×
KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders secures first point after persistent rain forces washout  The build-up was perfect. Shah Rukh Khan attended his first match of the season, while fans turned up in decent numbers to cheer for Kolkata Knight Riders despite the team’s recent struggles.But in the end, strong winds and torrential rain had the final say as the Indian Premier League 2026 fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was washed out on Monday.Despite predictions of rain, KKR opted to bat and was reeling at 25 for two in 3.4 overs when the showers arrived, halting play barely 17 minutes into the game at Eden Gardens.Coming off two consecutive defeats, KKR took the field without the injured Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. In a bid to strengthen the batting, Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini were drafted into the XI.However, it was another disappointing start for KKR as neither Finn Allen nor Cameron Green managed to settle, both caught behind off a probing spell from Xavier Bartlett. With Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempting to rebuild, rain forced the players off the field.There was initial hope of a restart as the groundstaff swiftly covered the square and outfield. But as the evening wore on, the rain intensified and powerful gusts of wind swept across the ground.ALSO READ: RR vs MI, IPL 2026: Fast-starting Rajasthan Royals takes on Mumbai Indians’ mightSheets of rain lashed the square, the stands gradually emptied as spectators sought shelter, and puddles began forming despite the covers remaining firmly in place.With no improvement in conditions, match referee Javagal Srinath eventually called off the contest, with both teams sharing a point.Coincidentally, when the two sides met at the same venue last year, that match too had been washed out, earning both teams a point each.A year later, it was a similar story, with the unpredictable April weather once again having the final word.Published on Apr 06, 2026  #KKR #PBKS #IPL #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #secures #point #persistent #rain #forces #washout

KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders secures first point after persistent rain forces washout

The build-up was perfect. Shah Rukh Khan attended his first match of the season, while fans turned up in decent numbers to cheer for Kolkata Knight Riders despite the team’s recent struggles.

But in the end, strong winds and torrential rain had the final say as the Indian Premier League 2026 fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was washed out on Monday.

Despite predictions of rain, KKR opted to bat and was reeling at 25 for two in 3.4 overs when the showers arrived, halting play barely 17 minutes into the game at Eden Gardens.

Coming off two consecutive defeats, KKR took the field without the injured Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. In a bid to strengthen the batting, Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini were drafted into the XI.

However, it was another disappointing start for KKR as neither Finn Allen nor Cameron Green managed to settle, both caught behind off a probing spell from Xavier Bartlett. With Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempting to rebuild, rain forced the players off the field.

There was initial hope of a restart as the groundstaff swiftly covered the square and outfield. But as the evening wore on, the rain intensified and powerful gusts of wind swept across the ground.

ALSO READ: RR vs MI, IPL 2026: Fast-starting Rajasthan Royals takes on Mumbai Indians’ might

Sheets of rain lashed the square, the stands gradually emptied as spectators sought shelter, and puddles began forming despite the covers remaining firmly in place.

With no improvement in conditions, match referee Javagal Srinath eventually called off the contest, with both teams sharing a point.

Coincidentally, when the two sides met at the same venue last year, that match too had been washed out, earning both teams a point each.

A year later, it was a similar story, with the unpredictable April weather once again having the final word.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#KKR #PBKS #IPL #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #secures #point #persistent #rain #forces #washout

The build-up was perfect. Shah Rukh Khan attended his first match of the season, while fans turned up in decent numbers to cheer for Kolkata Knight Riders despite the team’s recent struggles.

But in the end, strong winds and torrential rain had the final say as the Indian Premier League 2026 fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was washed out on Monday.

Despite predictions of rain, KKR opted to bat and was reeling at 25 for two in 3.4 overs when the showers arrived, halting play barely 17 minutes into the game at Eden Gardens.

Coming off two consecutive defeats, KKR took the field without the injured Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. In a bid to strengthen the batting, Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini were drafted into the XI.

However, it was another disappointing start for KKR as neither Finn Allen nor Cameron Green managed to settle, both caught behind off a probing spell from Xavier Bartlett. With Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempting to rebuild, rain forced the players off the field.

There was initial hope of a restart as the groundstaff swiftly covered the square and outfield. But as the evening wore on, the rain intensified and powerful gusts of wind swept across the ground.

ALSO READ: RR vs MI, IPL 2026: Fast-starting Rajasthan Royals takes on Mumbai Indians’ might

Sheets of rain lashed the square, the stands gradually emptied as spectators sought shelter, and puddles began forming despite the covers remaining firmly in place.

With no improvement in conditions, match referee Javagal Srinath eventually called off the contest, with both teams sharing a point.

Coincidentally, when the two sides met at the same venue last year, that match too had been washed out, earning both teams a point each.

A year later, it was a similar story, with the unpredictable April weather once again having the final word.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

Source link
#KKR #PBKS #IPL #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #secures #point #persistent #rain #forces #washout

Previous post

Japan’s power chip sector undergoing realignment<div> <p>The Japanese industry of power semiconductors, used in electric vehicles and other products, is undergoing realignment, with manufacturers seeking consolidation to compete with foreign rivals.</p><p>Rohm, Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric launched discussions on integrating their power chip operations after auto parts supplier Denso offered to acquire Rohm.</p><p>Although Japanese makers comprise a sizable combined share of the global power chip market, the country has many manufacturers, each operating on a relatively small scale. Faced with the rise of Chinese manufacturers, companies have recognized the need for market reorganization, with Mitsubishi Electric President Kei Uruma saying that firms should “work together and develop chips that can compete with China and other countries.”</p> </div>#Japans #power #chip #sector #undergoing #realignmentRohm, Toshiba, Mitsubishi Electric, Denso

Next post

Deadspin | Report: North Carolina search focuses on Billy Donovan <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-900/28666205.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666205.jpg" alt="NBA: Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs his team against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>North Carolina’s coaching search is focused “solely” on Billy Donovan, The Field of 68 reported.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Donovan, who currently coaches the Chicago Bulls, led Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006-07.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Sunday’s report said the Tar Heels are “going to go hard after him” and “expect to know more in the next 24 hours.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Donovan, 60, has been coaching in the NBA since compiling a 467-186 record with the Gators from 1996-2015.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>He is 224-253 with the Bulls (29-48 this season) after going 243-157 with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015-20.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>North Carolina parted ways with Hubert Davis after last month’s first-round loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament. </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Michigan coach Dusty May and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd are among the potential candidates who have decided to remain at their current posts.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Report #North #Carolina #search #focuses #Billy #Donovan

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly between five-time World Champion Brazil and Egypt in Ohio on Sunday

Tonight’s match will give Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti another chance to assess his squad before its Group C opener against Morocco on June 14. Brazil will be without Neymar, who is continuing his recovery from a calf injury, but the fixture offers Brazil a useful test against a compact and experienced Egypt side.

For Egypt, the match will be part of its preparation for a long-awaited return to the World Cup. Drawn in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, Hossam Hassan’s side will be looking to sharpen its structure before beginning its campaign against Belgium.

Venue: Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Kick-off: 03:30 AM (IST), 6:00 PM local time. 

Published on Jun 07, 2026

#Brazil #Egypt #LIVE #FIFA #World #Cup #pretournament #friendly #BRA #EGY #Guimaraes #scores #Ziko #quickly #equalises">Brazil vs Egypt LIVE, FIFA World Cup pre-tournament friendly: BRA 1-1 EGY; Guimaraes scores but Ziko quickly equalises  CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Bruno Guimarães of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.   Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      KIRK IRWIN
                                                                      
                        CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Bruno Guimarães of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.   Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          KIRK IRWIN
                                              Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly between five-time World Champion Brazil and Egypt in Ohio on SundayTonight’s match will give Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti another chance to assess his squad before its Group C opener against Morocco on June 14. Brazil will be without Neymar, who is continuing his recovery from a calf injury, but the fixture offers Brazil a useful test against a compact and experienced Egypt side.For Egypt, the match will be part of its preparation for a long-awaited return to the World Cup. Drawn in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, Hossam Hassan’s side will be looking to sharpen its structure before beginning its campaign against Belgium.Venue: Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.Kick-off: 03:30 AM (IST), 6:00 PM local time.  
						No Mohamed Salah in Egypt’s starting XI 
		Mostafa Shobeir (GK), Ahmed Fattouh, Fathy Hamdi, Ibrahim Yasser, Mohamed Hany, Marwan Attia, Mohannad Lasheen, Ziko, Trezeguet, Haissem Hassan, Omar Marmoush 
						Brazil’s playing XI for tonight’s friendly
		Alisson (GK), Wesley, Marquinhos, Ibanez, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius, Igor Thiago
				45′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Four minutes of added time. 
				44′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Egypt is making life difficult for itself at the back. The defenders continue to allow Brazil’s forwards to close them down. This time.. Raphinha forces another corner for Brazil.June 07, 2026 04:19YELLOW CARD
				42′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr goes down as he tries to get past Mohamed Hany, who stands his ground but is ultimately penalised. The Egyptian defender goes into the referee’s book.June 07, 2026 04:17CORNER
				39′ – First corner of the match for Egypt
			The corner is floated in, and it is cleared away but finds the foot of a Egyptian player but it is quickly blocked and goes out for a throw-in.
				38′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			The corner is floated into the box and initially cleared, but it falls to an Egyptian player on the edge of the area. His attempt is quickly blocked, and the ball goes out for a throw-in.
				36′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Trezeguet, from the far side of the pitch, floats a cross in, and a Brazilian defender gets his head on it to clear the danger. 
				34′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Guimaraes is brought down on the right-hand side; the assistant referee flags it. Raphinha to take the free-kick. 
				33′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Guimaraes floats the corner in, and goalkeeper pushes it and it goes out for a throw in. 
				32′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Paqueta plays a quick one-two with Raphinha, and the latter takes a good shot and wins the first corner for Brazil tonight
				30′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Danilo finds the ball on the right but loses it. 
				27′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr is at it again down the left. He glides past a couple of defenders and gets the ball out to Raphinha, but Shobeir is there once more, gathering comfortably and keeping Egypt level.
				25′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr races onto Raphinha’s pass and finds himself one-on-one with Shobeir, but the Egyptian goalkeeper stands tall and makes an excellent save. A swift counter-attack from Brazil, and it nearly restores the lead.
				22′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			The players head for a quick cooling break, and the coaches can have a quick word as well. June 07, 2026 03:59YELLOW CARD
				21′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			First yellow of the match and it goes to Marquinhos. 
				19′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr runs forward with the ball, but the referee pulls play back for a foul. The Brazil supporters watching on are not happy with that decision.
				19′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			What is going on with this Egyptian backline? It keeps inviting pressure. Every time the ball goes back to Shobeir, a Brazilian attacker is right on top of him, forcing hurried decisions in possession.
				17′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Wesley is replaced by Danilo, and Brazil is taking no chances here. With the World Cup just a week away, there is little reason to risk a player who may be carrying a knock.
				16′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Is there a injury concern already: Wesley is holding his groin, and the medics are out on pitch
				15′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Ambitious effort from full-back Wesley. He picks up the ball on the right and goes for goal from a tight angle, but the goalkeeper is equal to it and gathers comfortably.
				13′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Egypt are not used to conceding many goals, and after gifting Brazil the opener through an error of their own, they responded swiftly. Ziko’s equaliser has ensured there is a real contest on our hands.
				Brazil makes a mistake, and Egypt equalise
			A defensive lapse from Brazil now, and Marquinhos’ misplaced pass proves costly. Ziko reacts quickest, gets to the ball first and slots home the equaliser for Egypt.
				Guimaraes scores the opener
			A defensive lapse from Egypt, taking a touch too many at the back, and Brazil makes it pay. Guimaraes pounces on the mistake and puts the Selecao in front.
				6′ – BRA 0-0 EGY
			Hassan dribbles down the right flank but is checked in his tracks. The Egyptian appeals for a foul, but the referee is having none of it.
				5′ – BRA 0-0 EGY
			Raphinha through the middle, plays it to the right, and the ball is shifted to the left to Vini Jr, but the ball goes out of play. 
				3′ – BRA 0-0 EGY
			Great press from midfield. Paqueta plays it to Igor Thiago, and Brazil makes something out of almost nothing.
				Interesting 
			Can’t complain, given Argentina’s second kit has been all over social media. But Brazil’s dark blue second kit does bring its arch-rival to mind. A sign of things to come?
				Action is underway
			Brazil attacking from right to left. 
				First half coming up
			Pennants exchanged, handshakes done. Trezeguet and Marquinhos lead their teams through the final formalities, and kick-off is up next in Cleveland.
				Brazil’s last warm-up match was
			Brazil beat Panama 6-2 at the Maracana on May 30, so this match gives Ancelotti one more chance to test his structure before the World Cup opener against Morocco. 
				Anthems of the two nations
			Egypt’s anthem first followed by Brazil next. 
				The player are out on the field
			A lot of yellow shirts if you look around, but the pocket of red is impossible to miss. Egyptians are just as passionate about their team as the Brazilians.
				We are few minutes away from kick-off
			The players are lining up in the tunnel, getting ready to come out. Anthems next. 
				As we gear up for the biggest spectacle in the world, catch all the build-ups, live blogs, and highlights on this Sportstar webpage below
			2026 FIFA World Cup Live UpdatesFollow Sportstar for the live updates of the FIFA World Cup 2026 With live scores, Fixtures, Results, History, Videos, Photos, Quizzes And Much More.
				Pictures from players’ arrival earlier today
			
				Though in substitution tonight..
			Salah will lead Egypt at the World Cup and remains its main attacking reference. He is supported by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, with Hossam Hassan looking for Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win and first knockout-stage appearance.
				Major omission and a teenage subplot
			Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed was left out, while Hamza Abdelkarim – the 18-year-old forward from Barcelona’s youth set-up, has been included and is in substitutes tonight.
				Brazil is ditching its regular all-Yellow kit for something cooler tonight. Take a look: 
			
				Earlier today, in another friendly match, Portuguese forward Leao got into a heated exchange vs Chile and punched a player. Read about it below.
			Portugal forward Leao under spotlight after punching incident in Chile friendlyPortugal forward Rafael Leao could face disciplinary scrutiny after being involved in an apparent punching incident during the ongoing international friendly against Chile at the Jamor Stadium in Lisbon.
				Who will lead Brazil tonight?
			Marquinhos wears the armband, with the PSG defender anchoring the back line as Ancelotti continues to test his World Cup structure.
				Ancelotti’s Brazil still feels like work in progress
			Brazil comes into the World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti after a shaky qualifying campaign. It finished fifth in the CONMEBOL table with 28 points from 18 matches, an 8-4-6 record, 24 goals scored and 17 conceded. 
				The fans are coming in, and the players will start warming up as we move towards kick-off soon
			CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: General view inside the stadium prior to the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
				It’d be interesting to see how this front three operate tonight
			Brazil’s front line has pace and directness tonight: Raphinha starts on the right, Vinicius Jr on the left, with Igor Thiago leading the line in Neymar’s absence.
				Something to look forward to.. 
			Egypt has Salah in reserve, but Omar Marmoush gives it pace and threat from the start. For Brazil, the bigger question remains how Ancelotti’s attack functions without Neymar.
				Tonight’s match will be Egypt’s last friendly game before the World Cup 
			
				What happened to Salah?
			Mohamed Salah starts on the bench for Egypt, which means Hassan is either managing minutes before the World Cup or testing his side’s attacking structure without its biggest name from kick-off.
				Hossam’s full-circle story
			Hossam Hassan scored the goal that sent Egypt to the 1990 World Cup. Now, at 59 he will be taking the country to the 2026 edition as coach.
				Brazil and Egypt in upcoming World Cup 
			Brazil is in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and opens against Morocco on June 13. Egypt is in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, and begins against Belgium on June 15. 
				A little history to look back before tonight’s match
			Brazil is the only team to have played at every World Cup, has won the tournament five times, and leads all nations with 76 wins in 114 World Cup matches. Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times but is still chasing its first World Cup win. 
				Neymar is not included today, but his fitness remains the loudest storyline around Brazil.
			What happened to Neymar, why is the forward not part of Brazil’s friendly against Egypt?Neymar will miss Brazil’s FIFA World Cup warm-up match against Egypt on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
				It is match-day
			Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s LIVE coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly match between Brazil and Egypt, set to be played in Cleveland on Saturday evening.Published on Jun 07, 2026  #Brazil #Egypt #LIVE #FIFA #World #Cup #pretournament #friendly #BRA #EGY #Guimaraes #scores #Ziko #quickly #equalises

Published on Jun 07, 2026

#Brazil #Egypt #LIVE #FIFA #World #Cup #pretournament #friendly #BRA #EGY #Guimaraes #scores #Ziko #quickly #equalises">Brazil vs Egypt LIVE, FIFA World Cup pre-tournament friendly: BRA 1-1 EGY; Guimaraes scores but Ziko quickly equalises
Brazil vs Egypt LIVE, FIFA World Cup pre-tournament friendly: BRA 1-1 EGY; Guimaraes scores but Ziko quickly equalises  CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Bruno Guimarães of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.   Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      KIRK IRWIN
                                                                      
                        CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Bruno Guimarães of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.   Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          KIRK IRWIN
                                              Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly between five-time World Champion Brazil and Egypt in Ohio on SundayTonight’s match will give Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti another chance to assess his squad before its Group C opener against Morocco on June 14. Brazil will be without Neymar, who is continuing his recovery from a calf injury, but the fixture offers Brazil a useful test against a compact and experienced Egypt side.For Egypt, the match will be part of its preparation for a long-awaited return to the World Cup. Drawn in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, Hossam Hassan’s side will be looking to sharpen its structure before beginning its campaign against Belgium.Venue: Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.Kick-off: 03:30 AM (IST), 6:00 PM local time.  
						No Mohamed Salah in Egypt’s starting XI 
		Mostafa Shobeir (GK), Ahmed Fattouh, Fathy Hamdi, Ibrahim Yasser, Mohamed Hany, Marwan Attia, Mohannad Lasheen, Ziko, Trezeguet, Haissem Hassan, Omar Marmoush 
						Brazil’s playing XI for tonight’s friendly
		Alisson (GK), Wesley, Marquinhos, Ibanez, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius, Igor Thiago
				45′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Four minutes of added time. 
				44′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Egypt is making life difficult for itself at the back. The defenders continue to allow Brazil’s forwards to close them down. This time.. Raphinha forces another corner for Brazil.June 07, 2026 04:19YELLOW CARD
				42′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr goes down as he tries to get past Mohamed Hany, who stands his ground but is ultimately penalised. The Egyptian defender goes into the referee’s book.June 07, 2026 04:17CORNER
				39′ – First corner of the match for Egypt
			The corner is floated in, and it is cleared away but finds the foot of a Egyptian player but it is quickly blocked and goes out for a throw-in.
				38′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			The corner is floated into the box and initially cleared, but it falls to an Egyptian player on the edge of the area. His attempt is quickly blocked, and the ball goes out for a throw-in.
				36′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Trezeguet, from the far side of the pitch, floats a cross in, and a Brazilian defender gets his head on it to clear the danger. 
				34′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Guimaraes is brought down on the right-hand side; the assistant referee flags it. Raphinha to take the free-kick. 
				33′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Guimaraes floats the corner in, and goalkeeper pushes it and it goes out for a throw in. 
				32′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Paqueta plays a quick one-two with Raphinha, and the latter takes a good shot and wins the first corner for Brazil tonight
				30′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Danilo finds the ball on the right but loses it. 
				27′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr is at it again down the left. He glides past a couple of defenders and gets the ball out to Raphinha, but Shobeir is there once more, gathering comfortably and keeping Egypt level.
				25′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr races onto Raphinha’s pass and finds himself one-on-one with Shobeir, but the Egyptian goalkeeper stands tall and makes an excellent save. A swift counter-attack from Brazil, and it nearly restores the lead.
				22′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			The players head for a quick cooling break, and the coaches can have a quick word as well. June 07, 2026 03:59YELLOW CARD
				21′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			First yellow of the match and it goes to Marquinhos. 
				19′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Vini Jr runs forward with the ball, but the referee pulls play back for a foul. The Brazil supporters watching on are not happy with that decision.
				19′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			What is going on with this Egyptian backline? It keeps inviting pressure. Every time the ball goes back to Shobeir, a Brazilian attacker is right on top of him, forcing hurried decisions in possession.
				17′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Wesley is replaced by Danilo, and Brazil is taking no chances here. With the World Cup just a week away, there is little reason to risk a player who may be carrying a knock.
				16′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Is there a injury concern already: Wesley is holding his groin, and the medics are out on pitch
				15′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Ambitious effort from full-back Wesley. He picks up the ball on the right and goes for goal from a tight angle, but the goalkeeper is equal to it and gathers comfortably.
				13′ – BRA 1-1 EGY
			Egypt are not used to conceding many goals, and after gifting Brazil the opener through an error of their own, they responded swiftly. Ziko’s equaliser has ensured there is a real contest on our hands.
				Brazil makes a mistake, and Egypt equalise
			A defensive lapse from Brazil now, and Marquinhos’ misplaced pass proves costly. Ziko reacts quickest, gets to the ball first and slots home the equaliser for Egypt.
				Guimaraes scores the opener
			A defensive lapse from Egypt, taking a touch too many at the back, and Brazil makes it pay. Guimaraes pounces on the mistake and puts the Selecao in front.
				6′ – BRA 0-0 EGY
			Hassan dribbles down the right flank but is checked in his tracks. The Egyptian appeals for a foul, but the referee is having none of it.
				5′ – BRA 0-0 EGY
			Raphinha through the middle, plays it to the right, and the ball is shifted to the left to Vini Jr, but the ball goes out of play. 
				3′ – BRA 0-0 EGY
			Great press from midfield. Paqueta plays it to Igor Thiago, and Brazil makes something out of almost nothing.
				Interesting 
			Can’t complain, given Argentina’s second kit has been all over social media. But Brazil’s dark blue second kit does bring its arch-rival to mind. A sign of things to come?
				Action is underway
			Brazil attacking from right to left. 
				First half coming up
			Pennants exchanged, handshakes done. Trezeguet and Marquinhos lead their teams through the final formalities, and kick-off is up next in Cleveland.
				Brazil’s last warm-up match was
			Brazil beat Panama 6-2 at the Maracana on May 30, so this match gives Ancelotti one more chance to test his structure before the World Cup opener against Morocco. 
				Anthems of the two nations
			Egypt’s anthem first followed by Brazil next. 
				The player are out on the field
			A lot of yellow shirts if you look around, but the pocket of red is impossible to miss. Egyptians are just as passionate about their team as the Brazilians.
				We are few minutes away from kick-off
			The players are lining up in the tunnel, getting ready to come out. Anthems next. 
				As we gear up for the biggest spectacle in the world, catch all the build-ups, live blogs, and highlights on this Sportstar webpage below
			2026 FIFA World Cup Live UpdatesFollow Sportstar for the live updates of the FIFA World Cup 2026 With live scores, Fixtures, Results, History, Videos, Photos, Quizzes And Much More.
				Pictures from players’ arrival earlier today
			
				Though in substitution tonight..
			Salah will lead Egypt at the World Cup and remains its main attacking reference. He is supported by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, with Hossam Hassan looking for Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win and first knockout-stage appearance.
				Major omission and a teenage subplot
			Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed was left out, while Hamza Abdelkarim – the 18-year-old forward from Barcelona’s youth set-up, has been included and is in substitutes tonight.
				Brazil is ditching its regular all-Yellow kit for something cooler tonight. Take a look: 
			
				Earlier today, in another friendly match, Portuguese forward Leao got into a heated exchange vs Chile and punched a player. Read about it below.
			Portugal forward Leao under spotlight after punching incident in Chile friendlyPortugal forward Rafael Leao could face disciplinary scrutiny after being involved in an apparent punching incident during the ongoing international friendly against Chile at the Jamor Stadium in Lisbon.
				Who will lead Brazil tonight?
			Marquinhos wears the armband, with the PSG defender anchoring the back line as Ancelotti continues to test his World Cup structure.
				Ancelotti’s Brazil still feels like work in progress
			Brazil comes into the World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti after a shaky qualifying campaign. It finished fifth in the CONMEBOL table with 28 points from 18 matches, an 8-4-6 record, 24 goals scored and 17 conceded. 
				The fans are coming in, and the players will start warming up as we move towards kick-off soon
			CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: General view inside the stadium prior to the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
				It’d be interesting to see how this front three operate tonight
			Brazil’s front line has pace and directness tonight: Raphinha starts on the right, Vinicius Jr on the left, with Igor Thiago leading the line in Neymar’s absence.
				Something to look forward to.. 
			Egypt has Salah in reserve, but Omar Marmoush gives it pace and threat from the start. For Brazil, the bigger question remains how Ancelotti’s attack functions without Neymar.
				Tonight’s match will be Egypt’s last friendly game before the World Cup 
			
				What happened to Salah?
			Mohamed Salah starts on the bench for Egypt, which means Hassan is either managing minutes before the World Cup or testing his side’s attacking structure without its biggest name from kick-off.
				Hossam’s full-circle story
			Hossam Hassan scored the goal that sent Egypt to the 1990 World Cup. Now, at 59 he will be taking the country to the 2026 edition as coach.
				Brazil and Egypt in upcoming World Cup 
			Brazil is in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and opens against Morocco on June 13. Egypt is in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, and begins against Belgium on June 15. 
				A little history to look back before tonight’s match
			Brazil is the only team to have played at every World Cup, has won the tournament five times, and leads all nations with 76 wins in 114 World Cup matches. Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times but is still chasing its first World Cup win. 
				Neymar is not included today, but his fitness remains the loudest storyline around Brazil.
			What happened to Neymar, why is the forward not part of Brazil’s friendly against Egypt?Neymar will miss Brazil’s FIFA World Cup warm-up match against Egypt on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
				It is match-day
			Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s LIVE coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly match between Brazil and Egypt, set to be played in Cleveland on Saturday evening.Published on Jun 07, 2026  #Brazil #Egypt #LIVE #FIFA #World #Cup #pretournament #friendly #BRA #EGY #Guimaraes #scores #Ziko #quickly #equalises

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Bruno Guimarães of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) | Photo Credit: KIRK IRWIN

lightbox-info

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: Bruno Guimarães of Brazil controls the ball during the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) | Photo Credit: KIRK IRWIN

Welcome to Sportstar’s Live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly between five-time World Champion Brazil and Egypt in Ohio on Sunday

Tonight’s match will give Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti another chance to assess his squad before its Group C opener against Morocco on June 14. Brazil will be without Neymar, who is continuing his recovery from a calf injury, but the fixture offers Brazil a useful test against a compact and experienced Egypt side.

For Egypt, the match will be part of its preparation for a long-awaited return to the World Cup. Drawn in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, Hossam Hassan’s side will be looking to sharpen its structure before beginning its campaign against Belgium.

Venue: Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Kick-off: 03:30 AM (IST), 6:00 PM local time. 

No Mohamed Salah in Egypt’s starting XI

Mostafa Shobeir (GK), Ahmed Fattouh, Fathy Hamdi, Ibrahim Yasser, Mohamed Hany, Marwan Attia, Mohannad Lasheen, Ziko, Trezeguet, Haissem Hassan, Omar Marmoush

Brazil’s playing XI for tonight’s friendly

Alisson (GK), Wesley, Marquinhos, Ibanez, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius, Igor Thiago

  • 45′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Four minutes of added time. 

  • 44′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Egypt is making life difficult for itself at the back. The defenders continue to allow Brazil’s forwards to close them down. This time.. Raphinha forces another corner for Brazil.

  • June 07, 2026 04:19

    YELLOW CARD

    42′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Vini Jr goes down as he tries to get past Mohamed Hany, who stands his ground but is ultimately penalised. The Egyptian defender goes into the referee’s book.


  • June 07, 2026 04:17

    CORNER

    39′ – First corner of the match for Egypt

    The corner is floated in, and it is cleared away but finds the foot of a Egyptian player but it is quickly blocked and goes out for a throw-in.

  • 38′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    The corner is floated into the box and initially cleared, but it falls to an Egyptian player on the edge of the area. His attempt is quickly blocked, and the ball goes out for a throw-in.

  • 36′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Trezeguet, from the far side of the pitch, floats a cross in, and a Brazilian defender gets his head on it to clear the danger. 

  • 34′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Guimaraes is brought down on the right-hand side; the assistant referee flags it. Raphinha to take the free-kick. 

  • 33′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Guimaraes floats the corner in, and goalkeeper pushes it and it goes out for a throw in. 

  • 32′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Paqueta plays a quick one-two with Raphinha, and the latter takes a good shot and wins the first corner for Brazil tonight

  • 30′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Danilo finds the ball on the right but loses it. 

  • 27′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Vini Jr is at it again down the left. He glides past a couple of defenders and gets the ball out to Raphinha, but Shobeir is there once more, gathering comfortably and keeping Egypt level.

  • 25′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Vini Jr races onto Raphinha’s pass and finds himself one-on-one with Shobeir, but the Egyptian goalkeeper stands tall and makes an excellent save. A swift counter-attack from Brazil, and it nearly restores the lead.

  • 22′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    The players head for a quick cooling break, and the coaches can have a quick word as well. 

  • June 07, 2026 03:59

    YELLOW CARD

    21′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    First yellow of the match and it goes to Marquinhos. 

  • 19′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Vini Jr runs forward with the ball, but the referee pulls play back for a foul. The Brazil supporters watching on are not happy with that decision.


  • 19′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    What is going on with this Egyptian backline? It keeps inviting pressure. Every time the ball goes back to Shobeir, a Brazilian attacker is right on top of him, forcing hurried decisions in possession.

  • 17′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Wesley is replaced by Danilo, and Brazil is taking no chances here. With the World Cup just a week away, there is little reason to risk a player who may be carrying a knock.

  • 16′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Is there a injury concern already: Wesley is holding his groin, and the medics are out on pitch

  • 15′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Ambitious effort from full-back Wesley. He picks up the ball on the right and goes for goal from a tight angle, but the goalkeeper is equal to it and gathers comfortably.

  • 13′ – BRA 1-1 EGY

    Egypt are not used to conceding many goals, and after gifting Brazil the opener through an error of their own, they responded swiftly. Ziko’s equaliser has ensured there is a real contest on our hands.

  • Brazil makes a mistake, and Egypt equalise

    A defensive lapse from Brazil now, and Marquinhos’ misplaced pass proves costly. Ziko reacts quickest, gets to the ball first and slots home the equaliser for Egypt.

  • Guimaraes scores the opener

    A defensive lapse from Egypt, taking a touch too many at the back, and Brazil makes it pay. Guimaraes pounces on the mistake and puts the Selecao in front.

  • 6′ – BRA 0-0 EGY

    Hassan dribbles down the right flank but is checked in his tracks. The Egyptian appeals for a foul, but the referee is having none of it.

  • 5′ – BRA 0-0 EGY

    Raphinha through the middle, plays it to the right, and the ball is shifted to the left to Vini Jr, but the ball goes out of play. 

  • 3′ – BRA 0-0 EGY

    Great press from midfield. Paqueta plays it to Igor Thiago, and Brazil makes something out of almost nothing.

  • Interesting

    Can’t complain, given Argentina’s second kit has been all over social media. But Brazil’s dark blue second kit does bring its arch-rival to mind. A sign of things to come?

  • Action is underway

    Brazil attacking from right to left. 

  • First half coming up

    Pennants exchanged, handshakes done. Trezeguet and Marquinhos lead their teams through the final formalities, and kick-off is up next in Cleveland.

  • Brazil’s last warm-up match was

    Brazil beat Panama 6-2 at the Maracana on May 30, so this match gives Ancelotti one more chance to test his structure before the World Cup opener against Morocco. 

  • Anthems of the two nations

    Egypt’s anthem first followed by Brazil next. 

  • The player are out on the field

    A lot of yellow shirts if you look around, but the pocket of red is impossible to miss. Egyptians are just as passionate about their team as the Brazilians.

  • We are few minutes away from kick-off

    The players are lining up in the tunnel, getting ready to come out. Anthems next. 

  • As we gear up for the biggest spectacle in the world, catch all the build-ups, live blogs, and highlights on this Sportstar webpage below

    2026 FIFA World Cup Live Updates

    Follow Sportstar for the live updates of the FIFA World Cup 2026 With live scores, Fixtures, Results, History, Videos, Photos, Quizzes And Much More.

  • Pictures from players’ arrival earlier today

  • Though in substitution tonight..

    Salah will lead Egypt at the World Cup and remains its main attacking reference. He is supported by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, with Hossam Hassan looking for Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win and first knockout-stage appearance.

  • Major omission and a teenage subplot

    Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed was left out, while Hamza Abdelkarim – the 18-year-old forward from Barcelona’s youth set-up, has been included and is in substitutes tonight.

  • Brazil is ditching its regular all-Yellow kit for something cooler tonight. Take a look:

  • Earlier today, in another friendly match, Portuguese forward Leao got into a heated exchange vs Chile and punched a player. Read about it below.

    Portugal forward Leao under spotlight after punching incident in Chile friendly

    Portugal forward Rafael Leao could face disciplinary scrutiny after being involved in an apparent punching incident during the ongoing international friendly against Chile at the Jamor Stadium in Lisbon.

  • Who will lead Brazil tonight?

    Marquinhos wears the armband, with the PSG defender anchoring the back line as Ancelotti continues to test his World Cup structure.


  • Ancelotti’s Brazil still feels like work in progress

    Brazil comes into the World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti after a shaky qualifying campaign. It finished fifth in the CONMEBOL table with 28 points from 18 matches, an 8-4-6 record, 24 goals scored and 17 conceded. 

  • The fans are coming in, and the players will start warming up as we move towards kick-off soon

    CLEVELAND, OHIO – JUNE 06: General view inside the stadium prior to the international friendly match between Brazil and Egypt at Huntington Bank Field on June 06, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Kirk Irwin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

  • It’d be interesting to see how this front three operate tonight

    Brazil’s front line has pace and directness tonight: Raphinha starts on the right, Vinicius Jr on the left, with Igor Thiago leading the line in Neymar’s absence.

  • Something to look forward to..

    Egypt has Salah in reserve, but Omar Marmoush gives it pace and threat from the start. For Brazil, the bigger question remains how Ancelotti’s attack functions without Neymar.

  • Tonight’s match will be Egypt’s last friendly game before the World Cup

  • What happened to Salah?

    Mohamed Salah starts on the bench for Egypt, which means Hassan is either managing minutes before the World Cup or testing his side’s attacking structure without its biggest name from kick-off.

  • Hossam’s full-circle story

    Hossam Hassan scored the goal that sent Egypt to the 1990 World Cup. Now, at 59 he will be taking the country to the 2026 edition as coach.

  • Brazil and Egypt in upcoming World Cup

    Brazil is in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and opens against Morocco on June 13. Egypt is in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, and begins against Belgium on June 15. 

  • A little history to look back before tonight’s match

    Brazil is the only team to have played at every World Cup, has won the tournament five times, and leads all nations with 76 wins in 114 World Cup matches. Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times but is still chasing its first World Cup win. 

  • Neymar is not included today, but his fitness remains the loudest storyline around Brazil.

    What happened to Neymar, why is the forward not part of Brazil’s friendly against Egypt?

    Neymar will miss Brazil’s FIFA World Cup warm-up match against Egypt on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

  • It is match-day

    Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s LIVE coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 pre-tournament friendly match between Brazil and Egypt, set to be played in Cleveland on Saturday evening.

Published on Jun 07, 2026

#Brazil #Egypt #LIVE #FIFA #World #Cup #pretournament #friendly #BRA #EGY #Guimaraes #scores #Ziko #quickly #equalises
Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan puts stellar streak on line vs. Marlins  May 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images   The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.  McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.  Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.  The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.  “It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.   “We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”  Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.  However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.   After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.   Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.   He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.   “I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”  McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.  He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.  Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.  Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.   The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.   In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.   McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.  “We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #puts #stellar #streak #line #MarlinsMay 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.

Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.

The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.

“It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.

“We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”

Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.

However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.

After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.

Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.


He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.

“I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”

McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.

He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.

Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.

The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.

In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.

McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.

“We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #puts #stellar #streak #line #Marlins">Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan puts stellar streak on line vs. Marlins  May 31, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the second inning against Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images   The Tampa Bay Rays will turn to their most reliable pitcher of late when left-hander Shane McClanahan takes the mound Saturday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.  McClanahan (6-2, 2.45 ERA) will have a tough act to follow after Drew Rasmussen frustrated the Marlins, tossing seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win on Friday.  Miami trailed 3-0 after the first inning and could produce just one hit against Rasmussen, who retired 17 straight batters at one point.  The Marlins managed just two hits overall, including a ninth-inning bunt single by Esteury Ruiz, and a walk. The club was hitless in its lone at-bat with runners in scoring position.  “It’s one of those nights you tip your cap (to Rasmussen),” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of the right-hander’s dominant nine-strikeout outing. “His ability to execute and locate his fastball. … I think our first 2-0 count in the whole game was in the eighth inning with two outs.   “We just didn’t have an answer, but a lot of that is just him executing at a really high rate. We just never got into any kind of a threat. … We couldn’t combat his fastball.”  Three of McClanahan’s first four starts lasted fewer than five innings, and the production was mediocre or just downright poor in all three. He still was getting accustomed to being back on the mound after missing more than full two seasons due to injuries.  However, starting with the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on April 25, McClanahan has been incredibly sharp.   After winning four of six starts and posting a 1.41 ERA in May, the left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.22 ERA dating back to beating the Twins.   Over those 37 innings, McClanahan has allowed just five runs, 24 hits and one home run. His good work has resulted in 35 strikeouts and eight walks.   He’s not his old self, lasering triple-digit fastballs by hitters. as the 29-year-old is more pitcher than flamethrower these days, post-injuries.   “I’m still pretty hard on myself,” he said. “I think that kind of makes me who I am just as a competitor. … I’m not going to go out there and try and be average or mediocre and just accept anything but my best.”  McClanahan has been exceptional in two career starts against the Marlins, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.82 ERA in 11 innings. He has given up one run on 10 hits while striking out a dozen batters and walking three.  He has not pitched against the Marlins since 2022.  Rays manager Kevin Cash said outfielder Chandler Simpson, who left Friday’s game after the second inning, has a bruised left thumb and is day-to-day.  Miami’s Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45) will make his 20th appearance and second start Sunday when he serves as the opener in a bullpen game.   The right-hander started Tuesday and tossed 2 2/3 hitless and scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He struck out three batters and walked one.   In three career relief appearances against the Rays, Bachar has a 6.00 ERA without a decision over three innings.   McCullough said Ryan Gusto, the opener on Friday, would be the only reliever unavailable out of the bullpen on Saturday.  “We’re in a really good spot (Saturday) coming off the off day,” McCullough said.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #puts #stellar #streak #line #Marlins

SAN ANTONIO – New York ran up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday. Shoved past the Spurs in Game 2 by a 105-104 score after Victor Wembanyama unleashed a too-strong 17-footer in the final seconds, the 22-year old center clanging an opportunity to tie the series.

On San Antonio’s previous defensive possession Wembanyama fouled Jalen Brunson, and Brunson’s 84 percent free throw percentage, Brunson split a pair for the game’s deciding points. During San Antonio’s previous offensive possession, the 2024 Rookie of the Year (Wemby) threw the ball off the back of the 2025 Rookie of the Year (and Spurs teammate) Stephon Castle, Brunson gathering the loose ball ahead of that Wembanyama foul. It was an odd ending.

There is an odd-sounding word, it is gestalt, I learned it in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.

This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.

The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.

Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.

San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.

That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.

San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.

Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.

Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.

The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?

Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.

The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.

If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!

He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.

The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.

Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.

While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.

You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.

The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.

Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.

#Knicks #bigger #NBA #Finals">The Knicks have become something bigger than themselves in 2026 NBA Finals  SAN ANTONIO – New York ran up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday. Shoved past the Spurs in Game 2 by a 105-104 score after Victor Wembanyama unleashed a too-strong 17-footer in the final seconds, the 22-year old center clanging an opportunity to tie the series.On San Antonio’s previous defensive possession Wembanyama fouled Jalen Brunson, and Brunson’s 84 percent free throw percentage, Brunson split a pair for the game’s deciding points. During San Antonio’s previous offensive possession, the 2024 Rookie of the Year (Wemby) threw the ball off the back of the 2025 Rookie of the Year (and Spurs teammate) Stephon Castle, Brunson gathering the loose ball ahead of that Wembanyama foul. It was an odd ending.There is an odd-sounding word, it is gestalt, I learned it in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.  #Knicks #bigger #NBA #Finals

in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.

This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.

The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.

Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.

San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.

That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.

San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.

Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.

Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.

The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?

Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.

The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.

If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!

He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.

The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.

Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.

While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.

You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.

The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.

Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.

#Knicks #bigger #NBA #Finals">The Knicks have become something bigger than themselves in 2026 NBA Finals

SAN ANTONIO – New York ran up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday. Shoved past the Spurs in Game 2 by a 105-104 score after Victor Wembanyama unleashed a too-strong 17-footer in the final seconds, the 22-year old center clanging an opportunity to tie the series.

On San Antonio’s previous defensive possession Wembanyama fouled Jalen Brunson, and Brunson’s 84 percent free throw percentage, Brunson split a pair for the game’s deciding points. During San Antonio’s previous offensive possession, the 2024 Rookie of the Year (Wemby) threw the ball off the back of the 2025 Rookie of the Year (and Spurs teammate) Stephon Castle, Brunson gathering the loose ball ahead of that Wembanyama foul. It was an odd ending.

There is an odd-sounding word, it is gestalt, I learned it in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.

This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.

The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.

Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.

San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.

That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.

San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.

Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.

Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.

The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?

Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.

The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.

If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!

He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.

The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.

Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.

While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.

You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.

The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.

Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.

#Knicks #bigger #NBA #Finals

Post Comment