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Several WNBA bench players are making strong cases for the Sixth Player of the Year award midway through the 2025 season. While no single player is definitively ahead, three standouts deserve recognition for their impactful performances. Jade Melbourne (Washington Mystics) is enjoying her best WNBA season after a stellar WNBL campaign with Canberra, where she averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. Coming off the bench for Washington, she has started only four games but consistently displays her all-around game in 23 minutes per contest, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while setting the pace for the Mystics' second unit. Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream) also benefited from significant WNBL playing time, averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Southside Flyers. Back with Atlanta, she now plays 20 minutes per game off the bench, averaging 7.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her improved numbers, despite moving from a starter last season, highlight her valuable contribution to the Dream's second unit. Jessica Shepard (Minnesota Lynx) demonstrated her capability as a focal point during EuroBasket Women, leading the competition in points (22.7) and rebounds (11.3) for Slovenia. Her return to the Lynx after a year away has been impactful; her season averages of 6.7 points and 6.4 rebounds surpass her career numbers. Shepard's strong play off the bench is a significant factor in the Lynx leading the league and being championship favorites.
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Real Madrid is strengthening its backcourt by signing Italian wing Gabriele Procida, as reported by Chema de Lucas. The 23-year-old rejected an offer from Virtus Bologna to join the Spanish club. Procida demonstrated significant growth during his third EuroLeague season with ALBA Berlin, averaging 9.7 points and 2.2 rebounds across 26 games. His performance earned him the 2024 EuroLeague Rising Star award. With ALBA Berlin exiting the EuroLeague to join the FIBA Champions League, Procida became a highly sought free agent. Real Madrid acted swiftly to secure the explosive wing, adding him to their offseason acquisitions that already include Theo Maledon and David Kramer. Selected 36th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Procida began his professional career in Italy with Cantù and Fortitudo Bologna before transitioning to the EuroLeague stage.
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Steph Curry, known as both an NBA superstar and avid golfer, has arrived in Lake Tahoe to participate in the American Century Championship golf tournament, as reported by Golf Digest on July 9th. On Saturday night, Curry posted an update on his Instagram from the tournament, captioning "Day 2 in the books. Let’s finish strong." The post garnered 60,000 likes within one hour. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, a longtime rival and friend of Curry, commented on the post with seven fire emojis "🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥". James' comment received over 600 likes in an hour. This interaction follows James' recent announcement on July 4th that he is taking up golf. He described his experience humorously on Instagram, calling golf a "mind f**k" but stating he enjoyed that aspect, acknowledging he has "a long ass way to go" at the sport. James shared a video of his swing and asked friends when they would play again.
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NBA reporters are gathering information at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Following Friday night events where both were seeking league intel, the reporter was startled by colleague Marc Stein, who was focused on his phone. The article will focus on the most discussed free agent news currently at the Summer League. It will provide vital updates regarding players Bradley Beal and Chris Paul. Additionally, the report will include numerous other significant items from the reporters' notebooks.
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Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers declared during a Summer League interview that the NBA currently has significant parity, stating, "I don’t think the NBA has been more open to anybody winning a title in 20 years." He believes this level of competitiveness is the best the league has seen since the early 2000s. Rivers supports his declaration by pointing out the lack of repeat champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. The last six NBA champions have all been different teams: the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (again, but not consecutively), Denver Nuggets, and Boston Celtics. This marks the first time in NBA history that there hasn't been a repeat champion within such a timeframe. Rivers views this constant turnover of champions as a positive development for the league. While acknowledging it makes achieving a repeat or three-peat much harder, and some might argue it diminishes historic rivalries, he contends that the unpredictability of which new team will win next increases overall intrigue. He sees the current widespread competitiveness as beneficial for the NBA's future.
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Mikal Bridges has been eligible to sign a four-year, $156.2 million extension with the New York Knicks since the end of the 2025 NBA Finals. The lack of an agreement after a month could indicate a problem, but it might also be Bridges strategically ensuring he won't be traded mid-season to the Milwaukee Bucks, a scenario linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks reportedly remain hopeful of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available, despite his noncommittal statements about his future. Bridges could be a crucial part of any trade package for Giannis, as the Knicks lack first-round picks to offer and the Bucks would value players who keep them competitive post-Giannis. Signing an extension now would make Bridges untradeable for six months. However, if he signs by August 5, 2025, the six-month trade restriction would lift before the projected February 5, 2026, trade deadline, making him eligible to be dealt next season. If Bridges signs the extension on August 6 or later, he would be ineligible for a trade during the entire 2025-26 season, guaranteeing he stays in New York. Players are known to consider such timing strategies, as demonstrated by Lauri Markkanen's deal with the Utah Jazz. While the Knicks could withdraw the extension offer or not offer one, both options are risky. Leaving Bridges unsigned risks him entering unrestricted free agency in 2026, where he could become the most sought-after player and command a much larger contract, potentially exceeding $200 million for four years instead of the current $156.2 million. Therefore, it benefits the 28-year-old Bridges to delay signing until after August 5 to secure his position for the season, and it benefits the Knicks to allow him to sign whenever to avoid a potentially more expensive contract next summer. The Knicks accept that this timing might complicate a midseason pursuit of Giannis, acknowledging they cannot guarantee Giannis will be available anyway.
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The Connecticut Sun (3-17) will face the Los Angeles Sparks (6-14) on Sunday, July 13 at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking their first matchup this season. The game will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston with commentators Brendan Glasheen and Terrika Foster-Brasby and will also be available for streaming on WNBA League Pass. In their previous game on Friday night, the Sun lost to the Seattle Storm 79-65 on the road. Tina Charles led the team with her second consecutive double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. This performance allowed her to surpass 8,000 career points, joining Diana Taurasi as the only players in WNBA history to achieve this milestone. Rookie guard Saniya Rivers tied her career-high with 12 points, adding two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. This game marked her ninth consecutive game with at least one steal and her 11th game this season with two or more steals.
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Angel Reese criticized spreading false information for attention, calling it "nasty work," after sports commentator Robert Griffin III claimed someone from her inner circle told him she "hates" Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Reese did not name Griffin in her social media post but strongly implied she was responding to him, stating, "Lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work." This followed Griffin's post condemning a racist tweet about Reese, who was recently announced as the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover star. Griffin asserted that he had been quiet about Reese previously because a video she shared led to death threats against his family. However, he claimed, "I never attacked her or her family when I stated and backed up with clear basketball evidence that Angel Reese hates Caitlin Clark," adding that "people in Angel’s inner circle called me and told me I was right," attributing the supposed animosity to media comparisons. Griffin insisted his stance was not about race. Reese's mother, Angel Webb Reese, directly refuted Griffin's claims on social media. She stated that the narrative of a personal feud between her daughter and Clark is "a media/fandom made up beef" and challenged Griffin's assertion about someone from Reese's circle contacting him, writing, "My daughter’s ‘circle’ is so small & tight so I’d be interested 2 know who called U... Whomever U say ‘called’ U is not in her circle." She told Griffin to "stay on that side" as "the doors are closed over here." The article notes that Clark (drafted #1 by the Fever in 2024) and Reese (drafted #7 by the Sky) have consistently described their relationship as purely competitive, with nothing personal off the court. Their rivalry gained prominence after Reese's "you can’t see me" gesture towards Clark during LSU's win over Iowa in the 2023 NCAA championship game. Griffin faced backlash for reposting the racist tweet depicting Reese as a monkey. While he unequivocally condemned the racism – stating "Angel Reese or any Black man or woman should never be called or depicted as a Monkey. Ever" and "There is no place for racism in this world" – he doubled down on his claim about Reese's inner circle. In a subsequent tweet, he insisted, "I spoke up in support of Angel Reese against racism not to start drama," but maintained the truth of his claims, advising Reese to "tighten up your circle."
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The NBA Summer League is underway in Las Vegas, providing an opportunity for franchises to evaluate their players. Among the participants is Terrence Shannon Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who played a prominent role in the opening game. Shannon enters the Summer League following a rookie season with limited playing time (32 games, 1 start), averaging 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 35.5% from three-point range. Despite showing potential, the Timberwolves' depth restricted his opportunities, leading many fans to advocate for more minutes. The article emphasizes that the 2025 Summer League represents a critical proving ground for Shannon. A strong performance is seen as essential for him to secure a consistent role in the Timberwolves' rotation and avoid assignment to the G-League. Shannon made a significant impact in the Timberwolves' opening Summer League victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He scored 20 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. While his three-point shooting was lower (22.2%), his overall skill set impressed. The standout aspects of Shannon's game were his ability to create his own space using handles and quick moves, his scoring versatility (shooting from range or driving), and his playmaking. He effectively drew defenders and dished the ball to open teammates, demonstrating excellent court vision with cross-court passes. With minutes and production previously filled by players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker now available, the article positions Shannon as the leading candidate to claim that role based on his Summer League performance, suggesting he is proving he belongs at the NBA level.
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Caitlin Clark, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game captain for 'Team Clark', is experiencing a statistical regression in her sophomore season. Her scoring average has decreased to 17.4 points per game from 19.2 PPG as a rookie. Clark's true shooting percentage, which accounts for two-pointers, three-pointers, and free throws, has fallen significantly from 58.3% to 51.3%, a drop of 70 percentage points. Her Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has also declined from 18.3 to 16.5. Clark's struggles have been noticed by the betting market, resulting in her point prop for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Dream being set at 18.5, lower than the usual 19.5, with heavy betting interest on the Under. Contributing factors include injuries that have caused her to miss nine games this season. In her first game back after a hiatus of over two weeks, a loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Clark scored only 10 points on 33.3% shooting. The article highlights concerns beyond scoring, noting that the Indiana Fever have a record of just 5-5 in games Clark plays. Despite having the third-highest usage rate in the WNBA, Clark averages a league-worst 5.7 turnovers per game, which is 2.1 more than the next closest player (Angel Reese). This raises the possibility that if Clark isn't fully healthy for the Dream game, she could negatively impact the Fever's performance. Betting market trends further reflect skepticism about the Fever's prospects. Indiana opened as -130 favorites against Atlanta but the line moved down to -115, interpreted as sharp money favoring the Dream. The Fever also have a poor record against the spread (ATS) as home favorites this season, going 2-6, making betting against them (fading) at home a profitable strategy.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder, after winning 68 regular-season games and the NBA championship in 2025 with a historically great net rating and deep roster, opted for a conservative free agency focused on retaining their core. They secured massive long-term extensions for their three young stars: reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4-year supermax up to $285M through 2030-31), All-NBA player Jalen Williams (5-year rookie max extension up to $287M), and Chet Holmgren (5-year max rookie extension worth $250M). This locks in their core trio (ages 26, 24, and 23) and positions them as a potential dynasty. Despite maintaining their championship roster, the Thunder failed to address a significant weakness identified during their title run: the lack of a strong, physical center. While Chet Holmgren is praised for his mobility, versatility, and elite help-side rim protection, his slender frame (208 pounds) makes him vulnerable to being overpowered in the post by larger, dominant centers like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, or Jonas Valančiūnas, especially in the physical context of a playoff series. The article suggests the front office may be overlooking this vulnerability by not acquiring a true interior enforcer.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year supermax contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the final year of this deal (2030-31), he is projected to earn $79 million, amounting to over $963,000 per game, bringing him close to becoming the first NBA player with a million-dollar-per-game contract. This unprecedented salary level is driven by two key factors: the NBA's supermax extension (designated veteran extension) and a rapidly rising salary cap. The supermax, created in 2017, allows eligible players (7-8 years experience, same team, meeting awards criteria) to sign extensions starting at 35% of the salary cap. Gilgeous-Alexander is the 14th player to sign such a deal. "Basketball inflation" has significantly outpaced general inflation, causing the salary cap to surge. A decade ago, the cap was $63 million (approx. $85 million adjusted for inflation), but it reached $141 million for 2024-25. Salaries are set to rise even faster due to the NBA's new 11-year, $76 billion national TV deal ($7 billion per season), which is 2.6 times larger than the previous deal. This massive influx of TV money will profoundly impact the salary cap and supermax salaries. While the new CBA implemented "cap smoothing" to prevent a single massive spike (like the 34% jump that allowed Kevin Durant's signing), it allows for maximum annual cap increases of 10%. The cap is expected to increase by 10% next season, raising the supermax starting point by 10%, with a projected 7% increase in 2026-27. Compound increases could see the cap double from $150 million next season to over $300 million by 2033-34. The effect on supermax values is dramatic. Stephen Curry's first supermax started at $34.7 million (35% of a $99M cap) in 2017-18. It took 5 years for the supermax value to exceed $40 million, 3 more years to exceed $50 million, is projected to take 2 more years to reach $60 million, and only one additional projected year to surpass $70 million, showcasing the accelerating pace.
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The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will feature A'ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston as teammates on Team Clark, while Allisha Gray will play for the opposing Team Collier. The team selection occurred during a player draft held on Tuesday night. Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier, the top two vote-getters in the fan vote, served as team captains. They drafted their teams from the pool of eight remaining starters and twelve reserves, with Clark having the first overall pick. Clark selected Aliyah Boston first. Gray was Collier's second selection (fourth overall pick), and Clark subsequently selected Wilson. Team Clark consists of starters Aliyah Boston, A'ja Wilson, Satou Sabally, and Sabrina Ionescu, along with reserves Kelsey Mitchell, Gabby Williams, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Jackie Young, and Kayla Thornton. Team Collier includes starters Allisha Gray, Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, and Paige Bueckers, plus reserves Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, and Rhyne Howard. Aliyah Boston, in her third season, earns her third All-Star appearance. She was second in fan voting last season and fourth in 2022, becoming the eighth rookie to start an All-Star Game. Boston is averaging career-highs of 16.6 points and 3.5 assists, plus 8.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while leading the WNBA in field goal percentage at 59.7%. Allisha Gray is having a career season and is an All-Star starter for the first time, having been a reserve in 2023 and 2024. Last season, she won both the three-point contest and the skills challenge.
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The star witness whose testimony helped convict Ernesto Gonzalez for the 2011 killing of Hells Angels boss Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew has recanted, admitting he lied about the shooting being an assassination plot orchestrated by a rival motorcycle gang. Gonzalez received a life sentence for fatally shooting Pettigrew at a crowded Nevada casino, with the witness—Gary "Jabbers" Rudnick—having testified under a plea deal for leniency. Following Pettigrew's killing, another Hells Angel, Steve Tausan, was shot dead by colleague Steve Ruiz at Pettigrew's funeral. The dispute reportedly centered on whether Ruiz could have prevented Pettigrew's death during the casino altercation. Gonzalez maintains his innocence, claiming he fired in self-defense because Pettigrew and another associate were violently beating his partner. Legal experts note the recanted testimony complicates the case, highlighting concerns about witness reliability when testimony is exchanged for reduced sentences.
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Jeffrey Rodriguez of East San Jose, wrongfully imprisoned for five years for an armed robbery he didn't commit, is receiving a $1 million settlement from Santa Clara County. This payment serves as the closest form of amends he will receive, despite being found factually innocent after the charges were dismissed. The settlement brings the county's total payouts for wrongful convictions by the District Attorney's Office since 2005 to over $4.6 million. While acknowledging the money cannot compensate for missing five years of his son's life, enduring beatings in jail, or losing his girlfriend, Rodriguez plans to use it after legal fees to buy property in the Central Valley, assist family members who sold their home for his legal expenses, and open a barber shop. Rodriguez expressed no anger, stating he wants to be "free" and that he survived the ordeal through frequent phone calls to family from prison and religious faith, believing "God lets things happen for a reason." The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office referred inquiries about the settlement to the County Counsel's Office, which declined to comment. Importantly, the county is not admitting to any allegations made in the lawsuit, which included negligence, suppression of evidence, and witness tampering, by settling the case. The federal lawsuit detailed the case history: Rodriguez's first trial ended with an 11-1 jury vote for acquittal for the robbery at a Kragen auto parts loading dock. He was subsequently convicted in a second trial, but that conviction was later overturned by an appellate court due to ineffective assistance from his trial attorney. Prosecutors under then newly-elected District Attorney Dolores Carr ultimately decided against a third trial due to doubts about the victim's identification of Rodriguez and because the sole physical evidence – testimony about an oil stain analysis by the then-crime lab chief – was contradicted by outside analysts, including the state Department of Justice.
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The fantasy football handcuff report for Week 14 marks the final edition as most leagues enter playoffs. The author expresses gratitude to readers for following the weekly series over five years and hopes to return in 2025. Key injury news includes Christian McCaffrey (49ers) likely out for the season with a PCL injury. With Jordan Mason also on IR, Isaac Guerendo is expected to lead San Francisco's backfield touches. Running back handcuff situations across teams are analyzed: 1. Cardinals: An injury to James Conner would open opportunities for Trey Benson and Emari Demercado, with Demercado potentially preferred if the team stays in contention. 2. Falcons: Tyler Allgeier is considered one of the best handcuffs and should be rostered. 3. Ravens: Justice Hill is Derrick Henry's handcuff but is only a consideration in PPR formats. 4. Bills: Ray Davis would likely be the early-down back ahead of Ty Johnson if James Cook misses time, putting Davis on the fringe of rosterability. 5. Panthers: Jonathon Brooks is the direct backup to Chuba Hubbard. A Hubbard injury would make Brooks a potential league-winner. 6. Bears: Roschon Johnson is the preferred handcuff due to his short-yardage role and touchdown potential. 7. Bengals: Chase Brown is viewed as a potential league-winner in Cincinnati's offense. Khalil Herbert would be the backup if Brown were the starter. 8. Browns: Jerome Ford is a solid, if unspectacular, option if Nick Chubb misses time. 9. Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott is not recommended for rosters even if Rico Dowdle gets injured, as Dowdle has looked good and has favorable matchups. 10. Broncos: The entire Denver backfield, including Javonte Williams, is advised to be avoided due to lack of production and unclear roles.
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The New York Liberty, despite starting the season 9-0 as defending champions, have encountered significant challenges since June 10th, now holding a 12-6 record. Key issues include Leonie Fiebich's absence for several weeks due to EuroBasket participation and, more critically, center Jonquel Jones (2024 Finals MVP) suffering an ankle injury on June 5th that has kept her out for nine games so far. With Jones still out and Fiebich only recently returning, the team has struggled with consistency. Coach Sandy Brondello highlighted the impact of Jones' absence following a recent home loss to Seattle, stating opponents effectively switch against them and the team's confidence has wavered. Despite the struggles, the team maintains perspective. They have three games left before the All-Star break (for which Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu were voted starters) and hope Jones can return afterward. Ionescu emphasized strong team morale, attributing losses to missing pieces rather than internal division, and stressed the focus is on finding ways to win without pointing fingers. Their next game is hosting the Las Vegas Aces. In other WNBA news, the Minnesota Lynx (previously ranked #1) recovered from an offensive slump in the non-standings Commissioner's Cup final loss to win their subsequent home games against Washington, Golden State, and Chicago. The Phoenix Mercury (previously ranked #2) suffered back-to-back losses but rebounded strongly with a decisive win over Dallas, led by Sami Whitcomb's 36 points and an Alyssa Thomas triple-double, despite missing Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper due to injury. This win showcased their improving depth. Furthermore, sources indicate longtime Mercury player DeWanna Bonner is set to sign with Phoenix after being waived by Indiana. The Las Vegas Aces (previously ranked #3) are set to play Minnesota, Golden State, Indiana, and New York in their upcoming schedule.
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The Meralco Bolts will be without point guards Baser Amer and Mike Tolomia for two weeks during the PBA Governors' Cup, as both players join the Gilas cadets team for the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur from August 18-30. They depart for Malaysia on Friday, forcing them to miss Meralco's game against the Phoenix Fuel Masters that same day at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Though Meralco only has one scheduled game during the SEA Games window, the absence of Amer and Tolomia will impact the team significantly, particularly after their recent 100-94 loss to NLEX—their first defeat in five tournament games. Head coach Norman Black acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Obviously, it’s gonna hurt us in our game against Phoenix." The team faces additional setbacks with forward Cliff Hodge sidelined due to a severe ankle sprain and assistant coach Jimmy Alapag also absent as part of the Gilas cadets' coaching staff. Black emphasized the necessity of these sacrifices for national duty, noting, "It’s for the country so we have to deal with it... I’m very proud that we have two players in the national team." Following the Phoenix matchup, Meralco enters a three-week break before resuming play against TnT Katropa on September 6.
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Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated Arellano University 84-72 in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Elite Eight at Ynares Sports Arena. MAC Belo led FEU with 23 points, including 13 in the decisive fourth quarter, while Mike Tolomia contributed 16 points—nine scored consecutively during a critical stretch. Carl Cruz added 15 points for the Tamaraws. FEU, starting Belo, Tolomia, Cruz, Achie Inigo, and Raymar Jose, improved to a 1-1 record after previously losing to the University of San Carlos (74-88). Coach Nash Racela stated he retained the same lineup from the prior game, noting players confirmed their readiness. Key runs secured FEU's victory: Belo scored five straight points in a 12-2 surge that gave FEU a 61-55 lead, followed by Tolomia's personal 9-0 rally extending the advantage to 73-58. Arellano's Jiovani Jalalon top-scored with 26 points, supported by Dioncee Holts (14) and Michael Salado (12), as the team suffered its second loss in three games. The quarter scores were 14-22, 33-35, 61-56, and 84-72. FEU's scoring included Pogoy and Jose with 7 each, while Arellano's Nicholls and Gumaru added 5 apiece.
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The WNBA features several inspiring couples who formed through shared basketball careers, with their relationships thriving both on and off the court. These partnerships often begin as teammates or college connections, benefiting from mutual understanding of the professional athletic lifestyle. Notable couples include DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, who grew close after Bonner joined Thomas' team, the Connecticut Sun, in 2020, leading to their engagement in 2023. NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington, former Baylor teammates, reunited professionally with the Dallas Wings in 2025 before Smith was traded to the Aces later that year. New York Liberty's Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison confirmed their relationship in 2025, with Cloud crediting Harrison for bringing calm and focus to her life. Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, longtime friends since high school basketball camps and UConn teammates, went public as a couple in 2025 after Bueckers became the WNBA Draft's top pick. Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, former Chicago Sky teammates turned wives, made history as the first married couple to win a professional sports championship. They married in 2018 and welcomed their first child in 2025. Breanna Stewart and Marta Xargay Casademont met playing overseas in Russia; they bonded after Stewart's injury, marrying and having a child via surrogate in 2021, with Xargay Casademont retiring while Stewart continued her decorated career. Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor, Phoenix Mercury teammates for over a decade and three-time champions, married in 2017 after Taylor's retirement. They have two children, with Taylor later serving as an assistant coach while Taurasi extended her record-breaking playing career.
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Lexi Donarski is beginning her professional basketball career in Hungary with TFSE-MTK after completing a five-year college career split between Iowa State (three seasons, 2020-23) and North Carolina (two seasons, 2023-25). Despite having earned her MBA, she has chosen to pursue basketball over a business career, at least for the immediate future. In interview highlights, Donarski explained her initial choice to play for Iowa State, citing her family's long-time fandom, the program's known players, and the exceptional game atmosphere, noting Iowa State's consistent top-three national attendance for women's basketball. She had attended games her whole life, participated in their elite camps since seventh grade, played in front of their coaches for years, and ultimately wanted to be part of the program and play for their fan base. Her reasons for transferring to North Carolina for her final two seasons were multifaceted: she graduated from Iowa State in three years and wanted to pursue her MBA, an opportunity not available to her there; she desired to move out of the Midwest and experience something new; and the chance to attend a great business school like UNC's was a major factor.
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On July 6, 2025, Luke Kornet expressed his admiration for NBA legend Tim Duncan, stating, "I just hope to be a third of the player that Tim Duncan was." The Los Angeles Clippers are reported as the frontrunners to sign Bradley Beal, according to rumors dated July 8, 2025.
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Liv Sanson, the 16-year-old daughter of Lavington Panthers stalwart Tim Sanson, has fulfilled her long-held dream of playing for the club by making her A-grade netball debut this season. Growing up immersed in the Panthers environment, she vividly recalls watching the netballers train while her father attended football practice. Sanson received her first A-grade call-up in round seven against North Albury. Despite initial nerves, she performed strongly, shooting 28 goals to help secure victory for the Panthers. She adjusted to the higher level, finding it challenging but within her capabilities after settling into the game. Having started the season in C-grade as goal shooter, Sanson has transitioned to playing goal attack in A-grade alongside Maddy Plunkett. She has now gained experience competing against top teams like Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, including facing quality defenders such as Sarah Senini, which she describes as a valuable experience.
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The 2025 NBA offseason has been exceptionally active within its first week, featuring significant trades such as Kevin Durant, Desmond Bane, and CJ McCollum changing teams. More high-profile moves are anticipated before the 2025-26 season begins, driven by both free agency and potential blockbuster trades. Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite recent rumors subsiding, could still be available for trade later in the summer if the Milwaukee Bucks fail to demonstrate they can return to title contention. According to Shams Charania on ESPN's Get Up, this scenario opens the door for the San Antonio Spurs to make a compelling offer without including their recent No. 2 pick, Dylan Harper. The Spurs possess a substantial package of draft picks, promising young players, and tradable veteran contracts to entice the Bucks. A specific proposed trade framework involves the Spurs acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Bucks would receive Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle, a 2027 first-round pick (via Atlanta), a 2029 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick swap (with Sacramento), a 2032 first-round pick swap, and three second-round picks. The exact details, such as the number of picks or potential inclusion of players like Carter Bryant, could be adjusted, but this structure presents a viable path for both teams. This trade would create a formidable duo of Giannis and Victor Wembanyama for the Spurs, combining unparalleled length, athleticism, and complementary skills like Wembanyama's outside shooting and Giannis' driving ability. Their defensive range and pick-and-roll potential would be extraordinary, justifying the massive cost of four first-rounders, three seconds, the reigning rookie of the year (Castle), and tradeable wings.
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Legendary Serbian point guard Milos Teodosic has announced his retirement from basketball at the age of 38. Teodosic, regarded as one of basketball's greatest passers, began his professional career in 2004. He played for clubs including Olympiacos Piraeus, CSKA Moscow, the Los Angeles Clippers, Virtus Bologna, and most recently Crvena Zvezda, where he spent his final two seasons. During his 21-year career, Teodosic achieved numerous accolades: winning the EuroLeague championship in 2016, being named EuroLeague MVP in 2010, and earning silver medals with Serbia at the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, and EuroBasket. He was also selected to the EuroLeague All-Decade Team and won multiple domestic titles in Serbia, Greece, Italy, and Russia. Teodosic released a retirement statement addressed to "Dear friends, respected basketball fans and connoisseurs," marking the conclusion of his illustrious career.
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The EuroCup Women Semi-Finals feature two matchups played over two legs, with the highest-seeded team enjoying home advantage in the second leg. The games are scheduled for Thursday, March 6 and Thursday, March 13. In the first Semi-Final, Sopron Basket, aiming for their first EuroCup title after winning EuroLeague Women, enters with strong form (10 wins from 12 games). They face Villeneuve d'Ascq LM, the 2014 champions, who are currently on a roll after tough matchups. A key individual battle is Jacinta Monroe (Sopron) vs Aminata Gueye (Villeneuve). The 'X-Factor' is seen as which team implements the strongest defensive strategy to contain the other's high-scoring offense. Statistically, Villeneuve dominates points in the paint (40.3 ppg vs Sopron's 25.3) and offensive rebounds (13 per game vs Sopron's 8.5). The second Semi-Final pits LDLC ASVEL Feminin, seeking a second title in three editions, against rookie underdogs BAXI Ferrol. ASVEL, having eliminated strong teams, features the in-form teenage duo of Dominique Malonga and Juste Jocyte. Ferrol continues their surprising run, fueled by players like Angela Mataix and Gala Mestres. A key matchup is Claire Melia (Ferrol) vs Dominique Malonga (ASVEL). While Malonga and Jocyte draw attention, veteran Julie Wojta (ASVEL) is highlighted as a potential 'X-Factor' due to her all-around play and strong shooting. Statistically, the teams are very closely matched, but ASVEL holds a clear advantage in transition scoring (19.5 fast break points per game vs Ferrol's 12.2), while Ferrol averages more second-chance points (14.5 vs opponents' 9.5).
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The NBA MVP race for the 2026 season appears wide open, despite early favorites existing for Rookie of the Year and the Finals. Voters are likely to choose between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) once again. Jokic (MVP in 2021, 2022, 2024) and SGA (MVP in 2025) have won the award in four of the last five seasons. Furthermore, they finished as the top two vote-getters in each of the last two seasons. Jokic has been either MVP or runner-up for five consecutive seasons, while SGA is aiming for his third straight top-two finish. Gilgeous-Alexander secured the 2025 MVP after an outstanding individual regular season (32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds per game), but the Thunder's impressive 64-18 record was a significant factor in his win over Jokic. Despite not winning MVP in 2025, Jokic posted career-best numbers in scoring (29.6 ppg) and assists (10.2 apg), along with 12.7 rebounds per game, leading the Nuggets to a 50-32 record. These numbers surpassed his stats from any of his three MVP-winning seasons. The 2025 playoffs demonstrated both that SGA was deserving of his MVP and that the Oklahoma City Thunder possessed an exceptional supporting cast unmatched in the league. This context suggests that if Jokic comes close to replicating his historic 2024-25 performance in the 2025-26 season, he is likely to secure his fourth MVP award. While betting on the 30-year-old Jokic carries some risk of decline in his 11th season, he is currently considered the best and safest bet for the 2026 MVP, particularly at the +225 odds offered by BetMGM.
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