Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

Sports

New York Knicks hold off Wembanyama’s Spurs to take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals

Published

on

Jalen Brunson drilled the go-ahead free throw as the New York Knicks held off a furious San Antonio rally to beat the Spurs 105-104 on Friday and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama had a crucial late turnover and missed a potential game-winner with two seconds remaining to leave the Spurs in need of an unprecedented comeback when the best-of-seven series shifts to New York for games three and four.

No team has lifted the trophy after dropping the first two games of the Finals at home.

Michael Jordan’s 1993 Chicago Bulls and the 1995 Houston Rockets are the only other teams to win the first two games of the championship series on the road, and both went on to win titles.

Advertisement

The Knicks won their 13th straight game of the playoffs – the second-longest streak in postseason history – and will have a chance to close out their first title since 1973 in front of home fans at Madison Square Garden. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to be in attendance on Monday.

They had to withstand a scintillating fourth-quarter surge from the Spurs, who erased a 14-point deficit with a 14-0 scoring run.

Wembanyama shook off a slow start to score 22 of his 29 points in the second half, his three-point play with 57.3 seconds remaining giving the Spurs their first lead since the second quarter at 104-102.

It was tied at 104-104 with 9.5 seconds left when Wembanyama grabbed the rebound of a Brunson miss but turned it over with a bad pass into the back of teammate Stephon Castle.

Advertisement
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter of the Spurs' loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter of the Spurs’ loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals. © Ronald Cortes, Getty Images via AFP

Brunson scooped up the ball and was fouled then made the first of two free throws to put the Knicks back in front.

San Antonio had one last chance, coming out of a time out with 7.5 seconds left. They got the ball to their superstar but his jump shot clanged off the rim.

“I threw that one away,” 22-year-old Wembanyama said. “I messed up. We didn’t play great as a team. We needed to win that game.”

Read more‘We love Wemby’: San Antonio embraces French star ahead of NBA Finals

Advertisement

Karl-Anthony Towns, who led the Knicks with 21 points and 13 rebounds admitted he was praying when Wembanyama put the Spurs’ final attempt.

“A great player got a great shot, and it just didn’t go in,” Towns said.

‘What a ballgame’

For the second straight game Towns delivered a stellar defensive performance that pushed Wembanyama out of his comfort zone.

“He’s a once in a generation player,” Towns said. “You got to make it difficult on him. So, just utilizing my experience, utilizing my size, my skill, and just trying to make it difficult for him.

Advertisement

Brunson and Mikal Bridges scored 20 points each, OG Anunoby added 17 and Landry Shamet scored 13 off the bench for the Knicks.

Wembanyama added nine rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals, and De’Aaron Fox scored 20 points for the Spurs.

Desperate not to head back to New York in a 2-0 hole, the Spurs attacked the paint early.

Wembanyama thrilled Spurs fans at the Frost Bank Center – where Knicks supporters were a vocal presence — with his first basket of the night, a left-handed dunk that gave the Spurs a 15-10 lead.

Advertisement

Fox’s alley oop layup off a feed from Devin Vassell pushed the lead to 10 with less than two minutes to go in the first.

The Spurs pushed their lead to 12 before the Knicks responded in a tense second quarter, taking the lead for the first time, 49-48, on Landry Shamet’s layup with 3:39 left in the first half.

San Antonio regained the lead, but Towns’s three-pointer over Wembanyama gave the Knicks a 56-52 halftime advantage that they pushed to as many as 12 before taking an 84-75 lead into the fourth quarter.

“What a ballgame,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “It’s a fantastic ballgame. They made a run. We made a run. They made a run. We made a run.

Advertisement

“We could have folded a few times, but our guys just kept fighting … no matter what run they went on, no matter what time of the game, our guys just kept uplifting one another.”

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Liberty look to keep hot streak going, host Mystics

Published

on

May 10, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Liberty guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) is fouled by Washington Mystics guard Cassandre Prosper (18) while shooting in overtime at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesMay 10, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Liberty guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) is fouled by Washington Mystics guard Cassandre Prosper (18) while shooting in overtime at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

If the New York Liberty win their next two games, they will clinch a spot in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on June 30.

The Liberty — who are 9-4 overall and 4-0 in the Cup standings — will play host to Washington on Sunday afternoon. After that, the Liberty will visit Chicago on Wednesday in their final pool-play game.

On Thursday, the Liberty defeated the host Atlanta Dream, 104-90, in New York’s highest-scoring game since the season opener.

It was also New York’s sixth straight win as the Liberty shot 54% from the floor and 52% on 3-pointers (16-for-31). The Liberty also had a 40-24 advantage on the boards against an Atlanta team that entered the game No. 1 in the WNBA in rebounding.

“We were just ready,” said Liberty guard Marine Johannes, who scored 17 points.

Advertisement

In fact, for the first time in franchise history, the Liberty had five players score at least 16 points.

The only thing not perfect about the Liberty right now is that point guard Sabrina Ionescu hasn’t played since May 24 due to a back injury, although she has been practicing lately.

Breanna Stewart leads New York in scoring (20.4), Jonquel Jones leads the team in rebounds (9.6) and rookie Pauline Astier tops the squad in assists (3.8).

Meanwhile, Washington (5-6) is 2-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Advertisement

The Mystics beat Toronto 86-85 on Friday night on Sonia Citron’s turnaround jumper at the buzzer.

Washington prevailed despite a season-high 22 turnovers, shooting just 2-of-18 on 3-pointers and playing without standout Kiki Iriafen, who has an injured right ankle. She is averaging 14.6 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds.

The Mystics are largely a product of their nine first-round picks, including seven they have selected since 2022. Citron (third overall) and Iriafen (fourth overall) were drafted in 2025, and the former leads the team in scoring (17.1).

Advertisement

Then there’s 6-5 center Shakira Austin, a top contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award. Austin is averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists — all career highs.

That’s some progression for the 25-year-old Austin, who was the third overall pick in 2022.

Two other Mystics first-rounders of note are a pair of rookies: 6-7 center Lauren Betts (fourth overall in 2026) and point guard Georgia Amoore (sixth overall in 2025).

Betts scored a season-high 18 points on Friday, making 8 of 9 shots. With Iriafen out, she got extended minutes — a season-high 21.

Advertisement

Amoore leads Washington in assists (3.8).

The Liberty will be the more rested team on Sunday.

And, in the only game between Washington and New York so far this season, the Liberty won, 98-93, in overtime. Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but she is likely unavailable on Sunday.

On the positive side for Washington, Citron is feeling better after an injury caused her to miss a game on June 2.

Advertisement

“My foot is good,” Citron said. “I’m happy to be back.”

–Field Level Media

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Baseball: OHSAA state tournament day 2 results

Published

on

Jun. 13—PREP RESULTS — Baseball

STATE TOURNAMENT

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron and Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Division I

Advertisement

Thursday’s Semifinals

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Moeller 8, Perrysburg 6

Advertisement

Advertisement

St. Xavier 5, Olentangy Orange 0

Friday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

St. Xavier 4, Moeller 2

Advertisement

Division II

Friday’s Semifinals

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

New Albany 4, Harrison 1

Advertisement

Walsh Jesuit 3, North Canton Hoover 2

Saturday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Walsh Jesuit vs. New Albany, 7 p.m.

Advertisement

Division III

Thursday’s Semifinals

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Badin 5, Parma Padua Franciscan 2: B: Driessen W CG 9 K, Cummins 2-2 RS 3 RBI, Taylor 1-3 2 RBI, Vangen 1-1 2 RS, Cooper 1-3 RS, Wolpert 1-3 RS.

Advertisement

Bishop Watterson 5, Cuyahoga Valley Christian 1

Advertisement

Friday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Advertisement

Badin 7, Bishop Watterson 2: B: Treadway W, Emerson 2-4 2B 2 RS RBI, Vangen 1-3 2 RBI, Laugle 1-2 RS RBI, Sawyer 1-2 RS RBI, Taylor 1-3 2B RS RBI, Ogden 1-2 2 RS.

Badin captures first state championship since 1996 with win over Bishop Watterson

*

Division IV

Advertisement

Saturday’s Semifinals

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Sandusky Perkins vs. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 10 a.m.

Fenwick vs. Fairfield Union, 1 p.m.

Advertisement

June baseball becomes reality for Fenwick, which seeks D-IV state championship

*

Sunday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Advertisement

Semifinal winners, 10 a.m.

Advertisement

Division V

Thursday’s Semifinals

Advertisement

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Col. Academy 5, Findlay Liberty-Benton 2

Waynedale 7, Lucasville Valley 2

Friday’s Championship

Advertisement

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Waynedale 9, Col. Academy 5

Division VI

Thursday’s Semifinals

Advertisement

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Lake Center Christian 5, Galion Northmor 3

Berlin Hiland 7, St. Henry 2: SH: Boeckman 1-3 RS, J. Schwieterman 1-4 2B RBI, H. Schwieterman RS.

Friday’s Championship

Advertisement

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Lake Center Christian 2, Berlin Hiland 1

Division VII

Friday’s Semifinals

Advertisement

at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Advertisement

Delphos St. John’s 5, Tiffin Calvert 3: DSJ: C. Elwer W CG 6 K, Lindeman 2-2 3B RS RBI, Wiechart 2-3 3B RS RBI, Swick 1-3 RS RBI, McClain RS.

Leipsic 11, South Webster 10

Advertisement

Saturday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Delphos St. John’s vs. Leipsic, 4 p.m.

REPORTING RESULTS

Advertisement

Contact Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News with scores and results as soon as possible after varsity high school athletic contests by email only at COPSports@coxincn.com. Please include any details from your contest that you would like published along with a contact name and phone number.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

The Vikings Pickup Some New Talent

Published

on

Advertisement

Kevin O’Connell runs onto the field before a Vikings game against the Detroit Lions.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell jogs onto the field during pregame introductions, setting the tone as players follow and the crowd builds energy ahead of kickoff Oct 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions with preparation and urgency shaping the moment. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

GM Nolan Teasley keeps making moves. The Vikings pickups involved bringing someone over from Cleveland and someone from Seattle.

Check out what Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network had to say: “The #Vikings plan to name Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner as assistant GMs, adding two highly respected executives to the club’s football operation. Healy, who will serve as the team’s secondary football executive, while Kirchner is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top talent evaluators.”

Alec Lewis sent along some added context: “The Vikings intend to name Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner as assistant general managers in the coming days, per sources. Huge hires. Healey will serve as the team’s secondary football executive, revered for analytics; Kirchner is a premier evaluator.”

Advertisement

Vikings Pickup Front Office Talent

Recently, the news emerged of moving on from other executives.

In particular, there was the loss of Demetrius Washington, who is a brain. All along, the possibility existed that the Assistant GM would depart since he has a strong history and relationship with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. He has been set free, allowed to chase his next opportunity.

Vikings mascot Viktor in 2025
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Viktor the Viking entertains the fans during the first half of a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Likewise, the Vikings opted to move on from Jamaal Stephenson, Pat Roberts, and Salli Clavelle.

Prior to the GM decision being made — Nolan Teasley was a wise decisionPurplePTSD offered a piece considering Trent Kirchner. Consider a thought: “Quite possibly, Kirchner isn’t going to be a serious candidate. The general thought, though, of digging into Seattle’s brain trust makes a lot of sense. There has been a pile connections between Seattle and Minnesota; the Seahawks have proven to be far, far better over past couple decades.”

Advertisement

And another: “Another thought: when the Vikings needed more help to bridge the gap to a full-time GM, a former Seattle executive came over. Keep an eye on the ‘Hawks.”

Fast forward from the original publication of that piece (April 17th, 2026) and there’s no reason for a victory lap. After all, the guess was for Trent Kirchner to be the GM rather than Nolan Teasley. Nevertheless, there’s some merit within the insistence that plundering Seattle’s front office made sense.

NFL: Super Bowl LX-Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Generally speaking, Minnesotans don’t have a great opinion of Adofo-Mensah since the former GM did so terribly in the draft (which is to say nothing of last year’s QB disaster). Does another analytics mind from Cleveland make sense? Some were left wanting more in the last decision maker who did analytics for the Browns.

The easy-to-connect dots are there for the taking, but every person should be allowed to shine or stumble based on his/her own merits (or lack thereof). The Browns, a terrible team, have nevertheless done some fantastic work of finding talent in the draft. Give Healy a fair shot.

Nolan Teasley and the Minnesota Vikings are coming off minicamp. Check out some of VT’s coverage in a piece, another one, and the one here.

Advertisement

avatar

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Prediction and Betting Tips

Published

on

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in this Group H encounter at Miami Stadium in Florida on Monday. The remaining teams in Group H include European champions Spain and World Cup newbies Cabo Verde.

Saudi Arabia have endured a challenging year in terms of results, with a 4-0 loss to Egypt and 2-1 losses to both Serbia and Ecuador, but they did turn things around in their last two matches. They beat Puerto Rico 3-0 on 6 June and then drew 0-0 with African giants Senegal on Wednesday, 10 June.

The Green Falcons can also look back fondly on a positive campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup in December 2025, when they reached the semifinals of the competition before losing 1-0 to fellow World Cup contenders Jordan.

Advertisement

Saudi Arabia came third alongside the United Arab Emirates due to bad weather in the third-place playoff, leading to the match being called off.

Meanwhile, Uruguay are the only nation at the World Cup that chose not to play any friendly matches in the immediate lead-up to the tournament, instead opting to let their players get some extra rest before joining the training camp and focusing on the tournament.

As such, La Celeste‘s most recent friendly matches were a pair of draws against England (1-1) and Algeria (0-0) in March.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa is famous for the relentless physical intensity of his training sessions, which often make his players particularly fit and mentally resilient. The Sky Blues can count on stars such as Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, and Tottenham‘s Rodrigo Bentancur.

Advertisement

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay head-to-head stats and key numbers

  • Uruguay and Saudi Arabia have faced each other three times in their history, with the head-to-head record being exactly even, with a draw and one win apiece.
  • However, Uruguayans would argue that their country won when it mattered, in their most recent match at the 2018 World Cup (2-1), while the other games were friendlies.
  • Uruguay have won the World Cup twice (in 1930 and 1950).
  • This will be Uruguay’s 16th World Cup tournament, while Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay prediction

Uruguay are expected to control possession and dictate the tempo through a high-intensity pressing structure that is typical of Bielsa’s teams. Saudi Arabia will try to be compact and well-organized at the back, with counterattacking football set to be their main threat up front.

Uruguay have struggled to score in recent games, but they still possess the quality to secure an opening-match victory over Saudi Arabia.

Prediction: Saudi Arabia 0-2 Uruguay


Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay betting tips

Tip 1: Uruguay to win

Tip 2: Uruguay to keep a clean sheet

Advertisement

Tip 3: Under 2.5 goals