liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted he has not yet fully digested a difficult season at Anfield, which has already resulted in Arne Slot losing his job.

football international Enjoy an interview today with the 34-year-old as he prepares for the World Cup after a poor season at Liverpool.

liverpool struggles

The Reds started the season as Premier League champions, and looked to defend their title in the summer due to heavy spending on signings such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

Instead, they endured one of the most disappointing title defenses in Premier League history, finishing fifth and 25 points behind winners Arsenal.

It also saw the team break several negative records throughout the campaign, such as losing 12 games in a season for the first time since 2014/15. Van Dijk was part of it all and admits he still hasn’t digested it all.

“There will be moments when I have to keep everything in perspective,” he said.

“It will be very difficult. I know this already. I haven’t really been able to think about everything that happened last season yet. But right now, a short break was enough to get into a positive mindset for this World Cup.

“I spent six wonderful days with my family, my mother and my in-laws. We talked a lot about everything and did nothing else for a while.’ ‘He was very nice and very peaceful.’

Liverpool’s toughest season

Undoubtedly, this season was difficult for everyone involved at Liverpool. From the tragic death of Diogo Jota before the campaign to the falling out between Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot, coupled with the poor results, it was mentally exhausting to say the least.

As captain, Virgil van Dijk had a lot of responsibility. And he admits he felt that tension throughout the season.

“It was the hardest season of my career,” he said.

“It’s obvious. Especially on a mental level. It’s just been up and down. The consistent feeling and level that you strive for, we almost never got.”

“As a group, as a club, as players, as individuals. As a team, we had very good matches, and then suddenly things went bad again. Then you basically can’t move forward.

“This year, we’ve had a lot come through at Liverpool. From the moment I got the phone call with the terrible news about Diogo, to the last match where we said goodbye to Mo Salah and Andy Robertson. I was sitting on the grass looking at two guys I had played with for eight years.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this in all my years at Liverpool. It was just the way it happened.”

erne slot conversation

Players aren’t the only ones who are leaving, with Liverpool having decided to part ways with Arne Slott last week.

Andoni Ierola has already been confirmed as his replacement. Van Dijk admits he has spoken to his former boss, but would not share what was said.

He finally said, “I will not say anything about it.”

“At the moment. I spoke to Arne personally, that’s the most important thing. What we discussed is between us. At the moment, my focus is completely on the World Cup.”

liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted he has not yet fully digested a difficult season at Anfield, which has already resulted in Arne Slot losing his job.

football international Enjoy an interview today with the 34-year-old as he prepares for the World Cup after a poor season at Liverpool.

liverpool struggles

The Reds started the season as Premier League champions, and looked to defend their title in the summer due to heavy spending on signings such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

Instead, they endured one of the most disappointing title defenses in Premier League history, finishing fifth and 25 points behind winners Arsenal.

It also saw the team break several negative records throughout the campaign, such as losing 12 games in a season for the first time since 2014/15. Van Dijk was part of it all and admits he still hasn’t digested it all.

“There will be moments when I have to keep everything in perspective,” he said.

“It will be very difficult. I know this already. I haven’t really been able to think about everything that happened last season yet. But right now, a short break was enough to get into a positive mindset for this World Cup.

“I spent six wonderful days with my family, my mother and my in-laws. We talked a lot about everything and did nothing else for a while.’ ‘He was very nice and very peaceful.’

Liverpool’s toughest season

Undoubtedly, this season was difficult for everyone involved at Liverpool. From the tragic death of Diogo Jota before the campaign to the falling out between Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot, coupled with the poor results, it was mentally exhausting to say the least.

As captain, Virgil van Dijk had a lot of responsibility. And he admits he felt that tension throughout the season.

“It was the hardest season of my career,” he said.

“It’s obvious. Especially on a mental level. It’s just been up and down. The consistent feeling and level that you strive for, we almost never got.”

“As a group, as a club, as players, as individuals. As a team, we had very good matches, and then suddenly things went bad again. Then you basically can’t move forward.

“This year, we’ve had a lot come through at Liverpool. From the moment I got the phone call with the terrible news about Diogo, to the last match where we said goodbye to Mo Salah and Andy Robertson. I was sitting on the grass looking at two guys I had played with for eight years.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this in all my years at Liverpool. It was just the way it happened.”

erne slot conversation

Players aren’t the only ones who are leaving, with Liverpool having decided to part ways with Arne Slott last week.

Andoni Ierola has already been confirmed as his replacement. Van Dijk admits he has spoken to his former boss, but would not share what was said.

He finally said, “I will not say anything about it.”

“At the moment. I spoke to Arne personally, that’s the most important thing. What we discussed is between us. At the moment, my focus is completely on the World Cup.”

of liverpool The goalkeeping situation has generated much speculation in recent months, with Juventus making a serious attempt to lure Alisson Becker to Turin and Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings at Anfield.

Italian report Throughout the spring Juventus suggested that Alisson was seen as a cornerstone for a new era. The Serie A giants were attracted by his experience, pedigree and perceived availability as Liverpool prepared to make a final move to Mamardashvili.

The hope in Italy was that Liverpool’s succession planning could make a start.

Instead, Ellison has chosen continuity.

alison lives

according to espn brazilJuventus contacted the Brazilian in April and made a three-year contract offer.

The report added that Alisson was receptive to the sporting project outlined by the Italian side and was open to the possibility of a move at that level. However, he has now reached a final decision on his future.

The goalkeeper has decided to remain at Liverpool and see out his current contract, which runs until 2027.

Importantly, ESPN said the decision is unrelated to Arne Slot’s departure from Liverpool. Even before the manager left the club, discussions had begun over Alisson’s future and his desire to stay.

This detail is important because it shows that the goalkeeper’s commitment was not dependent on who would occupy the dugout the following season.

another year in liverpool

The report further suggests that Alisson intends to complete the final year of his contract before re-evaluating his situation.

This means he will spend the 2026/27 campaign at Anfield and then decide whether to extend his stay or leave as a free agent in the summer of 2027.

For Liverpool, it provides clarity on what had become one of the most interesting contract situations at the club.

Mamardashvili remains part of the long-term picture, but Alisson isn’t stepping aside just yet.

Despite injury problems during the recent campaign, the Brazilian still managed to make 35 appearances, which is the same number as his total from last season. He also recorded 13 clean sheets and remained one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football when available.

As a result, it appears that Richard Hughes and Liverpool have been left with a potentially difficult decision this summer.

Juventus probably believed an opportunity was emerging. Instead, Alisson’s plan for now is to stay where he is and make the most of his final contracted season at Anfield before considering the next step in his career.

fulham Star Kelvin Bassey believes he needs another year at Ajax to really establish himself and learn from his experiences with the Dutch side.

ajax showtime report On the Fulham defender’s comments today. He is speaking on the Ziggo Sports program Kick ‘T Mate. During this time he reflected on his unsuccessful time spent in Amsterdam.

ajax difficulties

After impressing under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox, the defender joins the Dutch side from Rangers in a €23m deal in 2022.

The plan was for him to be a replacement for Lisandro Martínez. The fan-favourite Argentine had established himself as a key player at the club before leaving to join Manchester United in the summer.

However, Kelvin Bassey was unable to successfully replace him. Instead, he endured a difficult year at Ajax, during which he was regularly criticized, with even the smallest mistakes often leading to analysis and further criticism.

After a year he moved to join Fulham, where he became a key player under Marco Silva. Now 26, he reflects well on his time at Ajax and admits he still needed more time.

“It was the tactical aspect of understanding where you need to be and knowing where your next pass is going to be,” He said.

“At Ajax, a full-back plays like a number six in possession, or moves forward as soon as you get the ball. So, if you understand it tactically and you know where your next pass has to go, it becomes easier.

“If my first touch was on the outside – which was natural for me, because I expect the full-backs to be there, my passing lane was immediately blocked, because the Ajax full-backs could cut inside.”

fulham confidence

The problems that had troubled him at Ajax were not evident at Fulham. But he puts it in a different style and has had time to adapt to how Fulham want him to play. This was the time when he was not allowed at Ajax.

“The English league is easy for me because I am used to English football,” He added.

“Many managers come from abroad; mine is Portuguese, but this is the system I am familiar with. What you do at Ajax takes time.

“Players who were new needed more time to adapt. When you’re young, and I was 21 or 22 at the time, I might have needed another season to settle in. Just like in England.”

“It took me a year to even settle in there. After that, I played the most matches and became the player of the year at the club.”

The defender now feels comfortable in the Premier League and the game in general. He believes this comes from experience. This was something he was not given time to learn during his time at Ajax.

“I think I understand the game better. But it’s obviously because of the experience you’ve gained.” He concluded.

“The only way to know if you’re doing something wrong is to just do it wrong. But it’s also about mindset. You have to be willing to make mistakes so you can improve.”

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly considering going after the 2025-26 Coach of the Year contender who is still under contract with the Western Conference playoff team.

After a 31–51 finish and fourth consecutive loss on the season, Billy Donovan decided to step down from his role as head coach of the Bulls. Now, following the installation of a new head of basketball operations in Bryson Graham and his spot at No. 4 in the NBA Draft set, NBA insider Jake Fisher claims the team is expected to “accelerate” the search for Donovan’s replacement.

With the Bulls coming on strong from the start, the team is casting a wide net in its search for its next head coach. Interestingly, this may also include buying and selling of coaches from the West. Fisher reports that Chicago is expected to formally request an interview with Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter.

The seven-year NBA veteran was put in a very difficult situation after taking over as head coach of the Trail Blazers when his predecessor Chauncey Billups was arrested for his role in a federal gambling investigation, one game into the season.

The first-time head coach did an impressive job guiding Portland to their first winning record (42-40) and the playoffs since 2020-21. Additionally, former Washington Wizards lottery pick Deni Avdija went from being a good player to a legitimate All-Star in 2025-26 under Splitter’s watch. The 41-year-old Brazilian deserves a lot of credit for the work he did last season, yet new Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon didn’t appreciate it.

Dundon have been searching for a new coach for several months and are reportedly looking for a new coach at a budget rate. Splitter is still under contract with Portland for one more season. Therefore, unless the Trail Blazers want to release him from his deal, the Bulls will have to trade for the coach’s rights if they want to make him their next head coach.

Still, despite the ongoing search for his replacement, Fisher reports, “Whispers were spreading on Monday [Splitter getting the full-time job] This cannot be denied now.” An NBA insider suggests this may be the reason why Portland declined Chicago’s request for an interview.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Bayern Munich are increasingly confident they will sign Anthony Gordon newcastle united in this summer.

Evening newspaper Munich report The Newcastle winger is firmly in Bayern’s plans, and a recent board meeting has given the go-ahead to a possible transfer.

bayern meeting on gordon

The newspaper reports that FC Bayern’s supervisory board met on Monday. This led to agreement on an important issue; Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is set to be the ‘marquee signing’ of the summer transfer window.

The German giants are hoping to pull off another Premier League ‘coup’ to strengthen their attack following the signings of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz in recent years. Each of them have done a great job.

Bayern wants to continue this ‘successful tradition’. This is despite the admission that signing Gordon from Newcastle this summer would be an expensive venture. According to English reports he is worth €90 million. Bayern will not pay that much.

Instead, talks between the two clubs over a potential deal are likely to intensify in the coming weeks. Bayern Munich considers itself a pioneer.

Gordon is leaning towards Munich

Anthony Gordon himself is headed to Bayern. According to AZ information, a five-year contract is being discussed. The deal is being considered ‘understandable’ for Bayern.

They need top-class options, which they sorely lacked in the recent Champions League semi-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Jamal Musiala is also far from his best form and Serge Gnabry will be out for a long time.

The Newcastle forward is the preferred candidate at the moment. It seems Bayern are also talking about spending big on him this summer. But all signs point to them pushing for a deal this summer.

It appears the bigger issue is Newcastle’s asking price. But if Gordon tries hard enough, this is unlikely to be a major hurdle for the German champions.

The Montreal Canadiens (6-5) will take on the Buffalo Sabers (6-4) in Game 5 of their second-round series on Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Even though the Habs managed to beat the Sabers in Game 4, they failed to take advantage of many power play opportunities, scoring just once in seven chances.

Meanwhile, the Sabers took advantage of two of their four power plays and won 3–2 in the process.

It was far from a perfect game, but there were many positives worth discussing.

The first is that despite the lack of goals at 5v5, the top line enjoyed a legitimately great outing. They controlled more shots than in any other playoff game, controlling over 70% of shots, high-danger shots and expected goals.

With that in mind, it’s getting a little late in the season to discuss the healthy process. The first line is playing better, but the Habs need goals from their best players, not just solid underlying numbers.

Simply put, the Canadiens will not advance to the Conference Finals without the regular 5v5 contributions of Juraj Slafkowski, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

But for now, the cart is being put before the horse.

If the Canadiens are to return to the Bell Center with a 3–2 lead in the series, they will need a complete team effort in Game 5, including solid play from their various defensive pairings. The duo of Mike Matheson and Alexander Carrier have struggled in the playoffs, although it must be said that they have been facing very high quality competition.

It is important to note that the winner of Game 5 in a series tied 2–2 will win the playoff series 80% of the time, making this the most important game of the year for the Canadiens.

Possible Lineup Changes

Head coach Martin St-Louis doesn’t like to announce roster revisions publicly, meaning we’ll have to wait until pre-game warmups to confirm any changes to the Canadiens’ lineup.

If the Habs want to bring a little more energy and chaos into the mix, they need to look no further than forward Brendan Gallagher. Yes, he’s the oldest player in the organization, but he’s also well rested, has played brilliantly in the three games he’s played, and few other players around the league are willing to put their bodies on the line in the service of their teams, at least not at the same level as Gallagher.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alex Newhook – Jake Evans – Ivan Demidov

Alexandre Texier – Philippe Danault – Josh Anderson

Zachary Bolduc – Kirby Dach – Joe Veleno

Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier

Lane Hutson – Noah Dobson

Arbor Zekaj – Caden Guhle

jacob dobbs

jacob fowler

Buffalo Sabers Projected Lineup

Peyton Krebs – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch

Jason Zucker – Konsta Helenius – Jack Quinn

Zach Benson – Josh Norris – Josh Doan

Jordan Greenway – Ryan McLeod – Beck Malensteen

Rasmus Dahlin – Mattias Samuelsson

Bowen Byram – Owen Power

Luke Shannon – Connor Timmins

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Alex Lyon

How to watch Hubs Vs. sabers game 5

Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, May 14, 2026, will be broadcast on CBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.

Additional NHL Playoff Analysis

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

After the Arizona Cardinals made Jeremiah Love the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, many feel like he is the early favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. After all, running backs typically don’t have as steep a learning curve as some of their peers.

While Love isn’t your average running back prospect, he’s also entering a pretty stacked backfield that also includes two-time Pro Bowler James Connor and Tyler Allger, who recorded over 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie in 2022 and signed a $12.5 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason.

Love is expected to claim the Cardinals’ starting running back job, but Connor and Allger will certainly still be in the mix. His presence may diminish Love’s impact in his rookie season.

Sports IllustratedAlbert Breer believes Love’s low workload makes him an outside bet to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. This was his response when asked which rookie would make the biggest impact as a rookie.

While Love will likely return, he will have to share some of the workload, unless the Cardinals plan to trade or cut Connor and/or Alger. Nevertheless, a partnership with Alger is unlikely, given that he only signed his contract in March. With less stuff to go around, it may take a year or two for Love to become the superstar that many envision.

RELATED: Ranking the 2026 NFL rookie offensive candidates

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo have a touchdown celebration in order! While the San Francisco 49ers star is ready for a season filled with a refreshed playbook and new challenges. McCaffrey is already making big steps in the offseason at home. Just nine months after welcoming baby Colette, Olivia Culpo revealed that baby No. 2 is officially joining the roster.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers know their offensive MVP still needs careful load management. After battling injuries in 2024, McCaffrey returned with a full-season Revenge Tour in 2025, earning him Comeback Player of the Year honors. But the Niners also learned the hard way that feeding their star RB too many touches could turn into a risky fourth-down gamble.

Christian McCaffrey scores big off the field

Culpo, who celebrated her 34th birthday on May 8, broke the Internet with a major roster update — baby No. 2 is officially on the way. In a joint Instagram post, Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey shared gorgeous photos of a family picnic, including their 9-month-old daughter Colette, family pup Oliver, and a game-changing reveal: a strip of sonogram photos laid out on a blanket like the ultimate Playbook tease.

Culpo captioned the post, “The best birthday present ever…baby #2 coming soon.”

Last October, Culpo opened up about adjusting to motherhood and admitted she once feared that having a daughter might derail her career ambitions. Instead, she continues to win in and out of the fame arena.

Long before he became part of the NFL power couple circuit, Culpo built a resume worthy of Hall of Fame status. After winning Miss Rhode Island USA in 2012, she went on an undefeated championship run. Capturing Miss USA and eventually Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas. Dressed as the Statue of Liberty for the national costume round, she became the first American winner since Brooke Lee in 1997.

Since then, Culpo’s career has remained in franchise-player territory. She appeared on Model Squad, had roles in films such as The Other Woman and I Feel Pretty, and starred as “UFO” in The Masked Singer. In 2025, SJE took over the hosting duties of Next Gen Chef.

McCaffrey’s 2025 stat line proved he is still an elite dual-threat weapon, posting monster receiving numbers while remaining the focal point of the offense. Hunt? The heavy snap count seemed to diminish some of his trademark explosiveness as a runner. His yards per carry are down significantly compared to last season.

Now entering the season at age 30 in June, McCaffrey still has a lot left in the tank. But if the 49ers want another deep playoff run, keeping their franchise fresh rather than running it into the ground might be the smartest play call on the board.

Ticket sales for tonight’s WWE SmackDown from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida are significantly lower than where the company last played the building.

According to Racelytics, 6,704 of the existing 7,877 tickets have been sold, with approximately 1,173 tickets still available in the primary market ahead of the show.

The comparison to WWE’s most recent Jacksonville date makes for difficult reading. When WWE last played the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 17, 2024, the company sold 10,093 tickets for the SmackDown tapings — a difference of about 3,400 tickets from where Tonight’s Show is currently playing.

Both dates are the same on the calendar, with a difference of only one week in time of year, making the drop-off hard to explain as a seasonal factor. However, it is interesting that this is happening in the city that is seen as the home of AEW since its inception in 2019.

It’s the go-home SmackDown for Backlash on Saturday in Tampa, a card that would normally generate increased interest in surrounding television programming. WWE’s year-to-date average for 2026 sits at 10,556 tickets per show, meaning tonight’s attendance will be well below that benchmark, even if the remaining tickets are sold before the bell.

Tonight’s SmackDown card featured Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss taking on Fatal Influence in a six-woman tag match with implications for the Backlash title match, Tiffany Stratton defending the Women’s United States Championship against Kianna James in Stratton’s first title defense, a Gunther in-ring promo following his attack on Cody Rhodes, and a Gingerbread Man final. The Rite segment in which Sami Zayn was included as part of the production. Their United States Championship rematch at Backlash.

Fans have become more vocal than ever about the product WWE is offering its audiences, as TKO seeks to maximize returns for profit in order to pay off the debt taken on to purchase WWE. WWE will try to rebuild any distrust with fans, otherwise they will risk losing more fans.

leeds united Marseille are among the clubs chasing Bilal Nadir ahead of the summer.

The midfielder’s contract expires in June, which would allow him to leave the Ligue 1 team on a free.

On 22 April, Game Witness broadcast news Leeds United are set to sign him for free.

The 22-year-old came close to agreeing a new contract, but there have been a number of changes at the club.

Roberto De Zerbi and president Pablo Longoria have both left Marseille and sporting director Medhi Benatia will leave after this season.

Leeds United and its supporters promote

Africa Foot Report Bilal Nadir has decided to leave the French club as a free agent.

He is attracting interest from European clubs and both the player and his entourage want to take advantage of this.

RC Strasbourg are keeping a close eye on the France-born Morocco U23 international. From Spain, Verona are paying attention and monitoring his situation. Villarreal also have a midfielder on their list.

Leeds United from England are the interested party. The report adds that Daniel Farke’s side have positioned themselves to secure his services, using their financial strength and the appeal of the Premier League.

His squad want a net salary of €1.2m per year and a signing bonus of €2.5m, and the Elland Road club should be able to meet their demand.

Sports project is also an important factor. The player wants a project where he can enjoy regular games and play an important role in the team.

There is a ‘tug of war’ going on between the Whites and other clubs for a free signing, and there is no mention of their preference between the four contenders.

Nadri stats and value

The Moroccan has played 862 minutes in 28 matches this season, scoring one goal and five assists.

Bilal Nadir has been out of action since April 19 due to a hamstring injury. His playing time has been limited due to three separate injuries, causing him to miss seven games this season.

transfer market He is valued at €9 million, but Leeds United or another club could sign him for free in the summer.

Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas has a bright future. Aliaksi’s younger brother was named AHL Rookie of the Year for his performance with the Hershey Bears.

On Thursday, Protas won the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie for 2025-26. The 19-year-old now becomes the second Hershey player to win the award, joining Ron Hextall.

Protas led all AHL rookies in scoring with 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 69 games, the fourth-most points by a teenager. He also led the Bears in goals, power-play goals, shots on goal (147), and plus-minus (17) this season.

The 19-year-old was eventually called up to the Capitals to help them make a late playoff run. Protas recorded one goal and three assists for four points in four games, which the Capitals ultimately won.

Protas is likely to return to the NHL full-time next season. For now, he’s back with Hershey for the Calder Cup playoffs, focused on the first line. He scored a goal to help the Bears defeat the Bridgeport Islanders in Game 1.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

Ashton Jeanty’s rookie season is in the books. The numbers were good. The situation around him was not there.

This will change in 2026.

The Boise State alumnus was the sixth overall pick a year ago and was someone the Raiders latched onto early on. He racked up 266 carries for 975 yards and five touchdowns. Through the air, he caught 55 passes on 73 targets for 346 yards and five more scores.

This adds up to a total of 321 touches for 1,321 yards and 10 touchdowns.

As one of the top offensive weapons for the Silver and Black, let’s see what he could become in 2026.

Kubiak’s run-heavy blueprint

Last year in Seattle, as offensive coordinator, Kubiak had a pair of running backs in his offense. Kenneth Walker III – the Super Bowl MVP two months earlier – registered 221 carries for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. Zach Charbonnet added 184 carries and 730 yards with two touchdowns.

Combined, he had a total of 405 carries for 1,757 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

Two years ago, when Kubiak was in New Orleans, Alvin Kamara had 228 carries for 950 yards and six touchdowns. Kamara led the Saints with 68 receptions on 89 targets for 543 yards and two more scores. This came with then-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr leading the attack.

That heavy-handed approach will be key to what Jeanty is asked to do in Las Vegas. They will be expected to produce weekly.

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders Tyree Wilson: Rob Leonard’s 3-4 scheme is his last chance to break out

What does history say about gentry roofing

Whether it’s a bell-cow back or a two-back system, Jeanty is expected to have at least 20 touches per game in a Raiders uniform.

But that production will take more than just Jeanty – it will take a whole crime.

“Very excited about his skill set,” Kubiak said of Jeanty during his introductory press conference in February. “Very excited about his talent. The thing I tell him and all his teammates is it’s not one guy. We’ve got to get on the same page, line up. We’ve got to get our quarterback to get the right run check. Our receivers have got to get on the block for him to keep the play action going. As soon as our players realize it’s a team thing and not an individual thing, we’re going to be successful.”

From Kirk Cousins, Aidan O’Connell or Fernando Mendoza to center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Colton Miller to wide receivers Jack Beech and Jalen Naylor, establishing an offensive identity with the run will be key.

The only question is how quickly everyone will be able to learn the new plan.

Also Read: 5 Las Vegas Raiders Whose April Minicamp Appearance Tells Us Everything

Learning curve for Jeanty in 2026

From the moment quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​signed with the Raiders, he said, “The best quarterback will play.”

Right now, the Raiders have Cousins ​​and Aidan O’Connell on the roster at quarterback. The Silver and Black will add another signal-caller to the projected No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana.

Over his career, Cousins ​​has had useful running backs – players like Alfred Morris and Dalvin Cook.

Cook’s four best seasons with Minnesota came from 2019 to 2022, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection. This stretch also coincides with Kubiak serving as the Vikings’ quarterbacks coach in 2019 and 2020 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021.

In the three seasons Cook, Cousins ​​and Kubiak were together, Cook had at least 249 carries and 1,130 rushing yards per year. He scored 35 rushing touchdowns over those three seasons, including 16 in 2020. Through the air, Cook had at least 49 targets and 34 receptions for 220 yards each year.

In 2019, Cook played in 14 games and totaled 250 carries for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 53 receptions on 63 targets for 519 yards.

“It’s really a privilege to work with Clint again,” Cousins ​​said during his Raiders introductory press conference. “I think a lot about him as a person. I think a lot about his system, his staff, Rick, Andrew, the way they marry and pass. It’s a system that makes a lot of sense. I’m excited to be reunited with them.”

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: 5 takeaways from Jon Spytek’s pre-draft press conference

Cousin Factor for Jeanty

One thing that will be worth watching is how quickly Cousins ​​and O’Connell adapt to the offense. For Cousins, it’s a case of relearning the scheme.

In addition to Kubiak, Cousins ​​is also reuniting with offensive coordinator Andrew Janko after his time in Minnesota. Janko was with the Vikings for seven seasons, including 2017 to 2021.

The goal this spring and summer will be to see how much offense Cousins ​​can regain.

“I wanted it to be plug-and-play but as all great offenses do, it evolves,” Cousins ​​said. “When I first came here I said to Andrew, ‘We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. It’s been four seasons of football but I’m not done with you.’ He texted me later and said, ‘I forgot it’s been four seasons. We have done a lot in four years that have made a difference.”

the ball is his

Cousins ​​and the quarterback situation will be sorted out. It will take time to establish the crime. Sufferings will increase.

But there’s no question about one thing: Jeanty is getting the ball. Very. In the offense created for what he does. Year 2 starts now.

RELATED: Michael Meyer has never had a real QB with the Las Vegas Raiders, but that will change in 2026

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

The Vancouver Canucks ended their season with a 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Thursday night.

Matt Savoie scored a first-period hat trick, Connor McDavid had four assists, and the Oilers clinched second place in the Pacific Division with a game that was originally decided before the opening period ended.

Ty Mueller scored the only goal for Vancouver, the first of his NHL career.

According to NHL.com, Edmonton’s victory also secured home advantage for the first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks.

ESPN reported that McDavid finished the regular season with 138 points to win the NHL scoring race, while Savoie’s three-goal first period was the first hat trick of his NHL career.

On the Vancouver side, the loss snapped a three-game winning streak and capped another difficult year.

Edmonton had too much pace, too much skill and too much space to work with. Mueller’s goal gave Vancouver a nice moment, and Kevin Lankinen struggled all night, but the big size of the game never really changed after the initial rush.

game flow

At 1:58 of the first period, Josh Samanski opened the scoring after Colton Dach’s centering pass was deflected off the skates. Savoie doubled the lead at 6:48 with a wrist shot from the left circle, then Vancouver finally responded at 12:10 when Muller took a pass from Curtis Douglas, hesitated, and scored his first NHL goal. Lankinen also recorded a secondary assist in the game.

For a moment, it looked like the Canucks had something to build on. He didn’t. Savoie hit a power play at 14:35, then completed the hat trick at 19:02 when McDavid and Evan Bouchard moved the puck cleanly through the zone.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a power-play goal at 16:46 of the second game when Jack Hyman, returning from a five-game absence, found the side of the net.

Colton Dach fired a wrist shot over Lankinen’s glove to make it 6-1 in the third, and from there it was close to the final horn.

Connor Ingram needed just 11 saves for the win, which tells you how little sustained pressure Vancouver provided. Edmonton got six goals on 35 shots. Lankinen stopped 29 shots, which showed how bad the score could have been.

This wasn’t a bad bounce or a hot scorer. It was a loose, messy night against a team that knew what was on the line.

Mueller had at least a small hope of getting his first goal. But for Canucks fans, the bigger feeling was probably general, relief that the year is over and hope that the next version of this team looks more settled than the one that ended here.

Edmonton is headed into the playoffs with momentum. Vancouver is entering the offseason with a lot to answer for.

Luke Doncic is arguably the best offensive player in the NBA today. Despite his undeniable skills, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar still receives some criticism from basketball analysts from time to time. However, the criticism Doncic received from Chris Broussard on Tuesday is exactly the same as it was almost a year ago.

During a segment on “First Things First” on Fox Sports 1, Broussard called the 27-year-old guard a ball hog. Popular sports analysts agree that Doncic is one of the league’s greatest players of all-time, but he clarified that he believes the eight-year veteran doesn’t pass the ball well enough.

“[Doncic is] “Hall of Fame ball hog,” Broussard said. “He’s an all-time great ball hog, but he’s a ball hog!”

“He’s a Hall of Fame ball hog. He’s the greatest ball hog of all time, but he’s a ball hog!”

– Chris Broussard on Luka Doncic 🗣️

(via @FTFonFS1)pic.twitter.com/hkHF9bgCRn

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 24 March 2026

Broussard said the exact same words on March 25, 2025, almost a year before his statement on Tuesday. Although it’s a new year, the 57-year-old analyst still feels the same way about Doncic.

“Luka Doncic is a ball hog,” Broussard said in March 2025.

“Luka Doncic is a ball hog. A great ball hog. A Hall of Fame ball hog – a future Hall of Famer. An all-time elite ball hog. He’s a ball hog.”

Chris Broussard doesn’t hold back after Lakers’ loss to Magic

(via @FTFonFS1)
pic.twitter.com/ypd91M0I4D

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 March 2025

Although Broussard thinks Doncic is a ball hog, the stats tell a different story. In 60 games played so far this season, the six-time All-Star is averaging 8.4 assists per contest. That’s good for third-best in the league behind Nikola Jokic (10.6) and Cade Cunningham (9.9).

Luka Doncic, who tops the league in average assists per game, is also averaging 33.4 points (league leader), 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per contest. His field goal percentage is 47.4% while shooting 36.4% from beyond the three-point line.

MIAMI – The Miami Heat are attempting to reach the playoffs in a tight Eastern Conference standings, with the first game of the season’s final 13 at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and superstar LeBron James. With the Heat facing tough games ahead, head coach Erik Spoelstra explained how James is standing the test of time.

James is 41 years old, in his 23rd season in the NBA, and it’s barely noticeable that he’s lost a step, adding another level to his already legendary status as one of the top players in NBA history. In addition to demonstrating that James was a key part in bringing two championships to Miami along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh during the “Big 3” era.

Spoelstra was apparently the head coach of those teams, as he described how James was “giving Father Time hell.” In addition to watching closely from his time in Miami, Spoestra also watched as Team USA’s assistant coach as James and Co. earned a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“You just have to have total respect for his level of competitiveness,” Spoelstra said before the Heat played the Lakers on Thursday night. “You know, he’s not only competing against the entire league, but he’s competing against Father Time, and he’s giving Father Time hell, he really is. And you have to respect that.”

“This doesn’t happen by accident,” Spoelstra continued. “I obviously saw a lot of his habits 14 years ago, but then at the USA weeks, you could see how dedicated he was to all the different things, shooting, player development, but also lifting and mobility and everything to keep his body right. It was impressive. He’s doing a lot of impressive things.”

Erik Spoelstra on LeBron James: #HeatNation

“He’s competing against Father Time and he’s making Father Time hell…” pic.twitter.com/4zxIixr6PP

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 19 March 2026

LeBron James warming up before tonight’s game against the Heat: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/WN642MMDsd

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) March 19, 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra says LeBron James could play another decade

This is not the first time that the Heat’s head coach in Spoelstra has praised James, it is a common occurrence every time the star has returned to Miami to take on his former team. Even if the sports world wonders when James will retire, Spoelstra believes he can play basketball for the next “decade” if he wants to.

“Size, strength and IQ. What he can do with his body and the way he takes care of himself,” Spoelstra said on December 4, 2024. United, but at this size, and if he wants to slow the game down and just play, you know, away from his brain and IQ, he can do that for another decade, I doubt he’ll find the interest in it, but he can.

Talking more about Erik Spoelstra and more about LeBron James and how he still excels at this age. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/jJ1OUGRaas

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4th December 2024

At any rate, who knows if Thursday night at the Cascade Center will be the last time James plays in Miami, but it can’t be denied that fans will remember the superstar who led the team to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2011-2014. Additionally, Spoelstra is trying to defeat James, the Lakers and any other team that stands in the way of the Heat as they sit 38-31, seventh in the East, entering Thursday’s game against Los Angeles.

Galatasaray is preparing one of the boldest free-transfer moves of the summer, The Turkish champions are ready to offer €15m-a-year for Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva.

Talks have already escalated beyond initial contact, putting Europe’s elite on alert as Silva nears a decisive career decision.

The 31-year-old is entering the final months of his contract at Manchester City, with neither the club nor the player showing signs of agreeing to an extension. As a result, clubs across Europe have begun to prepare themselves for his signature.

Few free agents on the market can match Silva’s pedigree. During his nine-year tenure at Manchester City, the Portuguese midfielder won six Premier League titles, one Champions League and made over 440 appearances, becoming one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted men.

Galatasaray’s €15m offer changes the market

Turkish outlet Takvim reports Galatasaray’s approach has already reached the second phase. The club are planning direct talks with Silva’s representatives next month.

Those discussions will focus on Manchester City’s proposed annual salary of €15m for the player. This is a figure that would immediately put the Turkish side ahead of most European competitors.

Galatasaray are moving quickly in an attempt to control the narrative regarding Silva’s future. By acting decisively, they hope to outbid rivals who are interested but unwilling or unable to offer similar terms.

Recent success in the transfer market has built the club’s confidence. Last summer, Galatasaray secured Leroy Sane on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. That move cemented their growing ambition to compete domestically and in Europe.

Barcelona and Milan keep a close eye on the situation

Interest in the Manchester City player is not limited to Turkiye. Reports from Italy indicate that Juventus view the midfielder as A signing that is capable of changing their side in an instant. Barcelona and AC Milan are also said to be monitoring the situation closely.

However, none of those clubs currently appear willing to match Galatasaray’s €15m‑per‑year offer.

That financial difference could prove decisive, especially if Silva prioritizes security and position in the next phase of his career.

Silva is reportedly very pleased with Galatasaray’s interest. A report from Milliet last year Claimed that representatives of the Turkish club have already met his agent. This positive effect appears to have persisted as the proposed conditions have improved.

With talks scheduled for April and now an attractive offer, which also includes a signing bonus, Galatasaray are pushing hard. The decision is now up to Silva. Does he accept a new challenge in Istanbul or use Galatasaray’s ambition to shape the final chapter of an already illustrious career.

Even before the start of the 2025–26 season, Cooper was the favorite to win the Flagg Rookie of the Year award. A good opportunity awaits him with the Dallas Mavericks, as after the Luka Doncic trade, he has a chance to step up immediately and become the superstar talent the team needs to develop. And for its price, the Flag is as good as advertised, if not better.

While Flagg’s averages of 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season are certainly good enough for him to win the prestigious award, Kon Nueppel’s consistency for a much-improved Charlotte Hornets team could take the award away from the Mavericks star.

NBA insider Mark Stein, who has many ties to the Mavericks, also believes that the conflict between what is best for Dallas at the end of the year and what is best for Flagg from a personal standpoint could hinder Flagg’s ROTY candidacy.

“The Mavs have 18 games left, and the truth is, if they can go 0-18 it would be the best thing for them. That’s the way the system is,” Steen said on the All NBA Podcast. “The way the system is structured, the best thing for the Mavs is to lose, and lose royally, and that’s obviously not going to be very good if you’re chasing Rookie of the Year.”

Mavs face crucial year in Cooper Flagg-focused rebuild

As Steen said, 2026 is the last time the Mavericks control their first-round pick until 2031. It simply means Dallas has all the incentive in the world to try to lose as many games as possible to put itself in a better position to add a blue-chip prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft.

This will be the priority of the team. It is imperative for Flagg to acquire a potential long-term co-star if he is to bounce back from the Luka Doncic tragedy.

As the Charlotte Hornets continue to rise in the Eastern Conference standings amid their six-game winning streak, Kon Knuppel has emerged as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. With five weeks left in the regular season, Knueppel solidified his case for making NBA history by setting the record for most threes made in a rookie campaign, as he continues to lead the league in threes made (216).

As discussed by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel per Clutch Scoops, Knueppel could make a significant difference in his race with Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, as his speed has overtaken Flagg for the top spot.

Siegel said, “Kon Knueppel, the Rookie of the Year, has a lot of legs, and he’s probably the favorite. Also, having had the most efficient season as a rookie, I think, he’s at 20 points per game now.” “Absurd, I think he’s shooting 50,40,90 in his rookie season.

“This is absolutely ridiculous for a guy who went to Charlotte, and a place that we all thought was like a basketball haven for young people and rookies. So shout out to Con Knueppel, who I think will win his Rookie of the Year.”

Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points on 48.8% shooting, including 43.6% from deep, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season.

The Hornets extended their winning streak against the Boston Celtics with an emphatic 118-89 win. Knueppel’s 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including four threes, led four Hornets players to reach double figures.

Kon Nueppel strengthens case for Roy amid Hornets’ losing streak

In the first week of March, Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has already broken the record for most threes made by an NBA rookie. Knueppel surpassed Kings rookie Keegan Murray (206) in the 2022–23 regular season.

Knueppel’s case was also strengthened by the fact that the Hornets were playing at a high level while he was leading the ship, while his former Duke teammate, Cooper Flagg, is dealing with a left foot sprain that he has not played since Feb. 10.

The NBA Executive of the Year is typically awarded to the league’s best team, as evidenced by Sam Presti, general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024–25 season. But don’t tell that to Phoenix Suns GM Brian Gregory.

The latter has completely transformed Phoenix after a 2024-25 offseason where there were a lot of questions. What will happen with Kevin Durant? What about Bradley Beal’s impending contract? Will Devin Booker commit to Phoenix?

He answered all those questions, but appeared to rebuild the culture through alignment in just a few months. While alignment was the focus of every joke about Gregory, his eyes were set on a complete 180-degree change.

Thunder’s Sam Presti being compared to Suns’ Brian Gregory’s offseason

Presti made two of the most impactful moves that season with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Those two alone showed how impressive and deep Oklahoma City was heading into the 2024-25 season, thanks to Presti’s knack for finding talent and fits. The 64-win season ended with an NBA Finals victory.

It highlighted that building through the draft, finding and developing the right players and coaches, and establishing culture in addition to finding fit, was the ultimate mix for sustained success.

As soon as they were in the Finals, Phoenix began preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft. He didn’t have the best draft capital after the Suns traded their only guaranteed draft pick in 2031 to the Utah Jazz for a three-first pick.

However, these three selections were the least favorable among the three teams (essentially, the team with the best record is the selection that Phoenix would get). Leading up to the draft, Gregory’s collegiate expertise stood out.

They had a few draft picks, but when the Suns traded for Kevin Durant, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks and several second-round picks for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, they acquired a big pick.

That first-round pick was used to draft Duke center Khaman Maluach. Then the first-year general manager put on his scouting cap and found two pieces of the future in Rasheer Fleming and Coby Brea.

Gregory called the latter “the best college shooter of the last three years.” And for Fleming, his defense, shooting and unreal athleticism were in line with his vision.

All the while, they traded for former Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams on draft day. The 23-year-old big man was made the team’s starting center, and it seemed like a low-risk, high-reward move.

But about two weeks ago, the Suns hired Jordan Ott, causing a lot of doubt because of the potential Michigan State tie between him, Gregory and owner Matt Ishbia.

Nonetheless, the GM mentioned that the organization conducted dozens of interviews to find the right person. He even called in outside sources to hear a different perspective.

Hiring the future coach, selecting future key players and establishing a long-term culture were all accomplished within a month.

How has the Suns regular season been vs. the Thunders regular season?

As for the Thunder, they have not surprised anyone with their dominance. At the beginning of the year, they were potentially trying to break the Golden State Warriors’ record for most wins in a season (73).

They came back down to earth, but Oklahoma City’s dominance shocked everyone. A dynasty seems to be emerging, but before we analyze it, let’s go back to January 4th.

A nearly healthy Suns team defeats the Thunder as game winners. The last two meetings did not go Phoenix’s way, but they were filled with stars returning from injury (Devin Booker) or being out due to injury.

A game is not equal why should Gregory win over Presti? If it were so, it would be inconsistent. That Sunday night was a microcosm of what the Suns GM has built: a gritty, physical, defensive-minded and connected team.

Someone in particular who has changed the culture is Brooks. He changed the culture wherever he went, even during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies.

After almost being traded to Phoenix in 2018, it was a full-circle moment when he was traded. Playing with Booker has enhanced both of their games, but Brooks has taken his game to another level.

There is more offensive responsibility and liability in this, which he has performed well. Averaging over 20 points per game and shooting nearly 70% at the rim is impressive.

His unorthodox attacking play has thrown defenders out of their rhythm. Even with Booker and Green out, Brooks has agreed to be the preferred option, which he cited following the 2024-25 first-round series with the Golden State Warriors.

Through the All-Star break, Oklahoma City had 42 wins compared to Phoenix’s 32. The Thunder’s dominance was expected, but the Suns’ surprise was something that took many by surprise.

What has Brian Gregory done for the Suns since the All-Star break?

The moves haven’t stopped since the backend of the season began. The team gave Green a long-term return, even as he worked extra hard for his hamstring recovery.

Additionally, the Suns signed running back Haywood Highsmith to a two-year waiver deal and gave two-way player Jamari Bouia a contract extension.

With Green out, Bouia, in particular, has been a nice contribution. Another guard above the rim who can create his own shot. Meanwhile, Highsmith brings the defensive intensity and versatility that Gregory has preached since taking over the job.

Injuries have kept the team from showing what they can look like when the trio of Booker, Brooks and Green remain healthy. However, Phoenix has maintained its hold on the court even without these three.

If the success continues, Gregory should hoist the Executive of the Year award based on the team’s turnaround, navigating the free agent market and making the most of the Durant trade and landing a player who aligns with the culture.

The Dallas Cowboys are in for another expensive offseason. They are already locked in contract negotiations with a star who wants the highest salary at his position. There may also be a deadlock over the contract of another superstar coming after a year of his career.

The Cowboys have already placed the franchise tag on second-team All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens. The tag for receivers pays Pickens $27 million, well below the market rate of $40 million for superstar receivers. Pickens ranks third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards this season, and he will still be only 25 when the 2026 season starts.

Players generally want to avoid the franchise tag, and the same may be the case with Pickens. After all, a long-term contract at a higher rate will provide greater long-term financial security than a one-year deal below market value.

However, placing the franchise tag may not be the last we hear from the Cowboys regarding Pickens’ status this offseason.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Cowboys could also trade Pickens now that they have franchise-tagged him.

The Packers used this mentality to tag and trade Davante Adams to the Raiders in 2022. However, the Cowboys have shown no signs of Pickens being available this offseason. Sure, it’s a great way to create leverage, but Pickens appears destined to remain in Dallas until at least 2026.

Perhaps the Cowboys can dispel these silly rumors by getting their new superstar receiver under contract for just over the 2026 season, where he and CeeDee Lamb will form one of the NFL’s best receiver tandems for years to come.

RELATED: Max Crosby trade could happen very soon; NFL Insider Link 7 Teams

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Chelsea hero Eden Hazard has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain tried every year to sign him with the Blues.

Hazard was a guest on RMC’s “Nuits du Cazare Enchaine” program on Friday evening. During that show, he revealed PSG’s relentless efforts to get him from Chelsea during his career.

The Belgian player, now retired, played for Lille, Chelsea and then Real Madrid in his career. Arguably, his time at Stamford Bridge was his most successful.

Chelsea’s success meant no need to leave

Hazard joined Chelsea in 2012 after a European battle for his signature and became one of their greatest players. Most would also like to include him in his best ever Premier League performance.

He played a total of 352 matches for the Blues and scored 110 goals during this period. This led them to two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup. He was also voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year four times, a record at Stamford Bridge.

Moving to Real Madrid in 2019 fulfilled a childhood dream. But despite the record transfer fee, he failed to live up to expectations. Injuries caused him to play only 76 times before his contract expired a year early.

PSG rejected again

It was a disappointing end to his previously illustrious career at Chelsea. And things could have been very different. Hazard has now revealed that he was constantly targeted by PSG throughout his time in England.

“Every year I have contact with PSG,” He said.

“In my mind, it was very clear. When I left Lille, I said to myself: ‘I would not want to return to France to play for any other club than Lille. If I ever come back, it will be to play for Lille, for example to finish my career.’ For the people of Lille, for the North, I didn’t want to play for PSG.

“It was a great club. Nasser (Al-Khelaifi) was coming, there was a lot of money, and they always had a team capable of playing in the Champions League.

“Because things were going very well at Chelsea, my dream was to go to Real Madrid later, not PSG and then go to Real Madrid.”

The Miami Heat lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 124-117 on Thursday night, stopping the team once again in its main goal of climbing the standings to avoid the play-in tournament. There’s no denying that Heat star Bam Adebayo is sick and tired of being in the play-in tournament, as he made his thoughts known after the loss; However, this may be unavoidable.

Miami is very familiar with the play-in tournament, having finished as the eighth seed the past three seasons, and the team is looking to finish at least sixth to avoid it altogether. However, with 22 games left, time is running out to make a significant play this time around, with Thursday being a prime opportunity.

A win against the 76ers would have given the Heat a tiebreaker that could have implications for the postseason, with Philadelphia being the sixth seed and Miami being the eighth. The setbacks are having an impact on the team, as shown by Adebayo’s comments where he is fed up with being in the tournament and how the team is better than him.

via video from HeatCulture on Twitter, Adebayo said, “I don’t want to be in that situation anymore.” “We’re better than we’ve been in the play-ins the last four years.”

Bam Adebayo is completely fed up with being in the play-ins:

“Yeah, I don’t want to be in this mess anymore. We’re better off than we have been in the play-ins the last 4 years.”

“See if we can string together some Ws.”

I haven’t seen Bam so bloated in a minute… https://t.co/YxJ3nssPZi pic.twitter.com/2VLElOb0bx

– 𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙂𝙡𝙩𝙂𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) 27 February 2026

Coming off a loss to the 76ers, Miami shot themselves in the foot in the first half, as Philadelphia got everything they wanted. Adebayo criticized the team’s effort, saying they “didn’t work hard enough.”

“I mean, I don’t know how to explain the effort. You could obviously see we weren’t trying hard enough to get guys off the line, take a lot of attempts,” Adebayo said after recording 29 points and 14 rebounds on Thursday, with video via Heat Nation on the X.

Bam Adebayo on Miami’s effort:

“We didn’t work hard enough, brother. I mean, I don’t know how to explain effort.”

(via @darkobasketball) pic.twitter.com/REQYiSSRi8

— 𝙀𝘼𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙂𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) 27 February 2026

Bam Adebayo explains where the heat has been “steady”

Although the Heat had to play without Norman Powell for a portion of the game after he left with a groin injury, the game showed another worrying trend that has affected the team. Since Miami was on a three-game winning streak prior to Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, not making a field goal in the final six and a half minutes of the game would result in the team losing.

Thursday was a similar day, with the Heat having a much better second half in erasing Philadelphia’s 17-point lead, even after Miami took the lead, the team was held scoreless for almost the last three minutes of the outing. Another frustration that Adebayo expressed was how “stagnant” they were.

“We became stagnant offensively,” Adebayo said, according to The Miami Herald. “We ran a certain play over and over again, and we stayed consistent.”

Another area the team needs to figure out is how to capitalize in clutch time, because when Powell was not in the game, players like Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and especially the returning Tyler Herro needed to come up big. Looking at the team’s production on both sides of the ball, the offense has been up and down.

After taking the league by storm with a 14–7 start, showcasing a new fast-paced style of play, it did not result in a league-top offense.

While Miami leads the league with 104.9 possessions per 48 minutes, the team ranks 15th in offensive rating (114.0), while the Heat are fifth in defensive rating (111.6).

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra admits need to do better

As the Heat look to continue to challenge themselves throughout the remainder of the season, it may be hard for a fan to believe that this team can put it all together and reach the sixth seed. In addition to the numerous injuries the team has gone through throughout the season, especially to Herro, head coach Erik Spoelstra is also looking to balance the youth movement on the team and get them playing significant minutes.

It can’t be denied that the one player people are pointing towards is Kel’El Ware, who is the breakout star among Miami’s youth, as he only played 12 minutes. The Heat are 1-9 when Ware plays less than 15 minutes, with other young players getting up-and-down minutes like Kaspars Jakuccionis, Myron Gardner, Keishad Johnson and Nikola Jovic, something Spoelstra will admit the team needs to get better at.

“I’ve got to do a better job with this group,” Spoelstra said, via the Miami Herald. “We have the potential that we can see. We have the explosiveness, we have the defense. It’s a matter of continuity. And that’s what I’m here for, to help bridge that with the veterans, to help our continuity.”

“But also to hold youth accountable,” Spoelstra continued. “And we have more of them than we have in recent history, but also develop them and give them confidence. And it’s a nice balance. But again, that’s what I came here for. I want to take that challenge, and I want to get better with it.”

While Spoelstra was candid, Adebayo was also quick to point out that coaches are “trying” to adjust to the younger players’ play.

“He’s trying,” Adebayo said. “I wouldn’t say he’s fully adjusted, but he’s trying. He’s trying to adjust, he’s trying to work it out, he’s trying to figure it out. The greatest part of it is that he’s trying it out. Because we all know our coaches. If something doesn’t work, he’ll fix it right away. So it’s good that he’s trying to work on it.”

The Heat’s young status has been a balancing act

It’s been a balancing act for Spoelstra, but he has repeatedly said he’s not in the business of gifting minutes to young players. This is evident in how much time has been given to Pelle Larsson, who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup recently, and Jaime Jacquez Jr., who has been the team’s undoubted sixth man.

“We won’t prioritize anything more than winning,” Spoelstra said. “Winning will be the ultimate thing. Take it or leave it, like it or not, that’s what the Miami Heat are about. We’re competing to win. You’ve got to earn your minutes. We’re not gifting minutes to anyone. We have more young players playing in the rotation than we have in a long time, and that’s the balance I’m pursuing.”

“Develop these players, give them confidence, but also hold them accountable to our standard,” Spoelstra added. “The standard is not going to change, and we think players improve fastest when there is accountability to win, when they are not just free minutes being gifted to someone.”

As mentioned, Miami has a lot of work to do with 22 games left in the season, and although it is very possible for the team to make a run and reach that coveted sixth seed, the Heat have not shown much promise to do so at this point. However, since the team has proven the doubters wrong in the past, Miami has been given another chance to rewrite the story.

Although the team has played very well on the road. In fact, no team has played more on the road than the Heat at this point, as the roster now gets an extended stretch at home, making it a prime opportunity to turn the season around.

“It’s very important,” Jacquez said. “We got seven points out of eight at home. It will be a good time for us to go strong and win some games.”

At any rate, the Heat are 31-29, which puts them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference as they return home to face the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

The Charlotte Hornets have made great strides towards becoming a playoff team, and a big reason for that is Hornets rookie Kon Nueppel. Under the leadership of their Rookie of the Year candidate, the Hornets have climbed up the Eastern Conference standings.

Knuppel was one of the league’s best rookies this season, and came into Thursday night’s game with a chance to make NBA history. Knueppel entered the game against the Indiana Pacers with 201 three-pointers in his rookie season, just five three-pointers away from tying Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray for most three-pointers in a rookie season.

In the 2022–23 regular season, Murray recorded 206 three-pointers in 80 games as a rookie for the Kings. This season, Kon Knueppel made a total of 201 three-pointers in only 58 regular season games with the Hornets.

With his fifth three-pointer of the game, all of which came in the first half, Knueppel tied Keegan Murray’s rookie record for three-pointers in a season.

Con Knueppel made his sixth three-pointer of the night with 1:05 remaining in the third quarter, giving him 207 three-pointers on the season.

Charlotte led Indiana 107–82 after three quarters of play. Knuppel had 20 points and three rebounds in three quarters of play. Brandon Miller led all scorers with 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a single season in NBA history:

🔹207 — Kon Knueppel (59 GP)
🔸206 – Keegan Murray (80 GP)

Congratulations to the Hornets newbie 👏pic.twitter.com/7DaOXTapaP

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 27 February 2026

Hornets guard Kon Knueppel has passed Keegan Murray for most 3-pointers in a rookie season.

1. Kon Knuppel – 207 (59 games)
2. Keegan Murray – 206 (80 games)
3. Donovan Mitchell 187 (79 games) pic.twitter.com/lg7AeKs66A

-Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 27 February 2026

In his first season in the NBA, Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, while shooting 48.9 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from three and 89.3 percent from the free throw line. This is the most efficient season by any player scoring more than 15 points per night in NBA history.

The Hornets were 12 games under .500 at 11–23 on January 2, 2026. Since that loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte has gone 17-8, one of the better records in the league. Now sitting at 28-31 after winning seven of their last 10 games, the Hornets have a very good chance to be one of the four play-in teams and an outside chance to climb into the top six in the Eastern Conference.

The Hornets are currently just one game ahead of the 10th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the West and just 4.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.

New York – The New York Knicks have a complicated relationship with the Detroit Pistons. The young Pistons group completed their 2026 regular season sweep of the Knicks on Thursday night, bringing both teams back to similar circumstances from last season, which culminated in a first-round playoff win for New York. However, team captain Jalen Brunson no longer wants to rely on last year’s results.

“It’s a new year,” Brunson told reporters at Madison Square Garden after the Knicks’ 126-111 loss.

The young Detroit group, led by a jumbo playmaker and consisting mostly of serious specialists in defined roles, is reminiscent of the New York squad led by Julius Randle. But, to borrow Jay-Z’s paradox in his early 2010 rap masterpiece, Brunson has helped transform these nicks from “underpaid” to “overrated” in recent years.

It is believed that New York is closer than ever to the championship. But Cade Cunningham’s Pistons are lovable underdogs who upset the NBA hierarchy with surprising road wins. And on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks contenders were caught at the beach.

The Pistons were missing Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, both of whom were suspended after a fight with the Charlotte Hornets. It didn’t make much difference to Cunningham. His 42-point, eight-rebound, 13-assist performance overshadowed Brunson’s 33 points, six rebounds and eight assists on 60% field goal shooting.

Detroit’s regular season success did not help them in last year’s playoffs against the Knicks. But these pistons seem to work with larger cylinders. The proverbial engine of their offense, Cunningham, has leveled off. With this he can take his teammates to even greater heights.

The Knicks have work to do before the end of the season if they want to repeat last year’s playoff results against teams like the Pistons. They have reached the required heights many times, but often step back after reminding themselves that they can do the same.

Bridges ends another close game on the Knicks bench

Thursday’s loss to the Pistons was another close game that Mikal Bridges watched from the bench. The Knicks made only eight of their 35 attempts from behind the 3-point arc, with only four different players getting shots to fall. Brunson and Landry Shamet were the only two Knicks to score more than one, each knocking down three times during the 15-point loss.

Two of the 3-pointers made by Shamet came in the last eight minutes of the fourth quarter, when he was on the court in place of starter Mikal Bridges. It’s important for the versatility of the Knicks’ scheme that starters like Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns don’t mind being benched in favor of red-hot role players. But head coach Mike Brown said Shamet closed out on Bridges because the team needed to score. It wasn’t a strong endorsement of the two-way wing who signed a four-year, $150 million extension with a player option for the 2029-30 season.

“Landry hit some shots. We needed to score. They’re both really good guards. And so I stayed with Landry. But it wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I’ll sit Mikal because he’s not doing that, or he’s not doing that.’ We were looking to score points. And Landry was the only guy to make a shot from behind the arc, the coach said through some nervous laughter.

A key part of the Knicks’ journey this upcoming postseason will be striking a balance with respect to the participation of their star players — and what they bring to the table in games where shots aren’t being funneled their way. While the Browns made it clear that the late-game benching was not Bridges’ fault but a situational adjustment, it is on Bridges to give the coaching staff no choice.

Bridges did not ask to be traded for five first-round picks. He didn’t force the Knicks to offer him $150 million and a player option. But the ball is in the 29-year-old’s court as to how he chooses to respond to this adversity. His confession after the game in Toronto was a great start. New York can’t afford to be this outlier.