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TOPLiberty 98-77 Fever (Jul 16, 2025) Game Recap
The New York Liberty defeated the Indiana Fever 98-77 on Wednesday night. Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. The Indiana Fever played without star guard Caitlin Clark, who missed the game due to a right groin injury sustained the previous night. Clark is preparing for a busy WNBA All-Star weekend hosted by Indiana, where she will compete in the 3-point contest and captain one of the teams. Sabrina Ionescu, another 3-point contest participant, contributed 15 points and nine assists for the Liberty (15-6). Stewart propelled New York to a strong start, giving them a 32-24 lead after the first quarter and a 15-point halftime advantage, having already amassed 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists by the break. The Liberty secured the win decisively in the third quarter. A three-point play by Stewart with 3:57 left extended the lead to 71-48, energizing the crowd of 17,371. The Fever couldn't reduce the deficit below 15 points for the remainder of the game. Kelsey Mitchell was the top scorer for the Fever (12-11) with 16 points. Indiana's record fell to 4-6 in regular season games Clark has missed this season. Meanwhile, the Liberty were still without star center Jonquel Jones, sidelined for about a month with a sprained ankle. Jones stated she plans to return for the Liberty's first game after the All-Star break on Tuesday, which is also against Indiana.
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TOPIndiana Fever Reveal Caitlin Clark Injury Status for New York Liberty Game
Caitlin Clark suffered a groin injury in the final minute of the Indiana Fever's game against the Connecticut Sun on July 15th. This immediately cast doubt on her availability for the team's next game, a back-to-back against the New York Liberty on July 16th. Even without the injury, there was a significant chance Clark might not play against the Liberty. The Fever are cautious about easing her back after she recently missed five games with another groin injury. Furthermore, Clark being the main attraction for the upcoming WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis provided an additional reason for the team to be careful. The Fever officially confirmed Clark's status for the July 16th game via a social media injury report, listing her as "Questionable (right groin)". Despite the unlikelihood of her playing given the circumstances, the "Questionable" designation (as opposed to being ruled out) suggests her injury might not be severe. This status is based on assessments by doctors and the Fever's training staff, indicating Clark potentially avoided a serious injury during the July 15th game.
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Clark out vs. Liberty; All-Star status uncertain
Caitlin Clark suffered a right groin injury during the final minute of Tuesday's victory over the Connecticut Sun, ruling her out of Wednesday's game against the New York Liberty. Her status for this weekend's All-Star festivities in Indianapolis—where she's slated for Friday's 3-point contest and as a captain in Saturday's All-Star Game—remains uncertain. Clark experienced the injury while making a bounce pass with 40 seconds left in Tuesday's game, immediately clutching her right thigh. She displayed visible frustration, banging her head against a stanchion and covering her head with a towel on the bench. Fever coach Stephanie White described Clark's emotional reaction as understandable given the recurring setbacks. Clark underwent imaging on Wednesday, with White characterizing the day-to-day diagnosis as "good news" from a layman's perspective. White emphasized she isn't involved in decisions about Clark's All-Star participation, stating those conversations will be between Clark and her personal team, though the organization will support any outcome. This marks Clark's 10th missed regular-season game this summer due to injuries, including prior issues with her left quad and groin. She hasn't played more than five consecutive games this season, with two separate two-week absences. White cited the physical toll of Clark's playstyle—frequent explosive movements under defensive pressure—as contributing factors to the injuries. White reiterated prioritizing Clark's long-term health over immediate returns, noting Indiana's 8-5 record with Clark versus 4-5 without her. The 2024 first-team all-WNBA selection averages 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. The coach emphasized maintaining Clark's morale through these setbacks while focusing on gradual recovery.
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PICTURES: Tyrese Haliburton's Girlfriend Jade Jones Shares Glimpse Into Happening Day Out With Friend
Tyrese Haliburton's Indiana Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, ending his championship hopes. While Haliburton processes the defeat, his girlfriend Jade Jones shared moments of relaxation on Instagram. Jones posted about a day out with friend Abbie at Chicago's Shore Club. The first image showed an elaborate setup with hanging Patron tequila bottles containing colorful cocktails and pink straws on a balcony, accompanied by a woven leather bag, captioned "Having a day." A second photo displayed a tray of five frozen slushie-like drinks with garnishes, captioned "Up next." A video followed showing the pair on a couch, humorously captioned "Us if we were on Love Island, ifkyk," possibly referencing the show's swimwear-centric aesthetic. Jones, born January 30, 1998, in Iowa to Michael David Jones and Lori McKinley, has family ties to Davenport. Her mother works as a breast sonographer. Jones attended Davenport West High School, where she was a cheerleader, before studying education at Iowa State University. She became an elementary school teacher at Walcott Elementary School in Iowa. Jones met Haliburton at Iowa State in 2019 when he played for the Cyclones basketball team and she cheered for them. The couple maintains close friendships with WNBA player Caitlin Clark and her boyfriend Connor McCaffery, keeping an active group chat despite busy schedules.
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Jonquel Jones is on the cusp of her long-awaited Liberty return
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello expressed satisfaction after hearing star center Jonquel Jones declare herself feeling "99.9999999999999999 percent" back to full health following a team practice at Barclays Center. Jones made this statement, humorously specifying 16 decimal places, ahead of her confirmed return for the Liberty's first game after the All-Star break on July 22nd against the Indiana Fever. Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, participated in full five-on-five work for the first time on Saturday. She had been sidelined for eight games due to an aggravated right ankle injury suffered on June 19th against the Mercury. This was a recurrence of an initial ankle injury sustained on June 5th that caused her to miss two games. Doctors had given her a recovery timeline of four to six weeks. Her absence significantly impacted the Liberty, causing their defense to falter without her presence in the paint and depriving the team of an important offensive piece both inside and from three-point range. During the stretch without Jones, the Liberty went 4-4. Five of those games were also without starter Leonie Fiebich, who was competing in Eurobasket for Germany. Jones has only played in nine games this season, averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. Despite the lengthy absence, Jones now reports feeling "great" and stated she doesn't feel her ankle during play. However, she noted that warming up remains "the hardest part" of her current routine.
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New York Liberty star Natasha Cloud handed fine warning by WNBA over her outfit - 'I don't understand why'
New York Liberty player Natasha Cloud received a WNBA fine warning concerning her outfit choice while sitting on the bench during a game against the Las Vegas Aces last Wednesday. She was ruled out due to injury but attended the game wearing a sweater vest, cargo pants, a black baseball cap, and Doc Martins. The specific issue was her cap, which surprised Cloud as the WNBA reportedly lacks a rule banning caps, though the NBA (the WNBA's owner) does have such a rule. Cloud expressed confusion and frustration about receiving the warning for wearing a hat while unable to play, stating, "I don't understand why I receive a fine warning for wearing a hat on the bench for a game I was unable to play in?" and adding, "I just feel like I wanna be left alone lolllzzz." Cloud also recently drew attention for supporting New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. When asked about Mamdani's win in the Democratic primary last month, Cloud used the opportunity to strongly criticize former President Donald Trump. She referred to Mamdani as "my boy!" and then addressed Trump, saying, "If Donny wants to come down here, if ICE wants to try and come down here, that's fine. But [they're] going to learn the hard way… New Yorkers really don't f*** around. They don't play about one another. They don't play about this city." She characterized Trump and his administration's actions as "reckless," but also saw it as "exciting" because it signaled that "we're getting to them," "creating change that they don't want," and "dismantling a system." Cloud urged New Yorkers to "continue to be on the right path to history," protect each other, and protect Mamdani and his goals.
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Yuki Kawamura Has Message for Ja Morant After Leaving Grizzlies
Following a first-round playoff sweep by the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies made significant offseason changes, including trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony (who was later bought out). Among other players leaving Memphis was guard Yuki Kawamura. After appearing in 22 games for Memphis last season, the Japanese guard signed a summer league contract with the Chicago Bulls. Kawamura recently spoke about his time with the Grizzlies, expressing that he misses Memphis and its people, stating he wanted to play there again this year but acknowledged "it is what it is." Kawamura also shared a message for his former teammate, Ja Morant. He admitted he already misses Morant, calling him "such a great guy" and his "big brother." Despite limited playing time as an undrafted player on a two-way deal, Kawamura made an impact and became a fan favorite in Memphis. Now with the Bulls, the 5-foot-8 guard aims to make a similar impact in Chicago and secure a larger role in the NBA. While showing flashes of potential in his career, he hasn't had much opportunity in the league so far, and he hopes that will change with the Bulls.
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EuroLeague Women seeds set for Regular Season draw
The seedings for the 2025-26 EuroLeague Women Regular Season have been confirmed ahead of the draw scheduled for July 23 in Munich. Reigning champions ZVVZ USK Praha are among the top-seeded teams, joined by Fenerbahce Opet, CIMSA CBK Mersin, and Beretta Famila Schio, all participants in last season's inaugural Final Six. The 16 participating clubs will be divided into four groups of four for the Regular Season. Eleven teams earned direct entry, while the remaining five spots will be filled by winners from the Qualifiers. The seedings were determined based on the three-year ranking of clubs in European Club Competitions. A draw restriction limits groups to a maximum of one club from the same country. Ten clubs will compete in the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers, playing home-and-away series on September 17 and 24, to determine the five remaining Regular Season spots; the seeded club in each pairing will host the return leg. The Qualifiers participants are: Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring (TUR), Tango Bourges Basket (FRA), Casademont Zaragoza (ESP), Umana Reyer Venezia (ITA), DVTK HUNTHERM (HUN), Zabiny Brno (CZE), AZS UMCS Lublin (POL), ACS Sepsi-SIC (ROU), Kibirkstis Vilnius (LTU), and KKZ Crvena Zvezda (SRB). The five winning teams from the Qualifiers will advance to the EuroLeague Women Regular Season. The losing clubs from the Qualifiers will automatically enter the EuroCup Women Regular Season.
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Warriors center Quinten Post details journey to becoming NBA chess champion
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post, a 2023 second-round draft pick, transitioned from dominating the G League to making an immediate NBA impact late in his rookie season. After averaging 10.4 points on 39.3% three-point shooting in his first five meaningful games, he earned a starting role—including 14 regular-season starts and two playoff appearances—while matching up against stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Post recently shifted focus to chess at Las Vegas' Chesstival, a pro-am event co-hosted by Magnus Carlsen and Derrick Rose. Initially scheduled for NBA Summer League, he instead competed in the tournament's "head and hand" team format, partnering with Indian grandmaster Tania Sachdev. They reached the semifinals before losing to the duo of Tony Snell and Fabiano Caruana. In the subsequent singles blitz tournament for NBA players, Post exacted revenge by defeating Snell in the third round. He then clinched the championship by checkmating Harrison Ingram in the finals, securing the title of Chesstival's inaugural blitz tournament champion—a stark contrast to his high-pressure NBA experiences.
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Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Haven’t Had Substantive Extension Talks
Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension this offseason. However, according to NBA insider Marc J. Spears of ESPN, substantive extension talks between Young and the Hawks have not yet occurred. Spears noted Young demonstrated commitment to the team by skipping a Jordan Brand event in Greece to join the Hawks in Las Vegas, but confirmed no meaningful extension discussions are happening currently. Young, who has spent his entire NBA career with the Hawks, saw the team acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics and sign Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker this offseason. The four-time All-Star averaged 24.2 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists per game last season. Young is set to earn $45.9 million next season and holds a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. One of the NBA's top scorers and passers with career averages of 25.3 points and 9.8 assists, Young led the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. Prior to the Kings signing Dennis Schroder, Young was linked to Sacramento. However, NBA insider Sam Amick reported the Kings weren't interested in trading for Young due to his offense-first playing style and the significant cost of his current contract and potential extension. The Hawks have not made the playoffs since 2023, adding intrigue to their upcoming season performance.
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What Breanna Stewart Can’t Live Without
The article features an interview with New York Liberty basketball player Breanna Stewart discussing her essential everyday products. She emphasizes the importance of Color Wow hair spray in her game-day routine, specifically for creating a secure, slick top knot that withstands intense activity despite her thick hair. Stewart expresses a long-standing loyalty to Versace Bright Crystal perfume, appreciating its balanced floral scent that isn't overly girly. She applies it before walking onto the court and again at halftime, stating it makes her feel like herself and she dislikes alternatives. Her essential travel toiletry bag, kept at Barclays Center and taken on the road, contains her Color Wow hair spray, basic brushes from stores like CVS or Target, Supergoop! face lotion, her Versace perfume, and Native Cucumber & Mint deodorant, which she likes for its cucumber scent. Stewart enjoys reading mystery thrillers, particularly books by Frieda McFadden, starting with "The Housemaid" series. She reads extensively on airplanes while traveling without her kids. Her team also has a book club, recently finishing "The Silent Patient," where members discuss the books during travel, enjoying the different perspectives shared. While not her everyday cleanser, Stewart relies on the Clinique cleansing balm to effectively remove heavy makeup after events or appearances, finding it especially helpful for stubborn mascara without excessive effort, much to her wife Marta's amusement.
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FIBA and Global Partner Yili extend collaboration until 2027
Yili, Asia's largest dairy company, has extended its FIBA Global Partnership. The agreement, announced in Shenzhen at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, covers major upcoming events including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, and the 2024 FIBA Continental Cups for men and women. The partnership, which began in 2023 before the highly successful FIBA Basketball World Cup, provides Yili with valuable on-court branding. This visibility generates significant international exposure through broadcasts, reinforcing Yili's global expansion strategy. Yili previously leveraged the World Cup for impactful marketing campaigns in the Philippines and Indonesia, utilizing local sub-brands to boost visibility and engagement in those markets. Yili is also demonstrating strong support for women’s basketball, actively participating around the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025. The extension was formalized at a ceremony in Shenzhen attended by FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani and Yili Group's General Manager of Brand Management, Zhang Yang. To mark the occasion and support the competing teams, Yili presented a lion dance performance incorporating basketball elements. The company launched integrated marketing campaigns showing respect for participating nations and organized interactive basketball shooting challenges for Shenzhen consumers, creating a vibrant basketball atmosphere in the city. Yili commits to continuing its support for global basketball growth, while FIBA values the partnership and anticipates future impactful initiatives together.
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Why the Liberty must sign Emma Meesseman
The New York Liberty are exploring the potential signing of free agent Emma Meesseman while Jonquel Jones recovers from an ankle injury. Players and coaches acknowledge Meesseman could help the team, leveraging existing connections through head coach Sandy Brondello and star player Breanna Stewart. Both Brondello and Stewart share a history with Meesseman from their time at Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg. Brondello coached there from 2012-2017, Stewart played from 2020-2022, and Meesseman was a member from 2016-2022. When asked directly about pursuing Meesseman (who hasn't played in the WNBA since 2022), Brondello did not deny the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP would be beneficial. Brondello stated on July 8th that Meesseman is resting after Eurobasket and deciding her plans, adding "We would love to have her if that’s something she’s interested in. I think that would certainly help us," though she confirmed no direct conversation had occurred yet. Similarly, Stewart responded coyly with "Um, maybe" and a smile when questioned about contacting Meesseman, stating "But I don’t know what’s happening." The article notes that Meesseman's potential fit with the Liberty extends beyond merely covering for Jones' injury and includes her familiarity with key personnel.
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Sabrina Ionescu Headlines List of Participants for 2025 WNBA Three-Point Contest
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has confirmed her participation in the upcoming WNBA three-point contest. She informed the New York Post that she will compete in the event this Friday as part of the WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. Ionescu will be joined by Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron as the first two officially announced participants for the contest. This marks Ionescu's second appearance; she previously won the contest in 2023 by setting a WNBA and NBA single-round record with 37 points in the final round. She also notably faced the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry in the 2024 NBA three-point contest, losing by just three points. Statistically this season, Ionescu is shooting a career-low 32.4% from three-point range, while Citron is shooting 36.3%. There is significant speculation that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will also participate, which would be her first appearance in the event. Clark previously declined an invitation to the NBA's contest earlier this year, reportedly because she wanted her first three-point contest to be at the WNBA All-Star event in Indianapolis. The three-point contest is scheduled for Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, followed by the All-Star game on Saturday night. Both Ionescu and Citron are on Caitlin Clark's team for the All-Star game and will face a team led by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
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“It’s noise”: Harrell refuses to buy into hype
No news content was provided to summarize. The input only lists NBL team names (Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans, Illawarra Hawks, Melbourne United, New Zealand Breakers, Perth Wildcats, S.E. Melbourne Phoenix, Sydney Kings, Tasmania JackJumpers) and filter categories (Featured News, More News, NBL Team News). There is no actual news article or report text to analyze or summarize.
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Rivalries, rising stars, and the battle for playoff spots
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is in the thick of its regular season in July, with intense competition as teams battle for top four positions and playoff seeding. Every game holds significant weight during this crucial period. A series of key matchups are scheduled between July 10 and 15 that could alter the standings. Highlights include: Mindoro Tamaraws vs. Ilagan Isabela Cowboys; Valenzuela City Magic vs. Abra Weavers (both fighting for top eight spots); Basilan Viva Portmasters vs. Pangasinan Abono Reapers (featuring veterans and young talent); and the dominant, undefeated Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards vs. the Bacolod Tubo Slashers. Individual players are also shining. Philip Paniamogan of Batangas City carries momentum after setting a league record with 15 three-pointers in a single game last month. Michael Mabulac continues to impress with his interior play for Pangasinan. In the standings, the north division is led by undefeated Nueva Ecija, followed by Abra, San Juan, and Quezon Huskers, with Pampanga and Caloocan close behind. The south division features a tight race at the top between Quezon Huskers, Zamboanga Sikat, Batangas City, and GenSan Warriors. The MPBL's unique charm stems from its deep community roots, where regional rivalries generate passionate fan support for hometown teams. July is pivotal for shaping playoff destinies, influencing home-court advantage and playoff paths. Every decision, shot, and victory becomes crucial as teams aim to make history. Fans can anticipate record-breaking performances, upsets, and emerging rivalries during the thrilling push for the top spots.
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Lakers’ LeBron James’ 4 trade suitors revealed
LeBron James has not requested a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, if the Lakers decide to trade him, a report indicates four teams have already contacted the Lakers to express interest in acquiring him. According to the report by Scoop Robinson, the four teams that inquired are the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The report suggests the Mavericks scenario would be particularly ironic following Luka Doncic's recent trade from Dallas to the Lakers. It also speculates that a potential Lakers team featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg would be "incredible".
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4 Best WNBA Bets and Player Props for Sunday 7/13/25
The article focuses on WNBA betting options available on FanDuel Sportsbook, specifically analyzing the Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty game. It highlights traditional markets like spreads and totals, as well as player-prop bets. Despite the two teams combining for 167 and 171 points in their previous 2025 meetings, the analysis suggests a "normal" game leans towards betting the under on the total points. This counters the recent high-scoring trend. The reasoning points to the Dream's exceptional 52.9% field goal shooting performance in their last matchup against the Liberty and a 37.9% three-point shooting night against Indiana as being above their typical output. Statistically, the Dream rank only seventh in the WNBA in true shooting percentage (TS%) at 54.3% on average nights. Furthermore, the Liberty possess an excellent defensive rating (DRTG) of 98.1, supporting the case for a lower-scoring game than the previous meetings. The article notes that betting lines are subject to change and injury news should be monitored, and mentions that separate best bets are available for the Wings-Fever game.
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Liberty Waives Marquesha Davis
The New York Liberty waived guard Marquesha Davis prior to their Sunday game against the Atlanta Dream, ending her tenure with the team after just over a season. Head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged Davis didn't get many playing opportunities but improved significantly and believes she will get another opportunity elsewhere. Davis, the Liberty's most recent first-round pick (11th overall in 2024 out of Mississippi), struggled to secure a consistent role. She played only 111 total minutes across 29 appearances over two seasons, though she finished on a positive note, registering a plus-14 rating in her final two games. Her release coincides with the WNBA's contract guarantee deadline, where players remaining on rosters past 5 p.m. ET on Sunday would have their 2025 salaries fully guaranteed. This move creates just over $35,000 in salary cap space for the Liberty, representing a little more than half of Davis's 2025 salary. There remains a possibility Davis could return to New York on a seven-day contract later in the season. Davis was one of several players waived across the WNBA this weekend, including fellow 2024 first-round pick Alissa Pilli (Minnesota), veterans Mercedes Russell (Los Angeles) and Stephanie Talbot (Golden State), and Connecticut's Jaelyn Brown and Haley Peters. While Coach Brondello deferred transactional details to GM Jonathan Kolb, she confirmed the Liberty is actively monitoring the waiver wire. A key prospect of interest is Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP and former teammate of Natasha Cloud, who recently performed well for Belgium in the EuroBasket women's competition.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s adorable son Ares steals the spotlight during NBA finals family portrait sessio
An article highlights the standout fashion choices and styles observed at BLACKPINK's ongoing 2025 Deadline World Tour, showcasing memorable outfits worn by the group during performances. A feature celebrates Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her role in "Aap Jaisa Koi," by compiling her most elegant and impressive appearances in tailored suits. Actress Manasi Parekh's glowing beauty and charisma are captured in a photo series, emphasizing her radiant presence in various settings. "Dhadak 2" lead actress Tripti Dimri's natural beauty is spotlighted through a collection of her best makeup-free looks, highlighting her effortless charm. A curated list presents nine deeply moving and lyrical quotes designed to inspire and soothe, described as poetic nourishment for the spirit. Prospective pet owners are offered essential advice through ten key considerations for caring for Lovebirds, covering habitat, diet, and behavioral needs. Educational content reveals nine fascinating and lesser-known facts about snake plants, addressing their air-purifying qualities, resilience, and unique biological traits. Monsoon season's floral beauty is celebrated with a showcase of ten visually striking flowers that thrive during rainy periods, including their names and characteristics. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore profiles of the planet's ten largest animals by physical dimensions, featuring giants like whales and elephants with size comparisons. Exclusive wedding photographs capture the enchanting ceremony of Karthik Surya and Varsha, displaying intimate moments and elaborate celebrations from their nuptials.
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Atlanta Dream coach sends warning to Caitlin Clark and the Fever
The Indiana Fever, despite high expectations following Caitlin Clark's drafting in 2024 and championship hype in her second season (2025), are struggling for consistency. They currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, barely holding onto the final playoff spot. This downturn, partly attributed to Clark's injury problems, has created an opportunity for teams like the Atlanta Dream to climb the standings. Under first-year head coach Karl Smesko, the Dream boast a 12-7 record entering a crucial Friday night game against the Fever in Indianapolis. Smesko has declared his team "really good" and emphasized they are still improving, but stressed the urgency of getting better with only half the season remaining. He wants consistent effort focused on their game plan and putting pressure on opponents for the entire game, regardless of the score. Smesko, transitioning from 22 years coaching college basketball, has overseen dramatic improvement in Atlanta. Led by All-Star Allisha Gray, the Dream possess the league's third-best offense and fifth-best defense. Implementing a style emphasizing 3-point attempts, Atlanta has scored at least 90 points in eight of their 19 games. However, Smesko seeks more consistent execution throughout entire games. The Fever have lost two of their three meetings with the Dream this season, including a 77-58 defeat on June 10th when Clark was absent due to injury. With Clark now back from her groin injury, Indiana hopes to counter Atlanta on Friday. Achieving this will require a strong defensive performance to contain Atlanta's key players: Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brittney Griner.
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OKC Thunder NBA Champion gives honest Dallas Mavericks statement
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning NBA champions after a dominant season, though questions linger about Tyrese Haliburton's Game 7 Finals injury. Two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso, interviewed about the upcoming season, commented on the Dallas Mavericks' prospects following their draft of Cooper Flagg. Caruso emphasized uncertainty, stating, "We got to see how they're gonna be," specifically noting Kyrie Irving's injury status ("He might be out the whole year. He might come back late. A lot of that depends on him."). Irving tore his ACL in March and underwent surgery in April. Initial reports suggested a January or February return, but Irving has since indicated he won't rush his recovery, prioritizing being 100% healthy before returning. Until Irving returns, the Mavericks present an interesting team dynamic with the addition of Flagg. While they possess a "loaded frontcourt" featuring Flagg, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Naji Marshall, their backcourt is considered a potential weakness. The team signed D'Angelo Russell to fill in at point guard, but the article notes that relying on Russell "doesn't always lead to success."
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PUP says veto of Nat’l Polytechnic University bill a setback to inclusive higher education
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) expressed deep disappointment over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s veto of the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill. PUP stated the veto threatens the future of its regional campuses and represents a setback for inclusive public higher education, calling it a rejection of efforts to expand access. PUP explained that the bill, if signed, would have formally granted it national polytechnic university status, secured P100 million in annual support for five years, and provided greater institutional autonomy. The university emphasized this was not about prestige, but about resolving long-standing structural issues hindering its growth and modernization. It warned that without national funding, several regional campuses may face closure. The university felt the veto message downplayed its achievements and dismissed its 120-year legacy, citing its consistent performance in rankings, Level III Institutional Accreditation from AACCUP, high civil service ratings, and strong compliance with transparency standards. While the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) hasn't commented, PUP clarified that seeking NPU status wasn't a challenge to CHED's regulatory authority. It argued that institutional autonomy would empower PUP to innovate and modernize while remaining accountable to national standards, asserting that autonomy and regulation can coexist. PUP operates numerous campuses across Luzon, many established via Presidential Decree No. 1341 in underserved regions. It urged the national government to reconsider the veto, stressing that every day without the legislation treats education as a privilege instead of a right. Malacañang confirmed the President's veto, with a Presidential Communications Office official stating the reason was PUP's failure to comply with a long-standing requirement for institutional assessment mandated since 2016, with no proof the evaluation was completed.
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Alex Caruso gives honest opinion on guarding ‘dangerous’ Stephen Curry, makes ‘illegal screens’ argument
Alex Caruso, widely recognized as one of the NBA's top on-ball defenders, expressed the significant difficulty and worry associated with guarding Stephen Curry. Caruso, speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, acknowledged Curry's offensive prowess, emphasizing that Curry is actually most dangerous without the ball. He explained that Curry activates the Warriors' offensive movement by constantly running off the ball after giving it up, making him exceptionally hard to contain. Caruso detailed the strong connection between Curry and teammate Draymond Green, noting their precise understanding of each other's movements and reads. He also humorously suggested that Curry and Green often benefit from illegal screens during their plays that go uncalled by officials, adding another layer to the challenge of defending Curry. Despite Curry's perceived unguardability, the article highlights concerns about the Golden State Warriors' roster construction. The team has been notably inactive during the offseason, failing to add any significant players via free agency or trades. While signings of Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton are anticipated, these moves are viewed as insufficient for a serious title run next season, especially compared to other strong teams in the Western Conference. Draymond Green reportedly advised the front office on building around Curry and Jimmy Butler, but meaningful roster upgrades have yet to materialize.
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Liberty vs. Dream odds, tips and betting trends - 7/13/2025
The Atlanta Dream (12-8) face the New York Liberty (13-6) on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. The game will be broadcast on Peachtree TV, WWOR, and Liberty Live. Atlanta will rely on Allisha Gray, the league's eighth-leading scorer averaging 18.7 points per game, to counter New York's Breanna Stewart, the fourth-leading scorer averaging 19.6 points per game. In their last game, the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-78 at home. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals, shooting 39.1% from the field. Leonie Fiebich contributed 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, shooting 54.5% from the field and 2-6 from three-point range. The Atlanta Dream lost their previous game on the road to the Indiana Fever, 99-82. Jordin Canada was Atlanta's top performer with 30 points and 8 assists, shooting 50.0% from the field and 6-11 from three-point range. Rhyne Howard added 14 points and 3 blocks, shooting 45.5% from the field and 4-8 from three-point range.
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Kennedy Burke’s blossoming offensive game providing Liberty extra firepower
Defenses have begun adjusting to Kennedy Burke's exceptional three-point shooting, a trend she noticed during the Liberty's previous game against the Atlanta Dream on June 29, where she went 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Burke and head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged this defensive shift was inevitable given her "off the charts" shooting performance this season. Despite the recent defensive focus, Burke remains a strong contender for Sixth Player of the Year. She leads the WNBA in three-point percentage (48.6%), a significant jump from her 25.9% in 2024. Her attempts have also increased notably, from 1.5 to 3.7 per game, though her total attempts (70) are still fewer than prolific shooters like Atlanta's Rhyne Howard (185) or teammate Sabrina Ionescu (145). To counter defenses taking away her three-point shot, Burke has increasingly relied on attacking the basket off the dribble, utilizing her quick first step. She also leverages her strong defense, exemplified by six steals against Las Vegas, to generate offensive opportunities. This adaptation aims to sustain her breakout season, especially after increased minutes due to Liberty absences in the first half of the year. Burke's preparation for this defensive adjustment began in the offseason with intensive three-point practice (both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble) and specific work on driving to the basket. The effectiveness of this work became evident early this season, including a game where she made all four of her three-point attempts. This breakout contrasts with her 2024 season, her first with the Liberty, where she struggled to find a consistent role within the team's rigid rotation.
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Bucks HC Doc Rivers makes big declaration about NBA parity
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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