threes and wasted a four-turnover game, and 15-point first half from Julian Champagnie. Wembanyama was a force defensively but missed 16-21 field goal attempts on his way toward 26 points, a dozen boards and six turnovers, three blocks.

De’Aaron Fox clunked 3-13 from the field on one leg. The veteran developed good looks in the fourth quarter, missed, while Dylan Harper (16 points and seven rebounds through three quarters) watched from the bench. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, cherished Spurs veterans but a little hype in Game 1, somewhat charged, possibly caffeinated, 5-15 from the floor combined.

It was a learning experience. Fans talked themselves into shouting “Spurs in five” on the way out of the building in Game 1 and, yeah, it ain’t hard to see what’s under that hat. San Antonio does have a seven-and-a-half-foot center with skills, after all.

Yet New York proved none of this counts if the center in question is centimeters removed from what matters, the best attempt available, a Knick splash. New York missed 25-36 three-pointers in Game 1, but its concentration and approach was apparent from the rafters. If Wemby is slightly out of focus, dive to the rim as if the season depends on it. The Knicks are to be commended for maintaining a straight line to the rim anytime Wembanyama was bothered elsewhere, held or held up, New York launching the millisecond his fingertips were no obstacle.

These moments usually require hours to develop, entire games. The Thunder ran out of time, the Timberwolves rarely earned the pause, the Trail Blazers never even caught up to Central time. Yet New York kept its principles in place throughout Game 1 until these fundamentals found paydirt. Until the legs returned, finally out of Connecticut’s practice sweats for the first time in over a week.

The Spurs understand what they have to do now, yet that knowledge was in place well ahead of Game 1. It’s the connection which counts the most, and San Antonio must find out who its conductor is.

New York knows. This is Brunson’s team, the Villanova cats with two battling bigs. Karl-Anthony Towns put himself on the floor throughout Game 1, 18 points and 18 chestbumps with Wemby while defending Victor. Front-to-front stuff, too, the awkward kind.

KAT and Mitchell Robinson’s mystery finger were, in spite of Victor’ 12-13 mark from the free throw line, a bruise-in-waiting for Wembanyama to push through. The Knicks are thick up top and soulful down below and full of brains and wit throughout the middle.

The Spurs are running out of time to define their own personalities, as the showcase in Manhattan draws nearer. The younger team is capable, but can they hold in the face of a crew which doesn’t crack?

Kelly Dwyer covers the NBA at KDonhoops.com

#Knicks #figured #Spurs #faster #NBA #Finals">

The Knicks figured out the Spurs faster than anyone else in NBA Finals SAN ANTONIO – The NBA’s defending champions required five regular season games and seven Western Conference Finals bashfests to suss out San Antonio’s Spurs, failed.The Knicks needed but three quarters. Another dynamite fourth quarter from Knick hero Jalen Brunson gave New York its first Finals lead in a over a half-century on Wednesday night, toppling San Antonio 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.That previous Finals advantage, a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1973 NBA Finals, was celebrated by Knick reserve center Phil Jackson on a beach at Malibu with an unnamed actress, according to Phil’s book ‘Maverick,’ Jackson “gobbling LSD for breakfast.”Brunson (and Knicks coach Mike Brown, for that matter) appeared to show little instinct toward toward Phil’s breakfast of champions after Game 1, giving every indication these current Knicks keep these sainted Spurs in sensible range.And within the same level as previous combatants. We worried over the Knicks faltering against stiff Western competition after facing Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in the previous three rounds (Eh, Woof, and Whatever). We shoulda concerned ourselves with whether or not San Antonio was ready for the team that only needed 14 outings to escape the East.The visiting Knicks delicately primed past the restrictions of rust in the team’s first contest since May 25. New York was down 10 points in the second quarter and 14 in the third before colluding to surprise San Antonio in what the NBA calls “clutch minutes,” the final five minutes of a close game. Timing issues aside, it felt as if every second of Game 1 was crucially clutch, the utter and pristine picture of all-out NBA playoff basketball.Brunson finished with 30 but was no angel on his way toward the mark, flinging lefty hopers over the arms of Victor Wembanyama, spinning out repeatedly on floaters and only using arms on in-and-out three-pointers. Those were practice legs, scrimmage flings, and Brunson (7-22 entering the third period, 5-9 from the floor in the final 12 minutes) needed every second surrounding him to re-locate his crouch.Once the legs returned, though, over. Brunson’s corner three off a Mikal Bridges offensive rebound with 1:50 remaining gave New York a 97-95 lead, all the grasp it needed. Rust was absolutely an issue, for these visiting Knicks, now they’ll band together to earn a full endorsement deal with an anti-rust spray, we won’t name any brands because we’re not sponsored ourselves, but watch for “polyurethane resins” to be uttered by Jose Alvarado on an advertisement sometime this summer.Alvarado helped keep the visitor’s wits throughout, his presence was badly needed in the second quarter when Brunson turned his ankle and left the game. Alvarado, perhaps buoyed by Brunson bounding over with both legs to complain to Scott Foster during the injury timeout, hit 3-of-3 from the field in his run, seven points, three defensive boards and an assist and a steal, because he’s Jose Alvarado.Bothered by foul trouble, Josh Hart barely worked that second quarter. Josh made up for it.In one of the finest three-point performances in NBA Finals history, Hart’s derring-do stole the home court advantage right out from Texas’ ten-gallon hat. Four steals and six assists from Hart, who covered all angles defensively while still sustaining his sniff for the passing lanes. His shot was off (1-5 from the field, 0-3 from deep) but he was in the right place in every other instance, a superior all-around performance, even if his jumper doesn’t go all the way around.The home team failed to clasp past 100 points per 100 possessions, the Spurs missed three-quarters of their threes and wasted a four-turnover game, and 15-point first half from Julian Champagnie. Wembanyama was a force defensively but missed 16-21 field goal attempts on his way toward 26 points, a dozen boards and six turnovers, three blocks.De’Aaron Fox clunked 3-13 from the field on one leg. The veteran developed good looks in the fourth quarter, missed, while Dylan Harper (16 points and seven rebounds through three quarters) watched from the bench. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, cherished Spurs veterans but a little hype in Game 1, somewhat charged, possibly caffeinated, 5-15 from the floor combined.It was a learning experience. Fans talked themselves into shouting “Spurs in five” on the way out of the building in Game 1 and, yeah, it ain’t hard to see what’s under that hat. San Antonio does have a seven-and-a-half-foot center with skills, after all.Yet New York proved none of this counts if the center in question is centimeters removed from what matters, the best attempt available, a Knick splash. New York missed 25-36 three-pointers in Game 1, but its concentration and approach was apparent from the rafters. If Wemby is slightly out of focus, dive to the rim as if the season depends on it. The Knicks are to be commended for maintaining a straight line to the rim anytime Wembanyama was bothered elsewhere, held or held up, New York launching the millisecond his fingertips were no obstacle.These moments usually require hours to develop, entire games. The Thunder ran out of time, the Timberwolves rarely earned the pause, the Trail Blazers never even caught up to Central time. Yet New York kept its principles in place throughout Game 1 until these fundamentals found paydirt. Until the legs returned, finally out of Connecticut’s practice sweats for the first time in over a week.The Spurs understand what they have to do now, yet that knowledge was in place well ahead of Game 1. It’s the connection which counts the most, and San Antonio must find out who its conductor is.New York knows. This is Brunson’s team, the Villanova cats with two battling bigs. Karl-Anthony Towns put himself on the floor throughout Game 1, 18 points and 18 chestbumps with Wemby while defending Victor. Front-to-front stuff, too, the awkward kind.KAT and Mitchell Robinson’s mystery finger were, in spite of Victor’ 12-13 mark from the free throw line, a bruise-in-waiting for Wembanyama to push through. The Knicks are thick up top and soulful down below and full of brains and wit throughout the middle.The Spurs are running out of time to define their own personalities, as the showcase in Manhattan draws nearer. The younger team is capable, but can they hold in the face of a crew which doesn’t crack?Kelly Dwyer covers the NBA at KDonhoops.com #Knicks #figured #Spurs #faster #NBA #Finals

mwasimuddin125 0

SAN ANTONIO – The NBA’s defending champions required five regular season games and seven Western Conference Finals bashfests to suss out San Antonio’s Spurs, failed.
The Knicks needed but three quarters. Another dynamite fourth quarter from Knick hero Jalen Brunson gave New York its first Finals lead in a over a half-century on Wednesday night, toppling San Antonio 105-95 in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
That previous Finals advantage, a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1973 NBA Finals, was celebrated by Knick reserve center Phil Jackson on a beach at Malibu with an unnamed actress, according to Phil’s book ‘Maverick,’ Jackson “gobbling LSD for breakfast.”
Brunson (and Knicks coach Mike Brown, for that matter) appeared to show little instinct toward toward Phil’s breakfast of champions after Game 1, giving every indication these current Knicks keep these sainted Spurs in sensible range.
And within the same level as previous combatants. We worried over the Knicks faltering against stiff Western competition after facing Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in the previous three rounds (Eh, Woof, and Whatever). We shoulda concerned ourselves with whether or not San Antonio was ready for the team that only needed 14 outings to escape the East.
The visiting Knicks delicately primed past the restrictions of rust in the team’s first contest since May 25. New York was down 10 points in the second quarter and 14 in the third before colluding to surprise San Antonio in what the NBA calls “clutch minutes,” the final five minutes of a close game. Timing issues aside, it felt as if every second of Game 1 was crucially clutch, the utter and pristine picture of all-out NBA playoff basketball.
Brunson finished with 30 but was no angel on his way toward the mark, flinging lefty hopers over the arms of Victor Wembanyama, spinning out repeatedly on floaters and only using arms on in-and-out three-pointers. Those were practice legs, scrimmage flings, and Brunson (7-22 entering the third period, 5-9 from the floor in the final 12 minutes) needed every second surrounding him to re-locate his crouch.
Once the legs returned, though, over. Brunson’s corner three off a Mikal Bridges offensive rebound with 1:50 remaining gave New York a 97-95 lead, all the grasp it needed. Rust was absolutely an issue, for these visiting Knicks, now they’ll band together to earn a full endorsement deal with an anti-rust spray, we won’t name any brands because we’re not sponsored ourselves, but watch for “polyurethane resins” to be uttered by Jose Alvarado on an advertisement sometime this summer.
Alvarado helped keep the visitor’s wits throughout, his presence was badly needed in the second quarter when Brunson turned his ankle and left the game. Alvarado, perhaps buoyed by Brunson bounding over with both legs to complain to Scott Foster during the injury timeout, hit 3-of-3 from the field in his run, seven points, three defensive boards and an assist and a steal, because he’s Jose Alvarado.
Bothered by foul trouble, Josh Hart barely worked that second quarter. Josh made up for it.
In one of the finest three-point performances in NBA Finals history, Hart’s derring-do stole the home court advantage right out from Texas’ ten-gallon hat. Four steals and six assists from Hart, who covered all angles defensively while still sustaining his sniff for the passing lanes. His shot was off (1-5 from the field, 0-3 from deep) but he was in the right place in every other instance, a superior all-around performance, even if his jumper doesn’t go all the way around.
The home team failed to clasp past 100 points per 100 possessions, the Spurs missed three-quarters of their threes and wasted a four-turnover game, and 15-point first half from Julian Champagnie. Wembanyama was a force defensively but missed 16-21 field goal attempts on his way toward 26 points, a dozen boards and six turnovers, three blocks.
De’Aaron Fox clunked 3-13 from the field on one leg. The veteran developed good looks in the fourth quarter, missed, while Dylan Harper (16 points and seven rebounds through three quarters) watched from the bench. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, cherished Spurs veterans but a little hype in Game 1, somewhat charged, possibly caffeinated, 5-15 from the floor combined.
It was a learning experience. Fans talked themselves into shouting “Spurs in five” on the way out of the building in Game 1 and, yeah, it ain’t hard to see what’s under that hat. San Antonio does have a seven-and-a-half-foot center with skills, after all.
Yet New York proved none of this counts if the center in question is centimeters removed from what matters, the best attempt available, a Knick splash. New York missed 25-36 three-pointers in Game 1, but its concentration and approach was apparent from the rafters. If Wemby is slightly out of focus, dive to the rim as if the season depends on it. The Knicks are to be commended for maintaining a straight line to the rim anytime Wembanyama was bothered elsewhere, held or held up, New York launching the millisecond his fingertips were no obstacle.
These moments usually require hours to develop, entire games. The Thunder ran out of time, the Timberwolves rarely earned the pause, the Trail Blazers never even caught up to Central time. Yet New York kept its principles in place throughout Game 1 until these fundamentals found paydirt. Until the legs returned, finally out of Connecticut’s practice sweats for the first time in over a week.
The Spurs understand what they have to do now, yet that knowledge was in place well ahead of Game 1. It’s the connection which counts the most, and San Antonio must find out who its conductor is.
New York knows. This is Brunson’s team, the Villanova cats with two battling bigs. Karl-Anthony Towns put himself on the floor throughout Game 1, 18 points and 18 chestbumps with Wemby while defending Victor. Front-to-front stuff, too, the awkward kind.
KAT and Mitchell Robinson’s mystery finger were, in spite of Victor’ 12-13 mark from the free throw line, a bruise-in-waiting for Wembanyama to push through. The Knicks are thick up top and soulful down below and full of brains and wit throughout the middle.
The Spurs are running out of time to define their own personalities, as the showcase in Manhattan draws nearer. The younger team is capable, but can they hold in the face of a crew which doesn’t crack?
Kelly Dwyer covers the NBA at KDonhoops.com

#Knicks #figured #Spurs #faster #NBA #Finals">The Knicks figured out the Spurs faster than anyone else in NBA Finals

SAN ANTONIO – The NBA’s defending champions required five regular season games and seven Western Conference Finals bashfests to suss out San Antonio’s Spurs, failed.

Bothered by foul trouble, Josh Hart barely worked that second quarter. Josh made up for it.

The Spurs understand what they have to do now, yet that knowledge was in place well ahead of Game 1. It’s the connection which counts the most, and San Antonio must find out who its conductor is.

Kelly Dwyer covers the NBA at KDonhoops.com

#Knicks #figured #Spurs #faster #NBA #Finals

The Sports Ministry is planning to create a dedicated National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) to improve the standards of coaching in the country and bridge the gap between demand and supply of resources.

The decision follows recommendations from the P. Gopichand-led Task Force’s submitted in January.

The NCAB will be tasked with, among other things, creating a National Coach Registry and preparation of Long Term Athlete Development-based coaching standards. The project is likely to be initially implemented in a couple of federations.

The ministry hopes it will lead to standardisation of coaching and better scientific support for athletes. “At the moment, there is absence of proper sports science and also reluctance on the part of coaches to accept and adopt new suggestions. We are also looking at better integration of coaching and sports science,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during an interaction here on Thursday.

The ministry has also approved the conversion of Sports Authority of India’s existing training centre in Shillong into a specialised High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore in partnership with the NSE Foundation.

The HATC, with a 450-athlete capacity, will have a dedicated sports science building, elite residential complex, indoor heated swimming pool and natural training trails. India currently has HATCs in Shilaroo, Uttarkashi and Ooty besides one in Leh catering to para athletes.

Published on Jun 04, 2026

#Sports #Ministry #plans #set #National #Coach #Accreditation #Board">

Sports Ministry plans to set up National Coach Accreditation Board The Sports Ministry is planning to create a dedicated National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) to improve the standards of coaching in the country and bridge the gap between demand and supply of resources.The decision follows recommendations from the P. Gopichand-led Task Force’s submitted in January.The NCAB will be tasked with, among other things, creating a National Coach Registry and preparation of Long Term Athlete Development-based coaching standards. The project is likely to be initially implemented in a couple of federations.The ministry hopes it will lead to standardisation of coaching and better scientific support for athletes. “At the moment, there is absence of proper sports science and also reluctance on the part of coaches to accept and adopt new suggestions. We are also looking at better integration of coaching and sports science,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during an interaction here on Thursday.The ministry has also approved the conversion of Sports Authority of India’s existing training centre in Shillong into a specialised High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore in partnership with the NSE Foundation.The HATC, with a 450-athlete capacity, will have a dedicated sports science building, elite residential complex, indoor heated swimming pool and natural training trails. India currently has HATCs in Shilaroo, Uttarkashi and Ooty besides one in Leh catering to para athletes.Published on Jun 04, 2026 #Sports #Ministry #plans #set #National #Coach #Accreditation #Board

mwasimuddin125 0

The Sports Ministry is planning to create a dedicated National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) to improve the standards of coaching in the country and bridge the gap between demand and supply of resources.
The decision follows recommendations from the P. Gopichand-led Task Force’s submitted in January.
The NCAB will be tasked with, among other things, creating a National Coach Registry and preparation of Long Term Athlete Development-based coaching standards. The project is likely to be initially implemented in a couple of federations.
The ministry hopes it will lead to standardisation of coaching and better scientific support for athletes. “At the moment, there is absence of proper sports science and also reluctance on the part of coaches to accept and adopt new suggestions. We are also looking at better integration of coaching and sports science,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during an interaction here on Thursday.
The ministry has also approved the conversion of Sports Authority of India’s existing training centre in Shillong into a specialised High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore in partnership with the NSE Foundation.
The HATC, with a 450-athlete capacity, will have a dedicated sports science building, elite residential complex, indoor heated swimming pool and natural training trails. India currently has HATCs in Shilaroo, Uttarkashi and Ooty besides one in Leh catering to para athletes.
Published on Jun 04, 2026

#Sports #Ministry #plans #set #National #Coach #Accreditation #Board">Sports Ministry plans to set up National Coach Accreditation Board

The decision follows recommendations from the P. Gopichand-led Task Force’s submitted in January.

Published on Jun 04, 2026

#Sports #Ministry #plans #set #National #Coach #Accreditation #Board

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India U-17 men’s 24-member squad for friendlies against UAE in Thailand:

India U-17 men’s friendlies schedule:

कैलाश विजयवर्गीय के '34 केस' वाले बयान पर फंसा पेंच, कांग्रेस पहुंची चुनाव आयोग, सदस्यता रद्द करने की मांग

Related Posts

It’s an easy year for predicting NFL quarterback competitions.

Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray

Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones

Atlanta Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa

Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins

Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders

It’s an easy year for predicting NFL quarterback competitions.

Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray

Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones

Atlanta Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa

Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins

Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders

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