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The New York Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart and Leonie Fiebich, staged a remarkable 19-point comeback to defeat the Atlanta Dream. Trailing 34-15 midway through the second quarter due to strong play from Atlanta's Brittney Griner, Allisha Gray, and Maya Caldwell, the Liberty surged back. Stewart and Fiebich powered the rally, with New York outscoring Atlanta 48-30 over the final 20 minutes to secure the victory at home. Despite shooting poorly overall (38.5% from the field, 32.1% from three-point range), the Liberty compensated effectively. They generated 24 assists and forced Atlanta into 15 turnovers. Stewart recorded a double-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. Fiebich led the team in scoring with 21 points and added four rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu contributed nine points and five assists. This comeback win improves the Liberty's record to 14-6, solidifying their top position in the Eastern Conference standings. They now hold a 1.5-game lead over the Dream and a 3.5-game lead over the Indiana Fever. Riding a two-game win streak, the Liberty remain at home for their next two games, hosting the Indiana Fever on July 16th at 7:30 p.m. ET and again on July 22nd at 8 p.m. ET.
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Singer-actress Coco Jones and NBA star Donovan Mitchell are engaged. The couple announced their engagement on social media on Friday, sharing photos and videos from the proposal moment. Mitchell was captured getting down on one knee at a tropical resort location featuring palm trees, a pool, and ocean views. The engagement news surprised many fans due to the couple's history of keeping their relationship private. A representative confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitchell proposed while the couple was on vacation, after two years of dating. Mitchell shared a photo of the couple together and a video of the proposal on his social media, featuring Jones's song "You." Jones also posted a photo of the couple on her account. They received congratulations from numerous figures, including WNBA legend Candace Parker and R&B singer Ella Mai. Jones had confirmed in February that she and Mitchell were dating. Rumors about their relationship began circulating in September 2024 after they were seen holding hands at an Usher concert in Las Vegas, which Jones later acknowledged playfully, saying the internet had "clocked my tea." Mitchell recently completed the NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them achieve the Eastern Conference's best record (64-18) while averaging 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. After the Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs, Mitchell mentioned taking time off and "going on tour" with "good music," potentially hinting at joining Jones on tour for her debut studio album.
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The Phoenix Mercury franchise has featured impactful players who hold significant records, with Diana Taurasi being the franchise's and WNBA's all-time leading scorer. Penny Taylor holds the Mercury's franchise record for career 3-point percentage at 40%. She began her WNBA career with the Cleveland Rockers in 2001 before joining Phoenix as the first pick in the 2004 dispersal draft after Cleveland folded. In her first season with Phoenix (2004), Taylor averaged 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and shot nearly 43% from three-point range. Her 2005 stats were similar, averaging 13.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 40% from deep. Playing for the Mercury from 2004 to 2016, Taylor peaked during their first championship season, averaging 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and nearly 38% from three. She shot 40% or better from three-point range in six of her ten Phoenix seasons and was consistently close to that mark in others. Taylor remains the franchise's all-time leader in 3-point percentage and ranks third in total 3-pointers made (316) behind Taurasi (1,447) and DeWanna Bonner (373). Her percentage record is likely to endure as no active Mercury players on the franchise's top three-point list remain with the team.
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TNT Tropang 5G narrowly defeated the San Miguel Beermen 99-96 in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 13, despite squandering a 24-point lead. The victory came amidst a controversial finish. The game's turning point occurred in the final minute. San Miguel big man Mo Tautuaa appeared to give his team a 98-97 lead with 56 seconds left after a pump fake drew a foul and his missed dunk attempt bounced in. However, officials later overturned the basket after a review prompted by a jump ball situation with 6.2 seconds remaining. They ruled it offensive interference because Tautuaa pulled down the rim before the ball went through the net. Following the overturned basket, TNT's Calvin Oftana sank two crucial free throws with 3.6 seconds left to seal the win. San Miguel's CJ Perez had a chance to tie the game but missed a contested three-pointer. TNT coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the overturned call was pivotal, stating they believed it looked like offensive interference and were fortunate it was reversed. He also noted his team anticipated San Miguel's significant fourth-quarter comeback. The Beermen, trailing 74-92, mounted a 19-0 run led by June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Don Trollano to take a 93-92 lead before Roger Pogoy hit a three-pointer to put TNT back ahead 97-96, setting up the controversial ending.
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Klay Thompson appeared to publicly confirm his relationship with Megan Thee Stallion by sharing a photo with the rapper on his Instagram account over the weekend. This followed fan speculation about their romance after Thompson was spotted in the background of Megan Thee Stallion's Instagram post earlier in the week. Thompson's relationship reveal attracted significant social media attention, including responses from fellow NBA players Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson. Robinson humorously commented on the post, joking that Thompson should change his Instagram handle to Kevin Durant's "@easymoneysniper" moniker due to his "accuracy" in dating. The article clarifies that an initial claim about Durant commenting was incorrect—it originated from a verified fan account—and has been corrected to focus on other reactions. The post also revisits Thompson's history with Durant, noting they won two championships together during three seasons with the Golden State Warriors. Both now play in the NBA's Western Conference—Thompson with the Dallas Mavericks and Durant with the Houston Rockets—setting up potential competitive matchups. The Mavericks secured top draft pick Cooper Flagg, while the Rockets improved with Durant's addition, potentially positioning both teams as playoff contenders who might face each other in postseason play.
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Elon Musk's social media platform X has reduced subscription fees in India by up to 48%, with revised pricing details now available for users. A new mobile phone scam has emerged that can compromise devices without requiring any user clicks, prompting warnings and prevention tips. At the trailer launch of "Son of Sardaar 2," actor Ravi Kishan emotionally recalled working alongside the late Mukul Dev, mentioning their 40-day collaboration before his sudden passing. South India will soon host its first Penguin Park in an unspecified state, with construction costs disclosed, joining two other Indian states that already feature similar attractions. Ajay Devgn addressed the Hindi-Marathi language debate using one of his iconic film dialogues during a public statement. In the IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 2, Jasprit Bumrah claimed a historic five-wicket haul to dismantle England, while KL Rahul's half-century steered India to 145/3 by stumps. Anupam Kher commented on Diljit Dosanjh's collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in "Sardaar Ji 3," emphasizing that loyalty should prioritize art and humanity. Union Minister Chirag Paswan received a death threat amid preparations for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The film "Aap Jaisa Koi," starring R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, receives mixed reviews praising their nuanced performances in a thought-provoking romance but criticizing its disjointed narrative. An unnamed country has set a new world record for fastest internet speed, surpassing the US, enabling seamless 8K broadcast capabilities. A viral half-printed resume with a humorous message about printer malfunctions has sparked widespread laughter online. Karan Johar condemned online trolls who speculated about his health following significant weight loss, sarcastically quoting their exaggerated claims. An ex-RCB teammate revealed why Virat Kohli will skip the India-England Lord's Test despite residing in London, though the specific reason remains undisclosed. Details emerge about Radhika Yadav’s father owning a licensed revolver and luxury Gurugram farmhouse, with an acquaintance noting his substantial monthly income and suggesting such assets are exclusive to certain individuals. England's Joe Root made cricket history during the IND vs ENG Test by breaking Rahul Dravid's all-time record for most catches in Test matches. Netizens panned "Maalik X," starring Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar, as a "disaster of epic proportions" with particular criticism directed at its "awful climax."
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Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill has commenced his term as Chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee for the 2025-26 season. His appointment follows the committee's summer meeting in Savannah, Ga. This role marks the fifth and final year of Gill's five-year tenure on the committee, which started in the 2021-22 season. He previously served as the committee's Vice Chair during the 2024-25 campaign. The committee's primary responsibility is selecting, seeding, and bracketing the teams for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, commonly known as March Madness. The 87th championship will conclude with the Men's Final Four on April 4 and 6, 2025, in Indianapolis, hosting the event for the ninth time. Indianapolis will host additional major events that Final Four weekend. The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, April 2, at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The NIT championship game and the NCAA Division II and III national championship games will follow on Sunday, April 5, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The 2025-26 committee members include newly-elected Vice Chair Martin Newton (Samford), Mark Coyle (Minnesota), Irma Garcia (Manhattan), Stu Jackson (West Coast Conference), Arthur Johnson (Temple), Zack Lassiter (Abilene Christian), Lee Reed (Georgetown), Chad Weiberg (Oklahoma State), John Wildhack (Syracuse), and Tom Wistrcill (Big Sky Conference).
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The Golden State Warriors have been placed in a challenging "Group of Death" for the NBA Cup's group stage, alongside the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers. This draw is particularly difficult because the Rockets and Nuggets are considered two of the top Western Conference contenders behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets, who finished the season with the conference's second-best record and defeated the Warriors in the playoffs, strengthened their roster this offseason by adding Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela without losing core players. The Nuggets, who pushed the Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals, improved their depth with additions like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valančiūnas. Furthermore, the group includes two potential Western Conference sleepers: the Spurs and the Trail Blazers. The Spurs are optimistic about the development of their young core, including Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell. The Trail Blazers focused on bolstering their emerging defense by acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday this offseason. While the Warriors' ultimate goals for the 2025-26 season extend far beyond winning the in-season tournament, the NBA Cup provides early high-intensity competition. Being in this tough group offers the Warriors opportunities to gauge themselves against key Western Conference rivals early in the regular season. A strong performance could boost their confidence, while struggles might prompt General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to pursue more aggressive trades before the deadline.
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The Atlanta Hawks made significant moves at the start of free agency, signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million deal via sign-and-trade (sending a 2027 2nd-round pick to Minnesota) and Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million deal. They also previously acquired an unprotected first-round pick from New Orleans. These moves position the Hawks to contend in an Eastern Conference facing injury issues, though they still need depth at small forward, center, or ball-handler and have two roster spots open. LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season with the Lakers. However, reporting suggested he is evaluating his Lakers future, opening the door to a potential trade, though it's considered far-fetched. Trading James could give the Lakers more flexibility to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and extend Reaves. A hypothetical trade scenario was proposed to fill team needs: the Hawks would receive Derrick Jones Jr., the Clippers would receive LeBron James, and the Lakers would receive Ivica Zubac and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Analysis for each team included: * Hawks Pros: Jones Jr. provides a needed backup SF behind Risacher, is a great defender on a good contract, and could thrive offensively with Trae Young. * Hawks Cons: Jones Jr.'s significant playoff offensive struggles last season are a concern. * Clippers Pros: Acquiring James creates a potential super-team (with Harden and Leonard), going all-in for a championship now, bolstered by offseason additions like Brook Lopez and John Collins. * Clippers Cons: Losing Zubac (a key center) and Jones Jr. (elite perimeter defender) would hurt; Lopez may not be a full-time starter; James's age and longevity are risks. * Lakers Pros: They would acquire an elite center (Zubac) to pair with Doncic/Reaves and a strong bench scorer (Bogdanovic), improving depth and reducing reliance on Ayton; considered a good return if James wants out.
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LeBron James' decision to opt into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, worth $52.6 million, sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. According to ESPN, the news caused a "tizzy" among league executives who attempted to "decode" the message conveyed by James' agent, Rich Paul. This move, placing James on a lame-duck contract entering 2025, reportedly had an immediate impact on free agency. Center Brook Lopez, who league sources indicated had strongly considered joining the Lakers for a potential starting role, instead opted to sign with the LA Clippers. Lopez reportedly grew wary of the uncertainty surrounding James' future with the Lakers. His deal with the Clippers is a two-year, $18 million contract where he will back up center Ivica Zubac. ESPN characterizes the Lakers' current situation as navigating "the most delicate superstar transition in NBA history," shifting from LeBron James to 26-year-old phenom Luka Doncic.
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Nikola Jokic declined a max contract extension this summer, meaning he will enter next offseason with only one year left on his current deal. This situation mirrors that of De'Aaron Fox, who similarly declined an extension with the Kings, requested a trade before signing a new contract, and was eventually dealt to the Spurs. While there's currently no indication Jokic won't sign the max extension (worth three years and $282 million) next summer to stay in Denver, the potential for change exists. The outcome of the upcoming season is a significant factor. While the Nuggets' offseason moves look promising, uncertainties remain: veteran stars might decline, young players might not develop as hoped, and new additions might not fit seamlessly. If the Nuggets don't appear as genuine title contenders, Jokic, who prioritizes winning, might consider if he has a better chance elsewhere, potentially leading him to look beyond Denver despite it seeming out of character. However, key differences distinguish Jokic's situation from Fox's. Jokic has achieved immense success in Denver, winning three MVP awards and a championship, building a historic resume. The Nuggets haven't failed him throughout his career, unlike Fox's experience in Sacramento, where he earned only one All-Star appearance and one playoff series loss in seven-plus seasons. The Kings, not a top-tier franchise, and Fox, not a top-tier player, mutually realized a split was needed. In contrast, Denver has largely supported Jokic and provided opportunities for success, meaning there's no current reason for Nuggets fans to panic.
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The WNBA season is nearing its midway point, with All-Star festivities scheduled for July 19th in Indianapolis. Teams are competing fiercely for strong positions heading into the break. The Minnesota Lynx currently lead the league and are pursuing their first title since 2017, while the reigning champion New York Liberty faces challenges without Jonquel Jones. This week's WNBA power rankings highlight several teams: Connecticut Sun secured their third win of the season, fueled by Tina Charles' 29-point performance and rookie Saniya Rivers' 7 assists. They face Los Angeles (7/13) and Indiana (7/15) next. Dallas Wings recently lost momentum after a strong run, suffering two consecutive defeats including a 30-point loss to Phoenix, despite earlier success following the acquisition of Li Yueru. They play Indiana (7/13) and Las Vegas (7/16) next. Los Angeles Sparks are regaining health and competing closely, boasting the high-scoring duo of All-Star Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. They recently challenged both the Liberty and league-leading Lynx. Their upcoming games are against Connecticut (7/13) and Washington (7/15).
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The Seattle Storm's 2025 season exemplifies inconsistency, appearing as a title contender one moment and faltering the next. They secured impressive victories against the Atlanta Dream on a game-winning layup by Skylar Diggins and then handed the New York Liberty their worst home loss of the season, highlighted by strong bench play from Dominique Malonga. Riding high with three All-Stars (Nneka Ogwumike, Diggins, and Gabby Williams), the Storm traveled to face the struggling Connecticut Sun, who were on a 10-game losing streak. Despite favorable expectations, especially considering the Sun's skid, the Storm suffered a surprising defeat. Former Storm player Tina Charles dominated with 29 points and 11 rebounds, handing Seattle a loss to end their East Coast road trip. While the early start and end of a long trip offer some excuse, the loss fits a pattern. Seattle's season features notable wins but is marred by several bad losses, revealing a potential ceiling on their success. A key identified weakness is their 3-point shooting approach. Among playoff contenders, the Storm attempt the second-fewest 3-pointers per game (21.9, 9th in the league), significantly fewer than the top teams (all taking at least 26.4 per game), who embrace an analytically-driven offensive style. Paradoxically, the Storm shoot the league's best percentage from 3-point range (35%). Key players like Erica Wheeler (40.5%), Gabby Williams, and Skylar Diggins are having strong or career-best shooting seasons from deep. However, increasing their 3-point attempts has consistently correlated with losses. In six of their eight defeats, including the loss to Connecticut (25 attempts) and both losses to Golden State (26 and 28 attempts), they exceeded their season average for 3-point attempts, often while scoring poorly. This creates a dilemma: while their high percentage suggests they *should* shoot more threes like other successful teams, their actual results when they do increase attempts are negative, raising questions about their offensive strategy.
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NBA 2K announced on July 9 that Chicago Sky superstar Angel Reese will grace the cover of the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26. The cover art depicts Reese driving to the basket while wearing her new signature Reebok shoes, accompanied by the slogan "She's got next". While the cover reveal generated mostly positive reactions, some fans expressed the opinion that other players were more deserving of the honor than Reese, a player who has only completed one full professional season. Despite this criticism, the cover recognition is considered a major achievement for Reese. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, who was the WNBA cover athlete for NBA 2K24, commented on Reese's selection after her team's practice on July 11. Ionescu emphasized the global significance and anticipation surrounding the 2K cover, stating she was "really happy" for Reese to receive such recognition early in her career and understood how much it meant, drawing from her own experience. Ionescu specifically highlighted the "iconic" nature of Reese debuting her signature shoe on the cover, calling it "knocking two birds with one stone". Ionescu, known for speaking highly of the WNBA's young stars, clearly includes Reese in that group and supports her accomplishment.
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Raunak, a passionate WWE content writer, crafts engaging narratives that bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life. His writing captures the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring, fueling the imagination of WWE fans and making every match and storyline unforgettable. Natasha Poonawalla made a powerful fashion statement by wearing a throwback iconic Dior dress. Seven impactful quotes by Malala Yousafzai are presented as motivation for students. A list of ten precious baby girl names is provided. Nine quotes are highlighted as reading material for winners to build discipline. Manasi Parekh showcased a blend of grace, glamour, and glow. Gardening tips are offered, outlining nine easy steps to create a lush indoor jungle. Bollywood actresses are noted for slaying in high heels. Eight timeless Charlie Chaplin quotes are shared to inspire and motivate students. Actresses and their love for pearls are featured. Nine animals with spiritual significance in India are listed.
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The Phoenix Suns have made significant offseason changes after winning only 36 games and missing the playoffs, including trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and pursuing a contract buyout with Bradley Beal. These moves create roster space for potential additions. The Suns are reportedly competing directly with the Los Angeles Clippers to sign future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in free agency. Paul desires to play what could be his final season near his Los Angeles home, making both teams potential fits. While the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers are also mentioned as suitors, rival teams expect Paul to sign with either Phoenix or the Clippers. Money is anticipated to be a key factor in Paul's decision, particularly as the resolution of Bradley Beal's buyout situation with the Suns must occur first. Despite turning 40 in May, Paul remains in demand, coming off a season where he started all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game. Paul reportedly still seeks a starting role as he prepares for his 21st NBA season, and his decision on which team meets this requirement is expected soon.
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Far Eastern University (FEU) coach Nash Racela expressed high expectations for Filipino-New Zealander recruit Joseph Nunag, comparing the 19-year-old guard to former FEU star Mike Tolomia. Racela highlighted similarities in Nunag's attacking style and finishing ability, stating, "We see him as a future Tolomia," referencing the Season 78 UAAP champion. Upon learning of the comparison, Nunag expressed surprise but welcomed the aspiration, saying he aims to reach that caliber of play eventually. Standing at 5-foot-11, Nunag joined FEU's Team B in June after attending Rangitoto College in New Zealand. Racela tempered expectations, noting Nunag requires development time due to his youth and limited experience: "He is very young... They are really young kids who have really good potential." Nunag relocated to the Philippines after failing to secure US college offers, seeking to build his basketball career at FEU. Nunag praised Racela's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the team-oriented culture over individual stardom. However, he acknowledged the challenge of replacing six departing UAAP-eligible stars, viewing it as an opportunity rather than pressure: "It gives me a chance to step in, improve, and work on things I’m missing." He hopes the Filoil tournament will accelerate team growth to fill the void left by FEU's former core players.
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The Los Angeles Clippers traded veteran wing Norman Powell to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal involving the Miami Heat. In return, the Clippers acquired big man John Collins. This move is seen as enhancing the Clippers' long-term financial flexibility. Powell was entering the final year of his contract ($20.5 million) and expected a large new deal in 2026 free agency. Collins also has an expiring contract ($26.6 million), further preserving the Clippers' future salary cap space beyond 2027. Analyst Tom Haberstroh highlighted that the Clippers have minimal guaranteed salary commitments for the 2027-28 season, with only center Ivica Zubac ($21 million) currently under contract. Key players James Harden and Kawhi Leonard will see their contracts expire before then. Haberstroh suggests this positions the Clippers to pursue major free agents in the 2027 offseason, potentially joining an "arms race" with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, who also have minimal salary commitments beyond 2027. The 2027 free agency class is projected to include superstars Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, though other notable players could serve as alternatives. The Clippers appear to be balancing competing now with their current core (Leonard, age 34, and Harden, age 35) while strategically planning to build a contender for the future by creating significant cap space for the 2027 free agency period.
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The Koshigaya Alphas lost to the Osaka Evessa 77-70 in the Japan B.League. The Alphas struggled without Filipino import Kai Sotto, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Filipino player Ray Parks Jr. contributed 10 points and four rebounds for the winning Osaka Evessa (19-18), while Ryan Luther led them with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. The Nagasaki Velca suffered a heavy 96-65 defeat against the Nagoya Fighting Eagles. Despite a solid performance from Filipino AJ Edu, who recorded nine points, six rebounds, and three steals in just 15 minutes, Nagasaki's record fell to 16-21. Matthew Wright put up 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders. However, his team lost 94-74 to the Brex, dropping Kawasaki's record to 12-25. Roosevelt Adams contributed nine points and five rebounds for the Yamagata Wyverns. Despite his efforts, the Wyverns lost 79-66 to the Aomori Wat's, bringing their record to 16-23.
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The Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard and Vasilije Micić to create cap space necessary to officially sign Myles Turner. Micić agreed to a buyout, returning $6.1 million, reducing the Bucks' cap hit on his contract to $2 million and allowing him to pursue opportunities in Europe or the NBA. These waivers enable the Bucks to stretch both contracts, avoiding exceeding the NBA's limit on stretched money (15% of the salary cap). Stretching Lillard's contract results in $22.5 million in dead money over the next five seasons, while stretching Micić's adds roughly $666,666 over the next three seasons. Paolo Banchero agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension with the Orlando Magic. This deal could put the Magic over the second salary cap apron in 2026-27 if Banchero qualifies for the 30% "supermax". While the Magic have options to get back under the apron, they now have a very expensive roster with little flexibility, committing at least $155 million to their four highest-paid players (Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs) for each of the next three seasons. The Philadelphia 76ers signed Kyle Lowry, leaving them $19.7 million below the second apron with 14 players signed. Restricted free agent Quentin Grimes is expected to fill the 15th roster spot. While the Brooklyn Nets could generate cap space to potentially outbid the Sixers for Grimes, Philadelphia has options to create more room, such as trading or stretching Andre Drummond's contract. As a result of the modified Jrue Holiday trade, the Portland Trail Blazers received two future draft picks: New York's 2030 second-round pick and Portland's own 2031 second-round pick.
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The Denver Nuggets have received encouraging updates regarding backup center Jonas Valanciunas amid offseason roster concerns. Rumors circulated about Valanciunas potentially leaving the NBA for Greek team Panathinaikos, which reportedly offered a three-year, $13 million contract according to The Denver Post. Valanciunas remains under contract with Denver for two seasons, earning $10.4 million in 2025-26 and $10 million in 2026-27. Nuggets insider Vic Lombardi countered exit speculation on Altitude SR 92.5, stating the franchise confidently expects Valanciunas to report for training camp, quoting team sentiment: "The Nuggets believe he will play here and time will heal." The Lithuanian center previously starred in European leagues before his NBA career, helping Lithuania win two EuroBasket silver medals. Drafted fifth overall by Toronto in 2011, he earned All-Rookie honors and spent six-plus seasons with the Raptors. Valanciunas later set career-high averages (19.9 points, 10.7 rebounds) during his Memphis tenure before shorter stints with New Orleans, Washington, and Sacramento. This development occurs as Denver strategically builds around Nikola Jokic, with Valanciunas' potential retention marking a key offseason roster consideration.
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John Marquez is currently starring in the production "Opening Night" at the Gielgud Theatre in London. Marquez is a British actor with extensive stage and screen credits. His recent theatre work includes playing Alfred Doolittle in "Pygmalion" at the Old Vic, where he also previously appeared in "The American Clock" and "Flea in her Ear". His diverse theatre career encompasses roles in productions such as "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at the Savoy Theatre, "Privates on Parade" at the Noël Coward Theatre, "Ragtime" at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, "The Taming of the Shrew" for the Royal Shakespeare Company, "The Anniversary" at the Garrick Theatre, and "The Emperor Jones", "Market Boy", and "Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads", all performed at the National Theatre. On television, Marquez is widely recognized for his role as PC Joseph Penhale in the popular ITV series "Doc Martin".
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Conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner has announced his resignation as leader and artistic director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras (MCO), which he founded. This decision follows an alleged incident last August where Gardiner reportedly struck bass soloist William Thomas after a performance of Berlioz’s Les Troyens at the Festival Berlioz in La Côte-Saint-André, France. The incident occurred when Thomas reportedly went the wrong way offstage. Gardiner stated he has "apologised repeatedly and unreservedly for losing control in such an inappropriate fashion" and described the incident as "deeply regrettable." He revealed he has undergone extensive therapy and counselling over the past 11 months. After "a long period of deep consideration and reflection," he concluded that stepping down was "the best way forward for both myself and for the MCO" to allow for a "clear change in our relationship." The MCO board confirmed the decision in a statement, stating Gardiner "will not be returning to the organisation." Gardiner emphasized his heavy heart at leaving the choir he founded in 1964, calling it the "proudest and most inspiring project" of his life after six decades of collaboration. He stressed he does not intend to retire but will focus on guest conducting, recording, writing, and educational projects as part of a "lighter, lower pressure schedule." Gardiner had previously withdrawn from engagements, including a BBC Prom, following the incident. He notably conducted the Monteverdi Choir during King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023.
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The Phoenix Suns appear poised to repeat the "Point Book" strategy for the upcoming season, relying on Devin Booker as the primary playmaker and facilitator, this time paired with Jalen Green in the backcourt. General Manager Brian Gregory justified this approach, emphasizing the need for speed in the modern NBA and stating that both Booker and Green are great ball handlers who can play off each other. He believes playing at a faster pace with better movement will open the court for both players. This strategy builds on last season, where Booker led the team in assists (averaging a career-high 7.1 per game) even with Tyus Jones as the nominal point guard. Gregory plans to lean further into Booker's playmaking abilities. The GM's vision involves the team playing with pace, getting out in transition, applying pressure, attacking downhill, and forcing defenses back, aiming to adopt the fast, aggressive style that troubled Phoenix last season. However, the article argues this strategy has a fundamental flaw. While the faster pace sounds good theoretically and aligns with challenging opponents' styles, it breaks down when the game slows down during critical, half-court possessions where execution is paramount. Booker, despite his elite skills, historically struggles with navigating pressure, particularly blitzes at the point of attack, a weakness exposed most notably during the 2024 season when paired with Bradley Beal in a similar "Point Book" setup.
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The PBA Philippine Cup semifinals continue with crucial Game 5 matchups on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT Tropang 5G aims to secure a finals berth against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 5 p.m., while San Miguel Beer seeks a pivotal 3-2 series lead against Barangay Ginebra Kings at 7:30 p.m. San Miguel Beer dominated Barangay Ginebra 107-82 in Game 4, breaking open a close game with a decisive 30-12 third quarter. Key player June Mar Fajardo appears recovered from a calf injury, contributing a double-double of 12 points and 19 rebounds. Coach Leo Austria praised Fajardo's focused mindset and recovery, noting the team's improved energy and concentration compared to their Game 3 loss. Austria also highlighted significant contributions from bench players CJ Perez, Juami Tiongson, Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter, and Rodney Brondial in the series-tying victory. TNT Tropang 5G secured a 108-92 win over Rain or Shine in Game 4 despite significant absences. The team played without the injured Roger Pogoy (hamstring), alongside sidelined veterans Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac. Their manpower issues worsened as Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams suffered ankle injuries during the game. Coach Chot Reyes acknowledged Rain or Shine's resilience despite facing elimination with a 1-3 deficit, crediting coach Yeng Guiao for adjustments and motivating his team. Reyes expects Rain or Shine's hardest effort yet in Game 5 and stressed TNT must be ready to match and overcome that intensity.
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