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NBA Playoffs: Lakers rally for overtime win, 3-0 lead on Rockets  LeBron James and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers took a stranglehold on its first-round playoff series ​against the host, Houston Rockets, with a 112-108 overtime victory in ‌Game 3 on Friday.After James (29 points, 13 rebounds) forced ​OT with a 3-pointer, Smart scored eight of ⁠his 21 points in the extra period to put the Lakers up 3-0 in the Western Conference series.Smart added a team-high 10 assists ‌while Rui Hachimura put up 22 points for the Lakers, who will look for a sweep of the ‌best-of-seven set on Sunday in Houston.Since 1996–97, no player has made more clutch-time field goals in the postseason than LeBron James (151).The closest? Kobe Bryant (104).Tonight… The King added another memorable moment to his resume 👑 https://t.co/1nFMhvLtXupic.twitter.com/61ZDDQDRGm— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026The Rockets were without ‌leading ⁠scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the ⁠series. Durant, who missed Game 1 with a knee contusion, was a late scratch due to a left ankle sprain sustained in the fourth quarter ​of Game 2. Alperen Sengun paced ‌the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds while Amen Thompson chipped in 26 points and 11 assists.Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108Stephon Castle hit for 33 points and rookie ‌reserve Dylan Harper added career bests of 27 points ​and 10 boards as the visiting San Antonio Spurs roared back to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of a ⁠first-round Western Conference playoff series.The Spurs erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs ‌won with Victor Wembanyama on the bench after the star was ruled out before the game because of concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points, with Luke Kornet racking up 14 points and 10 rebounds.DYLAN HARPER SHOWED OUT IN GAME 3!🔥 27 PTS (22 in 2H)🔥 10 REB🔥 4 3PM🔥 SPURS WHe becomes the second youngest player to score 20+ PTS off the bench in a postseason game since 1970-71!The youngest? Kobe Bryant (2x) pic.twitter.com/OkaKM7IeDb— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026Jrue Holiday finished with 29 points to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson added 21 points, and Deni Avdija ‌produced 19 points and nine assists.Celtics 108, 76ers 100Jayson Tatum scored 11 ​of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of ⁠their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.Jaylen Brown matched Tatum with 25 points, ⁠while Payton Pritchard added 15 points for the Celtics, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.Tyrese Maxey scored 31 ‌points on 12-of-31 shooting for the Sixers. Paul George (18 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17) also made key contributions, ​but VJ Edgecombe pitched in just 10 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 0-of-7 from long range.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #NBA #Playoffs #Lakers #rally #overtime #win #lead #Rockets

NBA Playoffs: Lakers rally for overtime win, 3-0 lead on Rockets

LeBron James and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers took a stranglehold on its first-round playoff series ​against the host, Houston Rockets, with a 112-108 overtime victory in ‌Game 3 on Friday.

After James (29 points, 13 rebounds) forced ​OT with a 3-pointer, Smart scored eight of ⁠his 21 points in the extra period to put the Lakers up 3-0 in the Western Conference series.

Smart added a team-high 10 assists ‌while Rui Hachimura put up 22 points for the Lakers, who will look for a sweep of the ‌best-of-seven set on Sunday in Houston.

The Rockets were without ‌leading ⁠scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the ⁠series. Durant, who missed Game 1 with a knee contusion, was a late scratch due to a left ankle sprain sustained in the fourth quarter ​of Game 2. Alperen Sengun paced ‌the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds while Amen Thompson chipped in 26 points and 11 assists.

Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108

Stephon Castle hit for 33 points and rookie ‌reserve Dylan Harper added career bests of 27 points ​and 10 boards as the visiting San Antonio Spurs roared back to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of a ⁠first-round Western Conference playoff series.

The Spurs erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs ‌won with Victor Wembanyama on the bench after the star was ruled out before the game because of concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points, with Luke Kornet racking up 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Jrue Holiday finished with 29 points to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson added 21 points, and Deni Avdija ‌produced 19 points and nine assists.

Celtics 108, 76ers 100

Jayson Tatum scored 11 ​of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of ⁠their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Jaylen Brown matched Tatum with 25 points, ⁠while Payton Pritchard added 15 points for the Celtics, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.

Tyrese Maxey scored 31 ‌points on 12-of-31 shooting for the Sixers. Paul George (18 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17) also made key contributions, ​but VJ Edgecombe pitched in just 10 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 0-of-7 from long range.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#NBA #Playoffs #Lakers #rally #overtime #win #lead #Rockets

LeBron James and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers took a stranglehold on its first-round playoff series ​against the host, Houston Rockets, with a 112-108 overtime victory in ‌Game 3 on Friday.

After James (29 points, 13 rebounds) forced ​OT with a 3-pointer, Smart scored eight of ⁠his 21 points in the extra period to put the Lakers up 3-0 in the Western Conference series.

Smart added a team-high 10 assists ‌while Rui Hachimura put up 22 points for the Lakers, who will look for a sweep of the ‌best-of-seven set on Sunday in Houston.

The Rockets were without ‌leading ⁠scorer Kevin Durant for the second time in the ⁠series. Durant, who missed Game 1 with a knee contusion, was a late scratch due to a left ankle sprain sustained in the fourth quarter ​of Game 2. Alperen Sengun paced ‌the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds while Amen Thompson chipped in 26 points and 11 assists.

Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108

Stephon Castle hit for 33 points and rookie ‌reserve Dylan Harper added career bests of 27 points ​and 10 boards as the visiting San Antonio Spurs roared back to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of a ⁠first-round Western Conference playoff series.

The Spurs erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs ‌won with Victor Wembanyama on the bench after the star was ruled out before the game because of concussion protocol. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points, with Luke Kornet racking up 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Jrue Holiday finished with 29 points to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson added 21 points, and Deni Avdija ‌produced 19 points and nine assists.

Celtics 108, 76ers 100

Jayson Tatum scored 11 ​of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of ⁠their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Jaylen Brown matched Tatum with 25 points, ⁠while Payton Pritchard added 15 points for the Celtics, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.

Tyrese Maxey scored 31 ‌points on 12-of-31 shooting for the Sixers. Paul George (18 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (17) also made key contributions, ​but VJ Edgecombe pitched in just 10 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 0-of-7 from long range.

Published on Apr 25, 2026



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Deadspin | Michael Harris II comes off Braves bench for clutch hit, win vs. Phillies <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-900/28803972.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28803972.jpg" alt="MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Michael Harris II delivered a pinch-hit double to drive in two runs and help the Atlanta Braves rally for a 5-3 win on Friday and hand the visiting Philadelphia Phillies their 10th straight loss.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. The Braves have won all four games against the Phillies and have won nine of their last 10 games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Harris was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a strained left quad but came off the bench to deliver the key hit in the sixth inning. Facing rookie Andrew Painter, Harris batted for Eli White and slapped a fastball that just got over the glove of center fielder Brandon Marsh, allowing Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon to score.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo entered for Harris, stole third base and scored on Painter’s wild pitch.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>The winning pitcher was Grant Holmes (2-1). He threw six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, fanning four. A key strikeout came against slugger Kyle Schwarber with the bases loaded to end the fourth.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps and Robert Suarez each finished the game with one inning of scoreless relief. Suarez allowed runners to reach second and third in the ninth, but retired Marsh on a comebacker to end the game. Suarez earned his third save.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Painter (1-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with one strikeout.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Trae Turner got the Phillies on the board with a two-run homer, his third, in the third inning, but the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna crushed a two-run homer, his second.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Bryce Harper hit an opposite-field solo homer in the fifth inning, his sixth, to put the Phillies ahead 3-2. It was the 800th extra-base hit of his career and he became only the 27th player, and 10th left-handed hitter, to reach that milestone prior to his 34th birthday.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Michael #Harris #Braves #bench #clutch #hit #win #Phillies

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Deadspin | Nathaniel Lowe’s walk-off blast ends Reds’ rainy win over Tigers <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-900/28804650.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28804650.jpg" alt="MLB: Detroit Tigers at Cincinnati Reds" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 24, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Nathaniel Lowe belted a two-run walk-off home run late Friday night, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>After Detroit closer Kenley Jansen (0-1) recorded two quick outs in the ninth, Spencer Steer fell behind 0-2 in the count, then singled on a 2-2 pitch. Lowe connected on an 0-1 sinker, hitting his second homer of the game — and the season — to help the Reds win for the eighth time in 10 tries.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Matt McLain also homered twice for Cincinnati, which overcame a 5-0 deficit and extended its best start to a season since 2006. Graham Ashcraft (1-0) tossed a scoreless top of the ninth.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter homered in the eighth to give Detroit an 8-7 lead. The Tigers had won 10 of their past 13 entering the Friday contest, which was the opener of a three-game interleague series.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Cincinnati starter Andrew Abbott yielded five runs on six hits across four frames, striking out four and walking two.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Framber Valdez tossed 4 1/3 innings for Detroit, allowing two runs on four hits, walking five and striking out four.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The game, which was delayed 2 hours, 1 minute by rain, ended just before midnight.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Detroit went ahead 1-0 in the second, as Riley Greene connected on his third homer of the year.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Javier Baez’s leadoff homer doubled the lead in the third. After Gleyber Torres walked and Kevin McGonigle singled, Matt Vierling’s two-run double made it 4-0.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Jahmai Jones’ RBI single in the fourth extended the margin to five.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>McLain’s two-run homer in the fifth cut the gap to 5-2.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Lowe went deep against Detroit reliever Kyle Finnegan in the sixth, pulling Cincinnati within two.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>After the rain delay in the seventh, Cincinnati’s Dane Myers drew a walk from Will Vest before McLain tied the game with a two-run homer.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>From there, Elly De La Cruz singled and Vest retired Sal Stewart and Steer. Brant Hurter then replaced Vest. The Reds took the lead as De La Cruz scored on Baez’s throwing error before Tyler Stephenson’s double pushed the lead to 7-5.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Tony Santillan threw the eighth for Cincinnati, surrendering Torkelson’s one-out solo homer. Colt Keith then singled, and one out later, Carpenter hit his sixth homer of the season, returning the lead to Detroit.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Nathaniel #Lowes #walkoff #blast #ends #Reds #rainy #win #Tigers

Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss  Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images   The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems.  The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series.  Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park.  Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games.  “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.”  Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday.  Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times.  Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.   Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced.  The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons.  “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him.  “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.”  The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox.  Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics.  Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #lossAug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems.

The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series.

Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park.

Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.”

Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday.

Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times.


Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced.

The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons.

“For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him.

“My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.”

The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox.

Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics.

Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss">Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss  Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images   The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems.  The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series.  Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park.  Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games.  “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.”  Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday.  Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times.  Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.   Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced.  The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons.  “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him.  “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.”  The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox.  Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics.  Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA  Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.  #Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

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