Monday, February 27, 2023
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Tommy Fury edges YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul by split decision - The Guardian
In a huge victory for reality TV stars over social media personalities, Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul by an eight-round split decision in their much hyped boxing match on Sunday night.
Paul, who made his fortune as a YouTube prankster before turning his hands to boxing in recent years, had got off to a respectable start to his fighting career before Sunday, compiling a 6-0 record, although some of his opponents were of debatable quality.
Fury was a tougher test. While Paul is a social media personality with a sideline in boxing, Fury is a boxer with a sideline in social media. He is the younger half-brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and was undefeated coming into his fight with Paul, winning all nine of his fights, four by knockout. But to many people, in the UK at least, he is more famous for finishing as a runner-up in the fifth season of Love Island.
The fight, almost inevitably, took place in the home of dubious sporting projects, Saudi Arabia. The bout had twice been postponed, once when Fury suffered an injury in the build-up to the fight and again last summer when the Briton was denied entry into the US.
The fight went as many expected with Fury controlling long periods thanks to his effective jab that allowed him to survive some scrappy aggression from Paul. The 26-year-old American even dropped his opponent in the eighth round but Fury had done enough by then to secure victory by split decision (74-75, 76-73, 76-73). Fury was docked a point for excessive clinching while the referee took a point from Paul for holding down his opponent’s head during a clinch.
According to CompuBox, Fury landed 88 of his 302 punches, far more than Paul, who connected with 49 of his 157 blows.
“I’ve already won every single way in life,” Paul said after the fight. “I made it farther than I ever thought I would, and beyond. This is a humbling experience. I’ll take it on the chin and come back.”
Fury believes the win was the most important of his life. “I had a dream, I had a vision that I would win this fight, but no one believed me,” Fury said. “Now I can stand up and everyone can take note … This to me is a world title fight, I trained so hard for this.”
Both men will walk away from the fight significantly richer. When pay-per-view income is taken into account, Paul is expected to earn around $8.6m and Fury $4.5m.
Unsurprisingly given those sums, Paul said that he is ready for a rematch. “100%, let’s run it back,” he said.
Several former and current boxing world champions were ringside to watch the spectacle, including Mike Tyson, Deontay Wilder, Devin Haney and Tyson Fury, who had been a vocal supporter of his brother in the build-up to the fight. Other famous figures in the crowd were comedian Kevin Hart and Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently signed for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
Tommy Fury edges YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul by split decision - The Guardian
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Friday, February 24, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Avani Prashanth leads individual rankings at Queen Sirikit Cup by an impressive 7 shots - Sportskeeda
Indian golfer Avani Prashanth is leading the individual rankings at the 43rd Queen Sirikit Cup by seven phenomenal shots after rounds of 68 and 66.
The tournament is taking place at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club's Masters Course in the Philippines. The 16-year-old Avani Prashanth hit a 5-under for the last four holes, producing a brilliant finishing stretch to dominate the 43rd Queen Sirikit Cup leaderboard.
Prashanth has also put India in contention for this tournament title for the first time ever. She recently broke into the top 100 of the amateur world rankings.
Turns out, it’s even better! Avani Prashanth is leading the Queen Sirikit Cup individual leaderboard by SEVEN shots after rounds of 68 and 66.
Turns out, it’s even better! Avani Prashanth is leading the Queen Sirikit Cup individual leaderboard by SEVEN shots after rounds of 68 and 66. https://t.co/3ktg8IchoK
She once again proved her mettle by adding a 6-under 66 to go with her 4-under 68 in the first round and moved to 10-under for a seven-shot lead after two rounds. The round's highlight was an eagle-two at the 16th, which she holed out with her sand wedge from 110 yards.
Prashanth currently holds a seven-shot lead over Rianne Malixi from the Philippines, who is playing on her home soil. Fiona Xu of New Zealand and Yoo Hyun-jo of South Korea are following them in the rankings.
Prashanth's outstanding performance at the Queen Sirikit Cup has raised India's hopes at the 43rd Asia-Pacific Amateur Ladies Golf Team Championship.
"I'm feeling confident" - Avani Prashanth
Avani Prashanth is currently ranked 97th in World Amateur Golf Rankings. She is also considered an impressive prospect for India in golf.
She talked about her start at the Queen Sirikit Cup. She had taken some time to get started. Prashanth reeled off eight consecutive pars to begin her round before nailing a 10-footer for a birdie-three at the ninth.
"My putter was cold to start and it was an exhausting first eight holes."
She has an average of 270 yards off the tee. She further added:
"I’m loving the course and the wide fairways."
Prashanth also said that she was feeling confident and excited for the upcoming two days of the tournament. She said:
"I’m feeling confident and am looking forward to the next two days here."
India's previous best finishes in the Queen Sirikit Cup were fourth position in 1986 and 2011 at the Delhi Golf Club, along with a joint fourth finish in 1998 at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club.
If Avani Prashanth pulls off a victory at the tournament, it will be historic in every sense of the word. All Indian fans will now have their eyes glued to the happenings of the Queen Sirikit Cup.
Edited by Piyush Bisht
Avani Prashanth leads individual rankings at Queen Sirikit Cup by an impressive 7 shots - Sportskeeda
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Kuwait v Qatar | Full Basketball Game | FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
Kuwait v Qatar | Full Basketball Game | FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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The Only Three 50-PT Performances In NBA All-Star History! - youtube.com
Magnolia sustains hot run, dumps Rain or Shine for 4th straight win - Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia banked on the usual suspects and extended its hot streak in the PBA Governors’ Cup following a 112-97 win over Rain or Shine at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, February 22.
Jio Jalalon and import Antonio Hester shone on all fronts for the Hotshots, who nailed their fourth straight victory after losing their first three games of the conference.
Earning the Best Player honors for the second straight game, Jalalon finished with 19 points to go with 8 rebounds and 4 assists as he helped set the tone in the rout that saw Magnolia lead 33-19 at the end of the first quarter.
Jalalon then scored a floater with five minutes left that gave the Hotshots their biggest advantage of the game at 106-83.
Hester chalked up a monster double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds on top of 5 assists and 2 steals as he has yet to lose a game since coming in as a replacement import for Magnolia.
Paul Lee also starred in the win with 19 points and 5 assists, while Mark Barroca continued his stellar play off the bench with 19 points and 5 rebounds.
While the Hotshots’ top players delivered, Russel Escoto rose to the occasion and put up 10 points and 8 rebounds as he helped mitigate the absence of Ian Sangalang, who missed his sixth straight game due to an undisclosed illness.
Calvin Abueva added 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks for Magnolia, which climbed to sixth place.
Greg Smith produced 15 points and 4 rebounds in his return to action, but the Elasto Painters still witnessed their two-game winning streak snapped.
The American import sat out their win over Terrafirma last week after failing to obtain clearance from his former Dominican Republic team.
Santi Santillan recorded 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Nick Demusis tallied 11 points and 6 rebounds in the loss as Rain or Shine slid to 2-5.
The Scores
Magnolia 112 – Jalalon 19, Lee 19, Barroca 19, Hester 17, Escoto 10, Dela Rosa 8, Reavis 6, Dionisio 6, Abueva 4, Wong 2, Zaldivar 2, Mendoza 0.
Rain or Shine 97 – Smith 15, Santillan 14, Demusis 11, Yap 9, Belga 9, Caracut 9, Ildefonso 8, Asistio 6, Norwood 5, Nambatac 5, Mamuyac 4, Clarito 2, Ponferrada 0.
Quarters: 33-19, 53-44, 91-77, 112-97. – Rappler.com
Magnolia sustains hot run, dumps Rain or Shine for 4th straight win - Rappler
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Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Injured captain Japeth Aguilar raring to play as PBA All-Star teams determined - Rappler
MANILA, Philippines — Japeth Aguilar hopes to complete his recovery by the time the PBA All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo comes off the wraps on March 12.
Aguilar, who will serve as captain after emerging as the top vote-getter, is currently nursing a knee injury that has kept him out of the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this week.
“I still have time [to recover]. I am nearing the opportunity to be able to work out and undergo therapy so I hope my knee can recover quicker,” Aguilar said after the inaugural All-Star Draft at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong on Monday, February 20.
Aguilar is expected to miss “three to five weeks,” according to Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Despite his potential absence, Aguilar drafted a well-rounded team that will be coached by Cone.
Aguilar selected six-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo, high-flyers Jamie Malonzo and Chris Newsome, Roger Pogoy, LA Tenorio, Mikey Williams, Paul Lee, Jeremiah Gray, Gian Mamuyac, Nards Pinto, and Terrence Romeo.
Meanwhile, reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson – the other captain – drafted Christian Standhardinger first followed by CJ Perez, Calvin Abueva, Robert Bolick, Arvin Tolentino, Kevin Alas, Jayson Castro, Stanley Pringle, Mark Barroca, and James Yap for his squad which will be mentored by Yeng Guiao.
On standby as injury replacements are Gabe Norwood, Calvin Oftana, Jio Jalalon, and Jeff Chan.
Both coaches are eager to test out their teams when they clash in the mid-season battle.
“We always wanna win. In All-Star Games, I think it’s really the coach who wants to win more than the players,” said Cone.
“These are new players, so you wanna have fun with them as well, and you wanna make sure they have fun, and you wanna make it entertaining for our fans,” Cone continued.
“I’m looking forward to just having fun. Of course, coach Tim Cone said that coaches really wanna win,” said Guiao.
Meanwhile, coaching deputies Caloy Garcia and Richard del Rosario will be in charge in the Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors (RSJ) Game on March 10 for the Stalwarts and Veterans, respectively.
Garcia’s team will have Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Oftana, Joshua Munzon, Encho Serrano, Anton Asistio, Tyler Tio, Shaun Ildefonso, brothers Mike and Matt Nieto, and Aris Dionisio.
Del Rosario’s squad, on the other hand, will feature Justin Arana, Ato Ular, Aaron Black, Allyn Bulanadi, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adrian Wong, Jerrick Balanza, RK Ilagan, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and the injured Isaac Go.
The games will include gimmicks during the four-day spectacle.
According to PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro, the games will feature a four-point shot situated at around 27 feet beyond the basket, and will bring back the three-point dunk, which was introduced in a previous All-Star contest. – Rappler.com
Injured captain Japeth Aguilar raring to play as PBA All-Star teams determined - Rappler
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Sunday, February 19, 2023
DRX vs Talon Esports - VCT LOCK//IN 2023: Predictions, where to watch, and more - Sportskeeda
The first stage of the VCT LOCK//IN 2023 nears its conclusion as the 16-team Alpha Group bracket has been narrowed down to just four final teams. These four promising contenders will engage in their final Group Stage matchup on February 19, 2023, to earn two of the four available Playoffs slots.
On the final day of the VCT LOCK//IN Alpha stage, one of Korea's leading rosters, DRX, will take on Thailand's sole representatives, Talon Esports, in a decisive best-of-three matchup. The winner of this match will qualify for the LOCK//IN Playoffs, while the losing team will be sent home after their defeat.
DRX vs Talon: Who will win this semi-final matchup of VCT LOCK//IN Alpha Group?
Predictions
DRX and Talon Esports are two among the 10 franchised teams that will compete in the VCT Pacific League, with DRX representing Korea and Talon representing Thailand. Both teams have notable players in their teams and have proven rosters from previous seasons of VCT.
The Korean powerhouse, DRX, is one of only three franchised teams to retain their five main players heading into the 2023 season. The organization's roster has been competing together in VCT since 2021, with players like stax, Rb, BuZz, Zest, and MaKo reigning over Valorant in Korea for almost two years.
In addition to their playing-five, DRX also has the 18-year-old prodigy, Foxy9, who's available to aid the team whenever required. Clearly, DRX has an abundance of individual talent. However, what makes the team special is their meticulous strategizing and cohesive team chemistry.
Similar to DRX, Talon Esports has a roster with past experience in several VCT events as well, with Crws, foxz, and sushiboys forming its core. These three players represented XERXIA and X10 Crit in previous seasons of VCT, and were reputed to be Thailand's top talent.
The remaining spots on Talon Esports are filled by talented Thai players such as garnetS, JitboyS, and Thailand's very own, Patiphan, who retired from professional Overwatch to compete in Valorant once again. Patiphan, however, hasn't traveled with the team to Brazil due to a wrist injury.
Heading into this Alpha stage semi-finals matchup, DRX is the clear favorite. DRX was one of the strongest Asian teams entering the tournament. After defeating teams such as BBL and Cloud9 on their way to this matchup, DRX has proven that they can take even the best teams head-on and emerge victorious.
Talon Esports is a promising team as well, with flawless victories over MIBR and Evil Geniuses giving them the momentum to continue in this single-elimination bracket. Unfortunately, Talon's journey is potentially nearing its conclusion with DRX in their way. Viewers can expect DRX to win this best-of-three matchup and advance to the LOCK//IN playoffs.
Head-to-head
The current rosters of DRX and Talon Esports have played against each other only once before. This matchup was during the GES Asia Cup in November 2022, when both teams faced off in the Grand Finals of the event. DRX emerged as the winner in this best-of-five encounter with a score of 3-0.
Recent results
DRX defeated BBL Esports (2-1) and Cloud9 (2-1) in their first two matches of the Alpha group to advance to the semi-finals of the Group Stage. Before that, they played in the ONE Pro Invitational, where they defeated some of Japan's best teams like ZETA DIVISION and DetonatioN FocusMe.
Talon Esports has witnessed flawless victories over MIBR (2-0) and Evil Geniuses (2-0) in the VCT LOCK//IN Alpha stage so far. The roster's first tournament as a new team was GES Asia, where Talon defeated ZETA DIVISION and lost to DRX.
Potential lineups
DRX
- Kim "stax" Gu-taek (IGL)
- Goo "Rb" Sang-Min
- Kim "Zest" Ki-seok
- Yu "BuZz" Byung-chul
- Kim "MaKo" Myeong-gwan
- Seon-ho "termi" Pyeon (Coach)
Talon Esports
- Thanamethk "Crws" Mahatthananuyut
- Panyawat "Sushiboys" Subsiriroj
- Itthirit "foxz" Ngamsaard
- Apiwat "GarnetS" Apiraksukumal
- Apiwat "garnetS" Apiraksukumal
- Yuttanagorn "Zeus" Kaewkongyai (Head Coach)
Where to watch
Fans of Valorant can tune into Valorant's official YouTube and Twitch handles to watch this VCT LOCK//IN matchup. DRX will take on Talon Esports on February 19, 2023 at 12:00 pm PST/9:00 pm CET/1:30 am IST (next day).
Poll : Who Do You Think Will Win This Semi-final Matchup?
Talon Esports
0 votes
Edited by Adarsh J Kumar
DRX vs Talon Esports - VCT LOCK//IN 2023: Predictions, where to watch, and more - Sportskeeda
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Saturday, February 18, 2023
Colin Sexton, Jazz Praised by Twitter for 'Easy' Win in 2023 NBA Skills Competition - Bleacher Report
The 2023 NBA All-Star Saturday Night kicked off with the Kia Skills Challenge, and Team Jazz came out with the victory on their home court at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.
Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler combined to win the Skills Challenge with 300 points after winning the team passing and team shooting portions of the event. Team Rooks of Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jaden Ivey won the relay portion to earn 100 points.
Team Antetokounmpo, which included Thanasis Antetokounpmo and Alex Antetokounmpo, in addition to Jrue Holiday, also competed in the event and didn't win a single challenge. Giannis Antetokounmpo was supposed to compete in the event but sat out because of injury.
Team Jazz scored 88 points in the team passing portion of the Skills Challenge and scored 13 points in the team shooting portion of the event to claim the crown.
NBA @NBAWalker Kessler went off in Team Passing!<br><br>Team Jazz win the round.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaSkills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaSkills</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateFarmSaturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateFarmSaturday</a> on TNT <a href="https://t.co/ad6Y8209aX">pic.twitter.com/ad6Y8209aX</a>
#NBAAllStar @NBAAllStarTeam Jazz win the team shooting round to win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaSkills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaSkills</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateFarmSaturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateFarmSaturday</a> on TNT <a href="https://t.co/SBDltATtwi">pic.twitter.com/SBDltATtwi</a>
Utah Jazz @utahjazzyour <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaSkills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaSkills</a> đȘđđđđđ đ<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeNote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeNote</a> <a href="https://t.co/dTFOkBqkL4">pic.twitter.com/dTFOkBqkL4</a>
After the win, NBA Twitter praised Team Jazz for an "easy" victory after Team Antetokounmpo (eight points) and Team Rooks (three points) struggled mightily in the shooting portion of the Skills Challenge:
Josh Furlong @JFurKSLAnd Team Jazz wins the skills competition. Not expecting that after the first round.
Dan Favale @danfavaleteam antetokounmpo vs team rooks vs team jazz <a href="https://t.co/pgA6wE2WWC">pic.twitter.com/pgA6wE2WWC</a>
Brandon Ogden @BrandonOSportsTeam Jazz dominated. And Walker Kessler is a superstar.
WA (31-29) mavs r kinda fun again @LukaStepBck77Team Jazz won so easily lol.. wasnt even a damn competition lmao
Cody Shannon @codyshannon1287The Utah Jazz are set for the future if they can keep their young core in tact. They showed out for their hometown crowd in the skills challenge
Adam Bushman @adam_bushmanThe bar was pretty low for the Skills Challenge, but someone had to clear it and I'm glad it was the Jazz!<br><br>Also, Walker Kessler >>>>
Had Giannis Antetokounmpo suited up for the event, maybe Team Antetokounmpo would have claimed the Skills Challenge crown.
Still, it was great to see Team Jazz claim a victory in front of the hometown crowd, especially considering they weren't expected to be that competitive on Saturday night.
Colin Sexton, Jazz Praised by Twitter for 'Easy' Win in 2023 NBA Skills Competition - Bleacher Report
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Friday, February 17, 2023
Kia MVP Ladder: Joel Embiid moves up a spot as All-Star Draft awaits - NBA.com
Will LeBron James make Joel Embiid 1 of his picks come All-Star Draft night?
In a live, televised pregame segment, the NBA All-Star Draft commences Sunday just before tipoff for the first time, and it’s worth pondering how well-represented the top of the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder might be once the captains start choosing among the starters.
Aside from those dealing with injuries (Kevin Durant and possibly Giannis Antetokounmpo) and Sixers guard James Harden, who earned 10-consecutive All-Star selections until 2023, every player listed in today’s edition is expected to play in the NBA All-Star Game with Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard (Starry 3-Point Contest) taking on extra work during events for State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, along with Antetokounmpo (Kia Skills Challenge) provided he’s healthy enough.
(If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a quick explainer on how the All-Star Draft works.)
The voting results determined the captains for each conference. So, LeBron James heads up the Western Conference, while Antetokounmpo represents the Eastern Conference. As the overall leader in votes during the balloting process, James receives the first pick of the All-Star Draft.
From there, the captains take turns selecting from the All-Star field.
It was expected initially that James and Antetokounmpo would first draft from the pool of All-Star starters, before turning attention to the group of reserves. But TNT’s Ernie Johnson disclosed during “Inside the NBA” on Thursday that the captains would actually choose the reserves first before drafting among the eight starters.
As one of the captains, Antetokounmpo represents the first top five player in the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder taken off the board. But will Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic and Tatum go over the next four picks?
Doubtful, considering the personal tastes, rivalries, loyalties, and friendships held by the captains. Besides, status as one of the MVP favorites likely won’t hold sway in the minds of two of the best to ever play the game.
But it’s still fun to try to predict how the NBA All-Star Draft might fall now that we’re focused on the upcoming fun in Salt Lake City, and off the rigors of an ultra-competitive season that will only intensify as players such as Durant, Stephen Curry, and Zion Williamson work back into form from injuries for the stretch run.
After this edition of Kia Race to the MVP Ladder, we’ll take a break and return March 3, with a week’s sampling of games to draw from post-All-Star break.
Jokic and Antetokounmpo hold steady at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, while Embiid squeezes into third past Tatum, who moves to No. 4. Doncic remains in fifth.
And now, the top 5 in the 2022-23 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 24.7 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 10.1 apg
Dropped his league-leading 21st triple-double of the season to send Denver into the break on a three-game winning streak with the best home record (27-4) in the NBA after Wednesday’s 118-109 triumph against the Dallas Mavericks. Just four days prior, Jokic collected his seventh triple-double with 30 points or more and 15-plus rebounds, joining Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to accomplish that feat on multiple occasions. The reigning two-time MVP followed up on that with 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while shooting 12 of 14 in a road win against Miami. The Nuggets are 21-0 this season when Jokic logs a triple-double and, going back to last season, they’ve won 25 in a row under those conditions.
Nikola Jokic finished with a strong triple-double in a showdown vs. the Mavs.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 31.8 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 5.4 apg
Antetokounmpo’s status for the All-Star Game is uncertain after the two-time MVP suffered a sprained wrist in the second quarter of the team’s win Thursday over the Chicago Bulls. Coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo underwent an X-ray in the immediate aftermath that came back clean. But it’s unknown whether the 28-year old will participate in the events in Salt Lake City. On a torrid pace, Antetokounmpo had tallied at least 33 points in nine of Milwaukee’s last 11 games while snatching 10 boards or more in nine outings, as the Bucks ran their win streak to 12. Before suffering his injury, Antetokounmpo dished three dimes to increase his career total to (3,274), which broke Paul Pressey’s franchise assist record (3,272).
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 36 points in a Valentine's Day win vs. Boston
3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 33.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.1 apg
Embiid and the Sixers bounced back from a two-game skid with four straight wins. The big man lit up opponents for 35 points or more with at least 11 rebounds in two of those victories, all while shooting 57.1% from the floor or better during that span. Philadelphia stacked up a 28-point lead in the first half of Wednesday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Embiid would score 17 of his team-high 29 points in the second half after making history five minutes into the contest by reaching 10,000 career points. The 28-year old hit the latest milestone in 373 games, passing Allen Iverson for the fewest contests needed to reach 10,000 points in Sixers history. In a bit of a downer, though, Embiid is dealing with lingering soreness in his left foot and his status for the All-Star Game is unknown.
Will the chemistry between James Harden and Joel Embiid be enough to get the 76ers over the hump in the postseason?
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 30.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 4.5 apg
Tatum missed just his fourth game in Tuesday’s overtime loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday due to a non-COVID illness. He then returned with a vengeance, lighting up Detroit for 24 of his 38 points in the third quarter of a 127-109 victory Wednesday that sent Boston into All-Star break with five wins in its last six games. The stellar showing came right on time, too, considering Tatum had connected on 33.3% or worse from the floor in three of his previous five appearances (in addition to hitting just 7 of 23 from deep in his last three games). In the win against the Pistons, Tatum drilled 6 of 10 from 3-point range.
Jayson Tatum dominated with 38 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the Celtics win over the Pistons.
5. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 33.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 8.1 apg
An abundance of deference appears to be holding back the Mavericks at this point as Doncic and new addition Kyrie Irving work to figure out how to co-exist. Doncic returned Saturday after sitting out the last four games due to a heel contusion for his first action alongside Irving, and the Mavs fell at Sacramento before suffering another defeat Tuesday to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic piled up decent numbers in both those games, including a 33-point, 12-rebound performance against the Timberwolves. Irving sat out due to lower back tightness Wednesday at Denver, and Doncic kept the gaudy numbers rolling with 37 points (including 17 in the first quarter), four rebounds and nine assists. However, the Mavs dropped their third straight outing going into All-Star break and are 3-3 in their last six games.
Luka Doncic has never played alongside a talent like Kyrie Irving, and now must learn to find the open spaces for them to thrive.
The Next Five:
6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (Last week’s ranking: No. 6)
7. Julius Randle, New York Knicks (Last week’s ranking: No. 7)
8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies (Last week’s ranking: No. 9)
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Last week’s ranking: No. 10)
10. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (Last week’s ranking: No. 8)
And five more (listed alphabetically): Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat; James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers; Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
* * *
Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.
Kia MVP Ladder: Joel Embiid moves up a spot as All-Star Draft awaits - NBA.com
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Australia rely on Handscomb to help solve high-stakes puzzle against India - The Guardian
For Australia’s cricketers in India, working out how to bat on local pitches has meant solving a puzzle. One with high stakes, in real time. They cycle through the options: advance to the ball, or sweep to reach its pitch? Reverse sweep to find gaps? Open a stance to avoid being closed off? Attack early to push catchers back? Every choice has threats that it nullifies and new ones it invites, especially with quality purveyors of spin making counter-adjustments at the other end.
On the first day of the Delhi Test, Peter Handscomb appeared to have solved the puzzle. For a time, Usman Khawaja found a way, too. On a pitch that offered sharp turn from ball one even if it was slow enough to sometimes play off the surface, their partnership in the middle of the innings was worth 59, while Khawaja was the consistent presence in helping add 108 beforehand and Handscomb in another 94 afterwards. A total of 263 does not equal cricketing riches, but it was an advance on the previous week’s capitulation in Nagpur.
The fact their contributions came from both ends of the top six was vital, after Ravichandran Ashwin knocked out the middle. Before the series, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were the players expected to carry the campaign against spin, while Ashwin’s off-breaks were supposed to sow havoc among Australia’s left-handers. Instead, he knocked over both right-handers within three balls, using his unexpected line from wide around the wicket.
It was turn that did Labuschagne, the ball dipping to muddle the timing of his bat across his front pad, then straightening to hit him in front. Ashwin knew it was out, even if umpire Nitin Menon didn’t, and the record was soon corrected. Smith’s delivery was angled sharply across him and skidded on straight when he expected turn, drawing a flicker of movement of his hands towards the ball. Perhaps the slower surface let him catch up with it and provide a catch behind.
By then, though, Khawaja was well on his way, already nearing another half-century. In his prolific streak since returning to Test cricket in January 2022, his prosperity has reflected the team’s. A series win in Pakistan was built on his 97 in Rawalpindi, 160 and 44 not out in Karachi, and 91 and 104 not out in Lahore. A low-scoring win against Sri Lanka in Galle owed much to his 71. His two low scores in Nagpur started both innings against India the wrong way.
This time, after an early chance to short leg, Khawaja decided to get India before India got him. He skipped down to launch Ashwin for six down the ground, and the two most cerebral players on their teams went forehead to forehead. It was cricket with more than the usual element of chess, Ashwin varying his lines and angles, Khawaja his positioning at the crease. There were sweeps of all types and edges that landed safely, with Khawaja expanding his attack to left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. His calculated risk eventually brought him down, reversing Jadeja for a catch at cover point, but by then he had 81.
When Alex Carey followed for a duck, Handscomb was left on 28 with four wickets in hand. He had faced much the same situation when batting well in the first innings in Nagpur, only for the innings to collapse. This time the lower order offered more, while Handscomb looked the most composed at the crease of any Australian so far this series.
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Rarely leaving his ground or lofting, his method was to get the longest stride forward in defence, then to use the depth of the crease playing back. That way he could manipulate length without risking a stumping. Most notable was his foot speed when moving outside leg stump to play through the off-side. Jadeja’s accuracy means that he rarely allows the cut shot, but Handscomb hit them repeatedly through point and cover, sometimes a hybrid version with an angled bat to fuller balls. He was looking to score any time he spied the slightest width, or even off the line of the stumps, yet whenever the arm ball came fast and straight he seemed to read Jadeja’s mind.
Even with deep point back, Handscomb kept taking singles in this way, serene in a method that most would find risky. His accumulation underpinned partnerships of 59 with Pat Cummins, 19 with Nathan Lyon, and 17 with debut spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. While India could yet go large on the second day, it gives the visitors a chance. Assuming Cameron Green returns for the third Test, Handscomb will move one spot up to No5, and a team in flux would do well to give him space and time up the order. With such little time left to adapt if the Australians want to stay in the series, someone with a grasp of the puzzle is what they need.
Australia rely on Handscomb to help solve high-stakes puzzle against India - The Guardian
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TNT beats Meralco for 5th straight win - pna.gov.ph
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- TNT beats Meralco for 5th straight win pna.gov.ph
- PBA News: PBA schedule today February 17: Sister teams clash Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- PBA: TNT foils Meralco's comeback for 7th win ABS-CBN News
- Tropa stretch streak Philstar.com
- Hollis-Jefferson flirts with triple-double as streaking TNT holds off Meralco Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- View Full Coverage on Google News
TNT beats Meralco for 5th straight win - pna.gov.ph
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MLBB MPL Indonesia Season 11: Teams, schedule, when and where to watch - Sportskeeda
February 17 marks the beginning of the MLBB MPL Season 11, where eight teams from Indonesia will go head-to-head against each other for a total prize pool of $300K. Each athlete will play on a Samsung S22 Ultra during the tournament.
Its regular season will feature a Double Round Robin format, with each match being a best-of-three. These eight squads will fight for six weeks to get a spot in the Playoffs, whose details are yet to be disclosed. The Mobile Legends Bang Bang MPL contest is touted to be a thriller, as it consists of a number of experienced players.
MLBB MPL Season 11 Indonesia teams
Here are eight teams that are set to battle it out at the event:
- Alter Ego
- AURA Fire
- Bigetron Alpha
- EVOS Legends
- Geek Slate
- ONIC Esports
- Rebellion Zion
- Rex Regum Qeon
Where to watch
The event will be broadcast by the Mobile Legends Bang Bang channels on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok at 2:00 pm WIB in the Indonesian and English languages. The matches will be hosted every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the next six weeks.
The opening day will see three games, the first of which will be between AURA Fire and Rebellion Zion. Two famous organizations, RRQ and Bigetron, will come face to face in the second one, while the third encounter will be organized between Geek Slate and ONIC Esports.
In the MLBB MPL Season 10, ONIC Esports displayed magnificent gameplay to lift the trophy. They triumphed over RRQ in the Grand Finals to win their third title. AURA Fire and Bigetron gained third and fourth positions in that event. Evos Legends and Geek Fam ID (now Geek Slate) didn't see favorable results in the tournament, as both sides ended their campaign in the seventh and eighth spots, respectively.
RRQ has grabbed four titles out of the 10 MPL events held over the last five years, while ONIC Esports and Evos have won three and two. The other five teams participating in Season 11 haven't won any titles in the series and will concentrate on clinching their first trophy.
Since the MLBB M1 World Championship was won by Evos Legends, no squad from Indonesia has been able to secure a win in the last three seasons of this international tournament. Their performances on the global level have not been up to the mark. RRQ, in third place, was the best Indonesian team in the previous M4 Championship, held between January 1 to 15, 2023.
The squads in the MPL Season 11 will hope to see great synergy between their players from the start and aim to bring the M5 trophy to Indonesia this year.
Edited by Soumyadyuti Ghosh
MLBB MPL Indonesia Season 11: Teams, schedule, when and where to watch - Sportskeeda
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Wednesday, February 15, 2023
I was just feeling it - Mikal Bridges on scoring 45 in his 3rd game as a Net | NBA on ESPN - ESPN
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- I was just feeling it - Mikal Bridges on scoring 45 in his 3rd game as a Net | NBA on ESPN ESPN
- Nets new guy Mikal Bridges scores career-high 45 in win over Heat Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- HEAT at NETS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | February 15, 2023 NBA
- Mikal Bridges Makes History in Nets vs. Heat Game Sports Illustrated
- Mikal Bridges' CAREER-HIGH 45 PTS lifts Nets over the Heat | NBA on ESPN NBA on ESPN
- View Full Coverage on Google News
I was just feeling it - Mikal Bridges on scoring 45 in his 3rd game as a Net | NBA on ESPN - ESPN
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Cymru kick off 2023 against Philippines - Football Association of Wales
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- Cymru kick off 2023 against Philippines Football Association of Wales
- Filipinas fall to Wales to open Pinatar Cup campaign ABS-CBN News
- Filipinas suffer narrow loss to Wales in Pinatar Cup opener Philstar.com
- Wales 1-0 Philippines: Kayleigh Green penalty secures Pinatar Cup win BBC
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Cymru kick off 2023 against Philippines - Football Association of Wales
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Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Bucks vs Celtics live stream: Start time and where to watch - Digital Trends
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- Bucks vs Celtics live stream: Start time and where to watch Digital Trends
- Celtics @ Bucks | NBA on TNT Live Scoreboard NBA
- Bucks vs Celtics Pick – NBA Predictions & Odds 2/14/23 Sports Chat Place
- Celtics vs Bucks NBA Prop Picks for Jrue Holiday The Action Network
- Jayson Tatum Headlines Lengthy List of Absences for Tuesday's Celtics-Bucks Game Yardbarker
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Bucks vs Celtics live stream: Start time and where to watch - Digital Trends
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Monday, February 13, 2023
Wizards' Bradley Beal fined $25K for making contact with official - NBA.com
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- Wizards' Bradley Beal fined $25K for making contact with official NBA.com
- NBA fines Wizards guard Beal $25K for knocking ref into seat Philstar.com
- Bradley Beal is fined $25,000 after appearing to shove a referee in Wizards-Pacers game Daily Mail
- Wizards' Bradley Beal fined $25K for contact with official ESPN
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Wizards' Bradley Beal fined $25K for making contact with official - NBA.com
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Sunday, February 12, 2023
Chiefs and Eagles facing off in historic Super Bowl matchup - TODAY
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- Chiefs and Eagles facing off in historic Super Bowl matchup TODAY
- Chiefs overcome Hurts for Super Bowl win over Eagles ABS-CBN News
- Where Do Top Chiefs and Eagles Players Call Home? Mansion Global
- Super Bowl LVII: Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 Philadelphia Eagles – as it happened The Guardian
- QUESTION OF THE WEEK | Super Bowl LVII Sunderland AFC
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Chiefs and Eagles facing off in historic Super Bowl matchup - TODAY
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Saturday, February 11, 2023
UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski LIVE Pre-Fight Q&A | MMA Fighting - youtube.com
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- UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski LIVE Pre-Fight Q&A | MMA Fighting youtube.com
- MMA: Volkanovski 'ain't scared' ahead of UFC title bout ABS-CBN News
- Video: Is Makhachev-Volkanovski one of the best matchups in UFC history? MMA Junkie
- UFC 284 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 6 UFC - Ultimate Fighting Championship
- MMA Best Bets: Chris' Picks, Odds and Predictions for UFC 284 RotoWire
- View Full Coverage on Google News
UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski LIVE Pre-Fight Q&A | MMA Fighting - youtube.com
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Ayo, Converge successful in plan vs San Miguel as Fajardo fouls out - Rappler
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- Ayo, Converge successful in plan vs San Miguel as Fajardo fouls out Rappler
- PBA News: Converge FiberExers beat San Miguel for fifth win Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- PBA: Jamaal Franklin, Converge end San Miguel unbeaten streak INQUIRER.net
- PBA: Converge stuns San Miguel ABS-CBN News
- Converge deals San Miguel first loss in Governors' Cup GMA News Online
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Ayo, Converge successful in plan vs San Miguel as Fajardo fouls out - Rappler
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Friday, February 10, 2023
Gary Payton II's BEST HIGHLIGHTS With the Golden State Warriors - Golden State Warriors
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- Gary Payton II's BEST HIGHLIGHTS With the Golden State Warriors Golden State Warriors
- Warriors get Gary Payton II back, give up James Wiseman in deadline trades Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors, Pistons Close To Saddiq Bey Deal NBA Analysis Network
- NBA: Blazers deal Gary Payton II back to Warriors INQUIRER.net
- Northwest Notes: Payton, Blazers, Hyland, Clarkson, Conley, Gobert hoopsrumors.com
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Gary Payton II's BEST HIGHLIGHTS With the Golden State Warriors - Golden State Warriors
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Kia MVP Ladder: Trade deadline-day moves could alter award chase - NBA.com
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Kia MVP Ladder: Trade deadline-day moves could alter award chase NBA.comView Full Coverage on Google NewsKia MVP Ladder: Trade deadline-day moves could alter award chase - NBA.com
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Thursday, February 9, 2023
Suns acquire Kevin Durant from Nets in blockbuster trade - NBA.com
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Suns acquire Kevin Durant from Nets in blockbuster trade NBA.comView Full Coverage on Google NewsSuns acquire Kevin Durant from Nets in blockbuster trade - NBA.com
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2023 NBA trade deadline buzz: Feb. 9 edition - NBA.com
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- 2023 NBA trade deadline buzz: Feb. 9 edition NBA.com
- NBA Trade Deadline Fantasy Report: Whose Stock is on the Rise? RotoWire
- Hoops Rumors' 2023 NBA Trade Deadline Primer hoopsrumors.com
- Warriors News: Will the Warriors make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline? Golden State of Mind
- NBA Trade Deadline: Fantasy Fallout from Minor Trades RotoWire
- View Full Coverage on Google News
2023 NBA trade deadline buzz: Feb. 9 edition - NBA.com
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NBA trade deadline live tracker: Basketball's latest buzz, updates - USA TODAY
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NBA trade deadline live tracker: Basketball's latest buzz, updates USA TODAYView Full Coverage on Google NewsNBA trade deadline live tracker: Basketball's latest buzz, updates - USA TODAY
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Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Woj: Lakers in talks to land D'Angelo Russell in a three-team deal | NBA Today - ESPN
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- Woj: Lakers in talks to land D'Angelo Russell in a three-team deal | NBA Today ESPN
- Lakers Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook to Jazz for Mike Conley trade is ‘close’ Silver Screen and Roll
- NBA Rumors: This Lakers-Pistons Trade Moves Bojan Bogdanovic NBA Analysis Network
- Stephen A. Smith Thinks Lakers Should Keep Russell Westbrook Basketball Forever
- Lakers, Jazz, Timberwolves in talks on Russell Westbrook, D’Angelo Russell trade Silver Screen and Roll
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Woj: Lakers in talks to land D'Angelo Russell in a three-team deal | NBA Today - ESPN
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Selden takes responsibility as NLEX falls apart vs Ginebra: 'Got a little tired down the stretch' - Rappler
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- Selden takes responsibility as NLEX falls apart vs Ginebra: 'Got a little tired down the stretch' Rappler
- PBA News: NLEX vs Ginebra: Justin Brownlee outduels Wayne Selden Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- PBA: Jeremiah Gray delivers in clutch as Ginebra escapes NLEX sports.inquirer.net
- Cone hails Gray after clutch game for Ginebra: 'Miah is having a coming out party' Rappler
- PBA News: NLEX import Wayne Selden undeterred despite loss to Ginebra Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Selden takes responsibility as NLEX falls apart vs Ginebra: 'Got a little tired down the stretch' - Rappler
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Adblock test (Why?) WILD ENDING: Deandre Ayton Dunks Game-Winner After Paul George Misses Two Free Throws - Bleacher Report Read More
