After the electric comebacks, the magical shot-making, and the passion, belief and smile that had defined his remarkable ascent, this was the moment where Carlos Alcaraz took the step from generational talent to standing alone in the pantheon of the greatest tennis players of all time. As Novak Djokovic sensed his opportunity to make history, Alcaraz wrote his own: by winning his first Australian Open title, overturning Djokovic to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 and under enormous pressure, Alcaraz becomes the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam at 22 years and 272 days.
He joins the illustrious list of Don Budge, Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic to win all four major titles, doing so faster than anyone else. He is more than a year younger than his Nadal was when he set the Open-era record at 2010 US Open at the age of 24. Fittingly, Nadal had a front-row seat at the Rod Laver Arena as Alcaraz continued to walk in his compatriot’s footsteps, while also breaking new ground. ”Nobody knows how how hard I’ve been working, to get this trophy, to chase this moment,” the Spaniard said.
Alcaraz denied Djokovic in his own bid to make tennis history, overturning his opponent’s fast start to win 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 (AP)
It was Djokovic who perhaps summed up Alcaraz’s achievement best: “What you’ve been doing, I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary, so congratulations and I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your career. I mean, you’re so young, you have a lot of time, like myself! So I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other many more times in the next 10 years.”
But in doing so, Alcaraz denied Djokovic his own career-defining record. One way or another, history was guaranteed in a seismic final, as Djokovic attempted to claim the standalone tally of 25 grand slam singles titles and become the oldest grand slam champion of all time at the age of 38. Not for the first time, the Serbian was suppressed by Alcaraz, who defeated the greatest of all time for a third time in a grand slam final and snapped his perfect record of 10 Australian Open finals without defeat.
Advertisement
After his epic effort to beat Jannik Sinner on Friday, Djokovic faded physically after making a blistering start to the final. But, as he closed in on the finish line, Alcaraz was faced to withstand a late charge from Djokovic as he forced break points late in the fourth set. Throughout his young career, though, it has been in those moments where Alcaraz rises highest. It took a massive effort to get over the line, but after falling to his back when Djokovic fired his final forehand long, Alcaraz broke into the widest of smiles.
Before the final, the world No 1 made it perfectly clear how important the Australian Open and completing the career grand slam was to him; Alcaraz even said he would trade winning the three other grand slam titles this season for a first Australian Open. And yet, Alcaraz arrived at his most important tournament of the year having split from his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero during the off-season. “It was a little bit rollercoaster, emotionally, what we went through,” Alcaraz said as he thanked his corner for helping him block out the noise. He still leaves Melbourne having achieved his biggest goal. “Job finished. 4/4 completed,” he wrote.
How Carlos Alcaraz ranks in list of men to complete career grand slam
Carlos Alcaraz: 22 years 272 days, completed at 2026 Australian Open
Don Budge: 22 years 363 days, completed at 1938 French Championships
Rod Laver: 24 years 32 days, completed at 1962 US National Championships
Rafael Nadal: 24 years 102 days, completed at2010 US Open
Fred Perry: 26 years 15 days, completed at 1935 French Championships
Roy Emerson: 27 years 244 days, completed at 1964 Wimbledon Championships
Roger Federer: 27 years 303 days, completed at 2009 Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic: 29 years 15 day, completed at 2016 Roland Garros
Andre Agassi: 29 years 68 days, completed at 1999 Roland Garros
Both men faced a huge test to recover for the final after coming through marathon semi-finals. Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in five hours and 27 minutes in the third-longest Australian Open match of all time, before Djokovic produced one of his greatest ever performances to end Sinner’s dominant run across five sets and four hours and nine minutes. As the match finished well after midnight in Melbourne, Djokovic did not go to bed until 6am on Saturday morning and neither men trained on the day before the final as they attempted to recover. “I think he deserves an ovation,” Alcaraz said.
Advertisement
(REUTERS)
With 15 years and 348 days between them, Djokovic said the younger man would have the advantage in the attempt to find fresh legs, but it was the elder who came flying out of the blocks. Producing a brilliant level of precise serving and replicating the huge forehand strike that was so effective in beating Sinner from the baseline in the semi-finals, Djokovic played an outstanding first set and made just four unforced errors in a 39-minute opener. The second set brought a complete reverse, however, as Djokovic’s level of serving dipped and Alcaraz won the majority of baseline points.
With the conditions in Melbourne cold and windy, the final began under a partially shut roof on Rod Laver Arena. Before the start of the third set, with the chance of rain forecast, the roof closed further, with Alcaraz complaining to the tournament referee. But, with the elements becoming less of a factor, Alcaraz delivered a magical moment to defy Djokovic when the 38-year struck a backhand winner around the net-post. Alcaraz salvaged a forehand from the baseline and, in an electric charge, broke Djokovic for a second time to move one set away from history.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Faced with another comeback, Djokovic called the trainer before the start of the fourth. But in an almighty effort and across a 12-minute service game, he saved six break points to stay alive. He found more precise serving when he desperately needed it as Alcaraz led 4-3, 0-30 in the fourth. Djokovic held again, then raised the temperature of the final and brought his supporters to their feet by setting up break point. Suddenly, as the weight of history became clear, Alcaraz withstood him, as Djokovic missed a second-serve return.
Advertisement
After Alcaraz held to move 6-5 ahead, the Spaniard produced the finishing blow by winning a 24-shot rally with some of his finest ball-striking of the match. It seemed to break Djokovic, as he attempted to reach the tiebreak and extend his fight. Two errors in a row from Djokovic brought match point, and a further forehand error sealed Alcaraz’s place in tennis history.
Nigerian forward Samuel Amadi was the star for Smouha as they secured a 2-1 win over Pyramid SC in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday.
Amadi, a former Akwa United winger who helped the team win the 2021 NPFL title, scored early in the 3rd minute to put Smouha ahead. Pyramid SC equalised in the 26th minute through Zalaka, but the late 88th-minute goal from Ashraf handed Smouha the victory.
The result leaves Pyramid SC with 28 points, drifting further behind league leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, who have 32 points, while Smouha move up to 25 points.
Advertisement
Pyramid SC will now travel to Nigeria on Friday to face Rivers United FC at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Akwa Ibom. Meanwhile, Amadi continues to impress in Egypt, showing his quality since leaving Nigeria’s domestic league.
Shakur Stevenson is no longer WBC Lightweight World Champion.
The 28 year old from Newark won the vacant WBC strap back in November of 2023 with a victory over Edwin De Los Santos. Despite becoming champion in a third division that night, his performance was widely criticised as too safety-first.
In his first defence, the only fight he had in 2024, Stevenson put on a similar showing against Artem Harutyunyan before stopping late replacement Josh Padley in February 2025. His stock rose significantly when taking on pressure fighter William Zepeda that July, retaining the belt for a third time in a much more fan-friendly affair.
Though his next move is undecided – he has been discussing yet another jump up to compete at welterweight – what is now clear is that he won’t be defending the WBC belt at 135lbs. The sanctioning body today released the following statement:
“On January 31, 2026, WBC World Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson gave a brilliant performance to defeat WBO World Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo López. Champion Stevenson is now a 4-time World Champion; a feat achieved by a few boxers in history. Among those boxers we find Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez and Terrence Crawford.
“Throughout his career, Champion Stevenson has maintained a historic and extraordinarily successful relationship with the WBC. His ascent to the top began in January 2019, when he captured the WBC Continental Americas title; signaling the start of a career destined for greatness.
“In 2022, Stevenson solidified his elite status by defeating Oscar Valdez to become the WBC Super Featherweight Champion. Subsequently, in 2023, he moved up to the lightweight division to claim the Green and Gold belt; a title he defended with pride and technical mastery on three consecutive occasions.
Advertisement
“In light of Champion Stevenson now being the reigning WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations, the WBC has declared vacant its Lightweight World title.
“The WBC wishes Champion Stevenson continued success in all his future endeavors, both inside and outside the ring.
“The WBC will provide further information regarding the process to crown a new Lightweight World Champion in the near future.”
Stevenson may consider sticking around at 140lbs to defend his newly won WBO strap, though he seems focused more on major names rather than mandatories. Post-fight, as well as targetting Conor Benn at 147, he has named Isaac Cruz as a potential opponent, while also saying he would be willing to face Devin Haney.
Clayton Douglas’ charge Kaye Jay has made giant strides since entering his stable for the first serious test.
Following the gelding’s initial triumph at Sandown, the handler is mulling over a tilt at the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) scheduled for Morphettville in May.
Kaye Jay ($5), on just his second start, secured a decisive three-quarter length success in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Plate on Wednesday, edging out Mr Independent ($9.50) with Butterscotch ($15) just a long neck behind in third.
“This horse has taken leaps and bounds from the time he arrived,” Douglas said.
Advertisement
“I think he got beaten 20 or 30 lengths in his first ever jump-out. He was completely hopeless, but he has taken that improvement, and you like to see that in three-year-olds, especially staying types.
“I haven’t had to train him up too much this time, he’s got there himself and to run well at his first start and then win at his second, he can definitely go forward.”
Sandown Hillside Race 1 | Kaye Jay
After finishing 2nd on debut, the @c_douglasracing 3YO goes one better, stepping up to a mile in town 👊🏻
Pep Guardiola’s claim to greatness stems from much more than just the Carabao Cup but a man who has won much else is now one victory away from being out on his own as the most successful manager in its history. Only the ally turned enemy, Mikel Arteta, who was by his side for the first two of his four Wembley triumphs in this competition, can deny him a fifth, which would take him clear of Brian Clough, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Newcastle could not halt him. Their defence of their first major trophy since 1969 ended with a whimper. Their chances of a comeback were all but ended inside seven minutes, gone completely after 32 minutes and snuffed out in part by the goalkeeper they forever try to buy. They were dispatched from the competition by a much-weakened Manchester City side.
Even as Guardiola gave Erling Haaland 70 minutes of rest, he had the ideal alternative. Some 42 percent of Omar Marmoush’s City goals have been against Newcastle, even if his double came in distinctly fortunate fashion. Newcastle had no such luck, no potency when it mattered. Wembley glory last year came courtesy of Alexander Isak but the Swede is gone and so, now, is their trophy. Anthony Gordon, their outstanding individual over 180 minutes in the 2025 semi-final against Arsenal, limped off. It was another indication of how times have changed.
The sad reality for Newcastle is that City progressed while prioritising Sunday’s trip to Liverpool. Rodri, Rayan Cherki, the fit-again Ruben Dias and Gianluigi Donnarumma joined Haaland on the bench, though Guardiola ended up summoning three of them for the last 20 minutes. The injured Bernardo Silva was not even a replacement. Nico O’Reilly stood in as a midfielder, as he had done at St James’ Park three weeks ago, and again impressed.
And much of the hard work was done on Tyneside. In the rematch, their task was to avoid a repeat of Sunday. City had squandered a 2-0 lead over Tottenham. They entered this game with the same advantage, and produced a very different outcome.
Advertisement
They were soon ahead. Minus Haaland, Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo were the spearheads of a 4-2-2-2 formation. Each was prominent from the off.
Omar Marmoush settled the tie early in the first half after Man City brought in a 2-0 lead from the first leg (Action Images via Reuters)
For his first goal, as Dan Burn tackled Marmoush, the ball ricocheted in off the Egyptian. There may have been something symbolic in that: Burn scored the towering header in last season’s final and now, in his defensive duties, he inadvertently contributed to City leading.
Marmoush’s second came courtesy of Kieran Trippier, in attempting to clear Semenyo’s low cross, only succeeded in spooning the ball up in the air. Marmoush headed it over the line from a yard.
Advertisement
Semenyo, scorer of the first in the first leg, played a part in two goals in the second. When Burn tackled him, the ball fell for Tijjani Reijnders to finish. The Dutchman should have scored a second from a similar position, though, at that stage, it would have felt cruel to score City’s sixth of the tie.
Marmoush headed in City’s second goal as Newcastle’s plans fell apart early on (REUTERS)
Tijjani Reijnders made matters worse for Newcastle by slotting in the third goal of the night (Getty Images)
Because Newcastle’s hopes had been snuffed out by a man invariably on their wishlist. Eddie Howe targets James Trafford every summer. The goalkeeper demonstrated why. Fine saves from Joe Willock, Gordon and Trippier, all at 1-0, denied United an equaliser on the night. He later denied Sven Botman in what was probably the finest display of his City career and, even without getting the reward of a clean sheet, pressed his case to play at Wembley.
Advertisement
If Guardiola’s selection choices worked, Howe’s did not. He had used a back three to considerable success in last season’s semi-final against Arsenal. Repeating that strategy backfired. Despite Newcastle’s many defenders, they were caught on the break for City’s second and third goals.
When Howe made a triple attacking change, the opportunities Newcastle fashioned should leave them with regrets they were not more positive from the off. Yoane Wissa missed a terrific chance with his first touch.
Anthony Gordon added to Newcastle’s woes with a hamstring injury two minutes before half-time (Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
But, some 32 games into his Newcastle career, Anthony Elanga finally scored his first goal, after a terrific solo run. The former Manchester United winger’s name was chorused by the travelling Tynesiders and he ought to have had a second. Harvey Barnes also looked a threat.
Advertisement
It prompted Guardiola to send for Rodri, Cherki and Haaland and, from the Frenchman’s pass, the Norwegian had a shot tipped on to the post by Aaron Ramsdale. It spared Newcastle further punishment but this was a familiar outcome. They have lost their last 12 games at the Etihad Stadium, conceding 40 goals.
Some of the City faithful still stayed away. The empty seats were referenced in taunts by the Newcastle fans. Perhaps their City counterparts were saving their money for Wembley. They will go there, to face Arsenal and Arteta.
The filly Scintillation’s connections, impressed by her pedigree, are weighing up a wide draw entry into the Lonhro Plate against opting for a milder midweek target.
Bred from superstar sire I Am Invincible and out of stakes mare Minhaaj, she has trialled effectively on two occasions in the lead-up to her race debut, potentially now shifted due to copping the outside gate 13 in Saturday’s Listed feature.
“I’m not sure if she will run yet. There are a couple of options next week we want to think about,” co-trained Tom Charlton said.
“She’s a very sharp filly. Not the biggest but very strong and her trials have been sharp so we will look for her running well whenever she does.”
Advertisement
Her dam dominated her first pair of starts at two, highlighted by success in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on Flemington’s track, later collecting additional elite honours with John O’Shea.
Charlton, then part of his co-trainer’s team, highlighted likenesses between the filly and her parent.
“Minhaaj probably had a little bit more size, but she has thrown a very good first foal,” he said.
“There are a lot of similarities in the sense of their strength.
Advertisement
“We’d obviously love to achieve some black type for connections. She is a valuable proposition. We’re still learning about her, but her trials are indicative that she could do that.”
Intent on debuting their exciting three-year-old Napoleonic in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), the stable faces quality rivals but Charlton looks forward to testing him.
“Tempted is arguably the best 1200-metre three-year-old and she brings extremely good form, and Wodeton has good form and gets in very well at the weights getting two-and-a-half kilos off us,” he said.
“But we couldn’t be happier with our fellow. He is a really nice horse and I’m sure he will run very well.”
Kun Khalifat FC have announced their withdrawal from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following sanctions imposed on the club for failing to honour a league fixture.
In an official statement dated February 3, 2026, the club owner said the decision was taken with “great disappointment and frustration” after the NPFL penalised the club for missing their Matchday 24 game against El-Kanemi Warriors.
Advertisement
According to the NPFL, Kun Khalifat FC breached the league’s Framework and Rules by failing to honour the fixture played on Monday, February 2, 2026. The league handed the club a three-point and three-goal forfeiture, awarded to El-Kanemi Warriors, and imposed a ₦10 million fine, which is suspended for the rest of the season if no similar offence occurs. The club was also given 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Reacting to the punishment, the club owner described the sanctions as “outrageous and disproportionate,” insisting that valid reasons were provided for missing the match but were rejected by the league.
“The punishment handed down to us is not only unacceptable but a clear indication that the league’s management is more interested in penalising clubs than fostering growth and development,” the statement read.
The club accused the NPFL of bias, lack of transparency, and prioritising revenue over the welfare of clubs, adding that continued participation under such conditions was no longer possible.
Advertisement
“We cannot continue to be part of a system that disregards the well-being of its member clubs and prioritises punishment over fairness and justice,” the statement added.
Kun Khalifat FC also called on other clubs to demand reforms and greater accountability within the league, while thanking fans, players, and stakeholders for their support.
However, confusion has surrounded the withdrawal announcement. The statement has not been posted on the club’s official Facebook page. Instead, Kun Khalifat FC shared match graphics promoting their upcoming NPFL fixture against Shooting Stars, scheduled for Sunday, February 4, 2026, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
As of the time of filing this report, the NPFL has not officially responded to the club’s withdrawal claim, leaving uncertainty over Kun Khalifat FC’s status in the league.
Moving back down to lightweight is an option for the now four-division world champion, but if he does so, he will not be a champion there. In a statement released today, the WBC announced that the title Stevenson won back in November of 2023 has now been declared vacant.
Advertisement
“In light of Champion Stevenson now being the reigning WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations, the WBC has declared vacant its Lightweight World title.
“The WBC wishes Champion Stevenson continued success in all his future endeavors, both inside and outside the ring.
“The WBC will provide further information regarding the process to crown a new Lightweight World Champion in the near future.”
Despite the well wishes, Stevenson did not take the decision kindly. Responding on social media shortly after the announcement, he said:
“And I just paid these dudes after my last fight… What the hell [am I] giving y’all 100k right now for? Because y’all got beef with Bud so come at me for it.”
“100k to some crooks who don’t deserve it? Nah Leilani I rather give it to you baby girl… The WBC didn’t even have s–t to do with this fight and it’s eating them alive. Take your belt it don’t make me.”
The Dallas Mavericks pulled another big one, trading away Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. They sent the 10-time All-Star to the capital along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum.
In exchange, they received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-round picks. The Mavs now have some draft capital to work with in other trades or if they want to rebuild around their young star Cooper Flagg.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
Here is an updated depth chart for the Wizards with their latest additions:
•
Advertisement
Trae Young
Bub Carrington
D’Angelo Russell
Sharife Cooper
Jaden Hardy
Kyshawn George
Tre Johnson
Jamir Watkins
Jaden Hardy
Bub Carrington
Bilal Coulibaly
Jamir Watkins
Justin Champagnie
Will Riley
Tre Johnson
Will Riley
Justin Champagnie
Jamir Watkins
Skal Labissiere
Anthony Gill
Alex Sarr
Tristan Vukcevic
Anthony Gill
Skal Labissiere
Anthony Davis
The Wizards(13-36) are in 14th place in the Western Conference standings and have a low chance of making the playoffs this season. Tanking is a better option for them, given that they have resources to build around their young core.
Advertisement
Anthony Davis now has an opportunity to start fresh and redeem himself after having an injury-prone season with the Mavericks. He played only 20 games while averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 50.8% shooting.
Why did the Mavericks trade Anthony Davis to the Wizards?
The Mavericks’ trading Anthony Davis raises a few eyebrows, given that the 10-time All-Star was a significant piece that Dallas received in the Luka Doncic trade. The Mavs most likely traded away Davis to start a new era in Dallas centered around their young star, Cooper Flagg.
Apart from Anthony Davis, the trade involved Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum, all key rotational players in Jason Kidd’s team. Sending them away signals a fresh start.
The Mavs traded away more veteran players and received more younger players. Jaden Hardy (23) was the only player below 25 years old to leave Dallas, while Khris Middleton (34) is the only player above 30 years old to arrive in Dallas as a part of the trade. The trade also had positive financial implications for the team.
Advertisement
NBA insider Bobby Marks listed the trade benefits for the Mavericks in a tweet on Wednesday.
“The Mavericks now have the resources, starting with a likely lottery pick (and a late first) and financial/roster resources to build their roster around Cooper Flagg,” Marks wrote. “Dallas has $150M in guaranteed money next year, well below the tax and apron. For this season, Dallas drops below the luxury tax and both aprons. They have flexibility in the next 24 hours to continue building up their draft assets.”
The Mavericks (19-31) are in 12th place in the West standings and have a low chance of making the playoffs this season. So, building for the future is the best possible option they could have gone for in their current position.
Ball security and playmaking efficiency are two of the most valuable skills in today’s NBA. While scoring grabs the headlines, the ability to consistently create for teammates without coughing up possessions is what separates good guards from truly elite floor generals. In this article, we break down the top-10 players averaging more than six assists and fewer than three turnovers per game, highlighting the guards and playmakers who are unselfish on offense this season.
Andrew Nembhard, Pacers
Nembhard had the opportunity to take the reins of the Pacers’ offense this season due to the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. Despite the squad struggling to the point of sitting last place in the East, he has done well to deliver solid production across the board, including averaging 7.5 assists, compared to just 2.4 turnovers in 32.1 minutes per game. Although he has not been able to coordinate the attack to the same level as Haliburton, he continues to prove himself as a reliable ball handler and conscientious distributor. The experience of being in the driver’s seat this season should help his development in the long run, as this marks just his fourth NBA season.
Jamal Murray, Nuggets
Advertisement
Murray has been delivering elite production for years now, but he is currently working on career highs across the board, with 25.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. His impressive numbers are complemented by the fact that he is limiting himself to just 2.3 turnovers in 35.5 minutes per game, despite often being a critical focal point of opposing defenses. He has never averaged more than 2.3 turnovers per game in his career, which proves that this season is no fluke, and combined with his other stats, he deserves mention among the top point guards of his generation.
Davion Mitchell, Heat
Mitchell has done a great job of earning and maintaining a starting role over the last couple of seasons. Part of the reason for his success is his ability to distribute at a high level while also showing great diligence in taking care of the ball. With a career-high 7.3 assists per game, which is a major leap from his previous high of 4.9, and just 1.6 turnovers per game, he boasts one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the league, and the best on this list by a notable margin.
Isaiah Collier, Jazz
Advertisement
Collier moved up a spot on this list after an incredible performance on Tuesday night, where he racked up 22 assists, with only two turnovers in 48 minutes of action. He is averaging seven assists and 2.3 turnovers per game this season, making him one of the league’s most trustworthy ball handlers in just his second season. Despite his impressive play, he will likely remain behind Keyonte George in the Jazz’s rotation at point guard. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to continue to rack up the assists while playing alongside a group of offensively talented big men.
Tyrese Maxey, 76ers
Maxey has become one of the league’s top scorers, but his ability to get teammates involved with efficient distribution is also on the rise. He is averaging a career-high 6.8 assists and limiting himself to 2.4 turnovers in a whopping 38.9 minutes per game. The sixth-year point guard is undoubtedly working in elite territory and likely still has room to show improvement at just 25 years old. Not to mention, he has not had the benefit of playing with a consistently healthy lineup over the last couple of seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Advertisement
Last season’s MVP is most often touted for his elite scoring ability, but he also stands out as one of the league’s most reliable ball handlers. He is averaging 6.4 assists per game, which ties his career high from last season, while also limiting himself to just 2.1 turnovers per game, which is his lowest mark since his sophomore campaign. His ability to push the pace and draw multiple defenders on his drives to the basket is key to creating great pass opportunities to open teammates.
Dyson Daniels, Hawks
Daniels is surely one of the more unexpected players to find on this list, as he is the only one who does not line up at point guard. Nonetheless, he has been a great stabilizing presence in the backcourt for his squad as they have dealt with injury trouble and roster changes. He is averaging a career-high 6.3 assists with just two turnovers per game, standing out as one of the most responsible passers in the league this season. Still, he is mostly known for his defensive presence, averaging 1.9 steals per game, which is fourth-most in the league.
De’Aaron Fox, Spurs
Advertisement
Fox has been a solid contributor since joining the Spurs, despite producing slightly less across the board when compared to previous seasons. Nonetheless, he is playing with efficiency, not only by shooting 47.9 percent from the field but also by averaging 6.2 assists with just 2.5 turnovers per game. He has the benefit of a top-tier target to feed in Victor Wembanyama, but the ninth-year guard is also entering the “wily veteran” stage of his career, where he is able to navigate opposing defenses with confidence and poise.
Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Brunson has been one of the league’s top point guards for a few seasons now. He continues to shine in just about every way, including averaging 27.1 points per game, which is the second-most of his career, along with a career-best 2.9 made 3-pointers per game. Additionally, his six assists and 2.2 turnovers per game make him one of the most reliable playmakers. On the other hand, his six assists per game is his lowest mark since joining the Knicks.
Immanuel Quickley, Raptors
Advertisement
Quickley may often be overlooked as an elite point guard, as he is only in his second season as a clear-cut starter and continues to struggle with his field-goal efficiency, having never shot better than 45 percent from the field in a season. However, his 6.1 assists with just 1.7 turnovers per game give him the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio on this list. At 26-years of age in his sixth NBA season, there is still a small window of time in which he likely continues to build on his abilities.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking in Washington on Wednesday, announced that his nation’s security agencies had “foiled a series of cyberattacks” of “Russian origin.”
Tajani said the attempted attacks targeted numerous “Foreign Ministry offices, starting with Washington, and also some Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina.”
Past Olympic-related cyberattacks came in Paris in 2024, and Pyeongchang in 2018. It is widely thought that Russian actors were behind them.
Russian bans from games — both for doping infractions as well as its war of aggression in Ukraine — are seen as motivation for such acts of aggression.
Advertisement
British intelligence services say Russian hackers were also eyeballing attacks on Tokyo in 2021.
Russia has been excluded from this year’s event over Ukraine. However, 13 Russian and 7 Belarus athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals alongside 3,500 global Olympians.
Is Europe ready for a hybrid war? — To the Point
Diverse Olympic protests and highly policed ‘red zones’
The northern Italian city of Milan and the neighboring Cortina d’Ampezzo region are hosting this year’s Winter Olympics between February 6 and 22.
Advertisement
Some 2 million visitors are expected, including 60,000 at Friday’s opening ceremonies at San Siro Stadium in Milan, which will be attended by US Vice President JD Vance among others.
Numerous protests are scheduled to take place throughout the course of the event, they will highlight issues ranging from the environmental destruction caused by the Olympic business model to Israel’s inclusion in the games despite the situation in Gaza.
Police say Milan’s city center will be declared a “red zone” closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic beginning on Friday.
Advertisement
Authorities say they have stepped up security checks at border crossings and rail stations, and that K-9 and bomb crews are conducting regular security sweeps at Olympic venues.
Additionally, snipers have been deployed across the network of tightly controlled red zone sites.
Concerns about shady deals ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on Wednesday said US counterparts from ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) would serve solely in an advisory capacity.
“ICE does not and will never be able to carry out operational police activities on our national territory,” Piantedosi said.
He said it was entirely normal for such forces to be deployed, noting that Italy had done the same in Paris in 2024. He also called anger voiced by regional citizens and political leaders over the presence of US agents “completely unfounded.”
Minnesota killing spurs backlash over ICE enforcement
24-hour Olympic Operations Room in Rome will coordinate security
Beyond fending off cyber attacks, Italian authorities say some 6,000 police and 2,000 military personnel have been deployed across the region stretching from Milan to the Dolomites.
Italy’s Defense Ministry is providing hardware including hundreds of trucks as well as aircraft, drones and radar to secure the event.
Bomb experts, anti-terror outfits, snipers and skiing police will all be on site said Interior Minister Piantedosi.
Overall security for the event will be coordinated remotely, at the Rome-based International Olympic Operations Room (SOIO). The command center will run around the clock from start to finish, coordinating numerous international and national operations and police headquarters.
Advertisement
Nationally, this means coordination with police in the northern Italian cities of Bolzano, Milan, Sondrio, Trento, Venice and Verona.
“Officers from foreign police forces, as well as Interpol and Europol personnel, will be present to ensure timely information-sharing and the management of any critical issues requiring international cooperation,” read a police statement.
