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LeBron James Drops 28 Points as Short-Handed Lakers Rout Suns

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LeBron James

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James delivered a vintage performance with 28 points, 12 assists and six rebounds Friday night, leading a short-handed Los Angeles Lakers squad to a dominant 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena and securing home-court advantage in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

LeBron James

The Lakers, playing without several key rotation players, improved to 52-29 and locked in the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. The Suns fell to 44-37, slipping further in the playoff picture with their offense struggling mightily against Los Angeles’ defense.

James, in his 23rd NBA season, shot efficiently and orchestrated the Lakers’ attack throughout the contest. The 41-year-old superstar added four steals while logging heavy minutes in the second game of a back-to-back, showcasing the endurance that has defined his legendary career.

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“LeBron was LeBron tonight,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game. “Even on a back-to-back, he set the tone defensively and offensively. Our guys fed off that energy.”

The Lakers jumped out to an early lead, outscoring the Suns 33-24 in the first quarter and never looking back. Los Angeles built the advantage with strong interior play and transition opportunities, finishing with 46 points in the paint compared to Phoenix’s 32. The Lakers also dominated fast-break points 19-3.

Phoenix, missing star Devin Booker due to right knee injury management along with other contributors, managed just 73 points — one of their lowest outputs of the season. The Suns shot poorly from the field and struggled to create consistent scoring chances, particularly in the second half when they were outscored 44-25.

Austin Reaves contributed solidly for the Lakers with efficient scoring and playmaking, while the supporting cast stepped up in the absence of injured teammates. The victory marked a significant bounce-back effort for Los Angeles, which has navigated injuries throughout the late season but maintained its position in the standings.

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The Suns entered the matchup with playoff hopes still alive but appeared fatigued and disjointed. Without Booker’s scoring punch, Phoenix relied heavily on secondary options that couldn’t generate enough offense against the Lakers’ switching defense.

James’ first-half scoring burst helped the Lakers establish control. He tallied 22 points by halftime on efficient shooting, including several highlight-reel drives and kick-out passes that led to open threes. The Crypto.com Arena crowd, sensing the blowout early, frequently chanted “MVP” during his highlights.

By the third quarter, the Lakers had stretched the lead to double digits and began emptying the bench in the fourth as the game turned into a rout. Phoenix scored only nine points in the final period, underscoring the defensive intensity Los Angeles brought on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James
LeBron James
IBTimes US

The lopsided result highlighted the disparity between the teams’ current forms. The Lakers have shown resilience in recent weeks, positioning themselves for a favorable playoff path. Securing home-court advantage means potential series openers at Crypto.com Arena, where the purple and gold have been formidable this season.

For the Suns, the loss compounds ongoing challenges. Booker’s absence was felt acutely, as the team’s offense lacked its usual rhythm. Coach Frank Vogel’s squad will need to regroup quickly if it hopes to climb the standings or avoid the play-in tournament.

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Statistically, the Lakers excelled across the board. They held a significant rebounding edge in key moments and forced the Suns into 24 turnovers while committing just 11 themselves. Los Angeles shot better from three-point range and converted free throws at a higher clip.

James’ all-around stat line once again underscored his value. At an age when many players have retired, the four-time MVP continues to impact games at an elite level, blending scoring, passing and leadership.

Postgame, Suns players expressed frustration with their execution. “We didn’t compete the way we needed to, especially on the road,” one veteran said. “Credit to LA — they were physical and made us pay for every mistake.”

The game was played in front of a lively crowd at Crypto.com Arena, with fans celebrating both James’ performance and the team’s playoff positioning. The atmosphere remained electric even as the lead grew, with chants and standing ovations punctuating key moments.

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This victory gives the Lakers momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. With home-court advantage now clinched, Los Angeles can focus on rest and preparation while monitoring injury recoveries.

Phoenix, meanwhile, faces a tough remaining schedule. The team will look to get healthy and find consistency to salvage its playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference.

Analysts noted the defensive masterclass by the Lakers. They limited Phoenix to low-percentage shots and disrupted passing lanes effectively. The Suns’ 73 points represented a season-low or near-low for many observers, reflecting Los Angeles’ ability to dictate the tempo.

James’ leadership extended beyond the box score. Teammates spoke of his vocal encouragement on the bench and during timeouts, helping maintain focus in a game that could have become complacent.

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The blowout also provided valuable minutes for younger Lakers players and bench contributors, allowing them to gain experience in a winning environment. Several role players knocked down open shots created by James’ gravity on the court.

For Suns fans hoping for a competitive matchup, the night turned disappointing early. Phoenix showed brief flashes in the first half but couldn’t sustain momentum against the Lakers’ waves of defensive pressure.

As the 2025-26 NBA season winds down, this result reinforces the Lakers’ status as a dangerous postseason team. Their ability to win convincingly without a full roster bodes well for deeper playoff runs.

James, when asked about clinching home-court, emphasized team goals over individual accolades. “It’s about positioning ourselves the best way possible for April and May,” he said. “We’ve got work left, but tonight was a good step.”

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The Suns will regroup for their next contest, hoping to avoid similar defensive lapses. Booker’s potential return could shift dynamics, but Friday’s showing highlighted areas needing urgent attention.

Overall, the contest served as a statement win for the Lakers. Dominating from wire to wire against a divisional rival, Los Angeles sent a clear message to the Western Conference: they are healthy, motivated and ready for the playoffs.

Fans and analysts alike flooded social media with highlights of James’ dunks, no-look passes and defensive stops. Clips of the 28-point, 12-assist masterclass quickly went viral, adding to the evening’s buzz.

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Lakers’ 101-73 triumph over the Suns will be remembered as a pivotal moment in their quest for another deep playoff journey. Phoenix, conversely, must find answers quickly to avoid fading from contention.

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The Western Conference standings tightened further with this outcome, but Los Angeles solidified its place among the elite. As both teams eye the postseason, Friday night belonged decisively to the Lakers and their ageless leader.

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EMCOR Group Stock: Solid Business That Is Fully Valued (NYSE:EME)

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EMCOR Group Stock: Solid Business That Is Fully Valued (NYSE:EME)

This article was written by

I am an investor with over 7 years of experience in the financial markets. Currently pursuing an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I specialize in Finance and Marketing, my academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in business strategy, financial analysis, and market dynamics. My investing journey began in early 2015 when I purchased Starbucks (SBUX) for its undervalued valuation. This initial investment marked the start of a transformative experience; the stock’s growth trajectory captivated me, leading to a deeper exploration of trading strategies. Over the years, I have developed a systematic approach that combines technical analysis with fundamental insights derived from my academic studies. My strategy focuses on identifying sustainable growth stocks across various sectors, emphasizing valuation, management quality, and macroeconomic trends. I avoid day trading in favor of longer-term investments, as I prioritize consistency over short-term volatility. My primary focus is on companies that demonstrate strong fundamentals, such as revenue growth, profitability margins, and a balanced risk profile. By integrating my MBA expertise with practical market insights, I have been able to consistently generate annualized returns while maintaining a diversified portfolio. My motivation for writing on Seeking Alpha stems from three key pillars: sharing valuable insights with the investing community, educating others about sound investment principles, and contributing to fostering better decision-making in the financial space. I believe that detailed, well-researched analyses and clear communication are essential tools for investors seeking to navigate the complexities of global markets.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Inside Miami’s Allison Island: High-security sanctuaries for elite families

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Inside Miami’s Allison Island: High-security sanctuaries for elite families

Behind the towering mahogany gates of Miami Beach’s Allison Island, the Wall Street South movement is showing its most permanent face yet. It’s not just about the zero-percent state income tax or the deep-water docks; it’s about the “Caution: Children at Play” signs lining the streets.

While legacy metros struggle with urban decay and rising crime, this private sanctuary is being transformed into a high-security nursery for the next generation of American industry. Here, crisp modern architecture is juxtaposed with baby floats and pool safety nets, proving that for the nation’s elite, the Florida move is no longer a seasonal trend — it’s a multi-generational commitment to safety and sanity.

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“Florida, for better or for worse, has kind of been the beneficiary of issues that have happened in other parts of the country, and we just continue to flourish down here,” Douglas Elliman Exclusive Group co-founder Devin Kay told Fox News Digital. “I think the market is incredibly strong… The demand and the pace that we’re seeing down here, I don’t think is something that’s going to go away anytime soon.”

“So for anybody that has been looking to relocate here or is thinking about relocating here,” he added, “I think that when you ultimately weigh the pros and the cons, they will quickly realize that South Florida is just the place that everyone seems to want to be.”

STEP INSIDE THE $44M FOUR SEASONS PENTHOUSE WHERE EX-STARBUCKS CHIEF HOWARD SCHULTZ IS STARTING RETIREMENT

Allison Island’s newest neighbor is Google co-founder and billionaire Sergey Brin, who paid $51 million for LVMH CEO Michael Burke and his wife, Brigitte Burke’s modernist, palatial abode in a reported off-market deal. Just a few weeks later, rapper Lil Wayne sold his mansion on the island for $33 million.

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Aerial view of Allison Island in Miami Beach

Miami real estate brokers are seeing an influx of wealthy Californians looking for high-end homes due to the proposed “billionaire tax” in California. (Getty Images)

With fewer than 50 single-family homes, the conversation among relocating elites has shifted from, “Can we move?” to, “How fast can we get there?” For the CEOs arriving from New York, California and Washington, architecture is the hook, but the financial and political climate is the closer.

“It always starts out with the real estate first, so the client is drawn towards the architecture of the property, the style, the location, if it’s on the water,” Kay noted, “but then I think it quickly shifts more towards the financial part of the decision. And with the people that we’ve been dealing with that are relocating here from New York and now California, I think it’s become both an emotional and strategic decision for them because they’re ultimately realizing that they’re not only able to upgrade their lifestyle, but they’re also making a very smart financial decision.”

Kay brought Fox News Digital inside an Allison Island home with an estimated value of around $20 million. It was a modern monolith with an emphasis on expansive, open-concept living space — highbrow art stood out against the warm, light oak floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the primary room met sunshine, swaying palms and panoramic views of the Miami skyline.

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While the property checked every luxury amenity box, what felt more impactful were the signs of everyday family life. In addition to the flamingo floats and pool safety net, baby items could be found on the kitchen counter and a high chair was ready for use. It was a clear indication that parents and their young children are not just passing through on vacation, but are permanently planting their flags in a sanctuary of safety and freedom that they intend to call home for decades to come.

“Most of the people who we are now dealing with that are part of this ultra-high-net-worth class. I think the first thing that they’re looking for is really safety and security, especially in today’s climate,” Kay said. “I don’t think that safety and security is really optional anymore, it’s really become a priority for these people.”

Aerial view of homes on Allison Island

Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s Allison Island home is seen center-right with the gray roof. (Getty Images)

“With what’s going on in New York and California and Chicago and other major metropolitan cities, I think that the ultra-high-net-worth class that is very worried about privacy and security and ultimately want their families to feel safe, they feel that, here in Miami Beach, they’re able to achieve that,” he continued. “We’ve really had an inventory problem here in South Florida since the days of COVID. So when buyers see the opportunity to acquire something like this, they don’t even hesitate. They’re not thinking in terms of months or even years, they’re thinking in terms of decades at this point.”

“The amount of people that are moving and relocating here on a more full-time basis far exceeds the number of properties that we actually have to sell to these people. So, the level of transactions and the volume and the price growth that we have seen over the last few years is something that I don’t think any of us could have predicted.”

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Though Indian Creek offers isolation, Allison Island offers something rarer in the ultra-luxury world: a neighborhood. Kay notes that the influx of names like Brin isn’t just a real estate play, but a cultural one.

“It’s become more of a full-time shift, so the families that have now relocated here… the reason that they’re doing so, again, is because of the location, the privacy aspect, the security of being behind a guard gate, the scarcity of having waterfront land here in Miami Beach, which they’re not making any more of,” Kay explained. “But I think what really makes Allison Island unique is the fact that it has a real sense of community.”

That community provides a level of freedom that has vanished from other major American cities.

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“They don’t have to worry about the unknown or the unexpected. Their kids can go walk or bike ride or do things, and they don’t need to sit there and worry about them,” Kay said. “But at the same time, they know that they are upgrading their lifestyle while still making a very smart financial decision at the end of the day.”

This is Part 3 of a Fox News Digital series on the “Billionaire Bunker” circuit. Stay tuned for our next stop in Coconut Grove, where the wealth migration is hitting a new gear.

READ MORE FROM FOX BUSINESS

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Mutual fund NFOs: 24 funds mobilise Rs 3,985 crore in March, Index fund by HDFC MF contribute maximum

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The Economic Times

Mutual fund NFOs saw strong traction in March, with 24 launches collectively raising ₹3,985 crore, led by HDFC MF’s index fund contributing the largest share.

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China’s expanding surveillance state and crackdowns draw global scrutiny

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China's expanding surveillance state and crackdowns draw global scrutiny
Munich: The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has released its weekly brief, highlighting concerns over the global reach of Chinese surveillance technology and repression of Uyghurs worldwide, as policymakers and activists intensify criticism of China’s policies.

On April 1, 2026, Oliver Stirbock raised questions in the Hesse State Parliament about the use of surveillance systems from Hikvision and Dahua by local authorities. He called for clarity on guidelines addressing human rights risks linked to these technologies, which have already faced restrictions in countries like the United States. WUC welcomed the move, reiterating longstanding concerns that such tools are tied to the mass surveillance of Uyghurs in China.

Meanwhile, April 5 marked 36 years since the Baren Uprising, a pivotal moment of Uyghur resistance against Chinese rule. In 1990, around 200 Uyghurs protested in Akto County against coercive population control policies, including forced abortions.

The protest was met with a brutal military response, reportedly involving thousands of troops and resulting in widespread killings. No independent probe into the incident has ever been conducted. Commemorative demonstrations were held in Munich and Berlin, with activists demanding justice and remembrance for those killed.

At the international level, WUC Executive Committee Chair Rushan Abbas participated in the Global Counterterrorism Forum cybersecurity conference in Guatemala on April 7.

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She highlighted how surveillance practices associated with the Chinese Communist Party extend beyond China’s borders, warning of a growing digital authoritarian model. Alongside Abdulhakim Idris, she also engaged students at Galileo University on what they described as technology-enabled repression.
Adding to global unease, China recently implemented a sweeping 18-point framework to secure its industrial and supply chains. Effective March 31, the policy enhances state authority over key sectors, allowing countermeasures against foreign entities deemed threatening to China’s economic stability. Measures may include restrictions, penalties, and export controls.

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Peloton: Great Improvements But With An Idea Lacking Evidence (NASDAQ:PTON)

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Peloton: Great Improvements But With An Idea Lacking Evidence (NASDAQ:PTON)

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I am a full-time equity analyst and the co-founder of Mina Vista Capital Management, a hedge fund that my business partner, William Hazen, and I started. I look for long-term investment opportunities with a focus on fundamentals. I’ve done extensive research on industries such as energy, technology, and homebuilding, and I’m continuing to expand my knowledge. I find discussions with other analysts, especially when we hold opposing views, very constructive to both of our theses. If you have a different view on any of the companies I cover, send me a message on X and I’ll be happy to discuss.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Twin Disc's Pop Means It's Time For A Downgrade

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Twin Disc's Pop Means It's Time For A Downgrade

Twin Disc's Pop Means It's Time For A Downgrade

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Americans weigh in on the Iran war, gas prices and their fears

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Americans weigh in on the Iran war, gas prices and their fears


Americans weigh in on the Iran war, gas prices and their fears

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Unique Picks: 8 stocks held by a single MF scheme in March; fall up to 35% in CY26

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The Economic Times

A set of 8 uniquely held stocks—each owned by just one mutual fund scheme—saw sharp declines of up to 35% in CY26, highlighting concentrated portfolio risks.

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UltraTech Cement, HPCL among 5 stocks Emkay adds to model portfolio; upside seen at 118%

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The Economic Times

Emkay has added five stocks including UltraTech Cement and HPCL to its model portfolio, projecting potential upside of up to 118%.

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Debt mutual funds record big outflows of nearly Rs 3 lakh crore. Are safer options losing appeal?

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Debt mutual funds record big outflows of nearly Rs 3 lakh crore. Are safer options losing appeal?
Debt mutual funds witnessed record big outflows of nearly Rs 3 lakh crore in March, according to the monthly data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). These funds received an inflow of Rs 42,106 crore in February.

In March last year, these funds had recorded an outflow of Rs 2.02 lakh crore. Across the 16 sub-categories, all segments witnessed outflows in March.

Also Read | Mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio jumps to over 100% in March, even as contributions hit record Rs 32,000 crore

Nehal Meshram, Senior Analyst, Morningstar Investment Research India said debt-funds saw a net outflow in March, marking a steep reversal from the relatively healthier flows seen in January and February. The pressure was concentrated in short-term and treasury-oriented categories, which suggests quarter-end institutional and corporate liquidity adjustments were a key driver.

Nehal further mentioned that the sharp reversal in debt fund flows in March was driven largely by heavy redemptions from short-term and liquidity-oriented categories.

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Liquid funds saw the highest outflow at Rs 1.34 lakh crore. Overnight funds recorded outflows of Rs 40,227 crore, followed by money market funds at Rs 29,206 crore.
Kartik Jain, MD & CEO, Shriram AMC, said debt categories, which saw inflows in February, witnessed significant outflows in March, particularly in liquid and money market funds, suggesting quarter-end treasury movements and profit booking by institutional investors.
The AMFI data showed that low-duration funds saw an outflow of Rs 25,227 crore. Corporate bond funds and gilt funds saw an outflow of Rs 15,292 crore and Rs 3,078 crore, respectively.
Commenting on the outflows from corporate bond funds and gilt funds, Nehal said corporate bond funds recorded outflows, indicating some pressure even in relatively high-quality accrual-oriented strategies, whereas gilt funds continued to see outflows, suggesting investor appetite for duration-led strategies remained limited.

Gilt funds have been witnessing continuous outflows for the last eight funds. Long-duration funds and dynamic bond funds have been witnessing outflows for six straight months each. Credit risk funds are observing outflows for the last 36 months.

The assets under management (AUM) of debt funds declined by 15% in March to Rs 16.51 lakh crore from Rs 19.43 lakh crore in February.

Also Read | Gold ETF inflows drop 57% to Rs 2,265 crore; silver ETFs see second straight month of outflows

From a broader quarterly perspective, the March pullback was large enough to drag overall debt fund flows into negative territory for Q1 2026, with short-term categories accounting for most of the weakness. Overall, the March data appears to reflect seasonal quarter-end liquidity adjustments more than any broad-based deterioration in sentiment toward fixed income, Nehal said.

Ankur Punj, MD & Business Head, Equirus Wealth said March typically witnesses a surge in outflows due to higher redemptions, particularly from debt mutual funds, as companies redeem money from liquid funds to meet year-end commitments.

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However, this is just a temporary blip and industry is likely to witness a surge in inflows in the coming months backed by India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and valuations of domestic equities looking favourable, Punj further said.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle

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