The Sports DeskStoryboardNBA Roundup: Lakers Go Down in Overtime After Blown CallCurated byThe Sports DeskWins have been hard enough to come by for the struggling Lakers. Saturday night’s no-call versus the Celtics certainly didn’t help. LeBron James was hacked on the way to the hoop late in regulation, but no call was made. The game went into overtime, where Boston pulled out a 125-121 win. Los Angeles fell to 23-27 and await Anthony Davis' return to full speed. Here’s the latest NBA news, including the referee association’s mea culpa on the missed call, who made the all-star rosters, and more.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Conference Championships: Evenly Matched Teams May Foretell Classic FinishesCurated byThe Sports DeskIf you’re having a hard time picking the winners for Sunday’s games, you’re not alone. There’s little doubt these are the NFL’s top four teams, and there’s loads of evidence that any of them could advance to the Super Bowl. Read about the most balanced Championship Weekend in recent memory. Despite the difficulty, experts weigh in with their predictions. Plus, we take a deep dive into the four quarterbacks, why the Bengals have gone from loveable to annoying, and more.
The Sports DeskStoryboardWill Aaron Rodgers Join the New York Jets in 2023?Curated byThe Sports DeskBaseless trade rumors around the Packers’ four-time MVP are nothing new. But visions of Rodgers donning a Jets jersey appeared less delusional once New York hired former Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. It wouldn’t be the first time a future Hall of Fame quarterback went from Green Bay to the Jets, and the timing seems right. Here’s why the deal makes sense — yet might not materialize. Plus, potential landing spots for eight quarterbacks who could get moved this offseason.
The Sports DeskStoryboardAustralian Open: American Men Look to End 20-Year Grand Slam DroughtCurated byThe Sports DeskNot since the days of Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick has an American man won a Grand Slam title. Is this the year the dry spell finally ends? Three Americans take up the eight slots in the Australian Open men’s quarterfinals: Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda. Here’s more on the unheralded trio’s surprising run. Plus, Jessica Pegula’s Damar Hamlin connection, Novak Djokovic is causing a stir, and sports curses don’t really exist, do they?
The Sports DeskStoryboardNo Surprises: Strongest Teams to Meet for Super Bowl BerthsCurated byThe Sports DeskFour teams with a combined 59-14 record. It’s hard to argue that we didn’t end up with the best matchups for the conference championships. The Bengals tore up the Bills’ defense, the Chiefs rallied around an injured Patrick Mahomes, the 49ers outslugged Dallas, and the Eagles outclassed the Giants. Here’s a look back at the divisional round and a preview of Championship Sunday. Plus, frustration boils over in Buffalo, Joe Burrow talks “refunds” and Dak Prescott searches for answers.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNBA Roundup: Deals That Could Shape the PostseasonCurated byThe Sports DeskWhat’s going to happen at the Feb. 11 trade deadline? A handful of teams will certainly look to dump salary or receive future draft picks. But acquiring the right player now can make the difference between a decent playoff showing and a title for teams in the hunt. Here’s a look at which players could get shipped and the best and worst contracts for each team. Plus, the Celtics' big statement, LeBron James’ date with the all-time scoring mark, and more.
The Sports DeskStoryboardWhat Happened in the Shannon Sharpe-Memphis Grizzlies ScuffleCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Lakers beat the Grizzlies 122-121 and LeBron James inched closer to the all-time scoring mark on Friday night. But that’s not what everybody’s talking about. Fox Sports commentator and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe was in attendance and got in a heated dustup with Memphis forward Dillon Brooks and others, including Ja Morant’s dad, Tee. Here's the lowdown on a game that briefly went more WWE than NBA.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCollege Basketball Roundup: TCU, Arizona Come Alive in Statement WinsCurated byThe Sports DeskMarch Madness is still weeks away, but the national landscape is slowly taking shape. Kansas found out the hard way there's no easy path to the Big 12 title, Duke is not going quietly into that dark night, and Arizona won’t roll over for red-hot UCLA. Read about the latest developments across the country, including Antoine Davis’ pursuit of the all-time scoring mark, the sudden rise of Charleston, and LSU star Angel Reese puts her shoes on one at a time — only she blocks shots while doing so.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Playoffs: Everything To Look for During the Divisional RoundCurated byThe Sports DeskDo the Jaguars have a chance against the Chiefs? “If Jacksonville starts fast,” one expert opines, “it could be a game.” Jacksonville is riding high after winning eight of its last 10. One of those losses, however, was to Patrick Mahomes and his “Rogue Ninjas.” Read all about divisional play, including Dallas’ attempt to end its 27-year NFC title game drought, Brock Purdy’s more-than-custodial role in San Francisco, and turnover-prone Buffalo facing its biggest challenge.
The Sports DeskStoryboardIs This How It Ends For Tom Brady?Curated byThe Sports DeskEvery love story ends in tragedy if you wait long enough. This season's early playoff exit and losing record would certainly qualify, but it probably wasn’t how the seven-time Super Bowl champion pictured his last romp around the league. Brady becomes a free agent in March, and experts have no shortage of advice for the 23-year veteran. From get lost to stay put, here’s what they’re saying.
The Sports DeskStoryboardGrowing Doubt Around Lamar Jackson's Future in BaltimoreCurated byThe Sports DeskWill Jackson return to the Ravens? Right now, the needle is pointing toward No. The injured quarterback who becomes a free agent in March has posted a series of messages that increasingly hint at his unhappiness in Baltimore. It's starting to look like a small circus is popping up with the 2019 MVP in one ring, coach John Harbaugh in another, and Jackson’s teammates in a third.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNBA Roundup: LeBron James Moves Closer to All-Time Scoring TitleCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Lakers superstar joined the iconic Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Sunday night as the only players to score 38,000 career points, an experience he found “frustrating as hell.” James watched as teammate Russell Westbrook was thwarted on what could have been the game-winning shot. Was Westbrook fouled? See the video below. Plus, midseason awards, power rankings, and where Ja Morant’s latest masterpiece stacks up among the best all-time dunks.
The Sports DeskStoryboardMaking Sense of a Hectic Wild-Card WeekendCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Bills and Bengals will play after all. But it almost didn’t happen. The hottest teams in the AFC held their breath as their underdog foes, led by backup quarterbacks, faltered down the stretch. Takeaways from each wild-card matchup and what to expect in the divisional round. Plus, a timeline of Tom Brady’s toughest year, why Lamar Jackson may have played his last game as a Raven, and how Sam Hubbard fulfilled a lifelong dream before the eyes of his hometown fans.
The Sports DeskStoryboardYour Guide to the NBA on Martin Luther King DayCurated byThe Sports DeskFor 37 years, the NBA has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here’s what to look for in Monday’s slate of games, including expert picks and how to watch. Plus, we take a deeper look at what the holiday means for Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon, how Black executives are finding opportunity around the league, and the influence Bill Russell had on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s lifelong advocacy for social justice.
The Sports DeskStoryboardYour Guide to the 2023 Australian OpenCurated byThe Sports DeskCan reigning champion Rafael Nadal defend his title? The 36-year-old arrives in Melbourne having lost six of his last seven matches and admits he’s vulnerable. Here’s what to look for when the game’s best players vie for the coveted first Grand Slam trophy of the season. Plus, top seed Iga Swiatek describes her progression from shy introvert to world No. 1, Novak Djokovic moves on from last year’s embarrassing deportation, and a quartet of Americans shoulders the nation’s hopes.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Playoffs: Young QBs Lawrence, Purdy Make Postseason HistoryCurated byThe Sports DeskIt was a tale of two halves — and two quarterbacks — for both the Jaguars and the 49ers. Trevor Lawrence overcame a dreadful first half with four TD passes to lead Jacksonville from a 27-0 hole to a 31-30 win. It was the third-largest comeback in playoff history, yet stunned perhaps few outside San Diego's locker room. So much for rookie jitters. Brock Purdy’s four TDs helped erase a halftime deficit — and any doubt about his postseason poise. Here's more on a wild start to the playoffs.
The Sports DeskStoryboardThe Deafening Silence Around Dana White's Act of Domestic ViolenceCurated byThe Sports DeskThe UFC president was filmed in an altercation with his wife — he slapped her after she slapped him on New Year’s Eve in Mexico. The incident delayed the debut of — ironically — White’s televised slap-fighting competition called “Power Slap." White told reporters there are "no excuses” for his actions. Will there be repercussions? “Me leaving hurts the company,” he said. Here's why failing to punish White is a mistake — and full details may remain hidden from the public.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Playoffs: Predictions for Wild-Card WeekendCurated byThe Sports DeskOn the eve of a promising wild-card round, questions just keep percolating. Which team do you trust the most? Will the Chargers-Jaguars game evolve into a classic Herbert-Lawrence showdown? Does Tom Brady still have his playoff magic? Here’s everything you need to know, including expert picks, TV schedule, and the uncommon bond forged between the Bills and their city. From a mass shooting to Damar Hamlin’s collapse, the players and residents of Buffalo have shouldered a difficult year together.
The Sports DeskStoryboardRanking the Quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL PlayoffsCurated byThe Sports DeskIt happens every postseason. A quarterback will have to deliver in the two-minute offense, manage the clock or understand when a punt is a win. These undertakings are magnified in the playoffs, where legendary feats are part of the job description. Read why Patrick Mahomes is the experts’ overwhelming favorite. Plus, a look at the passers tearing up the post-Brady AFC, the "not normal" talents of Justin Herbert, and how the 49ers' unlikely leader, Brock Purdy, prepared for his playoff moment.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 18 RoundupCurated byThe Sports DeskIt took every last minute of the regular season, but the playoff field is set after the Lions bumped the Packers late on a cold Sunday night in Green Bay. Kansas City and Philadelphia earned the coveted top seeds, with San Francisco, Buffalo and Cincinnati looking every bit like Super Bowl contenders. Here’s what to expect when the wild-card round begins Saturday. Plus, as the Damar Hamlin feel-good story evolves, does it also highlight our fandom devolving into full addiction?
The Sports DeskStoryboardGeorgia vs. TCU: Divergent Paths Led to College Football Playoff ChampionshipCurated byThe Sports DeskDefending champion Georgia has been the nation’s best team over the last two years. But what a story it would be if TCU, unranked much of 2022, could crash the blue-blood party. Won’t be easy. The Bulldogs are loaded with four- and five-star talent and enter as the biggest favorite in CFP history. Can the Horned Frogs silence their doubters once again? Here’s what you need to know, including the one important thing each team has in common — a quarterback you don’t want to bet against.
The Sports DeskStoryboardHas Trevor Bauer Thrown His Last MLB Pitch?Curated byThe Sports DeskThe Dodgers didn’t want him, but they met with the 2020 Cy Young winner on Thursday. Maybe they’d see a sign of remorse, any indication that they should give the recently reinstated righthander a second chance. The next day, the franchise stuck to their plans and parted ways with Bauer, who MLB suspended in 2021 after three women accused him of assault during sexual encounters. Will another team sign the tarnished frontline starter the Dodgers just paid $22.5 million to leave?
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 18 PreviewCurated byThe Sports DeskAfter perhaps the most gut-wrenching week in modern NFL history, play resumes this weekend with a full slate of games that seemed far too distant — and irrelevant — after the ambulance carrying Bills safety DaMar Hamlin left Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium. Read about Hamlin’s remarkable turnaround. Turnarounds are a major theme this week. Case in point: The Lions and Jaguars — a combined 6-27-1 in 2021 — are potential playoff teams. Here’s a complete look at the regular season’s final matchups.
The Sports DeskStoryboardBold Sports Predictions for the New YearCurated byThe Sports DeskHave you made plans for where you’ll watch Jacksonville in the AFC championship game? You should, if these prognostications come true. Here’s a comprehensive list of 2023 prophecies (some wild, others pretty realistic), including LeBron James fleeing LA for Cleveland, Tom Brady jetting to Vegas — or San Francisco — and Ja Morant landing on the cover of NBA 2K24. Plus, a wish list of resolutions for women’s sports, like more TV coverage and an upset-laden March Madness.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 17 RoundupCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Packers are one win away from becoming the first team to start 4-8 and make the postseason. Who wouldn’t want to see that surprise story come true? Detroit, for one, which could take the final NFC spot with a win over Green Bay, and a little luck, next week. At last, the blurry playoff picture is starting to sharpen. Plus, Tom Brady keeps on Bradying, the Fighting Tomlins are surging, and the Eagles, once 13-1, are blowing their top seed.
The Sports DeskStoryboardFour Bowl Games, One Last Chance To End Season on High NoteCurated byThe Sports DeskBowl season resumes on Monday, giving us a final college football feast before the CFP championship on Jan. 9. USC, led by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, seeks to legitimize its return to national prominence in the Cotton Bowl against surprisingly tough Tulane. Illinois battles Mississippi State in the ReliaQuest Bowl, LSU squares off against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl, and the day concludes with Utah and Penn State in their first-ever meeting in the Rose Bowl. Here's what to look for.
The Sports DeskStoryboardDominant Dawgs, Historic Horned Frogs to Meet in College Football Playoff FinalCurated byThe Sports DeskWho saw that coming? Underdog TCU delivered the biggest upset in the CFP's nine-year history, capitalizing on mighty Michigan’s mistakes and matching the Wolverines blow-for-blow in a wild second half. Did Michigan underestimate its Big 12 foe? Ohio State nearly finished off defending champion Georgia before the Bulldogs rallied and held their breath as an OSU field goal sailed wide left. The joy and pain, the thrills and anguish of a semifinal Saturday that had it all.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 17 PreviewCurated byThe Sports DeskFour division races remain open, and 13 teams are vying for five playoff spots with two weeks left in the regular season. Green Bay, how did you get back in contention? Seattle, Tampa Bay and Tennessee, do you even want to be in the postseason? Making sense of the annual train wreck of a playoff race, including a sign of vulnerability in Kansas City. Plus, the latest on Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion, dysfunction in Las Vegas and a teammate finally stands up for the beleaguered Russell Wilson.
The Sports DeskStoryboardYour Guide to the College Football PlayoffCurated byThe Sports DeskCan anybody beat Georgia? The defending-champion Bulldogs are 27-1 over the last two seasons, dominating opponents by an average score of 40-12. Their Peach Bowl opponent, Ohio State, is making its fourth CFP appearance. Think a fourth seed has no chance? History disagrees. Michigan returns to the semifinals for the second straight year, while TCU, the season’s biggest surprise, lurks as a prototypical underdog in the Fiesta Bowl. Here’s everything you need to know about the playoff.
The Sports DeskStoryboardTranscendent Pelé, Who Played With a Contagious Joy, Dies at 82Curated byThe Sports Desk"Pelé was one of the few who contradicted my theory: Instead of 15 minutes of fame, he will have 15 centuries," Andy Warhol once said. Pelé took the planet by storm as a 17-year-old wunderkind in 1958, winning the first of a record three World Cup titles. He outshined popes, Hollywood stars and once prompted this while standing next to the president of the United States: “Oh, by the way, I’m Ronald Reagan.” Here’s more on Pelé's journey from poor kid in southern Brazil to a global icon.
