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🚨 Headlines
🎾 Aussie Semifinals: In an exciting match, Jannik Sinner, the top seed, defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev won by walkover after Novak Djokovic withdrew due to a leg injury.
🏈 MVP Finalists: The finalists for NFL MVP include Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Saquon Barkley, and Jared Goff, announced on Thursday.
🏒 Bettman’s Future: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is reportedly looking to retire in a couple of years, prompting discussions about his successor.
🏈 Coen to Jacksonville: Liam Coen, the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, will become the new head coach of the Jaguars after changing his mind about extending his contract with Tampa Bay.
⚾️ Braves Sign Profar: The Braves have signed outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal, marking a significant addition to their roster.
🏀 Nikola’s Big Night
Nikola Jokić had an outstanding performance against the Kings, achieving his fifth consecutive triple-double with 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists. This feat places him alongside Wilt Chamberlain as one of only two players to score at least 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 15 assists in a game.
In addition to that, Jokić made an incredible 80-foot shot at the end of the third quarter, marking the sixth-longest shot in NBA history. He also led the Western Conference All-Star voting with over 3.7 million votes from fans.
All-Star Starters Include:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Fun Fact: LeBron James has started every All-Star Game since 2005.
📸 Sports Highlights
Paris: Victor Wembanyama put on a show in France, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Spurs faced off against the Pacers, winning 140-110.
Cooperstown, New York: The Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed its newest members, including Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro jokingly invited the lone voter who did not include him on the ballot to chat over drinks.
Seattle: Alex Ovechkin scored his 22nd goal this season in the Capitals’ 3-0 victory over Seattle, putting him closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record.
🏈 Fourth Down Conversions
This season, four NFL teams have achieved a 4th-down conversion rate above 70%, and interestingly, all four are still in the playoffs. These teams are:
- Commanders (87%)
- Bills (72.7%)
- Chiefs (70.6%)
- Eagles (70.4%)
These teams have been effective at making crucial plays when it counts, leading to compelling matchups in the upcoming games.
💔 Remembering Kobe
This Sunday marks five years since Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven others tragically died in a helicopter crash. Kobe’s legacy remains a powerful reminder of the importance of family and not taking time for granted. Hug your loved ones today.
📺 Watchlist for Championship Weekend
The NFL’s final four teams will compete this Sunday for a place in Super Bowl LIX:
- Commanders (+6) at Eagles (3pm ET, Fox): Washington’s rookie QB must find a way to stop Saquon Barkley after his impressive playoff performance.
- Bills (+2) at Chiefs (6:30pm, CBS): Can Kansas City make history with a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, or will Buffalo find its way back to the big game?
Other Events to Note:
- 🎾 Australian Open: Finals with Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner vs. Alexander Zverev.
- 🏀 NBA: Spurs vs. Pacers, Nuggets at Timberwolves, and other key matchups.
- ⚽️ Premier League: Manchester City vs. Chelsea.
🏀 NBA Trivia
LeBron James and Kevin Durant are among seven players to have made at least 15 All-Star appearances. Can you name the other five? Hint: Three of those players share the same initial.
Answer is at the bottom.
✍️ Weekend Reads
🏈 Dan Wetzel: A look back at Deflategate: Was it really a scandal or just absurd?
🏀 Tom Haberstroh: The unique opportunity for the Spurs to acquire Steph Curry.
⚽️ Henry Bushnell: Weston McKennie shined again for Juventus and the USMNT.
Trivia Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19x All-Star), Kobe Bryant (18), Tim Duncan (15), Kevin Garnett (15), and Shaquille O’Neal (15).
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