Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14)reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings may or may not pursue a different running back in free agency four weeks from now; the club has Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason under contract. Jones will turn 32 next season, and some believe he could be released sooner rather than later. If so, these are the worthwhile replacement options on the open market.
The Vikings are tight against the cap, yet a narrow group of free agent RBS could still align with the roster and scheme.
The Vikings also don’t have much cap space as of early February, so they’ll have to get creative with some cap magic.
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From Good to Best: Vikings RB Fits
These are the top RB options for Minnesota in free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell breaks free for a first-half touchdown at M&T Bank Stadium, with December 7, 2025 embedded mid-paragraph during a road matchup in Baltimore. The burst through traffic highlights Gainwell’s acceleration and vision as Pittsburgh struck early against the Ravens in a tightly contested divisional game. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
5. Kenneth Gainwell
Believe it or not, Gainwell tabulated 1,023 yards from scrimmage in 2025, along with 8 touchdowns. The guy was a miniature machine.
He also torched the Vikings in Dublin — in a game when purple fans thought “they got away with one” after learning of Jaylen Warren’s injury. Instead, Gainwell played even more efficiently than Warren.
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Warren would be a smart fit for the Vikings if a) the team releases Jones b) it views Mason as an RB1. His next contract should fetch about $5 million per season.
4. Javonte Williams
Williams totally revitalized his career in Dallas this season.
Many chalked him up as mid due to never popping off as the Denver Broncos’ RB1 despite fancy 2nd-Round draft stock in 2021. As it turns out, the Broncos just didn’t feature him enough.
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Williams logged 1,338 yards from scrimmage in 2025, complete with 13 touchdowns. He helped fantasy managers win championships across the country. The veteran tailback turns 26 on draft weekend and will probably command about $10 milion per year in free agency.
3. Kenneth Walker
This guy has earned millions in the last few weeks.
Walker turned on the jets during the Seahawks’ sprint to Super Bowl LX, and truth be told, might even be more valuable than Sam Darnold on offense, mainly because Walker is playing like a Top 3 NFL tailback during the playoffs.
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There are only two knocks on Walker: he’s not the most durable runner ever, and he experiences vanishing acts.
Perhaps his next team will feed him the rock at the same level as Seattle in the 2025 postseason.
2. Travis Etienne
Etienne just turned 27, meaning he has about two years left of his physical prime. He played so well in 2025 that Jacksonville may not let him leave. In the event that Jaguars hand the baton to Bhayshul Tuten, though, Etienne will need a new home.
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He totaled 1,399 yards from scrimmage in 2025, with 13 scores. He’s basically AFC Javonte Williams.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence executes a late-game handoff to Travis Etienne Jr. at NRG Stadium, with September 29, 2024 appearing mid-paragraph as fourth-quarter action unfolded in Houston. The exchange captures Jacksonville leaning on its ground game while managing tempo against the Texans in a closely fought AFC South matchup. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
One thing separates Etienne from the rest on this list: he’s the best pass-blocking halfback, and it’s not close. For the Vikings, that characteristic often feels like a prerequisite.
1. Breece Hall
New Vikings offensive line coach Keith Carter’s connection to Hall predates his arrival in Minnesota. Before joining the Vikings in 2025, Carter operated as the Jets’ run game coordinator, putting him directly alongside Hall during the most productive stretch of the running back’s young career. From a coaching perspective, there aren’t many closer reference points than that.
Carter’s resume hasn’t been without friction. Former Titans players took aim at his methods on social media years ago, yet the Vikings still brought him in as an assistant offensive line coach last offseason. When Kevin O’Connell chose not to retain Chris Kuper ahead of the 2026 offseason, Carter’s internal standing became clearer. The promotion followed soon after, and Carter officially took over Minnesota’s offensive line room last week.
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The timing matters for free agency, at least in theory. Carter oversaw the Jets’ rushing operation from 2022 through 2023, with Hall serving as the centerpiece. Now, as 2026 free agency approaches, Hall is set to hit the market with expectations in the $10–12 million range.
Minnesota wouldn’t be pitching Hall on a whim. Carter knows how Hall is wired, how he runs, and how to structure a rushing offense around his strengths. Provided any lingering frustration from Carter’s demanding style hasn’t closed the door, the Vikings present a wise second chapter for Hall.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall celebrates with teammates after finding the end zone, with January 5, 2025 placed mid-paragraph during a fourth-quarter scoring sequence in East Rutherford. The sideline celebration reflects Hall’s impact late in the game as New York closed the season with an emphatic offensive moment. Mandatory Credit: Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Our Janik Eckardt on the idea of Hall to Minnesota: “Hall to Minnesota isn’t unrealistic, but it would take O’Connell’s commitment to feature the running game in 2026 and beyond. Furthermore, the Jets would have to allow him to leave in free agency. In the Twin Cities, Jones would be the first domino to fall if the Vikings indeed want to adjust their top RB duo.”
“The running back position will be a position to watch for the Minnesota Vikings in March and April.”
O’Connell and Carter would immediately put Hall to use: 1,415 yards from scrimmage in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson battles Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson during a contested first-quarter sequence at Highmark Stadium, with November 13, 2022 unfolding amid cold conditions in Orchard Park. The tightly covered rep reflects the physical tone of the matchup as both sides tested leverage, timing, and separation early. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota Vikings-themed rumors lit up like a Christmas tree after the organization fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last week. The rumor mill never goes silent, but it’s amplified at the moment.
The latest Minnesota buzz ties Jefferson to trade chatter, frames Murray’s likely price tag, and flags a veteran free agent as a plausible fit.
Here’s a look at the latest on the day of Super Bowl LX
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Latest Vikings Rumors: Jefferson Suitor, Murray Price Tag, Free-Agent Watchlist
Trades and free agency dominate the Sunday, February 8th edition.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson addresses the media at Sport Ireland Campus during an international media session, with the appearance taking place on Sep. 26, 2025, as Minnesota prepared for overseas exposure and league obligations while Jefferson discussed the team’s season outlook, leadership role, and growing global profile. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Rumor: The Buffalo Bills appear to be a trade suitor for Justin Jefferson.
SI.com’s Alex Brasky kicked off the Jefferson trade speculation last week, noting, “It’s startling to consider what Jefferson could do with a quarterback like the Bills’ Josh Allen, the league’s reigning MVP. If you look at the Bills’ WR corps since the team traded former No. 1 Stefon Diggs after the 2023 season, the team’s leader has been Khalil Shakir, whose high watermark has been 821 yards, set in 2024.”
“Allen has been desperately craving a top-tier pass catcher on the outside, and Jefferson would fulfill that role as one of the most dynamic WRs in all of football. If the Bills were to go out and acquire Jefferson, it would require quite the commitment in terms of trade pieces. Buffalo would likely have to offer up at least one first-round pick, along with several other picks, to sweeten the deal.” The price tag alone pushes the idea into the realm of front-office fantasy.
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That hasn’t stopped the chatter from accelerating. Jefferson’s recent praise of Brady on a podcast poured fuel on the fire, sending Jefferson-to-Buffalo theories ricocheting around the internet.
“For example, when the Kansas City Chiefs traded WR Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in March of 2022, the Dolphins were forced to part with a first, second and fourth-round selection in that upcoming draft, along with a fourth and sixth-rounder the following year,” Brasky continued.
“There is also the Bills’ salary-cap situation to consider, as Buffalo is hard up against the cap as it stands in early February. According to Spotrac, the Bills are around $10 million over the league’s figure of about $301.2M to $305.7M.”
Jefferson said about Brady this week: “I feel like he was mostly the reason why I got picked first round. He’s the reason why my hands got better, why a lot of things occurred during that season, so I’m just proud of him to go from the (New Orleans) Saints to LSU, and now he’s back in the league and about to be a head coach.”
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The only problem? Jefferson isn’t for sale. This is just Bills-themed daydreaming.
Rumor: Kyler Murray can get-got for a 2nd or 3rd-Round pick.
A 2nd-Round pick could be enough to pry Murray loose via trade. Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay scribed this week, “Projected Trade Value: 2026 2nd-Round Pick. A few quarterbacks may find themselves on the trade market, including Arizona Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray. The 28-year-old has never delivered any postseason success, and Arizona’s offense actually operated more efficiently with him out of the lineup this past season.”
“The Cardinals will be rebuilding with a new head coach in 2026, so it may be the right time to move in a new direction at quarterback. Of course, his 2026 cap hit of $53.3 million could make it difficult for Arizona to maximize Murray’s trade value. However, the Cardinals may catch a break by having Moore return to college in 2026.”
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Murray’s name has hovered around the Vikings’ rumor mill since he was perceived as “softly benched” by the Cardinals earlier this season, keeping Minnesota loosely tied to any league-wide quarterback movement.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray delivers a pass downfield against Houston at NRG Stadium, with the action unfolding on Nov. 19, 2023, during the second half as Murray tested coverage, extended plays, and directed Arizona’s offense while working back into rhythm following his return to the lineup. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports.
Kay added, “Another source believes that the starting price point for Murray will be a second-round pick, per Weinfuss, and that if the Cardinals can move the two-time Pro Bowler, they will. The Jets might be the one team desperate enough to expend draft and cap capital to take a flier on Murray.”
“They were widely expected to take Moore at No. 2 overall — the Las Vegas Raiders will presumably snap up Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza at No. 1—before he announced he wouldn’t enter the draft. With no other QB prospect worthy of the second pick, New York may look to resurrect Murray’s career instead.”
If the price is this affordable, Minnesota should pounce. Murray is the fifth-most accurate passer in NFL history. He would cook with the Vikings.
Rumor: Kirk Cousins is the Vikings’ top free-agent target.
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Want a hot-shot cornerback? How about a safety? Nope, says CBS Sports. Jared Dubin claims Kirk Cousins, if released by the Atlanta Falcons, is the wisest Vikings free-agent target out there.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins takes the field at U.S. Bank Stadium before kickoff, with the moment occurring on Dec. 8, 2024, as Cousins returned to Minneapolis to face his former team, drawing heightened attention from fans familiar with his six seasons leading the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
He explained: “With the J.J. McCarthy experiment seemingly going off the rails, the Vikings need to bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with him and/or be the backup and fill-in starter in case things don’t go well again.”
“Cousins is likely set to hit free agency given his contractual situation, and we know he is familiar with both the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell’s system, making this an easy, comfortable fit.”
Cousins would check some boxes as a smart McCarthy insurance policy and will finally be cheap, but many Vikings fans would groan at the mere mention of his name. He’s a divisive dude.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick against Wolves and has spoken about transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United.
Manchester United-linked Chelsea star Cole Palmer has dismissed speculation linking him with a departure from the club, after the Blues’ talisman netted a first-half hat-trick against Wolves.
The England international bagged all of Chelsea’s goals in the 3-1 victory at Molineux. His opening two strikes came from the penalty spot, as the Blues maintained their impressive form under Liam Rosenior.
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After converting his first spot-kick, Palmer abandoned his trademark ‘cold’ celebration and instead charged towards the away end with his hands covering his ears, before blowing a kiss to the Chelsea supporters.
“Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don’t they? I don’t pay too much attention to it,” Palmer said, when asked about his celebration. “You see things. But I feel like I’ve come from a strong place anyway so I don’t pay attention to it.”
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The midfielder also heaped praise on new manager Rosenior. “Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence,” he said.
“Lets us be ourselves, play free. I’m sure when I’m back proper fit you’ll see the best of me. Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch, with his strategies, the way we play… I really like it.”
Palmer’s season has been marred by injury, with England star sitting out 21 matches in all competitions this campaign. However, he has played in the last four games across all competitions, starting the most recent two Premier League fixtures.
He made a significant revelation about his fitness. “I don’t think [I’m 100% fit] just yet,” he admitted.
“Obviously people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes but being injured the whole season is not ideal and when I’m not able to perform as I want to because I’ve been injured, and still dealing with the injury, but hopefully I can get over the injury soon by managing it. I know what level I can provide when I feel 100% fit.
“Not being 100% fit isn’t ideal, I still feel like I can help the team but when I’m back to full fitness I feel like I can go to another level.”
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Speaking to the Chelsea website, Palmer added: “I’ve never been injured before in my career. This is something new to me, and I’m still finding out how to deal with it.
“It has been frustrating, I don’t feel like I’ve played a game this season fully fit. I’ve been going into games thinking, ‘Can I do certain things? Can I not?’ Overthinking it.
“The staff have been really good. I’ve been working closely with the physios on a day-to-day basis. They have all helped, and I’ll get through it.
“I’m not here to make excuses, and ”ll get over the injuries. I know what I can do when I’m fit, and hopefully I can get back to that soon. For now, I just manage it and get there.”
The James Harden era of the Cleveland Cavaliers began with a close win over one of the worst teams in the NBA on Saturday.
The Cavaliers came back to beat the Sacramento Kings, in Harden’s first debut with the team after a trade deadline move from the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden finished the game with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, with 15 of those points coming in the fourth quarter.
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Harden made his mark when Cleveland was down 121-116 with fewer than four minutes to go. He made 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to put his team ahead, and also made four free throws in the final 30 seconds to put the game away.
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It had been previously shaping up to be a rough debut for the 11-time All-Star. The Cavaliers’ defense in particular looked like it needed work with Harden getting his first minutes in the system, but big nights from Donovan Mitchell (35 points) and Jarrett Allen (29 points) helped offset those struggles.
In Cleveland, Harden joined a franchise currently in playoff position, but a step behind their 64-win season last year. He brings a lengthy history as one of the NBA’s top offensive engines and forms a dynamic backcourt with Mitchell, though with some overlapping skillsets (an issue with Garland as well).
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The real question is if Harden can overcome a track record of underperformance come playoff time. That answer is months away, so all he can do for now is focus on getting up to speed with his sixth NBA team.
To Spieth, Scheffler’s superpower lies “less in the golf swing and more so the personality.” Scottie Scheffler, Spieth said, is one guy inside the ropes. There, he knows exactly what he needs to do, what he wants to do and how to get to that point. But when Scottie Scheffler isn’t working, he’s not working. He’s just a dad and a husband. He can detach the second the clubs go in the bag and has no interest in using time and energy in monetizing his name and talents off the course.
“He has that unique ability to, from best I can tell, to separate,” Spieth said. “It’s more so the difference in personality from any other superstar that you’ve seen in the modern era and maybe in any sport. I don’t think anybody is like him.”
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That came just days after Schefler’s existential press conference to open the week at Royal Portrush, where he talked about the fleeting happiness that comes from winning and explained that while he loves being great at golf, it “does not fill the deepest desires of his heart.”
The ability to not be consumed by golf is freeing for Scheffler. It allows him to plug in and plug out, which helps keep him level as he continues to dominate the golf world.
For most of the past four years, Scheffler has made everything look easy. He’s won at Augusta twice. He became the only player to repeat at the Players. He won the PGA Championship and the Open. He has won here, there and everywhere while leaving the rest of the world’s best searching for ways to close what at the moment feels like a chasm that can’t be traversed.
While all those little things help make Scottie Scheffler Scottie Scheffler and separate him from most, there’s something else that allows him to levitate above everything. Something that’s rarely discussed because it’s seldom seen.
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But it was there on Thursday night in Phoenix, when Scheffler walked off the course after a bizarre opening-round 73 that had him in danger of missing the cut at TPC Scottsdale. It’s a position we rarely see Scheffler in. It won’t take you long to count the number of tournaments he has been a true non-factor in over the last few years. Scheffler hasn’t finished outside the top 10 in a tournament since last year’s Players, when he was still shaking off the rust from an offseason ravioli injury. The last time he missed a cut? The 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship. In the age of no-cut, limited-field events, that stat doesn’t mean what it used to. But it’s still noteworthy that we rarely see Scottie Scheffler miling around in the middle of the pack, and he doesn’t exit the premises early.
Scheffler doesn’t believe in trying to “find” something mid-tournament. To him, the work is done in the prep and you arrive with what you’ll need for the week. But sitting at T-86 after an opening-round stumble that included a flubbed chip, Scheffler went to work. Not to fix something for a future tournament or prep for later, but because Scottie Scheffler, like all elite athletes, only has one speed. If there’s something to fix, it gets fixed. There are no “down weeks” or “off days.” To waste an opportunity to get better is to sacrifice something you can’t get back. And because there is still time to win. They don’t hand out the trophies on Thursday.
“Yesterday was a dig-it-out-of-the-dirt type of day in the afternoon,” Scheffler said on Friday. “I try to avoid those as much as possible at tournaments, but after the way I felt over the ball yesterday, it was definitely needed. I almost was so discouraged I almost didn’t even want to go practice. I went out there, and it was well worth it.
“You look at days like today. I had an awful day on the golf course yesterday all around pretty much. So to come out to today, stay really patient, especially after not getting off to a great start, to stay patient, grind it out, put myself back into a position where — I’ve put myself in contention from this exact position in this golf tournament, and it’s one of those places you can get hot. That’s what I’ll be looking to do over the weekend.”
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Scheffler fixed something in his grip, which led to a better ball-striking day in the second round and a six-under 65 that put him inside the top 30. He backed that up with a 67 on Saturday and will have at least an outside shot at winning his third WM Phoenix Open on Sunday.
Scottie Scheffler was frustrated on Thursday in Phoenix. It was an uncharacteristic display from golf’s dominant force. He left the course dejected that his pre-tournament work, which he prides himself on, didn’t yield the desired results.
So Scottie Scheffler went searching because part of true greatness is never giving in — never allowing yourself to be complacent with something that doesn’t meet your standards. Never being out of the fight, even when everyone would understand if, just this one time, you were.
“Definitely take a lot of pride in days like today,” Scheffler said after making his Friday charge. “It’s nice to get myself back in the tournament. Sometimes it feels like there is nothing worse than missing cuts.
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“When you look at the results I’ve had over the last few years, I think probably my greatest skill is being able to stay near the lead,” Scheffler added Saturday. “I think one of the things I’m most proud of is the consistent results I’ve had over the years.”
Scottie Scheffler left the course on Thursday in a tie for 86th. On Sunday, he’ll have a chance to win. When you refuse to let go of the rope, you always give yourself a chance.
Canelo Alvarez was beaten for just the third time in 68 fights last year, surrendering his undisputed super-middleweight title to Terence Crawford. It is a defeat that he will not get the chance to avenge.
A few months on from that career-defining victory, Crawford announced his retirement from the sport of boxing, exiting with his undefeated record in tact and as a five-weight world champion.
Speaking on the Mr Verzace podcast, Canelo said that he has now accepted ‘Bud’s decision to retire, but will always feel that a rematch was deserved.
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“Of course. I always give him his credit, but we need to run it back. After the fight I said we need to run back this fight because I don’t feel the way I really want. I need to make this fight happen again, and it’s gonna be different. I think for him to deserve all the credit, he needs to give me the rematch. But he decided to retire and we need to accept that and move forward … I think the rematch would be perfect for boxing, but it is what it is.”
With ‘Bud’ showing no signs of making a u-turn on his decision to hang up the gloves, Canelo was asked about another potential avenue of avenging a defeat – Dmitry Bivol.
“Why not? We’ll see in the future. If it makes sense, why not? Like I say, I always like a challenge.”
Nick Ball puts his WBA Featherweight World title on the line against Brandon Figueroa tonight in Liverpool, looking to make the fourth successful defence of the belt in front of a hometown crowd.
Ball is one of six British male world champions, but he stood alone at one stage with the UK on his back. Though he is now joined by Dalton Smith, Lewis Crocker, Josh Kelly, Jazza Dickens and Fabio Wardley, the relentless puncher from Liverpool still welcomes the pressure at the top.
He has, as the event is billed, a tall task in Figueroa, who towers over the champion by seven inches and looks to spoil tonight’s party in The Pool. Boxing News brings you the undercard results, summaries and a live scorecard for the headline bout.
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Undercard results
Brad Strand vs Ruben Lezama Gonzalez — Super bantamweight
Result: Strand RTD R3. Methodical from Brad Strand from the first bell. He stops his man in the third, taking the wind out of him with a body shot and follow up with a barrage of punches that forced Gonzalez’ corner to throw in the towel.
Hassan Ishaq vs Leonardo Baez — Featherweight
Result: – Ishaq TKO R3. Straightforward for Ishaq, who scores his third stoppage win in three fights. He looked sharp and powerful in there, though Baez really wasn’t up to much.
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Andrew Cain vs Alejandro Gonzalez — Bantamweight
Result: Cain TKO R9. A well-matched affair. Gonzalez scored two body shot knockdowns in the eighth. Cain did well to come back out in the ninth, never mind score a knockdown of his own in the first minute. He refused to relent and put the Mexican down for a second time. Gonzalez, with a burst eye, walked towards the corner during the count and saw it waved off by by referee Mark Gates. An impressive win for Cain, who deserves the world title shot that should come off the back of it.
Jack Turner vs Juan Carlos Martinez Urbina — Super flyweight
Result: Turner RTD R3. Jack Turner scores his 13th stoppage in 14 fights. It was all ‘El Terrier’, who scored a knockdown in the first and beat the fight out of Urbina – who had a point off in the third for consistent holding – leading his corner to stop the fight after the third. On to bigger things for KO artist Turner, who is a ruthless addition to the lower weight classes.
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Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa scorecard and result
This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
Ball
10
10
9
9
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
104
Figueroa
9
9
10
10
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
105
Result: Figueroa TKO R12. A thrilling fight from start to finish, and a tough one to score. Ball’s trademark style was as eye-catching as always, but Figueroa peppered away at the body and worked at a steadier pace. The scorecards may have been all over the place had it come to it, but the challenger landed a thunderous left hook during an exchange in the final round and put the champion down. Ball rose to his feet and fought on, but another few well-placed shots and he was knocked over again and through the ropes. A good stoppage from referee Steve Gray. Heartbreak for Ball, elation for three-time world champion Figueroa and a real win for boxing fans.
Feb 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James (4) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Moussa Diabate scored six straight fourth-quarter points, including a pair of thunderous dunks, to spark the visiting Charlotte Hornets to their ninth straight victory, a 126-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
WIth Charlotte trailing 110-109 with 6:31 remaining, Diabate made two free throws and threw down back-to-back slams to give the visitors a five-point lead. Atlanta could never catch up but had a chance to tie the game with 15 seconds left when Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a 3-pointer.
The Hornets were led by Miles Bridges with 26 points and Kon Knueppel with 23 points, including six 3-pointers, and eight rebounds. LaMelo Ball added 19 points and nine assists. Diabate finished with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson finished with 31 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Zaccharie Risacher scored 18 and Onyeka Okongwu, who returned from missing four games with a facial fracture, had 16 points and six rebounds.
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The Hornets matched their longest winning streak since the 1998-99 season.
Atlanta led by nine with 2:42 left in the first quarter, but the Hornets cut it to 35-32 by the end of the quarter. Charlotte tied the game on a three-point play by Ball at 11:21, setting off a back-and-forth period that ended with the game tied 60-60 at halftime. There were 13 lead changes and four ties in the first half.
The Hornets, behind nine points from Ball, scored the final 11 points of the third quarter and took a 98-90 lead into the final period. A 3-pointer by Ball gave Charlotte a 101-92 lead, but Atlanta went on a 16-4 run to take a 108-105 lead on a 3-pointer by Risacher with 7:55 left.
The Hornets lead the season series 2-1 and ended a three-game losing streak in Atlanta. The teams meet for the final time on Wednesday in Charlotte.
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Atlanta’s newly acquired Buddy Hield and Gabe Vincent were available but did not play. The team said Jonathan Kuminga, the other player who came over in the trade, will be out until the All-Star break with a left knee bone bruise.
Jamie George felt England delivered an explosive start to the Guinness Six Nations after sweeping aside Wales 48-7 in a victory that sets-up their pivotal trip to Murrayfield.
Henry Arundell, making his first start since the 2023 World Cup, ran in a first-half hat-trick at Allianz Stadium while Ben Earl, Tom Roebuck and Tommy Freeman also crossed, with a penalty try completing the rout.
Next up are a Scotland side reeling from their 18-15 defeat by Italy as England search for their first win in Edinburgh since 2020.
“Regardless of who we were playing next, it’s a brilliant platform for us to kick on from,” said George, who led the team after regular captain Maro Itoje was picked on the bench.
“We wanted to start with a bang and we did that, especially the way we started the game. The intensity that we played with – that looks like the sort of team that we want to be.
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“It’s going to be about seeing how far we can push it because we know what a big test it will be up at Murrayfield next week.
“There’s just this appetite and desire for this team to be as good as we possibly can be and to get better. We felt that in how competitive training has been.
“For us then to go out and execute the way that we did is so pleasing because we looked like a team that were cohesive.
“Given that it’s the first game of the tournament, that’s pretty impressive.”
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England’s third biggest win against Wales was sealed despite a lack of fluency in the second half having entered the interval 29-0 ahead on the back of a clinical 40 minutes brilliantly orchestrated by George Ford.
Head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Defensively we were excellent. We know Wales have got so many dangerous players and pace out wide and we shut them down really well.
“Our kicking game was good and the set-piece did a good job, but there’s plenty of room for improvement.
“What is really pleasing is we created loads of opportunities and we can get better at converting those.
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“Especially in that second half, we didn’t convert the opportunities in the manner I would like us to. There is plenty for us to go and work on.”
Wales captain Dewi Lake gave an honest assessment of his team’s 12 consecutive loss in the Six Nations with the first half especially harrowing for Welsh fans.
“We let ourselves down and let people down. We spoke all week about what we were going to produce and we didn’t do it,” Lake said.
“There’s no other way to say it. We’re massively disappointed with what we put on the field.”
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Wales host France next Sunday and Lake added: “We know we’re going to be better next weekend.
“We’ve spoken a lot about wanting to excite a nation. We didn’t do it against England. We’ve got another four games in this tournament and we’ll make sure we do it next week.”
Pep Guardiola has revealed he felt an immediate connection with his Manchester City assistant Pep Lijnders – but did plenty of research with former Liverpool players before hiring Jurgen Klopp’s long-time assistant manager.
Lijnders returns to Anfield on Sunday but by Guardiola’s side as part of City’s coaching team after taking a job at the Etihad Stadium last summer.
And Guardiola said he was an admirer of the work Lijnders and Klopp did together at Liverpool as he said he did his due diligence before hiring the Dutchman.
He said: “I had a lot of info from other people about him who had been trained or managed by him at Liverpool. I needed to refresh myself first with new people who have incredible knowledge about the game and the Premier League and I love a lot many things that he did with Jurgen at Liverpool. We talked one day, I think we felt connected immediately. I am incredibly lucky that since the first day I started as a manager [with] all my backroom staff and close people and Pep is one of them.”
Guardiola gave an insight into what Lijnders, a former RB Salzburg manager, has added, saying: “Methodology of training sessions and vision of part of the game and the freedom to say what we should do, continually talking about what could be better in that way with the player and other ones and one system or the other.
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“That is the funny part of our game, imagining what we can do, what is going to happen, and confronting with opinions for people that you truly believe are incredibly well prepared for their business.”
Lijnders worked with many of the current Liverpool players, though Guardiola feels he can offer less insight into the head coach after Klopp stood down in 2024.
“It would have been easier if Jurgen was the manager there, because he has not been with Arne [Slot],” Guardiola said. “They play a little bit different but at the end the quality remains.”
