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The Atlanta Hawks have strengthened their roster with veteran additions during the offseason, positioning themselves for a potential playoff return. However, achieving greater success might depend on significant improvement from one of their young players. Kobe Bufkin, the 2023 first-round pick, is one such young player fans hope can develop into a contributor, despite a difficult start to his career marred by injuries. The Las Vegas Summer League presented an opportunity for him to demonstrate he was ready for a rotation role by outperforming his peers. Early observations noted his good size and playmaking reads, but also highlighted poor shooting (3/16 FG, 0/5 3PT) and emphasized the necessity of off-ball utility, especially for the Hawks, casting doubt on immediate reliability. Bufkin's performance took a positive turn on Friday against the Miami Heat, where he scored 29 points and led a comeback victory. He aggressively attacked the basket, resulting in 15 made free throws, adapting effectively despite struggling from three-point range (2-for-9). However, this progress was completely undone in his next game on Sunday versus the Phoenix Suns. Bufkin reverted to poor shooting (3-for-17 FG) but failed to adapt his approach, continuing to take ineffective shots and earning only four free throw attempts. Given that Bufkin is entering his third NBA season and is one of the more experienced players at Summer League, the Hawks expect more from the nearly 22-year-old. His inability to dominate against less experienced Summer League competition raises significant doubts about his readiness and future role with the team. If he cannot assert himself effectively in this setting during his third year, the Hawks may consider ending their investment in his development.
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Lithuanian basketball player Rokas Jokubaitis addressed his future with Maccabi Tel Aviv during a media session while training with Lithuania's senior national team for EuroBasket 2025. When asked about his current situation with the Israeli club, Jokubaitis stated, "We will see in a few days," explaining he had been instructed not to discuss it but hinted news might arrive soon. Jokubaitis was previously linked to a move to FC Bayern Munich, but Maccabi Tel Aviv officially denied those rumors. Instead, reports suggested he might sign a contract extension with Maccabi that includes an improved salary. Jokubaitis confirmed there had been "no contact at all" with the New York Knicks, the NBA team holding his rights, during the offseason. He also ruled out participating in the NBA Summer League again. He was originally drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder 34th overall in 2021 before being traded to the Knicks. Jokubaitis is part of Lithuania's preliminary squad for EuroBasket 2025. Lithuania will compete in Group B during the preliminary round in Tampere, Finland, facing Great Britain, Montenegro, Germany, Finland, and Sweden between August 27 and September 3. The top four teams from the group will advance to the single-elimination knockout stage in Riga, Latvia, running from September 6 to 14.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced Chet Holmgren's contract extension on July 13th. This follows the July 9th report by Shams Charania that Holmgren agreed to a fully-guaranteed, five-year maximum rookie contract extension. According to Bobby Marks, the deal starts at 25% of the projected 2026/27 salary cap, estimated to be worth $240 million over five years. Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, overcame significant early career injuries. He missed the entire 2022/23 season with a foot injury. In the 2023/24 season, he started all games, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks. A pelvic fracture limited him to 32 games in the following regular season (15.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.2 BPG), but he started all 23 playoff games (15.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.9 BPG), helping the Thunder win their first championship since relocating. Holmgren joins MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Thunder players receiving max extensions. The team is also expected to pursue a max extension for forward Jalen Williams this offseason. Initial reports suggest Holmgren's deal likely does not include the "Rose Rule" language that could increase its value based on individual accolades. While Charania mentioned a potential value reaching $250 million, exceeding even the maximum projected cap increase scenario ($246.6M), this higher figure may be an approximation.
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Chet Holmgren has officially signed a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as confirmed by a public announcement. The news was shared via social media, highlighting a significant development for the team and player.
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Beşiktaş GAİN has officially signed American guard Devon Dotson for the 2025–26 BKT EuroCup season. The 25-year-old point guard joins from Joventut Badalona, where he averaged 13.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB), and 13.7 points with 3.8 assists per game in the EuroCup last season. Dotson, a former Kansas standout who began his pro career with the Chicago Bulls and played in the NBA G League, marks a key addition to Beşiktaş's backcourt for his second season in Europe. Thomas Kennedy, 24, has signed a one-year contract with Cedevita Olimpija to play in the EuroCup. Kennedy moves after two seasons with Telekom Baskets Bonn, during which he had solid performances in the Basketball Champions League. He expressed confidence in contributing to the Ljubljana-based team. Robbie Beran, 25, has inked a one-year deal with an option for a second season with Niners Chemnitz, moving to the Euroleague Basketball second tier. The forward started his pro career in Belgium after playing college basketball for Virginia Tech and Northwestern. Additionally, Neptunas has added Jordan Tucker, Donatas Tarolis, and returning player Martynas Pacevicius to its 2025-26 roster. Panionios signed 21-year-old Sotiris Oikomopoulos, a youth product of Olympiacos. Furthermore, 26-year-old Ata Kahraman has joined Turk Telekom.
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The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx 87-81 on Saturday, handing the Lynx their fourth loss of the season. Angel Reese led the Sky with 19 points and 11 rebounds, extending her double-double streak to eight consecutive games. Teammate Kamilla Cardoso contributed significantly with 17 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. Hours after the loss, the Lynx waived forward Alissa Pili, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Pili had averaged just 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds this season despite an impressive college career at USC and Utah, where she earned Pac-12 Player of the Year (2023) and All-American honors (2024). Despite the defeat, Minnesota maintains first place in the WNBA standings with a three-game lead over Phoenix. The Lynx, who haven't lost consecutive games all season, will face the Sky again in a rematch on Monday.
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Bradley Beal is reportedly on his way out of the Phoenix Suns, and the team may have identified Koby Brea as a potential ideal replacement to develop alongside Devin Booker. While Brea is not the same caliber or type of player as Beal, the Suns are looking to rebuild around Booker and players like Brea might be a better fit. In his first two Summer League games, Brea showcased his exceptional three-point shooting. He hit 4 out of 5 threes in his debut and followed it up by making 4 of 6 attempts in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks. His comfort in seeking out his own shots off the ball was particularly notable, a skill the Suns need as they retool their roster. The Suns drafted Brea with the 41st pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and signed him to a two-way contract, making an immediate rotational role unlikely. However, his strong Summer League performance could accelerate efforts to upgrade his contract. Brea's off-ball movement and three-point shooting would have addressed a key weakness for last year's Suns, who struggled to generate consistent offense despite having Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. The redundancy of the "Big 3," all isolation-heavy scorers, limited the inclusion of other necessary skills like off-ball shooting. Brea's ability to create space for himself off the ball and hit threes is precisely what Phoenix needs now. This summer represents a chance for the Suns to revamp their roster after signing Booker to a record contract extension. While additions like Jalen Green (scoring), Dillon Brooks (defense), and centers Mark Williams, Khaman Maluach, and Nick Richards address other needs, the team still requires elite three-point shooting – Brea's standout skill. His rare shooting ability is evidenced by a 43.4% career three-point percentage over five college seasons, including 43.5% on high volume (5.9 attempts per game) in his final year at Kentucky. If Brea can hold up defensively, he projects as a perfect fit next to Booker. Although he is currently far from Beal's level as a player, his specific skill set aligns much better with the Suns' rebuilding goals around Booker.
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New UP Fighting Maroons player Rey Remogat delivered crucial late-game plays to secure an 83-78 victory over the previously unbeaten La Salle Green Archers in the FilOil Preseason Cup semifinals on Sunday, July 13, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan. With UP trailing 72-73, Remogat, a former UE star, hit a three-pointer with 59 seconds remaining to give UP a 75-73 lead. He followed this with another three-pointer with 23 seconds left, extending the lead to 78-73. UP captain Gerry Abadiano then sealed the win with an insurance basket and free throws. The win propels the defending champion Fighting Maroons into the tournament finals, where they will face the NU Bulldogs, who defeated UST in the other semifinal. Remogat finished the game with 14 points, including 3-of-13 shooting from the field, with 9 of those points coming in the decisive fourth quarter after scoring only 5 in the first three periods. UP head coach Goldwin Monverde noted Remogat processed the game well and is still adjusting within the team. Remogat stated his clutch performance was about repaying the trust given to him by the team, crediting teammates for encouraging him not to lose confidence in his shots during the game. Key contributions also came from Gerry Abadiano and Gani Stevens, who each scored 12 points. Francis Nnoruka provided significant support off the bench with 6 points and 16 rebounds, helping UP counter La Salle's strong frontcourt.
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One year ago, Boston Celtics fans anticipated potentially celebrating a second consecutive championship. The team held the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference for much of the season, positioning those hopes as realistic. However, a torn Achilles suffered by Jayson Tatum during the playoffs, combined with poor team performance in the second round, led to an earlier-than-expected elimination. This injury significantly altered the Celtics' long-term plans, resulting in recent salary dump trades involving Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. The team is now focused on contending again in the 2026-27 season. Analyst Steve Bradshaw predicts the Celtics will make a move aligning with this timeline by acquiring Damian Lillard. Lillard, like Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, suffered an Achilles injury during the playoffs and is expected to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season. His greatest impact is projected for the years beyond 2025-26. Bradshaw argues this timeline matches perfectly with the Celtics' strategy to reload for the 2026-27 season, especially since Tatum is also likely to miss the entire 2025-26 season. Acquiring Lillard would provide backcourt help when both stars are healthy for the 2026-27 campaign, though finances present a significant roadblock.
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Despite suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, which will likely cause him to miss the entire upcoming season, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is reportedly actively recruiting free agent point guard Damian Lillard to join the Celtics. Tatum has been reaching out to Lillard, a former Milwaukee Bucks player, according to reports. The two share a connection from playing together for Team USA and are now both recovering from the same serious injury (torn Achilles tendon). Lillard sustained his injury on April 27th, 15 days before Tatum's injury. Lillard is also expected to miss most or all of the next regular season due to his injury. However, after failing to achieve his goals with Milwaukee, he is reportedly prioritizing joining another contending team in free agency. The Celtics are seen as a strong potential fit for Lillard. They boast the All-NBA duo of Tatum and Jaylen Brown, presenting a contending opportunity. Furthermore, Boston lacks an established star point guard, meaning a starting role would be available for Lillard once he returns to full health.
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The Portland Trail Blazers surprised the NBA by selecting 7-foot-3 prospect Yang Hansen significantly higher than most experts predicted during the draft, a move driven by his perceived star potential. Hansen made a notable NBA Summer League debut with the Trail Blazers, recording 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. While his size is an advantage, his diverse skill set was particularly highlighted. His performance, especially his playmaking ability for a player of his stature, drew immediate comparisons to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. Analysts praised his exceptionally high basketball IQ, crafty footwork, and all-around skills that impact multiple statistical categories. Following his debut, Hansen generated viral attention with his humorous response when asked what he would ask Jokic when facing him: "Picture? Signature, please?" This interaction further endeared him to fans. Hansen has quickly become a fan favorite at the Summer League, with many noting that modeling his game after the three-time MVP Jokic seems like an ideal path given his size and developing skills.
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San Miguel Beermen emphasized redemption over halting TNT's Grand Slam aspirations, while coach Chot Reyes dismissed external expectations by highlighting their six All-Filipino titles. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the league will maintain 12 teams for its 50th season despite Terrafirma's ownership uncertainty. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo downplayed injury concerns after experiencing hamstring tightness during their Game 7 victory against Barangay Ginebra. Gilas Pilipinas faces significant fatigue challenges ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup, according to head coach Tim Cone. The national team's preparation is complicated by player exhaustion from recent professional league commitments. In collegiate action, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and National University dominated NCAA teams during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals. La Salle secured the tournament's top seed by defeating UST, while UP built momentum entering the knockout stage. La Salle maintained an undefeated record as NU completed the semifinal lineup. NU finished as runners-up in the BLIA Cup tournament, propelled by Tin Cayabyab's 31-point performance in the semifinals. Cayabyab's offensive outburst secured NU's place in the championship game. The NCAA unveiled sweeping format changes for its 101st season, introducing group stages, play-in tournaments, and expanded playoffs. San Beda University claimed multiple General Championships titles as hosting responsibilities transitioned from LPU to Mapua University. Mapua later became embroiled in a bench-clearing altercation during a game against a Chinese university team.
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A man has been charged by Victoria Police for allegedly racially abusing NBL star Montrezl Harrell through social media, according to a statement from Basketball Australia. The arrest occurred last week, with the accused identified as a 37-year-old man from the Melbourne suburb of Huntingdale. Basketball Australia stated that the accused individual is scheduled to appear at the Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on August 15 to face the charges. This development follows Harrell's revelation in October that he had received racially abusive messages sent directly to him via social media.
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A'ja Wilson suffered a right wrist injury during the Las Vegas Aces' game against the New York Liberty. The injury occurred when she fell awkwardly after contact with Leonie Fiebich during a routine drive to the basket, forcing her to exit the game after only 14 minutes of play. The Liberty defeated the Aces 87-78 in this matchup between former and reigning WNBA champions. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 28 points, supported by Breanna Stewart and Leonie Fiebich, each contributing 15 points. Jackie Young scored 19 points for Las Vegas. Following the injury, Aces head coach Becky Hammon confirmed Wilson would undergo an MRI on Wednesday. Subsequently, it was announced that Wilson, a two-time WNBA champion averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds this season, is officially ruled out for the Aces' upcoming game against the Washington Mystics. This decision stands despite her participation in a pre-game shootaround where she was listed as questionable, suggesting the franchise aims to avoid aggravating the injury. Wilson's absence is a significant blow to the struggling Aces, who lack a suitable replacement for the seven-time All-Star. Her injury struggles continue, having already missed three consecutive games earlier in the season due to concussion protocol. The team's lack of roster depth, stemming from the offseason losses of Kelsey Plum, Alysha Clark, Tiffany Hayes, and Kate Martin, is highlighted as a major issue. Wilson leads the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks, and beyond Young, consistent contributions from players like Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Gray are needed. The Aces face a challenging matchup against the Washington Mystics, who feature a strong rookie duo in Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, along with in-form player Brittany Sykes.
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WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson, a South Carolina women's basketball legend and three-time MVP, has been nominated for two ESPY awards following her record-breaking 2024 season. She is nominated in the categories of "Best Athlete – Women’s Sports" and "Best WNBA Player," and fans can vote for her online. Wilson's 2024 campaign was historic. She averaged 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals, shooting 52% from the field and 84% from the free throw line. She set WNBA all-time records for total points (1021), total rebounds (451), points per game (26.9), and single-game points (53), becoming the only player to reach 1000 points or 450 rebounds in a season. Wilson led the league in points, points per game, rebounds, blocked shots, and blocks per game, while also ranking in the top five for rebounds per game and steals. She was one of only four players averaging at least 20 points and two assists, and the only player averaging at least 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals. Off the court, she received the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. During the WNBA season, Wilson also played for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She led the team to a gold medal and earned Olympic Starting Five honors as well as the Olympic MVP award. The ESPY Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 16th in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre, hosted by comedian Shane Gillis. It will be broadcast on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET and streamed on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. This nomination follows Wilson's success at the previous year's ESPYs, where she won both the "Best WNBA Player" and "Best Athlete – Women’s Sports" awards. Additionally, her undefeated, National Championship-winning South Carolina team won the ESPY for "Best Team," and head coach Dawn Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for her cancer research advocacy and support for children undergoing treatment.
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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving successfully underwent surgery for a torn left ACL at New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery on Wednesday, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The injury occurred during a March 3 loss to the Sacramento Kings when Irving's knee bent awkwardly during a drive to the basket, leading to his season-ending diagnosis. In an Instagram Live session shortly after the injury, Irving acknowledged the emotional toll while expressing optimism about his recovery: "It hasn't been 48 hours since I tore my ACL, but the recovery process already started mentally, spiritually, emotionally... This one stings for sure." The 33-year-old faces an extensive rehabilitation process, having previously undergone surgeries on the same knee in 2015 (fractured kneecap) and 2018 (hardware removal). Irving's injury compounds a challenging period for the Mavericks, who have lost Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford to injuries. The team's February trade sending Luka Dončić to acquire Anthony Davis backfired when Davis suffered an injury during his debut, though he has since made a limited return. Since Irving's injury, the short-handed Mavericks have lost eight of their last eleven games.
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Kyrie Irving's lifestyle sneaker line with ANTA is gaining significant attention, highlighted by legendary rapper Lil Wayne posting a reaction video expressing admiration for the shoes and a desire to collaborate. Irving specifically gifted Lil Wayne the ANTA Hélà Style "Roots" in Brown. These casual shoes, designed exclusively for Irving, blend heritage, love, and versatility for everyday style, balancing elegance and impact. They are affordably priced at $125 and available for purchase in adult sizes on ANTA.com. Simultaneously, Irving's performance line is launching a new colorway. His second signature basketball shoe, the ANTA KAI 2, will be released in the "Sun" colorway on Friday, July 11, at Noon EST. Inspired by the orange glow of sunlight, the first light of the sun, and the pull of the moon, this design reflects Irving's philosophy of balance between humanity and nature. The performance basketball shoes are also priced at $125 and will be available on the ANTA website and at FEATURE. In celebration of the NBA Summer League, ANTA and FEATURE will host an exclusive event at the Encore in Las Vegas. This gifting suite, located in a three-bedroom duplex, will preview the ANTA KAI 2 "SUN". The elevated space will feature premium displays, immersive storytelling, and curated interactions for athletes, influencers, and media.
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The content outlines the structure of a basketball forum, divided into two primary sections: Leagues and Wiretap. Under Leagues, the forums are organized into six NBA divisions: Atlantic Division, Central Division, and Southeast Division (representing the Eastern Conference); and Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southwest Division (representing the Western Conference). The Wiretap section similarly offers dedicated analysis content, also categorized under the same six divisions: Atlantic Division, Central Division, Southeast Division, Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southwest Division. This indicates the site provides both discussion forums and analytical content structured around the NBA's divisional alignment.
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The Golden State Warriors, facing a quiet free agency period with roster spots to fill, have been linked to Oakland native Damian Lillard after he became an unrestricted free agent. The Milwaukee Bucks unexpectedly waived the 34-year-old guard to accommodate Myles Turner, voiding the remaining two years of his contract. ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported the Warriors contacted Lillard or his management, signaling potential interest in acquiring the star point guard despite his recovery from a torn Achilles. Lillard is expected to be sidelined until at least next season's All-Star break, though Golden State—viewed as a second-tier contender in the West—may consider the long-term upside worth the risk. Analyst Kevin O'Connor criticized the potential fit, arguing Lillard would be mismatched playing behind Stephen Curry in Steve Kerr's high-motion offense. O'Connor specifically questioned whether a veteran recovering from a catastrophic leg injury should endure Kerr's physically demanding system, which emphasizes constant movement off the ball. While Kerr's offense has fueled four championships and elevated players like Curry, its suitability for Lillard remains uncertain. The system requires high basketball IQ and adaptability, traits the Warriors' front office prioritizes. Concerns exist that reduced mobility from Lillard's injury could be exacerbated in this structure, despite the appeal of signing him at a discounted rate. Ultimately, the Warriors' interest hinges on whether Lillard reciprocates given the offensive demands and health considerations. The decision may reveal whether he values the championship opportunity over potential stylistic friction in Golden State's scheme.
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The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a heavy defeat in their Las Vegas Summer League opener, losing 111-70 to the San Antonio Spurs. Prior to the game, concern arose as third overall pick VJ Edgecombe was ruled out with a thumb sprain. However, reports from journalists at the scene noted he practiced shooting without apparent discomfort, and Edgecombe himself expressed hope of playing later in Vegas after a Saturday re-evaluation during a second-quarter interview. The game started disastrously for the Sixers, falling behind 18-4 within six minutes with only one made shot. Justin Edwards, despite a strong finish in Salt Lake City, struggled significantly. He scored only 6 points (all from two made three-pointers on six attempts), grabbed one rebound, committed three turnovers, and appeared disengaged against the Spurs' intensity. Adem Bona provided a bright spot, showcasing his athleticism. He defended well on the perimeter, operated as the point man in a zone defense, and scored on coast-to-coast drives including a contested layup and later a powerful slam dunk off an assist from Judah Mintz. Bona finished with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and 4 fouls. New signing Dominick Barlow also contributed positively in the second half. He made a physical play, bulldozing Spurs forward Riley Minix for a basket. Barlow made 3 of his 5 shots (no three-point attempts) and added 5 rebounds.
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Azura Stevens scored 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum added 20 points, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to an 89-87 victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday night in Indianapolis. This marked the Sparks' second win at Indianapolis in nine days. The Sparks (6-13) had lost two straight games since their previous win against the Fever. The Fever (9-9) had won three consecutive games, including the Commissioner's Cup, despite playing without Caitlin Clark for her fifth straight game due to a groin injury. The game was close throughout. The Sparks' largest lead was three points in the first quarter, while the Fever led by eight midway through the third quarter. Rickea Jackson scored 15 points for the Sparks, including the go-ahead basket that made it 88-87 with 57.4 seconds left. Indiana missed its last five shots, including four in the final minute. Stevens secured a rebound off a miss and was fouled, making one free throw with 3.3 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Aliyah Boston missed a shot from the top of the key. Aliyah Boston led the Fever with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Natasha Howard had 21 points and nine rebounds, surpassing 2,000 career rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell scored 19 points, hitting three 3-pointers to reach 600 for her career, and played her 251st game for the Fever, moving into second place on the franchise list behind Tamika Catchings and breaking a tie with assistant coach Briann January. Mitchell scored 13 points and Plum 11 in a tightly contested first half featuring nine ties and nine lead changes, ending with Indiana up 45-42. Plum then scored the last seven points of the third quarter to give LA a 70-69 lead heading into the fourth. Dearica Hamby contributed 18 points for the Sparks. Indiana's next game is at home against Golden State on Wednesday, while the Sparks host Minnesota on Thursday.
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A Hells Angels member, Steve Tausan, was fatally shot on Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose during the funeral of Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, president of the Hells Angels' San Jose chapter. Tausan, a 52-year-old bail bondsman, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital later that day. Police confirmed they were interviewing witnesses but had no suspects or arrests. The shooting occurred despite a significant police presence as thousands gathered for Pettigrew's funeral, who was himself killed in a September 23 shooting at a Nevada casino by a member of rival motorcycle club Vagos—an incident that prompted cancellation of a regional motorcycle rally. Witness Valerie Hoffman expressed shock at the funeral shooting, citing an unspoken "code of ethics" prohibiting such acts. Investigators noted the crime scene "appeared to have been tampered with," though details were not disclosed. According to reports, Tausan had previously been acquitted of a 1997 murder charge stemming from a beating death at a strip club, after a jury accepted his self-defense claim.
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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton suffered an apparent injury during the team's win against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, June 29. The injury occurred in the third quarter when Thornton collided with Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, causing her to fall and grab her neck. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase expressed minimal concern about Thornton's status postgame, stating, "She's being evaluated and I think she's fine." Thornton exited the game but recovered in time to start the following Saturday's game against the Minnesota Lynx. In the game against the Lynx, Thornton played 34 minutes, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds. Following this performance, Coach Nakase advocated strongly for Thornton to be selected as a WNBA All-Star reserve. Nakase highlighted Thornton's clutch performances: "Sparks, she closed the game. In Chicago, she closed the game with a three. Seattle, she closed the game with a three. Washington, she closed with a 4-point play. That's pretty reliable down the stretch." Thornton leads the Valkyries in scoring (14.9 points per game) and rebounding (7.1 rebounds per game). She was particularly vital during the team's successful June (7-4 record), averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Nakase has previously praised Thornton's reliability and work ethic, noting last month, "KT is super reliable. She's built confidence through her hard work. I love when people show me that they want to be that person. They don't just talk about it." Thornton has started all 17 of the Valkyries' games this season.
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Despite missing the Philadelphia 76ers' Summer League game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, VJ Edgecombe generated significant excitement with his performance in his debut against the Utah Jazz. Playing alongside teammates like Adem Bona and Justin Edwards, Edgecombe recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal, establishing himself as the team's best player. ESPN's Tim McMahon praised Edgecombe highly on The Hoop Collective, highlighting his exceptional athleticism: "Edgecombe, you watch him and he is just a wow athlete... The turbo button, the leaping ability." McMahon noted Edgecombe's efficient shot selection (27 attempts) and rebounding prowess, suggesting he might be a "top 10 athlete" upon entering the NBA. McMahon further emphasized Edgecombe's elite status by citing a statistic from producer Jackson Ajello: Edgecombe is only the fourth top-5 pick since 2017 to record a 25-point, 10-rebound game in Summer League. The others are Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, placing Edgecombe in prestigious company. While acknowledging Edgecombe wasn't perfect – citing struggles with three-point shooting and defending bigger forwards – the analysis viewed his debut positively. It was his first game with NBA spacing, and he displayed dominance as a ball-dominant scoring guard. The expectation is that with time, particularly in the weight room, Edgecombe could develop into an ideal young wing for the 76ers' future.
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The Houston Rockets announced that newly acquired star forward Kevin Durant will wear jersey number 7 during the 2025-26 NBA season, as revealed on the team's social media platforms. Durant, a 15-time All-Star, joined the Rockets through a historic seven-team trade. The 36-year-old previously wore number 35 with the Phoenix Suns but has familiarity with number 7 from his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and the 2024 U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Paris. Other notable Rockets players who have worn number 7 include Cam Whitmore, Victor Oladipo, Carmelo Anthony, and Jeremy Lin. Fans can currently pre-order Durant's new Rockets jerseys both online and at the team's physical store.
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The Bulacan Kuyas secured a 73-65 victory against the Bataan Risers in an OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Fifth Season game held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. The Kuyas decisively broke away from the Risers during the middle stages of the fourth quarter, allowing them to coast to the win over a depleted Bataan squad.
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