Category: Sport

OKLAHOMA CITY — Within the aftermath of a sixth consecutive highway loss for the struggling Golden State Warriors, their outspoken energy ahead, Draymond Inexperienced, was requested in regards to the largest distinction between how they performed final season following the Jimmy Butler commerce and what’s occurring now.

“I feel everyone was dedicated to successful (again then) and doing that any manner doable,” Inexperienced mentioned. “Proper now, it doesn’t really feel that manner.”

After buying and selling for Butler in February, the Warriors went 23-8 to complete the common season. This season, they opened with a highway win over the Lakers in Los Angeles and sprinted to a 5-1 begin.

However a condensed, road-heavy portion of the schedule has fatigued the veterans and uncovered flaws, most not too long ago in a 25-point blowout loss to the Nuggets in Denver and Tuesday night time’s 126-102 blowout loss at Oklahoma Metropolis, resulting in Inexperienced’s coded feedback.

“I feel everybody has a private agenda on this league,” Inexperienced mentioned. “However it’s important to make these private agendas work throughout the workforce confines. If it doesn’t work, you kinda bought to eliminate your agenda or ultimately the agenda is the reason for somebody eliminating you.”

When ESPN approached Inexperienced after his information convention for extra readability, he mentioned “everybody” has to shoulder a share of accountability for the latest droop.

“That’s what this highway journey is for,” Butler mentioned. “All people must be sincere with themselves. All people must be sincere with everybody else.”

When the time period “agenda” enters the combination, the subliminal highlight tends to shift towards two of the Warriors’ youngest core members who’ve been outspoken about their want for extra — third-year guard Brandin Podziemski and fifth-year ahead Jonathan Kuminga.

Podziemski had a variety of feedback within the lead-up to the season about his long-term profession ambitions, together with a information convention reply to a query about whether or not he desires to be as nice as Steph Curry. Podziemski mentioned he “desires to be higher than him,” a solution that elicited eye-rolls and continued references behind the scenes. Podziemski’s numbers are comparatively steady from a season in the past.

Kuminga’s elongated contract dispute hovered over the franchise all summer season. Inside it, Kuminga made clear his ambition for a extra constant and higher-usage function. By means of 12 video games, he has performed essentially the most minutes on the workforce: 348.

Every part was buzzing for Kuminga throughout the 5-1 begin, main Warriors coach Steve Kerr to label him an entrenched starter due to his defensive exercise, rebounding and improved passing. However Kuminga, like a piece of the roster, has stumbled the primary 11 days of November.

Ball safety has been a specific crimson flag. Kuminga had 5 turnovers in 24 minutes within the loss to the Thunder, his fourth recreation of not less than 4 turnovers within the final seven. Kerr and Butler recognized the team-wide turnover numbers as a significant difficulty.

“Myself, I can’t have turnovers,” Butler mentioned Tuesday night time. “JK can’t have turnovers … We’re those that must preserve our turnovers down.”

However the state of the Warriors typically comes again to the state of Curry. His mini droop and illness kick-started this skid. He made solely 16 of his 42 photographs in two highway losses at Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Upon return from the journey, he contracted an sickness that compelled him to overlook three video games.

Curry returned in opposition to the Thunder however admitted his rhythm and conditioning had been compromised. Curry went 4-of-13 capturing in 20 ineffective minutes in opposition to the defending champs and dedicated 5 fouls, together with the primary flagrant foul of his 17-year profession.

“I kinda fell into (the agenda factor) somewhat bit myself,” Curry mentioned. “Attempting to get myself going. However the larger difficulty while you lose is you begin to go searching and determine what’s the difficulty. Dedication to successful is simply working the ground, rebounding, taking good care of the basketball. It’s not likely about photographs stepping into or not.”

The schedule doesn’t lighten for the Warriors. They’d a late-night flight to San Antonio for the second half of a back-to-back Wednesday in opposition to the surging Spurs.

Kerr mentioned Inexperienced is “banged up” and may not play. Curry’s standing can also be in query, although he mentioned he’s pushing to be on the market. It’s the second of a six-game highway journey.

LAS VEGAS — Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned he had a protracted dialog with star Bryce Harper lately however wouldn’t go into specifics about what the 2 mentioned. The discuss got here after latest feedback by Dombrowski appeared to irk Harper whose .844 OPS final season was his lowest since 2016.

“I’ve spoken to him,” Dombrowski mentioned at baseball’s basic supervisor conferences Tuesday. “We had a pleasant dialog. Every part went effectively.”

After the Phillies have been ousted by the Dodgers within the NL Division Sequence in October, Dombrowski brazenly puzzled if Harper may return to the very best model of himself. Harper had an excellent season in 2025 however it wasn’t near a profession yr which included a 3-for-15 efficiency within the postseason.

“He’s nonetheless a top quality participant. He’s nonetheless an All-Star-caliber participant,” Dombrowski mentioned final month. “He didn’t have an elite season like he’s had previously. I suppose we solely discover out if he turns into elite or he continues to be good.”

Harper mentioned he was “harm” by the feedback.

“It’s disappointing to listen to me being questioned about my contribution to the group,” Harper informed The Athletic. “Simply actually harm by that notion as a result of I really like Philly a lot.”

It prompted the latest dialog between Dombrowski and Harper, characterised as a “productive” one by the Phillies boss.

“We had an excellent dialog,” Dombrowski said. “We talked for fairly some time. And actually, conversations between Bryce and myself are between us.”

Harper is in the midst of a 13-year, $330 million contract with Philadelphia, signed earlier than the 2019 season. He completed sixth in MVP voting in 2024 after profitable the award with the Phillies in 2021.

LAS VEGAS — The Pittsburgh Pirates is not going to commerce Paul Skenes this offseason, basic supervisor Ben Cherington reiterated Tuesday, quashing any simmering hypothesis concerning the ace right-hander probably being moved and altering Main League Baseball’s panorama.

Cherington mentioned he has frequently obtained inquiries from golf equipment concerning Skenes’ availability and mentioned the conversations are all the time quick.

“The query will get requested, and it’s all the time respectful,” Cherington mentioned on the MLB basic managers conferences. “Groups need to ask the query. I think that received’t finish. However the reply’s been constant.”

The query retains surfacing as a result of Skenes, simply two seasons into his main league profession, is arguably the most effective pitcher within the sport at simply 23 years previous, and the Pirates have didn’t construct something near a profitable roster round him.

The Pirates completed final within the Nationwide League Central for the second straight season regardless of Skenes main the majors with a 1.97 ERA in 187 innings throughout 32 begins. He made the All-Star group once more and is the favourite to win the NL Cy Younger Award, which can be introduced Thursday. And but the Pirates completed 71-91, 5 video games worse than in 2024.

Buying and selling Skenes would web Pittsburgh a large return, however the Pirates view Skenes as a constructing block as they search to succeed in the postseason for the primary time since 2015.

Cherington mentioned with extra payroll “flexibility” to amass expertise this winter, the membership will prioritize enhancing an offense that ranked final within the majors in runs scored and twenty ninth in wRC+ in 2025 to higher complement its pitching workers. Headed by Skenes, the Pirates’ promising projected beginning rotation additionally consists of veteran Mitch Keller and heralded prospect Bubba Chandler.

“We consider our pitching is a energy,” Cherington mentioned. “Doesn’t imply we wouldn’t wish to add extra pitching. We will definitely be opportunistic on the pitching aspect. There are some issues that we’d love to do on the pitching aspect, however run scoring was the factor that obtained in our far more than something. And we’ve obtained so as to add to that.”

The overwhelming majority of gamers within the women’ 2026 SC Subsequent Prime 100 have now introduced their school commitments.

A surge got here in October, reflecting a brand new development of later choices influenced by limitless official visits and revenue-share negotiations in girls’s school basketball. It’s a brand new period for the game, one that’s now not totally novice, quite formed by extra members and variables within the recruiting course of.

As we enter the early signing interval for the 2026 class (Nov. 12-19), 52 completely different packages throughout 12 conferences have landed no less than one top-100 dedication. Twenty-four have a number of such commitments. Notre Dame leads the best way with 5, Duke and Clemson every have 4, whereas Nebraska, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida State comply with swimsuit with three.

Simply three five-star gamers stay uncommitted: Jerzy Robinson, Brihanna Crittendon and Addison Bjorn. Applications similar to Texas, South Carolina, Oregon, North Carolina and UConn are nonetheless within the combine for this group. There are many impactful commitments remaining, nevertheless, with 13 gamers within the high 100 nonetheless undecided.

Right here’s a take a look at the present high 10 recruiting lessons in school girls’s basketball heading into the early signing interval.

Extra:
2026 women SC Subsequent Prime 100 participant rankings

No. 1 G Saniyah Corridor
5-star F Sitaya Fagan (Australia)

For the third time in 4 years, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb has the No. 1 recruit. Corridor follows JuJu Watkins (2023) and Jazzy Davidson (2025). The Trojans even have arguably the highest worldwide recruit in Fagan.

Corridor is a 6-foot do-everything guard who earned MVP honors on the U19 FIBA Ladies’s World Cup in July. She scores from all over the place and she or he’s an distinctive rebounder, significantly on offense.

A lean 6-4, Fagan glides down the court docket, assaults the rim in transition and might spot up for the three. Within the half court docket, she strikes effectively with out the ball to get to her spots.

A possible lineup subsequent season of Watkins, Davidson, Kennedy Smith, Corridor and Fagan can be as versatile, lengthy and expert as any we’ve seen in current reminiscence, and is a future WNBA-quality lineup.

No. 12 PG Autumn Fleary
No. 16 G Bella Flemings
No. 25 G Sanai Inexperienced
No. 43 P Taylor Sofilkanich

Coach Kara Lawson’s newest recruiting class comprises main star energy and fills key roster wants with Duke set to graduate each Taina Mair and Ashlon Jackson after this season. This class is chock filled with the varieties of interchangeable perimeter gamers and fundamentally-sound bigs which have lengthy been the spine of the Blue Devils’ success.

Fleary, a 5-7 level guard, performs with old-school savvy and a pointy deal with, knack for distribution and scoring chops.

Flemings, a 6-0 shooter, has the ability to provoke offense and the power to complete by way of contact on the rim.

Inexperienced is one other 6–0 guard with a powerful body and an all-around sport aided by high-level rebounding and protection. She missed final 12 months as a consequence of a knee damage however is predicted again for her highschool senior season.

Sofilkanich is a back-to-the-basket put up participant who seals onerous on the block and might end effectively over both shoulder.

No. 9 W Jacy Abii
No. 24 G Jenica Lewis
No. 30 W Isabella Ragone
No. 37 F Amari Byles
No. 81 F Isabella Sangha

Notre Dame’s 2026 highschool class is headlined by 4 high-level forwards with diverse ability units and one of many nation’s premier shooters. This group will fill a substantial void with 4 of ND’s high 5 inside gamers graduating after this season.

The 6-2 Abii can play on the wing or as a stretch 4. She’s an elite passer at both place and she will shoot or assault the rim from the perimeter. After lacking most of final season with a knee damage, she’s anticipated to be totally wholesome for her highschool senior 12 months at Legion Prep (Texas).

Lewis is a 5-10 long-range shooter with an expanded perimeter sport. She’s a really clever defender and reads the ground effectively. Offensively, she makes good choices within the pick-and-roll, and she or he’s added some wiggle off the bounce to maintain defenses trustworthy.

Ragone, is a 6-2 sharpshooting wing/ahead, supplies competitiveness and defensive versatility.

Additionally 6-2, Byles is an athletic face-up kind who’s at her finest slashing to the rim and getting on the glass. She confirmed an improved pull-up jumper over the summer time.

Sangha, in the meantime, was a late riser up the recruiting boards. The 6-3 put up burst on the basketball scene in April along with her effort on the glass and effectivity across the rim. She’s additionally a high-level volleyball participant.

No. 13 PG Maddyn Greenway
No. 19 W Savvy Swords
No. 23 G Emily McDonald

It is a main haul for Kenny Brooks.

A multi-sport star out of Minnesota, Greenway scores in bunches from all three ranges.

Swords is a flexible 6-1 ahead who can facilitate, shoot and rebound. McDonald is a 6-0 guard who can create her personal shot or play out of the movement of motion to get open alternatives to launch from deep.

All are succesful scorers who know play alongside different elite gamers.

No. 11 G Trinity Jones
No. 27 W/F Kimora Fields
No. 39 F Julia Scott
No. 50 G Meeyah Inexperienced

After touchdown two top-100 recruits final 12 months, Shawn Poppie has locked in 4 top-50 gamers within the 2026 class.

Jones is likely one of the class’ elite skills. The 6-1 guard slashes to the rim with an explosiveness that’s onerous to defend.

At 5-11, Fields is robust on the glass and on the rim however may stretch the protection.

Scott is an old style 6-3 ahead who can also area the ground along with her skill to catch and shoot.

Inexperienced’s poise, decision-making and assured play type makes everybody higher round her on the court docket.

No. 28 W Addison Nyemchek
No. 32 G Gigi Battle
No. 64 PG Ashlinn James
4-star C Zoe Jackson (Australia)

A 12 months in the past, coach Teri Moren had the No. 21 class. The Hoosiers’ 2026 group is as soon as once more poised to make an affect, and has slightly little bit of every thing.

Nyemchek brings size, switchability and excessive IQ at 6-1. She’s an elite glue participant as a result of she’s comfy wherever on the ground and might plug holes on each ends.

At 5-11, Battle is fiercely aggressive and dramatically improved her offensive sport, resulting in a notable rise in her recruiting inventory.

A 5-8 combo guard, James is dynamic off the dribble and excels in transition.

Jackson, a 6-4 Australian put up, anchors the category inside. She’ll perform like a standard large who primarily controls the paint and across the rim.

No. 2 F Oliviyah Edwards
No. 62 W Gabrieal Minus

In her first full recruiting cycle final 12 months, coach Kim Caldwell made an enormous splash with the Woman Vols’ second-ranked, five-player 2025 class. Replicating that quantity will probably be powerful, however the 2026 haul has one of many premier affect gamers, plus a high-level blue-collar wing to observe.

Edwards is a talented and multifaceted 6-3 ahead who creates fixed matchup issues. She stretches the ground as a face-up shooter, can assault off the bounce and has the dexterity to complete with both hand on the rim. Stylistically, she ought to flourish with the Woman Vols.

Minus is a bodily wing whose competitiveness stands out. Although she missed most of her 2024-25 highschool and membership seasons with a knee damage, she’s recognized for being a hard-driving slasher and shooter. She’s a dedicated, powerful defender who rebounds effectively and might guard a number of positions.

No. 3 P Olivia Vukosa

Whereas it’s only a one-player class, Vukosa’s dedication is a significant growth for the reigning champions.

She’s far and away one of the best large within the class as a contemporary heart who can deal with, shoot and facilitate. She has all of the elements required for profitable put up gamers beneath Geno Auriemma. At 6-4, Vukosa strikes fluidly for her dimension and brings beneficial worldwide seasoning after three summers of FIBA competitors with Croatia.

Anticipate her to mesh effectively with fellow future frontcourt teammates Sarah Sturdy and Blanca Quiñonez.

No. 17 F Kaeli Wynn
No. 18 F Kelsi Andrews

Daybreak Staley will add a formidable frontcourt with the 2026 class. These two are bodily and have the ability to play in a number of spots on the ground.

Wynn is a assured and vocal presence on the ground with an exceptionally excessive basketball IQ. She is the daughter of longtime coaches, and brings that have to the crew. She is expert in her offensive sport and bodily and confrontational defensively.

Andrews is a formidable put up presence. She works the offensive glass, can end with both hand across the rim and might stretch the ground past the three. She can also be a top quality high-low passer, making her a beneficial addition to a program just like the Gamecocks, who use their bigs.

No. 4 PG Kate Harpring
No. 52 F Irene Guiamatsia

Regardless of being small, this two-player class fills main wants for the Tar Heels.

Harpring is essentially the most aggressive scoring guard within the 2026 class. At 5-10, with a powerful, broad body, she relentlessly assaults defenses and hunts buckets. She has added a masterful pull-up and respectable 3-point taking pictures to her driving abilities. She’s additionally a rugged defender on the ball, and aggressive.

Guiamatsia, 6-4, continues to be uncooked however her vitality and motor stand out. She assaults the offensive glass and retains the ball excessive on each putbacks and dump-off alternatives. She’s an alert, lively defender — a top quality constructing block for a creating large.

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Inexperienced shall be reevaluated in 4 to 6 weeks for a proper hamstring pressure, sources informed ESPN on Tuesday.

Inexperienced sustained the damage throughout Saturday’s street win over the LA Clippers.

Inexperienced has handled a proper hamstring damage since earlier than the season, first injuring it throughout coaching camp after which aggravating it whereas the workforce was in China in the course of the preseason. Inexperienced missed the Suns’ first eight video games earlier than making his Phoenix debut in Thursday’s win over the Clippers. He had 29 factors in that sport, essentially the most by a Suns participant in his debut for the franchise since Charles Barkley in 1992.

The Suns acquired Inexperienced from the Rockets in a blockbuster deal that despatched Kevin Durant to Houston.

Inexperienced performed all 82 video games in every of the previous two seasons.