Los Angeles FC could leapfrog the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference on Sunday.MORE: Players who played the most matches in FIFA World Cup historyMay 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Andy Thomas (26) celebrates after midfielder Albert Rusnak (11) (not pictured) scored a PK goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesHow to Watch LAFC vs Seattle SoundersDate: Sunday, May 24, 2026Time: 9:00 PM EDTChannel: FOX, FOX Deportes, MyNetworkTVStream: Fubo (try for free)Seattle travels to BMO Stadium on Sunday, hoping a win over Los Angeles FC will be enough to open up some breathing room between the two sides in the upper echelons of the Western Conference. LAFC is five games without a win across all competitions, but soared to a 4-0 rout the last time these teams faced off 12 months ago.– Live Stream LAFC vs Seattle Sounders with Fubo –The Sounders sit fourth in the Eastern Conference and are aiming to stick within touching distance of table leaders Vancouver and San Jose. They’ll have to end a run of back-to-back games without a win on the road, however, having drawn 1-1 at Sporting Kansas City in their last two away games.Luckily for Brian Schmetzer’s side, LAFC hasn’t managed to win any of its last three games at BMO Stadium, including defeats to San Jose and Houston. Marc Dos Santos’ side has lost some of their momentum following a blistering start to the season, but is still well in the conversation for top honors.The last two meetings between these sides have produced five goals apiece on average, which sets the stage for another showstopper on Sunday. The winner will take a key edge in the Western Conference approaching the season’s midway point, with LAFC emerging on top in nine of their past 13 matchups.Live stream Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union on FOX, FOX Deportes, MyNetworkTV with Fubo: Start your free trial now!With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

RC Deportivo de La Coruna return to La Liga after 8-year absence after securing Segunda promotion19 of the 20 teams that will be playing in the 2026-27 La Liga season have now been confirmed, with the second promotion from Segunda having been confirmed this weekend. Racing Club de Santander sealed their long-awaited return to the Spanish top flight last weekend, and now they’ve been joined by another sleeping giant: RC Deportivo de La Coruna.It has been a season to remember for Antonio Hidalgo’s side, who will be back in La Liga for the first time since being relegated at the end of the 2017-18 season. They’ve been in-and-around the top spots for the entire season, and on Sunday, their promotion was officially sealed following a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid at the Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla.That result, coupled with Almeria losing at Sporting Gijon, confirmed Depor’s return to La Liga after an eight-year absence. It means that the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be returning to Riazor, while the eagerly-awaited return of the Galician derby with Celta Vigo can also be looked forward to.Play-offs will decide final promoted sideIn the coming weeks, it will be known who the 20th and final side will be to play in La Liga next season. The play-offs will be the decider, but with one matchday to go, there is yet to be any team that has confirmed its place, with six teams all vying for the four spots: Almeria, Malaga, Las Palmas, Castellon, Burgos and Eibar.As always, it promises to be a dramatic and exciting end to the Segunda season, but for Depor, they can afford to put their feet up – kind of. They are still with a chance of winning the title, although that would require them to win at home to Las Palmas and Racing to lose when they play host to Cadiz next weekend.

Thunder lose Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell to injuries ahead of important game 4 vs. Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Oklahoma City Thunder will be shorthanded Sunday night in a critical Game 4 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs after guards Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were both ruled out because of injuries.Williams will miss the game with a lingering left hamstring injury, while Mitchell has officially been ruled out because of a right calf strain suffered earlier in the Western Conference finals series.The injuries create a significant challenge for Oklahoma City as it attempts to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over San Antonio. Williams has been one of the Thunder’s most important two-way players throughout the season, averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds a. His versatility as both a scorer and secondary playmaker has made him a key complement to MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.Williams’ absence was already felt in Game 3, though Oklahoma City still managed to earn a 123-108 road victory behind strong bench production and another dominant performance from Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder adjusted by relying heavily on their depth, with players like Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and Jaylin Williams stepping into expanded roles.Thunder face growing injuries Mitchell’s injury further complicates Oklahoma City’s rotation. The second-year guard had emerged as one of the Thunder’s most valuable postseason contributors while filling in for Williams. Mitchell has averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 assists during the playoffs and finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting this season.Despite the injuries, the Thunder still enter Game 4 with momentum after controlling much of Game 3 and limiting Victor Wembanyama offensively for stretches. However, Oklahoma City’s margin for error becomes smaller without two key rotation players available.For San Antonio, the absences provide an opportunity to even the series before it shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5.

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Jack Arcamone drove in four runs with a home run and a single and Georgia won its first SEC Baseball Championship, defeating Arkansas 11-1 in seven innings on Sunday.The start of the game was delayed for 2 hours, 45 minutes due to heavy rain but Georgia wasted no time in taking the lead. The Bulldogs scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, highlighted by back-to-back one-out doubles by Rylan Lujo and Brennan Hudson and a two-run home run from Arcamone.Top-seeded Georgia led 8-0 through five innings and after Arkansas scored in the sixth Arcamone's two-run single capped a three-run bottom of the inning for the Bulldogs.No. 7 seed Arkansas got its only run on Maika Niu's sixth-inning home run.Georgia starter Paul Farley (8-1) allowed six hits in four scoreless innings.The Razorbacks' Tate McGuire (1-1) allowed five runs in one full inning.Both teams won their semifinals after also enduring long delays on Saturday.Ten SEC teams were ranked in the latest major polls.Up nextThe NCAA Tournament field will be announced on Monday. Arkansas has made 36 previous appearances and Georgia has been there 15 times. ___AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

We are in the dog days of summer when it comes to the National Football League. OTAs are starting to begin, but once they are completed, we will have very little football until training camp begins. There's no better alternative during this time than fantasy football. Is it too early to be having your drafts? Probably. But it is not too early to begin doing your research, and the Minnesota Vikings quarterback situation is one to monitor, according to Bleacher Report. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report released an article going over the biggest fantasy football storylines as we head into OTAs, and the Vikings quarterback competition is one to watch, as it pertains to both drafting a quarterback and Justin Jefferson's value in redraft leagues."The Minnesota Vikings have a QB controversy to sort out after signing Kyler Murray. Minnesota pounced on the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year following his release from the Arizona Cardinals, giving the club a two-time Pro Bowler to push J.J. McCarthy for the QB1 role."The Vikings have the skill players to support a quarterback in fantasy, but does the quarterback have the ability to capitalize the way Sam Darnold did? Time will tell, but they have a chance to become a real steal in fantasy drafts this Summer. This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: The Vikings could have a fantasy football value at quarterback

Alexander Zverev will next face Czech Tomas Machac (Dimitar DILKOFF)Novak Djokovic battled from behind to keep his dream of winning a 25th major crown at Roland Garros alive, while Alexander Zverev enjoyed a more comfortable first-round victory as the clay-court Grand Slam got underway on Sunday.Lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires for a fourth time would send the 39-year-old Djokovic clear as the player with the most major titles in the history of the sport.Djokovic's last Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023, and with double-defending Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz missing through injury, he knows this is a big chance to seal that elusive quarter century of crowns.But that dream looked in jeopardy in his opening match against the big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who was playing in front of a vocal home support in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier.The Serb had to deploy all of his expertise as a returner to finally find a way to break the 2.01-metre Mpetshi Perricard's serve as he fought back to win 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in just under three hours on court."The match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally," Djokovic told reporters after making a record 82nd appearance at a major."First set, zero chance on him serving. It's one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career."Obviously, the crowd gets into it and you feel the pressure even more. All in all, it was a good match to be part of. "Three hours, just what the doctor ordered at age 39."After struggling with a shoulder issue that caused him to miss the vast majority of the clay-court swing, Djokovic's victory over the former world number 29 was his first on the red dirt in 2026.He will meet another Frenchman in Valentin Royer in the second round after the world number 74 beat Bolivian qualifier Hugo Dellien.- 'Thoughts to Ukraine' -Under a blazing sun earlier in the day, German second seed Zverev eased past France's Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.The 29-year-old said it was "always nice to start with a straight-sets win", and he will doubtless have been glad to spend as little time on court as possible with the thermometer going past 30C in the French capital.The only blip for Zverev in an otherwise polished performance was conceding a break of serve in the second frame against the world number 95 but he swiftly righted course to claim that frame.He will next face Czech Tomas Machac, who earlier beat Belgium's Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.Karen Khachanov of Russia also advanced into the second round with a straight-sets win over French wild card Arthur Gea.Czech 26th seed Jakub Mensik made similarly short work of another French invitee, Titouan Droguet, as the 20-year-old strolled through 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.Brazilian 19-year-old Joao Fonseca put on a clinical display to see off hometown qualifier Luka Pavlovic without dropping a set.Taylor Fritz, the seventh seed, again suffered another early exit from Roland Garros as the American went down 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (9/11), 6-1 to his 148th-ranked compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy.Former French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova was another high-profile departee as the world number 41 was eliminated 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 by American 26th seed Hailey Baptiste.She was joined in exiting Roland Garros by fellow former major winners Emma Raducanu and Sofia Kenin.Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk earned her 12th consecutive win on clay as she eased past Oksana Selekhmeteva, who was born in Russia but obtained Spanish nationality four days ago, 6-2, 6-3.The Madrid Open champion then revealed that her family home in Kyiv was nearly struck by a Russian missile during a massive bombardment of the Ukrainian capital earlier on Sunday."This morning, 100 metres from my parents' house, a missile fell," the 15th seed said."All my thoughts and all my heart was to the people of Ukraine today. My biggest example are Ukrainian people today." Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic opened play on Court Philippe Chatrier with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus.Russian teenager and eighth seed Mirra Andreeva navigated her way past 181st-ranked Fiona Ferro of France in straight sets.nf/mw

Lewis Hamilton relished the thrill of hunting down Max Verstappen as he claimed his best result for Ferrari at the Canadian Grand Prix.The 41-year-old dropped behind his old foe on lap nine but they duelled again for the podium places in the closing laps following the retirement of race leader George Russell.Hamilton came out on top, ultimately making his move around the outside of turn one to claim second for the first time as a Ferrari driver."Awesome to fight with one of the greats," the seven-time world champion said after clinching just his second Ferrari podium."Very challenging behind him but I loved that hunt, my whole life has been about that since I was a kid in a really old go-kart."I was always hunting, it was amazing to be back in that position and hunting him down ahead."I had so much fun out there all weekend, every single lap. Felt like we started on the right foot and came with the right attitude."Hamilton has taken a different approach, choosing not to use the simulator in advance of the race and instead focusing on the data to find the best race setup for him.He believes that it has paid off and praised his team for the work to deliver him a car that he can compete with."To come here to a track that I do love was awesome. This is my first second place with the team, it is something I have been working so hard for," Hamilton added."I can't explain how deep I have had to dig to get to this point and moving mountains in the background to enable this kind of performance. Really grateful to the team for supporting me."It is a really lovely feeling to see them (the team) so happy because they truly deserve it for the work they have put in."I chose a different setup this weekend, working through the data with my engineer who is awesome, I love working with him."Fred (team principal Fred Vasseur) has been super supportive."McLaren endured a nightmare afternoon, starting on the intermediate tyres while all around them chose soft slick tyres and having to get rid of them early on before Lando Norris had to retire with a reliability issue.That aided Hamilton and Verstappen's podium finishes – the Dutchman's first of the season.Verstappen was grateful to McLaren for "making a mess of the strategy" before again reiterating his call for the proposed engine changes for next season to be voted through, amid his bitter unhappiness over this season's rules.A switch to enable more power to come from the internal combustion engine from 2027 has been agreed in principle but there are suggestions some manufacturers are doubtful about it.It was a thrilling race in Montreal, but Verstappen does not think that it is related to the rules."Us drivers, give us any kind of car and we will give you a good show. That has nothing to do with the car, it just needs to be more pure," Verstappen said."Driving other cars this season has reminded me how great the racing can be and how pure motorsport can be."I hope what they are trying to do for next year goes through because that is the minimum to make it a bit more back to normal."

🤯 Miami and Philadelphia play out insane eight-goal first half in MLS 🍿It is absolute chaos in Miami this evening. Messi and his mates are currently 4-3 up at the break against Philadelphia, having trailed 3-1 in the first-half at one point. We are being treated to a classic in the making. It looked to be an upset brewing when Philadelphia took a shock two-goal lead before Miami fought back to cut the lead to one. After the Union extended their lead to two goals once again thanks to Bruno Damiani, all hell broke loose at the Nu Stadium. The stars of Inter Miami took over as the front three of Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, and German Berterame combined to see Miami score three unanswered goals to take a truly stunning lead on the brink of half-time. While it looked like Miami would take the lead into the break after a truly bonkers opening 45 minutes, a hand-ball in stoppage time saw Philadelphia earn a penalty to equalize. Up stepped Milan Iloski to dispatch the spot-kick, securing his first-half hat-trick and swing the momentum back in the Union's favor. It is the highest-scoring first-half in the entire history of MLS. Could they go on to break the all-time single game scoring record in the second-half? Folks, we still have 45 more minutes of this absolute chaos. How will they be able to sustain this carnage for another half!? MLS at it's riveting best.

Credit: Amazon Prime VideoThe NASCAR world suffered a devastating, shocking loss on Thursday with the sudden death of 41-year-old legendary stock car racing driver Kyle Busch. While the cause of death was initially unknown, Busch’s family released a statement on Saturday announcing that he died from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.Tributes have poured in for Busch from the NASCAR world, and Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway has been full of emotional tributes.One such tribute came before the race broadcast on Prime Video, with NASCAR on Prime analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. narrating a heartfelt video montage remembering his friend.Dale Jr. remembers his friend Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/88wWCWK2cX— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026“In 2001, Kurt Busch said, ‘You think I’m a pretty good race car driver? Wait until you see my brother.’ He was right. Kyle was born into racing,” Earnhardt said. “He drove go-karts before he could reach the pedals. His dad working the gas as Kyle sped around the homemade course. About 10 years old, he was the crew chief of Kurt’s team. And at 13, his own racing career began.“65 wins and two titles in Legends cars at the Las Vegas Bullring. Then, late models, and his truck debut, at 16, where he finished ninth for Roush Racing. About the only thing that could stop him was the rule change that raised the minimum age in trucks to 18. And then, 23 years ago this weekend, he made his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Charlotte, finishing second. It wasn’t before he went from Kurt’s little brother ‘Shrub’ to ‘Rowdy.’“And man, did it fit. A generational talent with swagger for days, and that signature bow that his fans loved, and his critics hated. Skilled, fierce, and competitive as hell. There was some hard racing, and some hard feelings. But beneath it all, he had a simple approach. You win, in order to go race again next weekend. And boy, did he win. More than anyone else. Ever. 63 Cup Series victories. 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins. 69 Craftsman Truck Series wins. And a record 19 straight Cup seasons visiting victory lane. Four crown jewels, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600. And of course, two Cup Series titles.“Along the way, as he evolved, the boos gave way to cheers. And rivalries, they became friendships.“Some time ago, Kyle was asked how he wanted to be thought of when he retired. His answer: ‘The first thing they’ll remember me by are my on-track success.’ And then he added, ‘The second thing would be how I grew up in the limelight. I started this when I was 18 years old, and now, I’m 26. And when I retire, I’ll be 40. And they’ll see the whole transition of my life, and how I made it through. And it was all under the skeptics’ eye. Certainly, I know wasn’t the best coming in, and I’m not now. But we’ll see how it turns out when I’m 40.’ It turned out to be legendary.”“I’ll always remember him as a guy who hated to lose more than anybody,” Earnhardt explained. “He won more races across the top-three NASCAR series than any driver in history, with win No. 234 coming in the Truck Series just last weekend at Dover.”Earnhardt and Carl Edwards shared more memories about Busch from the NASCAR on Prime desk..@DaleJr and Carl Edwards remember Kyle Busch.Coverage from the Coca-Cola 600 is live now on @PrimeVideo. pic.twitter.com/n6CTzUP4IE— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026“There were two things that were interesting to me about Kyle,” Earnhardt said. “He strived to try to win every single race he wanted to run. We saw how badly he hated to lose. And he did that because he wanted to be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, race car driver in NASCAR. He strived and worked toward that goal every day. The other thing that I see about Kyle, and I’ve learned about Kyle over the last several years, is how badly he wanted to be appreciated. And I hope wherever he is, that he is seeing all of the great things that everybody has been saying about him over the last couple of days. People have made comments like, ‘He’s a hero of mine.’ ‘I want to emulate him.’ ‘I wanted to be like him.’ That is all Kyle Busch ever really wanted, was to have that type of impact on the younger drivers coming up through the series.”Busch and Earnhardt used to be on-track rivals, and Earnhardt made the following post on X on Thursday after the news of Busch’s death emerged:Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better…— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 21, 2026“Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago. Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop. He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race.“Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.”The post Dale Earnhardt Jr. remembers Kyle Busch in tribute on Prime Video appeared first on Awful Announcing.

North Carolina head coach Scott Forbes along with players Gavin Gallaher and Owen Hull spoke to the media following the Tar Heels’ 13-6 loss to Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game.Here’s what they had to say.Scott Forbes“Congrats to Georgia Tech. They were a better team today. Really proud of our guys, they fought their tails off. We accomplished everything we wanted to accomplish this weekend, as far as being able to play three games. We just didn’t grab the last one in the ACC championship. The team that plays better all around is going to come out on top, and that’s what Georgia Tech did.“I love our team. I’m excited about the true postseason that’s about to start. I’m excited about preparing for that. Our guys put themselves in a great position to be hosting the regional and also be a national seed, so we’ll flip the switch quick. We’ll move on and get ready for that.”Did you accomplish what you wanted on the pitching side of things?“In a perfect world, I would have liked DeCaro, Lynch, and Boaz to all go more than nine innings combined. So we’re going to have to improve on that for us to reach our goals. And I’ll be honest with those guys and tell them that, because it’s probably a different story if you go in today and you have Glauber and McDuffie available. But it’s a team game and we win and lose as a team.“The ultimate prize of what you’re trying to prepare for is to find a way to win a national championship. So, sometimes in those losses things happen hopefully a certain way where you can get more guys in a game. If it goes the other way, we might not get those guys in the game, so it was good to see Jackson Rose, Matthijs go back to back, Seagraves and Chewy.“I thought Folger was aggressive he just gave it up a little bit. But if we weren’t going to win it, I was glad to see some guys get some experience in a big, big atmosphere.”How are the four runs you scored in the middle innings to cut into the deficit indicative of the grit of this team?“Georgia Tech punched us pretty good, and a lot of teams, I think, are done against a team like Georgia Tech. But we got right back in it. Even in the end, I could tell our guys in the dugout believed. We loaded the bases, just could get anything done. Credit to (Mason) Patel there, but this a phenomenal group to be around and we are still playing while a lot of teams aren’t.”Gavin GallaherWhat is the biggest thing you think the offense will take from this game?“I would say that we’re never out of it. We’ve known that, we found that out pretty early in the season. Like Coach Forbes said, you could feel it in the dugout at the end of the game there.“And just keeping the compete factor at the top is the most important thing. Going forward, we’re going to play in a big environment at home. The Bosh gets loud and that’s how we like it there.“It was good to play today in front of a big crowd, their fans were loud, our fans showed out, so you know, I think just good experience for everybody to play in today.”Owen HullWhen you’re facing a team you’ve seen before, how much do you use what you’ve seen previously in your preparation?“They’re a really good team. They have a lot of good pitchers on their team. We were very successful offensively the first two games of that series, and I review film all the time. All the players on this team review film, and credit to the coaches who also help us formulate an approach going into the game.“We had an approach for this game, we executed it for the most part, but you know, there’s still some improvements to be made, and we’re gonna be ready for this regional coming up.”Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC baseball: What Scott Forbes said after loss in ACC title game

On Sunday, the NBA announced that Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant was named to the league’s All-NBA Second Team for the 2025-26 season. It is the 12th time he has earned All-NBA honors, tying for the seventh-most in history. Durant is the 10th different Rocket to have earned the All-NBA distinction, and he is the first since his former Oklahoma City teammates James Harden and Russell Westbrook did so in the 2019-20 season.In 78 games played this season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 36.4 minutes, all while shooting 52.0% from the floor, 41.3% from 3-point range, and 87.4% on free throws. He was one of five players (joining Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić) to have averaged at least 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.During each of his past four seasons and eight times in his career, Durant has averaged 25-plus points while shooting at least 50.0% from the floor and 40.0% from 3-point range. In NBA history, no other player has more than three seasons with those numbers.At 37 years old last season, Durant became the oldest player in NBA history to have scored 2,000 points in a season. He ranked second to Amen Thompson in total minutes played and became the fourth different player 37 or older (LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Karl Malone twice) to have averaged at least 36.0 minutes played in a season.Durant ranked 11th in scoring and has averaged at least 25.0 points per game in each of his past 17 seasons played, which is the second-most all-time (James with 20). On defense, Durant had the fourth-best defensive field goal percentage (42.2%) among players who defended an average of 10 shot attempts per game.The 2025-26 Kia All-NBA Second Team:▪️ Jaylen Brown, @celtics▪️ Jalen Brunson, @nyknicks▪️ Kevin Durant, @HoustonRockets▪️ Kawhi Leonard, @LAClippers▪️ Donovan Mitchell, @cavspic.twitter.com/dAxet86j4u— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 24, 2026The All-NBA first-, second-, and third-team selections were determined by a global media panel of 100 voters. Complete results are available here.During the 2025-26 campaign, Durant moved from eighth to fifth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing Wilt Chamberlain, Dirk Nowitzki, and Michael Jordan. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James, and Malone are the only other players in NBA history with at least 28,000 career points, 8,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.More: Kevin Durant passes Michael Jordan for No. 5 in all-time NBA pointsView this post on Instagram

Motorsport photo's chances of taking the victory at the Indianapolis 500 were complicated by a late yellow flag in the 110th edition held this Sunday, following a race where the Mexican had worked hard to find the pace with a new chassis he had not used at the Brickyard in previous years.O’Ward and Arrow McLaren developed a strategy that allowed them to prepare the car for the final stint. After the crash that damaged his primary car in the penultimate practice, the Mexican had to focus on Carb Day and the first part of the race on finding the right setup.. suffered an accident eight laps from the end, forcing a red flag and a restart. In that position, O’Ward, who was running second, knew he was at a disadvantage, and in the end, his prediction came true.“The strategy was right on point. We did everything we could. I think we over-exceeded with truly what we had,” the Mexican said at the end of the race before delivering his verdict. “It was a very long day, but definitely a disappointing Sunday because there's really not much more for me here rather than winning.” O’Ward highlighted the fuel consumption management, but in the end, it all came down to an issue that made it feel as if the brakes were dragging, which hindered the fight on a restart.“In the end, I didn't have fuel concerns, but I couldn't catch the cars in front of me. I couldn't keep up. When everybody was turning it up, I could not keep up. It was literally like having a parachute behind you, and I was helpless.” visibly upset when the final caution appeared.“For me, I had to keep the car going in order to keep my position. Every single time we had a restart, it was basically game over and we lost positions because, like I said, we basically had a parachute behind us with the brake dragging. When you have that all day, it makes for a very long day, but that's just how it goes.” Read Also: David Malukas in tears after losing Indy 500 by record 0.0233s Felix Rosenqvist wins 2026 Indy 500 in closest-ever finish To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

LeBron James left off All-NBA teams for first time in two decades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.For the first time since his rookie season, LeBron James was not selected to an All-NBA Team, ending a historic streak that lasted more than two decades.James’ omission from the 2025-26 All-NBA teams marked only the second time in his career he failed to earn the honor. The first came during the 2003-04 season, his rookie year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, James had earned 21 consecutive All-NBA selections, the longest streak in league history.Despite missing out this season, James still delivered another productive year for the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while appearing in 60 regular-season games. He continued functioning as one of the Lakers’ primary playmakers while helping lead the team to a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference standings.The Lakers advanced to the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, whose younger and deeper roster overwhelmed Los Angeles in the series. Even in defeat, James remained impactful throughout the postseason, showing flashes of the versatility and basketball IQ that have defined his legendary career.New generation takes center stage Still, the competition for All-NBA spots was especially intense this season. Younger stars across the league posted dominant numbers while leading teams to elite records, making the voting process more difficult than ever. Analysts and other outlets noted that voter emphasis on availability and overall statistical production likely played a role in James narrowly missing selection.Although the streak has officially ended, James’ résumé remains unmatched. He still holds the NBA record for consecutive All-NBA selections and continues to rank among the league’s all-time leaders in nearly every major statistical category.For many around the league, James missing an All-NBA team felt symbolic — another reminder that the NBA’s next generation has officially arrived. Yet even at 41 years old, he remains one of basketball’s most respected and influential players, continuing to perform at a level few athletes in sports history have ever sustained for this long

Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) watches his hit get caught during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.SAN DIEGO - The Athletics defeated the Padres, 5-2, at Petco Park on May 24, 2026. The Sporting Tribune’s Aaron Brenner was there to capture the following TST Images. Padres fan holds a signed baseball before an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres fan holds a signed baseball before an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres mascot wields lightsaber before an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres mascot wields lightsaber before an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Mandalorian hands off baseball to Padres mascot before an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneMandalorian hands off baseball to Padres mascot before an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) hits a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) hits a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) watches the ball after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) watches the ball after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) celebrates after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) celebrates after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) celebrates after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics right fielder Carlos Cortes (26) celebrates after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) runs to first base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) runs to first base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics second baseman Alika Williams (12) slides to second base during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics second baseman Alika Williams (12) slides to second base during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) pitches the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) pitches the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) gets Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) out running to second base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) gets Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) out running to second base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) slides to second base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) slides to second base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) disappointed after getting out at second base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) disappointed after getting out at second base during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics second baseman Alika Williams (12) hits a foul ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics second baseman Alika Williams (12) hits a foul ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) watches his hit get caught during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres third baseman Manny Machado (13) watches his hit get caught during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres third baseman Manny Machado (13) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (5) walks back to the dug out after striking out during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres left fielder Ramon Laureano (5) walks back to the dug out after striking out during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres first baseman Ty France (25) celebrates after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres first baseman Ty France (25) celebrates after hitting a home run during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) throws a ball into the stands at the bottom of the seventh inning during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) throws a ball into the stands at the bottom of the seventh inning during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) swings and misses the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) swings and misses the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris (36) pitches the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribuneAthletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris (36) pitches the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Padres, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.Aaron Brenner – The Sporting TribunePadres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits the ball during an MLB baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California.

The San Francisco 49ers brought in several rookies over the course of the 2026 NFL draft, and while some will likely play big roles for the team in their first season, others will probably sit and learn from the sidelines.Among the latter group is offensive lineman Enrqiue Cruz Jr., whom the 49ers took in the fifth round (No. 179 overall) of the draft out of Kansas.Cruz, 22, spent four seasons at Syracuse before transferring to Kansas in 2025. In his entire collegiate career, he started 29 games (15 at right tackle and 14 at left tackle).Despite having Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz at left and right tackle, respectively, the team took Cruz as a developmental option, and 49ers vice president of player personnel Tariq Ahmad recently explained why.“He has a lot of top-10 percent talent in his body — the acceleration, the explosiveness,” Ahmad said (via "The Athletic"). “He’s a very physically gifted guy.”Cruz will have an opportunity to earn the job as the team's top swing tackle in 2026, and if he does that, he could set himself up to take over as a starter at some point. He just needs to learn and use his body consistently.More 49ers: Brock Purdy insists 49ers still have what it takes to win it allThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers exec gushes over new rookie's physical traits

PREVIEW | Nacional vs Coquimbo Unido: team news, lineups, predictions (Libertadores 27/05)Nacional host Coquimbo Unido this Wednesday at the Estadio Gran Parque Central of the Copa Libertadores.In their last fixture, Nacional won 1-0 against Albion (Uruguay League 2026). In their last game, Coquimbo Unido drew 1-1 with Everton (Chilean League 2026).UnavailableNacionalCoquimbo UnidoRodrigo Holgado - Suspension Through Sports CourtLast starting XIsNacional ( vs Albion 2026-05-23): Luis Mejía, Emiliano Ancheta, Nicolás Rodríguez, Agustín Rogel, Tomás Viera, Juan García, Agustín Dos Santos, Nicolás Lodeiro, Tomás Verón Lupi, Maxi Gómez, Rodrigo MartínezCoquimbo Unido ( vs Everton 2026-05-22): Gonzalo Flores, Francisco Salinas, Manuel Fernández, Elvis Hernández, Sebastián Cabrera, Dylan Glaby, Sebastián Galani, Alejandro Camargo, Luis Riveros, Nicolas Johansen, Martín Mundaca

BALTIMORE – The Detroit Tigers' losing streak is over.Right-hander Troy Melton shoved into the sixth inning in his first start of the season after returning from the injured list, catcher Dillon Dingler golfed a two-run home run in the first, and third baseman Kevin McGonigle delivered a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in a full count in the fifth.Just like that, the Tigers secured a 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, May 24, in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, snapping an eight-game losing streak.It marked the Tigers' first win in nine days.HE'S BACK: Troy Melton returns to Tigers as big addition for rotationThe Tigers (21-33) dropped two of three to the Orioles (23-30) in the series, but they're back in the win column ahead of a three-game series against the MLB-worst Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park, beginning Tuesday (6:40 p.m., Detroit SportsNet).In Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader, the Tigers got exactly what they've been missing – a big swing and a timely hit – during the majority of of their 19-game stretch of bad baseball, featuring 16 losses.For that, Dingler and McGonigle deserve the credit.A leadoff single from Matt Vierling put the Tigers in a position of strength against left-hander Trevor Rogers, then Dingler capitalized with a two-run home run.Dingler received a cutter from Rogers at the bottom of the strike zone.He golfed it over the left-field wall.The two-run home run put the Tigers ahead, 2-0.Several Tigers hitters have struggled this season, but Dingler is hitting .233 with 10 home runs and a .778 OPS in 48 games, though he has just a .213 batting average in 21 games in May.GAME 1: Kenley Jansen blows save on walk-off HR in Game 1; Tigers lose 8th straightDillon Dinger 💥 pic.twitter.com/V8yBXG44Yy— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 24, 2026The Tigers built upon their lead in the fifth inning.McGonigle stepped to the plate against Rogers with the bases loaded and two outs, following Spencer Torkelson's walk, Wenceel Pérez's single and Zack Short's walk – along with Hao-Yu Lee's flyout and Matt Vierling's pop out.It all came down to McGonigle.The 21-year-old rookie battled for seven pitches, hitting Rogers' down-and-away changeup into center field for a two-run single – putting the Tigers ahead, 4-1.hi Kevin pic.twitter.com/GxCZ9cBnis— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 24, 2026The clutch hit from McGonigle chased Rogers, who allowed four runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts across 4⅔ innings, in 90 pitches. The 28-year-old has a 6.96 ERA in nine starts, just one season removed from registering a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts.Not only did McGonigle drive in runs with his bat, but he also saved a couple of runs with his glove. In the second inning, McGonigle caught a line drive from Blaze Alexander (hit with a 105.7 mph exit velocity) with runners on first and second base. Had the ball gotten past him, one run would've scored – and another run could've, as well.INJURY UPDATE: Where is Gleyber Torres? Tigers 2B frustrated as oblique injury lingersoh Magoodness pic.twitter.com/4weLTdzrUb— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 24, 2026With run support, Melton picked up his end of the bargain in his return from right elbow inflammation. The 25-year-old allowed one run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts across 5⅔ innings, throwing 79 pitches.His biggest moment occurred in the sixth inning, when he struck out Gunnar Henderson with a nasty slider – helping him put a cap on his strong performance.Henderson finished 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against Melton.Although Henderson won American League Rookie of the Year in 2023 and has established himself as one of the best shortstops, he was no match for Melton.Melton also stranded a runner at second base in the fourth inning after the Orioles scored their lone run for a 2-1 deficit on Samuel Basallo's sacrifice fly, immediately following Adley Rutschman's walk and Pete Alonso's single.After Melton, left-handed reliever Tyler Holton took down 1⅓ scoreless innings before right-handed reliever Drew Anderson completed two scoreless innings to pick up his second career save (both recorded this season with the Tigers).Anderson has a 3.78 ERA over 33⅔ innings.Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' skid ends with Game 2 win vs Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE – The Detroit Tigers' losing streak is over.Right-hander Troy Melton shoved into the sixth inning in his first start of the season after returning from the injured list, catcher Dillon Dingler golfed a two-run home run in the first, and third baseman Kevin McGonigle delivered a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in a full count in the fifth.Just like that, the Tigers secured a 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, May 24, in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, snapping an eight-game losing streak.It marked the Tigers' first win in nine days.HE'S BACK: Troy Melton returns to Tigers as big addition for rotationThe Tigers (21-33) dropped two of three to the Orioles (23-30) in the series, but they're back in the win column ahead of a three-game series against the MLB-worst Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park, beginning Tuesday (6:40 p.m., Detroit SportsNet).In Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader, the Tigers got exactly what they've been missing – a big swing and a timely hit – during the majority of of their 19-game stretch of bad baseball, featuring 16 losses.For that, Dingler and McGonigle deserve the credit.A leadoff single from Matt Vierling put the Tigers in a position of strength against left-hander Trevor Rogers, then Dingler capitalized with a two-run home run.Dingler received a cutter from Rogers at the bottom of the strike zone.He golfed it over the left-field wall.The two-run home run put the Tigers ahead, 2-0.Several Tigers hitters have struggled this season, but Dingler is hitting .233 with 10 home runs and a .778 OPS in 48 games, though he has just a .213 batting average in 21 games in May.GAME 1: Kenley Jansen blows save on walk-off HR in Game 1; Tigers lose 8th straightDillon Dinger 💥 pic.twitter.com/V8yBXG44Yy— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 24, 2026The Tigers built upon their lead in the fifth inning.McGonigle stepped to the plate against Rogers with the bases loaded and two outs, following Spencer Torkelson's walk, Wenceel Pérez's single and Zack Short's walk – along with Hao-Yu Lee's flyout and Matt Vierling's pop out.It all came down to McGonigle.The 21-year-old rookie battled for seven pitches, hitting Rogers' down-and-away changeup into center field for a two-run single – putting the Tigers ahead, 4-1.hi Kevin pic.twitter.com/GxCZ9cBnis— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 24, 2026The clutch hit from McGonigle chased Rogers, who allowed four runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts across 4⅔ innings, in 90 pitches. The 28-year-old has a 6.96 ERA in nine starts, just one season removed from registering a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts.Not only did McGonigle drive in runs with his bat, but he also saved a couple of runs with his glove. In the second inning, McGonigle caught a line drive from Blaze Alexander (hit with a 105.7 mph exit velocity) with runners on first and second base. Had the ball gotten past him, one run would've scored – and another run could've, as well.INJURY UPDATE: Where is Gleyber Torres? Tigers 2B frustrated as oblique injury lingersoh Magoodness pic.twitter.com/4weLTdzrUb— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 24, 2026With run support, Melton picked up his end of the bargain in his return from right elbow inflammation. The 25-year-old allowed one run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts across 5⅔ innings, throwing 79 pitches.His biggest moment occurred in the sixth inning, when he struck out Gunnar Henderson with a nasty slider – helping him put a cap on his strong performance.Henderson finished 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against Melton.Although Henderson won American League Rookie of the Year in 2023 and has established himself as one of the best shortstops, he was no match for Melton.Melton also stranded a runner at second base in the fourth inning after the Orioles scored their lone run for a 2-1 deficit on Samuel Basallo's sacrifice fly, immediately following Adley Rutschman's walk and Pete Alonso's single.After Melton, left-handed reliever Tyler Holton took down 1⅓ scoreless innings before right-handed reliever Drew Anderson completed two scoreless innings to pick up his second career save (both recorded this season with the Tigers).Anderson has a 3.78 ERA over 33⅔ innings.Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' skid ends with Game 2 win vs Baltimore Orioles

Even doctors can learn something from A.I.

The Brooklyn Nets have developed their teams through a number of strategies over the decades, and their front office has put together considerable success through the NBA draft. Many of the franchise's best players have joined the Nets either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades made on that day.Moreover, it is not only the star players who have been acquired by the Nets through the draft. Several prominent alumni have been selected by the team each offseason during this annual event, with certain colleges being more prominently represented than others. An analysis of the players from different schools reveals that both prestigious programs and smaller institutions have contributed top talent to the Nets' roster over the years.So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Nets out of Indiana.Ray Tolbert - forwardDraft year and position: first round (18th pick, 18th overall), 1981 NBA DraftSeasons at Indiana: fourSeasons played with Nets: oneAll stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Every Indiana player drafted by the Nets

Broncos' disappointing 2025 free-agent signing named as trade candidate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Denver Broncos placed a noticeable emphasis on the tight end position this offseason after last year's big-ticket free-agent signing, Evan Engram, came nowhere close to producing at the rate many expected. Engram caught 50 passes for 461 yards and found the end zone just one time in his first season in Denver after signing a two-year, $23 million deal in free agency. The Broncos were expecting much more and there was even some chatter within the fanbase that the team could move on from him after one year, as they did with Dre Greenlaw. While Engram wasn't terrible, he would have to be significantly better this coming season for his signing to be considered a win. After adding two tight ends in the draft (Justin Joly and Dallen Benyley), is there any chance the Broncos would consider trading Engram?Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network feels that it is a possibility. "The Denver Broncos brought in Evan Engram last offseason to serve as an upgrade at tight end, and while the team saw plenty of success, Engram failed to live up to expectations. His 28.8 receiving yards per game marked the second-lowest average he’s had in his NFL career. The Broncos doubled down on tight ends by drafting both Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley this year, which could push Engram out as he remains on the decline", wrote Infante. Could Evan Engram be a legitimate trade candidate?Engram will turn 32 years old in September and his best days in the league are likely behind him. If he has another season like he did last year, he won't be back in Denver in 2027 and the Broncos would get nothing in exchange. That said, it's not like Sean Payton to place a huge amount of pressure on rookies and Joly and Bentley — two Day 3 picks — as he generally prefers veteran players to do the heavy lifting. But if either of those players has a breakout training camp, the idea can't be dismissed. HOT READ:Broncos Undrafted Rookie Spotlight: Paul Manning's unlikely road to the NFLStill, it would be a surprise to see the Broncos move on from Engram, given the overall depth at the tight end position. More Broncos Content Broncos could soon be faced with major decision regarding former first-round pickBroncos' Day 3 draft pick predicted to make immediate offensive impactBroncos Undrafted Rookie Spotlight: Parker Robertson looks to crack deep safety groupBroncos encouraged to make major decision at wide receiver position before season starts

How likely do we think it is that star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown gets traded this NBA offseason? There has been plenty of chatter around whether or not Boston needs to move on from the Georgia native in light of recent postseason struggles and the limited means Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has to work with to reshape the roster moving forward.But as countless articles and podcasts have since noted, there is more than one way to rebuild the team than trading Brown to a new ball club. And if the return is not right, would it even make sense to pull the trigger on the deal in the first place?The folks behind the "Sporting Logically" YouTube channel put together a clip taking a closer look at whether Brown and several other stars in the offseason rumor mill are actually going to get traded. Check it out below!Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: How likely is it that Celtics star Jaylen Brown gets traded?

BALTIMORE (AP) — Dillon Dingler hit a two-run homer in the first inning, Troy Melton and two relievers combined on a three-hitter and the Detroit Tigers stopped an eight-game losing streak by beating the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 Sunday in a doubleheader nightcap.Kevin McGonigle added a two-run single as the Tigers won for just the third time in 19 games and stopped their longest skid since August 2020. Detroit is just 8-21 on the road.In the opener, Colton Cowser hit a three-run homer off Kenley Jansen with two outs in the ninth inning that lifted Baltimore to a 5-3 victory.Melton (1-0), making his season debut after recovering from right elbow inflammation, allowed two hits and Samuel Basallo's sacrifice fly in 5 2/3 innings. Tyler Holton got four outs and Drew Anderson six for his second save, striking out three straight batters after a pair of walks starting the ninth.Trevor Rogers (2-6) lost his sixth straight start, giving up four runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings. His ERA has climbed from 1.89 to 6.96 during that span.Albert Suárez pitched four scoreless innings for the Orioles.Up nextTigers: RHP Keider Montero (2-3, 3.83) starts Tuesday's series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels, who send RHP Jack Kochanowicz (2-3, 4.55) to the mound.Orioles: LHP Shane McClanahan (5-2, 2.82) starts Monday's series opener for visiting Tampa Bay.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

SEATTLE (AP) — Natisha Hiedeman tied her career high with 24 points, rookie Flau’jae Johnson scored a season-best 17, and the Seattle Storm beat the Washington Mystics 97-85 on Sunday in a game that featured 75 total free throws, including 52 in the second half.Seattle's Awa Fam, the No. 3 overall draft pick, made her WNBA debut and finished with 10 points in 20 minutes. The 6-foot-4 center, who turns 20 on June 17, joined the Storm on Friday after helping Valencia win the Spanish League title. She scored her first WNBA points with a layup off a pick-and-roll with Johnson late in the second quarter. Seattle made a season-high 13 3-pointers on 28 attempts and hit 32 of 34 (94%) shots from the line.The Mystics hit 35 of 41 (85%) from the foul line, and shot just 20% (4 of 20) from beyond the arc. Stefanie Dolson scored 16 points with perfect shooting. She went 3 of 3 from the field, 2 of 2 from 3-point range, and 8 of 8 from the line for the Storm (3-4). Zia Cooke added 10 points. Dominique Malonga, who leads the Storm in scoring (16.0 points per game) and rebounds (7.3), missed her fourth consecutive game due to the concussion protocol.Sonia Citron led the Mystics (2-3) with 16 points. Kiki Iriafen, Georgia Amoore and Angela Dugalic added 13 points apiece, and Shakira Austin had 12. Hiedeman hit a 3-pointer that gave Seattle the lead for good early in the second quarter, and her long floater with 1.8 seconds left in the period made it 49-37. The Mystics trailed by double figures throughout the second half. Johnson made 7 of 12 from the field and finished with seven rebounds and five assists. Seattle beat Connecticut 77-59 on Friday to snap a three-game skid. Up nextThe teams play again Wednesday in Seattle. ___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Vegas Golden Knights thought they had cut Colorado's lead in half in the first period Sunday, but a disputed no-goal call helped result in a two-goal swing and give the Avalanche a 3-0 lead that could loom large in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final.That was a potentially critical sequence as the Avalanche look to fight back from a 2-0 series deficit.Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeyev appeared to score a power-play goal with 7:26 left in the first period, but officials immediately waved it off and the decision was upheld on video review. The Golden Knights immediately celebrated despite the initial no call with a run through the high-five line, believing the call would be changed after officials checked the video.Officials ruled on the ice that the puck went off Dorofeyev's glove, according to the ESPN broadcast, and found the video inconclusive.Dorofeyev's stick also might have been above the cross bar, but it was at least even with it.The Avalanche then made the Golden Knights pay when Jack Drury found himself alone on a breakaway, deking Vegas goalie Carter Hart to score the short-handed goal with 6:45 left for the three-goal lead.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Florida State baseball is one of the 16 regional hosts in the NCAA Baseball Tournament.While the Seminoles know they are hosting a regional and are a top 16 seed, the program's exact seed is yet to be announced. FSU will learn that in the NCAA Baseball Tournament selection show, which is scheduled for Monday, May 25, at Noon. 🚨 2026 DI Baseball Regional Host Sites 🚨👉 https://t.co/4UMGre4vOLThe 16 sites are listed in alphabetical order.#RoadToOmahapic.twitter.com/fZn8Ism7HE— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) May 25, 2026It's the third straight year that the Seminoles will host a regional as the program seeks a second trip to Omaha under head coach Link Jarrett. FSU made it to the College World Series in 2024 and made the super regional rounds in 2025. FSU last played in the ACC Tournament, losing in stunning fashion to Pitt. Down to his final strike with two outs in the top of the ninth, Pitt’s Kai Wagner hit a three-run home run to stun FSU and knock the Seminoles out of the ACC Tournament quarterfinals with an 8-6 loss.While the loss didn't impact the Seminoles' ability to host a regional, it's put the program's hopes of a top-eight national seed in doubt. That's significant as the top eight seeds not only host regionals, but also have the chance to host a super regional, should the respective programs make it that far.FSU finished the season 38-17 with eight ACC series wins. The team included ACC Pitcher of the Year Wes Mendes and five All-ACC selections.How to watch the NCAA Baseball Tournament Selection ShowChannel: ESPNWhen: Monday, May 25 / NoonStream on ESPN Unlimited: Stream Live Sports and Exclusive Originals All in One Place with ESPN | ESPNLiam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU baseball hosting Tallahassee Regional in NCAA Tournament

A wild matchup between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union took a turn in the second half, with Miami captain Lionel Messi leaving the game early and immediately heading into the locker room.Messi took a free kick and immediately grabbed at the back of his leg; he then asked for a sub, and exited the game in the 73rd minute. The severity of any potential injury is currently unclear, but it appears that Messi went back into the locker room for treatment.Messi is headed straight to the locker room after getting subbed out in the 73rd minute pic.twitter.com/BIpKA4M3TW— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 25, 2026The matchup between Inter Miami and Philadelphia started with one of the nuttiest first halves in MLS history, with the score tied at 4-4 heading into halftime. Shortly after Messi exited, Luis Suárez completed a hat trick with a go-ahead goal in the 81st minute.Sunday is Inter Miami’s last game before MLS heads into the World Cup break. Messi is set to return as Argentina’s captain as the reigning champions attempt to defend its World Cup title.This story will be updated.

INDIANAPOLIS – Following the post-race technical inspections for Sunday's Indianapolis 500, the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda — driven by 2025 Indy 500 champion Alex Palou — failed the inspection.Palou's car was found to have not met the minimum front wing height of 8.3 inches off the ground per Rule 14.7.6.7.1 in IndyCar's rulebook. The No. 10 car was not disqualified from the race, but Palou lost five entrant points and Chip Ganassi Racing has been fined $10,000. Palou's finish of seventh in the race stands. After last year's Indy 500, Prema Racing's No. 90 Chevrolet failed a tech inspection due to its front left wing not meeting the minimum height and its endplates, wing flaps and mainplanes not remaining in the designated location. IndyCar also cited Prema for "improper conduct," due to "attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or conduct detrimental to racing." Callum Ilott's car was disqualified and given 33rd.IndyCar is in the first year of IndyCar Officiating Inc. and the Independent Officiating Board, with a goal to remain independent from IndyCar and its parent company, Penske Entertainment. After the May 17 qualifying, the cars driven by Caio Collet and Jack Harvey were given post-qualifying penalties for modifications on their Energy Management System covers and forced to start from the back of the grid in the race.This story will be updated.Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Alex Palou fails tech inspection. What it means for Indy 500 results

INDIANAPOLIS – Following the post-race technical inspections for Sunday's Indianapolis 500, the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda — driven by 2025 Indy 500 champion Alex Palou — failed the inspection.Palou's car was found to have not met the minimum front wing height of 8.3 inches off the ground per Rule 14.7.6.7.1 in IndyCar's rulebook. The No. 10 car was not disqualified from the race, but Palou lost five entrant points and Chip Ganassi Racing has been fined $10,000. Palou's finish of seventh in the race stands. After last year's Indy 500, Prema Racing's No. 90 Chevrolet failed a tech inspection due to its front left wing not meeting the minimum height and its endplates, wing flaps and mainplanes not remaining in the designated location. IndyCar also cited Prema for "improper conduct," due to "attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or conduct detrimental to racing." Callum Ilott's car was disqualified and given 33rd.IndyCar is in the first year of IndyCar Officiating Inc. and the Independent Officiating Board, with a goal to remain independent from IndyCar and its parent company, Penske Entertainment. After the May 17 qualifying, the cars driven by Caio Collet and Jack Harvey were given post-qualifying penalties for modifications on their Energy Management System covers and forced to start from the back of the grid in the race.This story will be updated.Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Alex Palou fails tech inspection. What it means for Indy 500 results

The first half of Sunday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference finals was a grind for pretty much anyone not named Victor Wembanyama. The San Antonio Spurs went into the break with a 50-38 lead in a half in which neither team shot 37% from the field. But there was not stopping Wembanyama, who finished the first half with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. He capped the half with a heave from the halfcourt line while surrounded by three Thunder defenders.The ball sank through the net as the buzzer sounded to extend San Antonio’s lead in a must-win game. WHAT EVEN IS VICTOR WEMBANYAMA pic.twitter.com/sAB99YKSx1— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) May 25, 2026And it was Wembanyama’s plan the whole time. He called for the ball deep in the backcourt in order to set up his shot. The Spurs entered Game 4 facing a 2-1 deficit with the series shifting back to Oklahoma City for Game 5. Wembanyama’s doing everything in his power to ensure that they don’t do so in a 3-1 hole.

The bracket for the 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament will be revealed on Monday. On Sunday, however, the NCAA announced the 16 host sites for the regional round of the tournament, which will begin on Friday.USC was in contention for one of those 16 spots. Ultimately, however, the Trojans were not selected as one of the hosts, meaning that they will need to travel on the road for the opening weekend of the tournament.Had USC defeated rival UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals yesterday, the Trojans would have had a strong argument for hosting. However, they lost in brutal fashion on a walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, effectively ending any shot that they had of finishing the regular season as one of the top 16 teams.While USC will not be hosting a regional, three Big Ten foes will. UCLA, Oregon, and Nebraska, were all named among the host sites.Not hosting is particularly brutal for the Trojans because they went 32-1 at Dedeaux Field on the season, compared to just 10-13 on the road. If USC wants to advance to the super regional round for the first time in more than two decades, the Trojans will need to find a way to win some big games on the road for the first time this year.The full NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced on Monday. USC will find out its postseason fate and destination then.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: NCAA reveals reveals regional hosts for baseball tournament, no USC

Vasco disgraced in front of home fans, trounced by Red Bull BragantinoThings are far from pleasant for Vasco right now.Playing at São Januário this Sunday (24), the Cruz-Maltino side was steamrolled by Red Bull Bragantino: a 3-0 loss in front of its own fans.Even with Massa Bruta missing a penalty. And Vasco ended up stuck right above the Brasileirão relegation zone.The result came after several tributes to club idol Geovani, who passed away last Monday.Vasco had already lost 4-1 to Inter in the previous round and came into this Brasileirão clash after resting players in the defeat to Olimpia in the Copa Sudamericana.There were plenty of insults aimed at coach Renato Gaúcho, for example. First target clearly identified 🎯Lucas Piton was already out of favor with a good part of the Vasco fanbase.And he went into halftime being jeered.He lost an aerial duel, failed to keep up with Rodriguinho, and saw the midfielder open the scoring in the 46th minute.Changes, chances and... humiliation!Renato Gaúcho turned to Cuiabano (replacing Piton) and Brenner in the 52nd minute.But Massa Bruta struck again soon after, in the 60th minute, through Pitta.Ending a nine-match drought.Vasco did try. But Volpi was in inspired form, including two great saves. One of Renato’s new changes saw Saldivia move to right-back.And he made a mistake playing the ball back to Léo Jardim. Fernando got there first, rounded the keeper, and scored (77').Renato then became the main target of some fans, who threw plastic cups in the coach’s direction.There was still time for VAR to confirm a penalty by Barros on Eric Ramires.Sasha won the “battle” with Volpi and missed his third straight penalty. Standings situation 📊Vasco stayed on 20 points. The team dropped to 16th place. Santos, with 18, currently sit at the top of the relegation zone.Bragantino, meanwhile, moved up to 26 points. The team is now fifth, ahead of Coritiba vs Bahia, which will wrap up Matchday 17.Photo: Ari Ferreira/Red Bull BragantinoThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Kyle Busch's wife Samantha and son Brexton at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24; Kyle Busch in 2020Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty;Tasos Katopodis/GettyNEED TO KNOWKyle Busch's family was in attendance at the Coca-Cola 600, where NASCAR honored the late driver with an emotional tributeKyle's wife, Samantha Busch, and their children — Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4 — were at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the May 24 racing event, in which Kyle was supposed to compete before his deathKyle died at age 41 on May 21 from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsisKyle Busch's family gathered to honor the late NASCAR legend on what was supposed to be a major race day for him.On Sunday, May 24, Kyle's wife, Samantha Busch, and their children — son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4 — made an emotional appearance at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, in which Kyle was supposed to compete before his death at age 41 on May 21.Also in attendance were Kyle's parents, Tom and Gaye Busch, and his older brother, NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch. The grieving family gathered at the speedway's infield, where NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell paid tribute to the two-time Cup Series champion with a speech."This was Kyle Busch's home. Every racetrack was Kyle Busch's home," O'Donnell said. "He competed like he had something to prove every single race, when in reality he had already proven everything. What I think we'll miss the most isn't the wins. It's the guy who quietly wanted to help a teammate, give some advice, who was the husband, the father, the guy who quietly did things for others when no one was watching."In loving memory of Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/UvcB5C0oMn— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2026O'Donnell then spoke directly to Kyle's family."Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever," he continued, to cheers from the crowd. "Brexton and Lennix, your dad loves you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everyone watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand, they are your family, and we've got you.""Kyle Busch is NASCAR," he ended the speech. "He was one-of-a-kind, and there will never be another."The legendary athlete's Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team announced on Friday, May 22, that “it has opted to shelve the No. 8 that Kyle last drove, switching to the car No. 33 for the foreseeable future,” according to NASCAR. The team also indicated that it has reserved the No. 8 for Kyle's son, Brexton, “when he is ready.”Tom Busch, Gaye Busch, NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch and Lyda Moore at the remembrance ceremony for Kyle Busch on May 24, 2026Credit: Jonathan Bachman/GettyThe somber moment at the Coca-Cola 600 came one day after Kyle's family shared his cause of death. They revealed that the NASCAR driver and father of two died from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.Kyle's family had previously only shared that he had experienced a "severe illness resulting in hospitalization.""The medical evaluation provided to the Busch family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," the driver's family said in a statement obtained by ESPN.NASCAR Hall of Famer and RCR team owner Richard Childress, Samantha Busch, Brexton Busch and NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell pay tribute to Kyle BuschCredit: Jonathan Bachman/GettyIn addition to the Coca-Cola 600, Kyle had been scheduled to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Concord, N.C., on Friday, May 22.Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!Kyle was hospitalized days after requesting medical attention after finishing a race on May 10 at Watkins Glen International. He was heard over the radio asking his team to have a doctor ready to meet him at his bus because he was going to "need a shot."A handwritten message on the grid at the Coca-Cola 600 in memory of Kyle BuschCredit: Jonathan Bachman/GettyDuring the television broadcast, it was said that Kyle was struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the "intense G-forces and elevation changes" at the course, according to the Associated Press.NASCAR previously mourned Kyle in a statement announcing his death jointly with his family and RCR."Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement read in part. "A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.”Read the original article on People

Diego Simeone reacts to increasing Julian Alvarez exit talk – “He’ll have his decision made”Atletico Madrid saw their season, which had promised so much, come to a disappointing end on Sunday with a thumping 5-1 defeat at the hands of Villarreal. That result ensured a 4th place finish for Los Colchoneros, which is below where they would have expected to finish at the start of the campaign.Atleti had been on course for a stellar season when they reached the Champions League semi-finals and Copa del Rey final, but after losing out in both, their 4th place finish means their efforts have been below-par. As per Sport, head coach Diego Simeone reacted to the defeat at La Ceramica, while he also clearly outlined where his side need to improve for the 2026-27 campaign.“We were very excited about finishing third. We couldn’t show what we wanted. Villarreal played only in La Liga, which is easier. We compete until the semi-final of the Champions League and the final of the Copa del Rey.“We’ve conceded too many goals this season, and that doesn’t allow you to compete. In the Champions League, we scored a lot of goals, and that’s why we were able to advance further. It is a wake-up call. It’s not easy to compete until the Champions League semi-finals, reach the Copa del Rey final and finish third. If we want all that, we have to prepare better for next season. We have to prepare better.”Simeone on Alvarez: It’s not a question for meSimeone was asked about whether he believes Julian Alvarez has played his final match in Atleti colours – it comes amid reports that the Argentine striker has turned down the offer of a new contract from club bosses.“It’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Julián. He’s old enough to know what he’s going to do, and I’m sure he’ll have his decision made.”

The San Antonio Spurs are fighting for their playoff lives in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs entered the Sunday night showdown trailing 2-1 in the series, and they needed a big game from superstar center Victor Wembanyama if they wanted to even it before going back to OKC. Wemby delivered with an incredible first half — capped by one of the defining shots of his young career so far. Wembanyama was already dominating the Thunder when he got the ball with the clock ticking away at the end of the first half. The 7’5 French superhuman pulled up from the halfcourt logo at the buzzer and swished the shot to give the Spurs all the momentum (and a 12-point) heading into halftime. Watch the shot here:victor wembanyama half-court buzzer beater; okc vs spurs pic.twitter.com/8DLHL14i8u— ◇ (@F0RGIAT0) May 25, 2026I was so sure Wembanyama was hitting a halfcourt shot as soon as he caught the ball. We’ve already seen him pull up from Steph Curry range in the clutch earlier in this series. He has this type of range, and he continues to be prove it. Wembanyama scored 22 points in the first half, and the Spurs were +16 in his 18 minutes. The Thunder playing without their second and third best creators in Game 4 with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell both out with injury, and it sure feels like that’s too much to overcome against Wembanyama with his back against the wall. The 7’5 guy was already dominating at the rim on both ends. Hitting halfcourt shots with ease is just unfair. It’s the longest shot of his career, but it’s hard to be surprised at this point.

Stephon Castle's 2025-26 stats: Fans shocked after Spurs guard gets All-NBA votes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The All-NBA teams for the 2025-26 season were revealed Sunday night, and many typically look for voting disparities among players who made each team when the results come out.What people might not look at is which players received votes who weren't named to one of the three All-NBA teams. Those who didn't look at this missed out on seeing some questionable players who received All-NBA votes.Stephon Castle's 2025-26 stats: Fans shocked after Spurs guard gets All-NBA votesSpurs' Stephon Castle was among players who didn't make an All-NBA team, but still were on the ballot of at least one voter.Don't get me wrong, Castle had a great season, and is on a team making a deep playoff run at the moment, but when you look at the results, something looks off.Not only did Castle receive two votes for the All-NBA third team, but he also received one for the All-NBA second team.MORE: Full All-NBA voting results released: Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic headline first teamThis basically means he was viewed as a top-10 player in the NBA this season by one voter and a top-15 player by two additional voters.I'm not sure even the biggest fans of Castle's could make the argument that he had a good enough season to be awarded a spot on an All-NBA team, which, in the case of the second team, would mean he played at the level of players like Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell.In the 2025-26 NBA season, Castle averaged 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.4 assists.Castle was not named an All-Star this season and had just the 17th-best voting score among players in the West.One could make the argument that Castle has had an exceptional playoff run, and they'd be right, but that shouldn't have any impact on the voting for a regular-season award.At the end of the day, it didn't make too much of a difference, but it's interesting to see that a voter believed he deserved a spot on the second team, which would have put him next to some elite company.More NBA articles:NBA players reveal most likely outcome for Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and it's not what you thinkNBA releases full MVP voting results: Jokic finishes top-two for sixth straight yearPelicans name Jamahl Mosley as new head coach, two weeks after Magic fired himWizards receiving inquiries on their No. 1 draft pick from multiple teamsBucks' scouting activity around NBA Draft indicates potential trade ahead

INDIANAPOLIS — It's hard to tell how many fans cram into the Snake Pit, the infield hills, or even how many can fit in the grandstands of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.It holds ... a lot, and it's hard to guestimate. Sunday's Indianapolis 500 brought the most fans through the IMS gates since the 100th event in 2016, when it was around 350,000. The 110th Indy 500 saw "more than 350,000" fans, according to an IndyCar spokesperson.And what a race it was that fans saw. Felix Rosenqvist passed David Malukas on a last-lap shootout after a red flag with seven laps to go as rookie Caio Collet had crashed and caught fire coming out of Turn 2. Fans were also treated to a record number of passes.While weather was a key talking point entering race day, it mostly held off. A couple of cautions were flagged for track conditions, and there was a red flag for weather, too — brief as it was. Fans found ways to enjoy themselves, though, with University High School students playing hacky sack, and there was even a wedding pre-race.What we saw: Indy 500 included a rain delay, wedding and a photo finishAnd of course, there were many celebrities who took part in the festivities. Colts safety Jonathan Owens, who is married to Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, was among those who dished hot takes on Hoosier dishes. Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski was back to hang out in the Snake Pit and go for a ride in the black hawk helicopters, and even got to hang out with Tyler Perry.Jordin Sparks again sang the national anthem, Jim Cornelison on "Back Home Again In Indiana," Ephraim Owens sang "God Bless America," there were several flyovers and Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark commanded drivers to take their cars, and speedway and IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske to start their engines. Then Oscar winner Brendan Fraser waved the green flag.Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 attendance most since 2016 saw Felix Rosenqvist dramatic win

Just three days after his 19th birthday, Blades Brown continued to play beyond his years and shot a final-round 4-under 67 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas on Sunday to finish T-14 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.That was good enough to earn 55 non-member FedEx Cup points to surpass the threshold and gain Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour, which means he can receive unlimited sponsor’s exemptions for the rest of the season (as well as make unlimited starts and will be added to the conditional reorder category post-Canadian Open). Not too shabby for the Tennessee native and promising talent, who skipped college and turned pro at age 17.“I know my route to the PGA Tour is a very uncommon route. It's mainly because of my parents. They've been my biggest supporters. They've sacrificed so much, especially my dad,” Brown said. “I think he's missed about two events in my entire life, and he believed in me whenever I didn't believe in myself.”Brown has made seven Tour starts this season, recording two top-10s, including a third-place finish at the Puerto Rico Open, and missing just one cut. He entered this week 42.553 points short of the threshold for Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour, which can be earned by gaining enough FedEx Cup points to match the 150th player from the previous season's standings.Brown said he plans to play next week in Raliegh on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he is ranked No. 13 on the season-long money list. The top 20 at the end of the season earn full-exempt status on the PGA Tour in 2027. Brown will need to finish in the top 100 on the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup season-long points race to earn a card for next season in the big leagues. So, he will have some decisions to make in terms of where and when to chase future status. Brown commended the Korn Ferry Tour, which he earned status this season through a special temporary membership last year. “What it's done for me is it's provided me a pathway to the PGA Tour,” he said. “The cool thing that I think it's done is it's taught me to go low. I can't thank the Korn Ferry Tour enough for teaching me those valuable lessons because everybody out on the PGA Tour, they can go low. Without the Korn Ferry Tour, I would not have had that strength.”This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Blades Brown earns PGA Tour special membership

After two rain delays in one game, the Knoxville Smokies ended a wonky homestand with a 7-3 loss in the series finale May 24 against the Montgomery Biscuits at Covenant Health Park.Montgomery also won the shortened series 4-1 after battling weather in four games of what was scheduled to be a six-game series. Sunday's action featured two delays – one in the first and one in the fourth inning – marking four weather delays in the series (with a Savannah Bananas game in between).Smokies starter Dawson Netz had only given up one run in 19.1 innings this season, but the Biscuits managed to plate three runs off him immediately coming out of the first delay.A Jhon Diaz two-run single in the second inning made the score 3-0, ending Netz's day.Montgomery pushed two more runs across the plate in the fourth inning, with help from a triple by former Tennessee baseball signee Ryan Spikes before the game entered a second rain delay.Edgar Alvarez provided Knoxville's first hit with a fifth-inning single. Ariel Armas brought him home on a double to prevent a shutout.Smokies standout player of the game: Grounds crewKnoxville's grounds crew, made up of staff members and student interns, brought out the tarp twice before fans arrived at Covenant Health Park.Once the game began, the grounds crew applied the tarp two more times. The fourth-inning instance included a seven-minute stint between laying the tarp down and pulling it back. As soon as the game ended, the grounds crew put the tarp back on the field. Knoxville Smokies record in Southern League NorthThe Smokies are 22-22 on the season after losing the series 4-1 to the Biscuits. Southern League North standings (as of 7:15 p.m. ET on May 24)Chattanooga Lookouts (25-19)Rocket City Trash Pandas (23-21)Knoxville Smokies (22-22)Birmingham Barons (16-27)Southern League South standings (as of 7:15 p.m. ET on May 24)Montgomery Biscuits (24-20)Pensacola Blue Wahoos (22-22)Biloxi Shuckers (21-21)Columbus Clingstones (21-22)Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health ParkThe Smokies hit the road for a six-game series with the Chattanooga Lookouts May 26-31. Knoxville returns to Covenant Health Park beginning Tuesday, June 2, for a series against the Birmingham Barons. Here are the promotions for when the Smokies return home:7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3: All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday (buffet available for $29 in advance or $34 day of game) and Health Care Appreciation (one free baseline ticket for healthcare professionals)7 p.m. Thursday, June 4: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), Knox Vegas (themed jerseys), College Night ($10 standing room tickets for college students), Elvis Night (Rock 'n' Roll theming) 7 p.m. Friday, June 5: Summer Fireworks Series, Feel-Good Friday, Chick-fil-A Family Herd Night (two tickets, coupons for $48) 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6: Wrestling Night (themed music, between-inning entertainment), Summer Fireworks Series, Luchador Mask Giveaway (first 1,000 fans receive luchador mask)2 p.m. Sunday, June 7: Kids Summer Kick Off (kids ages 4-12 can run bases postgame), Ice Cream Drip Jersey Giveaway (first 500 kids will receive themed jersey) Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: trevor.mcgee@knoxnews.com.This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokies fall to Biscuits, grounds crew shines in rain-soaked series loss

One of LeBron James' most unbreakable streaks officially comes to an end originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.In early February, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who battled injuries all year, would miss out on a prestigious accolade at the end of the season.Specifically, McMenamin noted that James would be ineligible for an All-NBA nod because it would be impossible for him to meet the 65-game mark/requirement.On Sunday, ESPN’s Shams Charania made it official, ending James’ unbreakable streak of 21 consecutive seasons with an All-NBA first, second, or third team selection.“2025-26 All-NBA teams: First: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and Cade Cunningham,” Charania wrote on X/Twitter.“Second: Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell. Third: Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Jalen Johnson, Jalen Duren, and Chet Holmgren.” James was at a disadvantage from the start of the 2025-26 campaign, as sciatica forced the four-time MVP to miss the first 14 games of the year. Upon returning to the hardwood in late November, James embraced a new role as the Lakers' No. 3 scoring option and proved to be relatively successful. James contributed 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game with the Lakers in Year 23, shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three. Unfortunately, James fell five games short of his goal, causing his historic All-NBA run to become a thing of the past.More NBA news:Lakers named best fit for record-setting $53.8 million starJazz, Hawks, Bulls, Nets named top landing spots for $53 million Lakers superstarLakers predicted to cut ties with Dalton Knecht, acquire $175 million two-time MVP

Down 2-1 against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs are in a near must-win situation in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday, May 24.Good thing the Spurs have Victor Wembanyama on their side.The two-time All-Star and 2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year had a game-high 22 points (on 7-of-16 shooting) at halftime as the Spurs staked a 50-38 lead at intermission. The 22-point output included hitting on a buzzer-beating, 42-foot shot from halfcourt right before the half.WEMBY BEATS THE Q2 BUZZER FROM HALF-COURT 👽22 PTS5 REB3 AST2 BLKSpurs lead by 12 at the break in Game 4! pic.twitter.com/Uk9BhEMNO1— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2026Victor Wembanyama stats in Game 4Updated: 10:23 in third quarterMinutes played: 19Points: 25Rebounds: 5Assists: 3Blocked shots: 2Field goal shooting: 8-16 (.560)Three-point shooting: 2-5 (.400)Free throw shooting: 7-7 (1.000)Steals: 1Turnovers: 1This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama stats, highlights in Game 4 in Spurs-Thunder series

Watch Kyle Larson's son console Kyle Busch's family during stirring Coca-Cola 600 tribute originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There was nary a dry eye in the house ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 as Kyle Busch's memory lingered over the Charlotte Motor Speedway thoroughfare three days after his untimely death.NASCAR pulled out all the stops to pay homage to one of its favorite sons. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and the all-time winningest driver across NASCAR's three national series, was celebrated prior to the waving of the green flag.Busch's Cup Series counterparts filed behind his family — including brother Kurt, wife Samantha and son Brexton. The gesture served as an indication of how Busch's NASCAR family would lift up his grieving family.NASCAR's latest tribute to Busch proved memorable. Kyle Larson's son, Owen, made a notable contribution to the offering, showing support for his family friends in the cutest way possible.Here's what you need to know.MORE ON KYLE BUSCH'S TRAGIC PASSING:The 8 moments that defined Kyle Busch's racing lifeKyle Busch's final racing interview hits home after sudden deathWhat we know about 'severe' illness' that led to Kyle Busch's death911 audio from Kyle Busch's medical emergency released by TMZRichard Childress Racing retires Kyle Busch's No. 8 after driver's sudden passingReactions, tributes from around sports world after the NASCAR driver's sudden deathKyle Larson's son consoles Kyle Busch's family during Coca-Cola 600Larson's son, Owen, delivered one of the most touching gestures of support for the Busch family on Sunday evening. Owen pulled away from his mother and sister, walking towards Brexton, who was standing on his own as his mother hugged a family friend.Owen wrapped his arms around Brexton, sharing a hug with his mournful friend.Kyle Larson's son Owen walked over to console Brexton Busch before the moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/hhaEGfaRnB— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026Predictably, the moment went viral, with spectators praising Owen, his mother and his father for the touching gesture. It was one of several moments that stood out during Sunday's race.Kyle Busch Coca-Cola 600 tributeNASCAR honored Busch ahead of Sunday's race, celebrating his accomplishments on- and off-the-track.Kyle Busch tribute tonight.... 😢 pic.twitter.com/VYIIrZj2ob— Jesko Riot (@JeskoRiot) May 24, 2026In the hours leading up to Sunday's race, Busch's older brother, Kurt, laid white roses on the emblem painted on the infield grass to memorialize the fallen driver. An emotional pre race at the Coke 600. Kurt Busch lays down 8 flowers on the infield No. 8 for his late brother Kyle Busch. Not a dry-eye in the speedway. pic.twitter.com/cEsnm3VhBV— Joey Ellis (@Jellis1016) May 24, 2026Fans also delivered their own eulogy to the gifted racer, shooting up eight fingers on Lap No. 8 of the race. A powerful moment during Lap 8 to honor Kyle Busch. pic.twitter.com/r8w8wXdPOV— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) May 24, 2026All told, it was an emotional end to one of the most emotional weekends in recent NASCAR history.

Pressure creates legends in sports. It also creates collapses that fans never forget. Some athletes dominated for years but failed when the biggest moment arrived. A few teams looked unbeatable before everything suddenly fell apart. Those moments stayed attached to them forever.Sports history is filled with heartbreaking losses, blown leads, and tough mistakes. Sometimes it happened because of nervousness. But at times, momentum completely shifted, and nobody could stop it. Fans still talk about these moments decades later because of how shocking they were. In many cases, one bad game changed how an athlete or team was remembered forever.MORE: Ranking American sports league & championship logos from worst to bestA missed kick. A blown series lead. A collapse in the final. These moments became part of sports culture. They created memes, highlights, and endless debates about pressure and failure.Not every player or team on this list lacked greatness. Many were champions, record-breakers, and all-time talents. Still, their collapses became impossible to ignore because of the stage and the stakes involved.Here are the top 10 most infamous chokers in sports history.10. Jean van de Velde – 1999 Open Championship collapseJean van de Veld during the first round of the PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY SportsJean van de Velde produced one of golf’s most shocking collapses at the 1999 Open Championship.He arrived at the 18th hole at Carnoustie with a three-shot lead. A double bogey was enough to win the tournament. Instead, everything went wrong.Van de Velde hit shots into rough, grandstands, and the Barry Burn water hazard. He finished the hole with a triple bogey 7 and lost in a playoff to Paul Lawrie.The collapse became one of golf’s most replayed moments. “Pulling a Van de Velde” soon became a phrase linked with choking under pressure.9. Atlanta Falcons – Super Bowl LIAtlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) against New England Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones (31) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThe Atlanta Falcons looked ready to win their first Super Bowl during Super Bowl LI.Atlanta led the New England Patriots 28-3 late in the third quarter. Their win probability climbed above 99 percent. Then the game completely changed.Tom Brady led the Patriots to 25 unanswered points before overtime. Costly sacks, penalties, and poor clock management destroyed Atlanta’s momentum.New England eventually won 34-28 in overtime. The phrase “28-3” still follows the Falcons years later.8. South Africa National Cricket Team – Cricket’s ultimate “Chokers”By the time the fourth ODI arrived at Kingsmead in Durban, the 2006 series between South Africa national cricket team and Australia national cricket team had already become a heavyweight contest between two giants of world cricket. Australia were still the ruthless champions of… pic.twitter.com/GLy2yESgdK— Akash (@akashd7781) May 7, 2026Few teams carried the “choker” label longer than the South Africa national cricket team.The Proteas often dominated tournaments before collapsing in knockout matches. Their most painful moment came during the 1999 World Cup semifinal against the Australia national cricket team.South Africa needed only one run from four balls with one wicket remaining. A terrible mix-up between Allan Donald and Lance Klusener caused a run-out that tied the match. Australia advanced because of a better tournament record.Repeated World Cup exits in 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023 kept the label alive for decades.7. Greg Norman – Golf’s greatest chokerLIV Golf CEO Greg Norman at The Old White at the Greenbrier. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsGreg Norman was one of the most talented golfers ever. Yet major championship collapses followed him throughout his career.His worst moment came at the 1996 Masters. Norman entered the final round with a six-shot lead over Nick Faldo.Everything fell apart on Sunday. Norman shot a disastrous 78 while Faldo fired a 67. The final result turned a comfortable lead into a five-shot loss.Despite leading all four majors after 54 holes in 1986, Norman finished his career with only two major titles.6. Golden State Warriors – 2016 NBA FinalsGolden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) grabs the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsThe Golden State Warriors finished the 2015-16 season with a 73-9 record, the best regular-season mark in NBA history.That season looked destined to end with another championship. Instead, the Cleveland Cavaliers made history.Golden State led the NBA Finals 3-1 before losing three straight games. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving delivered huge performances during the comeback. LeBron’s chase-down block and Kyrie’s clutch three-pointer became iconic because of the Warriors’ collapse.MORE: Ranking the top 8 cities ready for potential MLB expansion5. Bill Buckner – 1986 World Series errorChicago Cubs first baseman Bill Buckner on base against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY SportsBill Buckner became linked forever with one painful baseball moment. The Boston Red Sox were one out away from winning the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets.Then Buckner allowed a ground ball to roll through his legs in Game 6. Boston lost that game and later lost Game 7 as well.The mistake became one of the most replayed errors in MLB history. Sadly, it overshadowed a career that included more than 2,700 hits.4. John McEnroe – 1984 French OpenJohn McEnroe returns a volley during Pickleball Slam 2 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY SportsJohn McEnroe entered the 1984 French Open final undefeated that season. He dominated the first two sets against Ivan Lendl and looked ready to win the title easily.Frustration and emotional outbursts slowly changed the match. Lendl recovered and won in five sets to capture his first Grand Slam title.McEnroe later admitted his emotions played a major role in the collapse. The loss also hurt his chance to complete a career Grand Slam.3. Brazil National Football Team – 2014 World Cup humiliationBrazil stands for the national anthem before the men’s gold medal match against Germany during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Maracana. Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThe Brazil national football team suffered one of the most shocking defeats in football history during the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinal. Playing at home, Brazil collapsed against the Germany national football team after conceding early goals.Germany scored five times within the opening 29 minutes. Brazil also conceded four goals in a six-minute stretch during the nightmare performance.The final score ended 7-1. Fans still refer to the match as “Mineirazo,” one of the darkest moments in Brazilian football history.2. New York Yankees – 2004 ALCS CollapseNew York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) pitches in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesThe New York Yankees looked unstoppable during the 2004 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. New York led the series 3-0 and also held a ninth-inning lead in Game 4. One more win would have sent them to the World Series.Boston responded with four straight victories and completed the greatest comeback in MLB postseason history.The Red Sox later ended their championship drought by winning the World Series. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ collapse became one of baseball’s biggest embarrassments.MORE: Ranking the top 10 richest sports team owners in 20261. Buffalo Bills – Four Straight Super Bowl LossesBills quarterback Josh Allen celebrates a touchdown in a 38-10 win over the Raiders.No team represents sports heartbreak more than the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s. The Bills reached four straight Super Bowls from 1990 through 1993. They lost every single one.Their most painful defeat came in Super Bowl XXV against the New York Giants. Kicker Scott Norwood missed a potential game-winning field goal that became known as “Wide Right.”Buffalo finished those four Super Bowls with an 0-4 record. Instead of becoming a dynasty, the Bills became the symbol of repeated sports heartbreak.

Lionel Messi requested a substitution and was taken off in the 72nd minute on Sunday. Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/APLionel Messi exited Inter Miami’s wild 6-4 win against the Philadelphia Union early on Sunday night, a worrying sight for the Argentina side he captains in his last game before he joins up with the national team for the 2026 World Cup.Messi’s actions before being taken off did not appear to bother him and he was not limping when he came off the field. Amid a typical South Florida deluge, he had taken a free kick attempt in the 68th minute, and went on a dribbling run with an attempted through ball for an offside Ian Fray not long afterward with no apparent issue.He spent the next several minutes playing mostly at walking pace, before rolling his shorts up and signaling for a substitution to the Miami bench while standing next to the sideline. Messi exited the game and went straight down the tunnel in the 73rd minute.Multiple reports from observers at Nu Stadium said Messi was seen holding his leg, but this was not apparent on the broadcast at any point.It is highly unusual for Messi to be substituted out of a game for Inter Miami. The 38-year-old has played a full 90 minutes for every game in which he has appeared for Inter Miami this season, as well as the vast majority for which he was fit last season as Miami won MLS Cup.Related: $28.3m Messi is MLS’s top earner again, making more than twice as much as SonMessi’s health will be closely monitored in the coming days given his importance to Argentina’s World Cup title defense, which begins in 23 days against Algeria in Kansas City. Before that, La Albiceleste has friendlies against Honduras on 6 June and Iceland on 9 June. They close the World Cup group stage with matches against Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 27 June.Despite his stature with Argentina and globally as one of the game’s best-ever players, Messi had previously expressed some doubt he would be available for the 2026 World Cup, which begins in less than a month in the United States, Mexico and Canada.“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there,” Messi told NBC in an interview last year. “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter (and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.”Messi has been in his usual great for Miami this season, scoring 12 goals and adding seven assists in 14 appearances so far for the defending champions.

Avalanche vs. Golden Knights box score: Live stats from 2026 NHL Western Conference Finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Vegas Golden Knights can put the Colorado Avalanche on thin ice in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.The Golden Knights return home up 2-0 in the best of seven series. After two wins at Ball Arena in Denver, T-Mobile will be rocking. The Avs were previously 5-0 at home in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.However, the odds aren't in Colorado's favor. Teams with a 2-0 lead in a NHL best-of-7 series are 365-58 all-time, according to NHL.com. Only the 1945 Detroit Red Wings managed to rally from a 3-0 deficit. Avalanche 3, Golden Knights 320:00- 3rd PeriodAvalanche vs. Golden Knights live box score NHL Western Conference Finals Game 3 Colorado Avalanche PlayerGAPts+/-PIMTOIShiftSOGBlkHitsGATAFOWFOLFO%G. LandeskogLW101+1015:2014500003350.0N. MacKinnonC0110013:5713312215362.5M. NecasC011+1011:411220100000A. LehkonenLW0000011:211610000000N. KadriC101+2210:501430110000B. NelsonC000+2210:5014000004544.4N. RoyC000-109:0112110103537.5V. NichushkinRW000-108:341420200000P. KellyC011008:011200110000L. O'ConnorRW000-107:271120100000J. DruryC101007:0612101203442.9R. ColtonC000-105:50810300020.0PlayerGAPts+/-PIMTOIShiftSOGBlkHitsGATAFOWFOLC. MakarD000+1017:36172301000D. ToewsD022+1016:22212001100J. MansonD0110011:18150000000B. KulakD000-1010:39151101000B. BurnsD000+1210:07160002000S. MalinskiD000009:00142003000PlayerGASASVSV%S. WedgewoodG31512.800ScratchesJoel Kiviranta, Jack Ahcan, Nick Blankenburg, Zakhar Bardakov, Alex GagneVegas Golden KnightsPlayerGAPts+/-PIMTOIShiftSOGBlkHitsGATAFOWFOLFO%J. EichelC000-2015:4717101306554.5M. MarnerRW022-1015:391710120000P. DorofeyevRW000-1011:571320000000M. StoneRW101-2011:431230310000I. BarbashevLW000-1011:081200411000W. KarlssonC101+1011:0016200104357.1B. HowdenC000+1010:3515004001233.3T. HertlC011-1010:0912202103260.0N. DowdC000007:3811002002340.0C. SissonsC000007:3511100006275.0C. SmithLW000044:381100200000K. KolesarRW101+104:111010300010.0PlayerGAPts+/-PIMTOIShiftSOGBlkHitsGATAFOWFOLN. HanifinD000-1015:20182220000S. TheodoreD0000014:52210101000B. McNabbD0000014:45200120100R. AnderssonD000-1213:38190200000D. CoghlanD011+107:20120101000K. KorczakD011+106:21120110000PlayerGASASVSV%C. HartG32825.893ScratchesKai Uchacz, Trevor Connelly, Carl Lindbom, Braeden Bowman, Alexander Holtz, Brandon Saad, Raphael Lavoie, Akira Schmid, Jonas Rondbjerg, Reilly Smith, Jeremy Davies, Tanner Laczynski, Ben Hutton, Jaycob Megna, Jeremy LauzonMore NHL News4 intriguing Edmonton Oilers head coach targets5 items Maple Leafs GM John Chayka must address this summerJack Eichel, Chris Chelios are wrong about the history of Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs3 NHL free agent destinations for Buffalo Sabres' Alex TuchTeam Canada playing like they know there's more at stake than usual at 2026 World Championship

U.S. World Cup players have begun arriving in New York ahead of Tuesday’s roster announcement party, the first assembly of Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man squad before training camp opens Wednesday in Greater Atlanta.The leaked roster removed much of the intrigue surrounding Tuesday’s festivities. As players arrive in New York, attention has turned toward injuries, form and readiness for the World Cup.All but one foreign-based player have completed their respective seasons with honors, hot streaks, slumps or injury concerns. Major League Soccer’s delegation is at almost the midway point of a campaign that has paused seven weeks while the tournament consumes the sporting landscape.USMNT players arriving in formBack from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the March friendlies, midfielder Tyler Adams helped Bournemouth finish sixth in the Premier League and secure a place in European competition (second-tier Europa League) for the first time in the club’s 127-year history. He started three of the final four matches.Strikers Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi combined for 56 goals in 119 appearances (89 starts) across all competitions for Monaco, Coventry City and PSV Eindhoven, respectively.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentWright helped Coventry run away with the English Championship title and earn promotion to the Premier League after a 25-year absence. Pepi, who recovered from a forearm fracture in early 2026, was part of PSV Eindhoven’s third consecutive Eredivisie trophy.Right back Sergiño Dest rebounded from a two-month injury layoff to start PSV Eindhoven’s final two matches.PSV Eindhoven teammates Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest helped secure a third straight Eredivisie title and a return to the Champions League ahead of the World Cup.ANP via Getty ImagesDest and Pepi helped the Dutch side qualify for the Champions League. Right back Alex Freeman, Villarreal’s midseason acquisition, is also headed to the Champions League after the Spanish club took third in La Liga behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.Following compatriot Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Achilles tendon injury in October, center back Auston Trusty started almost every match for Celtic, which, in the past week, won both the Scottish Premiership for the fourth straight year and the FA Cup title.Midfielder Weston McKennie did it all for disappointing Juventus, playing almost every position while posting nine goals and six assists across all competitions. After Sunday’s kickoff was delayed an hour because of fan unrest outside Torino’s stadium, McKennie logged his 45th start in all competitions.Oft-injured left back Antonee Robinson not only played every minute of Fulham’s last four matches but received standout reviews — a positive development for a U.S. veteran who faced multiple setbacks in recent seasons.Vancouver midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (six goals, seven assists) and Columbus winger Max Arfsten (four, four) are performing at high levels in MLS.There also is, however, a blanket of murkiness settling over the roster.Key questions remain for Mauricio PochettinoChris Richards, an indispensable U.S. center back, suffered ligament damage to his left ankle last week, sidelining him for Crystal Palace’s Premier League finale vs. Arsenal on Sunday, casting doubt on his availability for Wednesday’s UEFA title game vs. Spain’s Rayo Vallecano and calling into question his fitness for the World Cup.Because of the Conference League, Richards is expected to miss roster festivities in New York and not report to U.S. camp until late in the week.Dating from December, Christian Pulisic has gone scoreless in 21 consecutive matches for club and country — the worst rut of his career. His last three AC Milan appearances came as a sub.Pochettino does not rely solely on Pulisic for goals, but he does need him in top form for the sport’s grandest competition.On Sunday, Pulisic entered at the start of the second half. Overall he appeared in 30 of 38 matches, with 18 starts, eight goals and four assists — a drop from 11 goals and nine assists last Serie A season and 12 and eight in 2023-24.With a 2-1 home loss to Cagliari, Milan fell from third place to fifth and missed out on the Champions League for the second straight year. (Four clubs advanced.) Instead, the Rossoneri will go to the Europa League.Gazzetta dello Sport, via Soccer America, said of Pulisic: "He hasn’t scored in five months, and his sad decline with the Rossoneri continues as he misses a couple of headed chances. A far cry from 'Captain America.‘“After squandering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Torino, McKennie and Juventus finished sixth and also settled for the Europa League.At the most suspect U.S. position, center backs Tim Ream (Charlotte) and Miles Robinson (Cincinnati) battled injuries this spring and, when available, did not perform at high levels. Ream played 90 minutes Saturday but, as part of managing his physical demands, Robinson was not in uniform.Midfielder Gio Reyna, who bobbed in and out of World Cup contention the past year, made the cut because Pochettino values his skill set and capacity for impacting a match on short notice. His first season at Mönchengladbach, though, was a disappointment: 19 appearances, four starts, 510 minutes, one goal and no assists.What comes next for the USMNTTuesday’s roster festivities will take place at Pier 17 in South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan, starting at 1 p.m. (Fan registration has closed.) Player introductions will start at 3 p.m ET, with TV coverage provided by Fox.That evening, the delegation will fly to Atlanta for workouts starting Wednesday.Friendlies are slated for next Sunday vs. Senegal in Charlotte and June 6 vs. Germany at sold-out Soldier Field in Chicago before the U.S. sets up World Cup base camp in Irvine, California.

This isn't the first injury scare Nathan MacKinnon has had of these playoffs, but given the must-win nature of Sunday's Game 3, Colorado Avalanche fans are rightfully worried about their star's health.During the second period of Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, MacKinnon blocked a shot off the right side of his knee while in the defensive zone. MacKinnon was down on the ice for a few moments in clear pain before being helped up by his teammates. He made his way to the Avalanche bench under his own power.MacKinnon stayed on the bench at first and took the ice for another shift, but with time winding down in the second period, the Avalanche star left for the locker room and was visibly limping on his way there.Play was blown dead as Nathan MacKinnon was in a TON of pain after blocking a shot and stayed down for a while 🤕 pic.twitter.com/WeV4516YLy— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 25, 2026MacKinnon has left the Avs bench visibly limping down the tunnel 😬 https://t.co/XG69uFeIuhpic.twitter.com/LAAmojjK6k— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 25, 2026We'll have to wait and see if MacKinnon returns for the start of the third period. The Avalanche and Golden Knights were tied 3-3 at the end of the second frame, with Vegas leading the series 2-0.This article originally appeared on For The Win: Nathan MacKinnon injury update: Avs star's status after leaving Game 3

Lionel Messi injury update: Inter Miami star grabs at leg, exits MLS game weeks before World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Lionel Messi is hoping for one last ride to a championship as he prepares for what is fully expected to be his last World Cup, but an apparent injury suffered Sunday night could throw a wrench into Argentina's plans.Messi grabbed at the back of his leg and asked for a substitute before walking off the field after a free kick against Philadelphia Union on Sunday.Inter Miami was playing its final game before the World Cup when Messi exited. The MLS season is set to break through July 16, beginning Monday.Here's what you need to know about Messi's injury and when his first World Cup game would be.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsLionel Messi injury updateMessi grabbed the back of his leg and asked for a substitute after a free kick during Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday night. He appeared to walk back without any significant limp.Lionel Messi took a free-kick and instantly grabbed the back of his leg, before leaving the match against the worst team in MLS in the 73rd minute.Worrying times for the legend ahead of the World Cup — which he has been doing extra training for.pic.twitter.com/Qo6R9lXIlI— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) May 25, 2026The back of the leg is where the hamstring is located, but Messi's exact injury wasn't immediately clear.Insider Fabrizio Romano reported Inter Miami will "assess" the injury, but the club hasn't yet provided an update.🚨⚠️ Leo Messi left the pitch with suspect injury during his last game for Inter Miami before the 2026 World Cup.Inter Miami staff to assess his issue. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/m5bw09nIam— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2026Inter Miami was even with Philadelphia in a high-scoring affair at the time of the injury but went on to win 6-4 after Messi's exit.MORE:Full schedule of games for Group J, featuring ArgentinaWhen does the World Cup begin?Argentina's World Cup journey is set to begin on June 16 with a match against Algeria in Kansas City. That's 23 days, or a little more than three weeks, from Sunday night's apparent injury.Argentina hasn't revealed its World Cup roster yet, but Messi is set to be a focal point of the squad even at this late stage of his international career.MORE:When will Argentina announce World Cup roster?How old is Lionel Messi?Messi is 38 years old and will turn 39 in June, right in the middle of group play during Argentina's World Cup run.Even as he nears 40, Messi is considered an outstanding player and is coming off back-to-back MLS MVP seasons. Messi fully expects this year's World Cup to be his last.

The UNC baseball squad fought its way to the ACC Championship on Sunday afternoon, looking to capture its second-consecutive conference tournament crown.Despite massive wins on Friday and Saturday, North Carolina failed to finish the job on Sunday, losing 13-6 to Georgia Tech, arguably the best team in college baseball.Several Diamond Heels (45-11-1, 22-8 ACC) shined amongst all the ACC stars, though. UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner, outfielders Owen Hull and Rom Kellis V made the All-Tournament Team.Schaffner proved near impossible for opposing pitchers to retire, going 6-for-12 with three walks, four runs, and four runs batted in. Schaffner's best game came during North Carolina's 13-5, ACC Semifinal win over Pitt, with four hits and two runs.Hull, UNC's best hitter during the regular season, continued to prove that moniker during his first-ever ACC Tournament. Across three games, Hull recorded six hits in 14 plate appearances, adding eight RBIs and three runs.Boys were ballin! 🔥Congrats to our trio that made the ACC Baseball All-Tournament Team. pic.twitter.com/qz2AoqwHJk— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) May 24, 2026Kellis played in just 26 regular season games, but is showing early signs of a postseason breakout star. Through the Diamond Heels' ACC Championship run, Kellis mashed 4-for-8 with seven RBI and two runs.Pitching is the hallmark of North Carolina's success, but lacked in the conference tournament. UNC didn't need an ACC Championship to make the NCAA Tournament, but will want its arms well-rested before the Regional Round.The good thing about three Diamond Heel hitters making All-Tournament team? It shows the bats are just as dangerous.Hits will be tougher to come by the deeper teams get into NCAA Tournament play, but with Hull, Schaffner and now Kellis leading the way, opposing pitchers are in for a treat.Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Baseball: Three Tar Heels make All-ACC Tournament team

Michael Carter II returned to Philadelphia this offseason on a reworked one-year deal that significantly reduced his 2026 salary cap number, but his roster value could ultimately stretch beyond cornerback. The Eagles are evaluating Carter II at safety, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio believes the former Jets defensive back possesses traits that could make the transition possible.Asked whether Carter II's nickel experience naturally translates to safety or whether the move is more about the individual player, Fangio pointed directly to Carter II's instincts and football awareness."I don't think it's the nickel position translating," Fangio said last Thursday. "That's an individual thing."Philadelphia acquired Carter II before last season's trade deadline, sending wide receiver John Metchie and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round selection. The move represented a longer-term investment. Carter II arrived with starting experience and contractual control after signing a three-year extension with New York before the trade, but his role never fully materialized during his first season in Philadelphia.The fifth-year defensive back appeared in limited action, logging 106 defensive snaps after arriving from New York. His biggest opportunities came during a Week 12 matchup against Dallas and the regular-season finale against Washington. Despite limited playing time, Fangio saw traits worth developing."He's an instinctive player," Fangio said. "I think he has a good feel for the game. What little he did play for us last year, he did show that."Those traits often determine whether defensive backs can handle moving deeper into the secondary. Safeties must process route combinations quickly, identify offensive tendencies, and react without hesitation. Fangio believes Carter II can handle the mental demands."I don't think he'll have a hard time learning the position mentally," Fangio said. "He's just got to go out there and be able to do it."Philadelphia is still in the early stages of evaluating the transition. Fangio noted that offseason work has primarily centered around walkthroughs and route recognition periods rather than full-speed competition."What we've been doing out there these last couple of weeks are just kind of walkthroughs and route pickups against other defensive players running the routes or even non-players," Fangio said. "I think we'll know early whether he's got the feel for it or not."Only Fangio and executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman know exactly how Philadelphia views Carter II moving forward. The financial restructuring suggested the Eagles still see value. The position experimentation may reveal where that value fits best. Philadelphia enters 2026 with one of the NFL's deeper secondaries after adding Riq Woolen to a group already featuring Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.If Carter II proves capable of handling safety responsibilities, Fangio could gain another versatile defensive piece in a secondary built increasingly around flexibility and matchup options.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' DC Vic Fangio is intrigued by Michael Carter II safety switch