Paulo Dybala goes to the bench after being replaced
José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce may have just made it into the Europa League knockout playoffs, but it is now on the verge of reaching the round of 16.
Fenerbahce dominated Anderlecht 3-0 on Thursday, taking a strong lead to Belgium for the second leg next week. Meanwhile, two of Mourinho’s former teams, Porto and Roma, drew 1-1 in the competition.
Fenerbahce barely made it to the playoffs, finishing 24th in the new 36-team standings format, securing the last qualification spot on a tiebreaker based on goal difference. Anderlecht finished 10th, missing automatic progression to the last 16 due to goal difference.
Fenerbahce took the lead in the 11th minute. Anderlecht failed to clear a corner, and the ball was returned to the area where Yusuf Akçiçek headed it to Dusan Tadic, who scored with a header.
Edin Dzeko doubled the lead just before halftime. Filip Kostic made a good run down the left, and although Dzeko’s shot was blocked by Anderlecht defender Lucas Hey, the veteran forward fired the rebound into the net.
Youssef En-Nesyri added a third goal with a powerful header in the 57th minute, and Fenerbahce missed several opportunities to increase the score.
Yusuf Akçiçek’s header hit the post. It would have been his first-ever goal, after providing his first assist earlier in the match.
Dutch club AZ Alkmaar also holds a strong advantage going into next week’s second leg, having defeated 10-man Galatasaray 4-1.
Roma’s key forward Paulo Dybala was injured in the first half of their match in Portugal, suffering a knee injury. Dybala screamed in pain after Porto’s Alan Varela’s boot hit his knee in the 20th minute. He continued playing for another 15 minutes but was forced to leave the field.
Roma took the lead just before halftime when Zeki Celik scored his first goal for the club. Porto equalized in the 67th minute with Francisco Moura’s deflected shot. Roma’s Bryan Cristante was sent off five minutes later after receiving a second yellow card.
Zeki Celik scores the opening goal
In another game, Ajax won 2-0 at Union Saint-Gilloise, with 16-year-old Jorthy Mokio scoring the second goal in the 71st minute. Mokio became the youngest player to score in a Europa League knockout stage match, at 16 years and 350 days old. Christian Rasmussen had scored the first goal for Ajax in the 59th minute.
In other results, Real Sociedad defeated Midtjylland 2-1, and Ferencvaros won 1-0 against Viktoria Plzen. FCSB came from behind to win 2-1 at PAOK, and Twente won 2-1 over Bodo/Glimt with a stoppage-time penalty.
Sixteen-year-old Michael Noonan made history by scoring on his Shamrock Rovers debut, helping the Irish team win 1-0 at 10-man Molde. Noonan, at 16 years and 197 days old, became the youngest-ever goalscorer in a European club competition. He scored in the 57th minute and also forced a red card for Molde’s Valdemar Lund, who fouled him as the last defender just before halftime.
Víkingur Reykjavík made history as the first-ever Icelandic club to win a European knockout match by beating Panathinaikos 2-1. The game was held in Helsinki as no stadium in Iceland met the required standards.
Armandas Kučys scored twice but missed a late penalty as Celje drew 2-2 with 10-man APOEL. Real Betis won 3-0 at Gent, and Jagiellonia won 3-1 at TSC.
European newcomers Heidenheim fought back to win 2-1 at Copenhagen, while Omonoia and Pafos drew 1-1 in an all-Cypriot match. Borac won 1-0 against Olimpija, despite having a late penalty saved.
A few months ago, Monaco was performing well in the French league and impressing in the Champions League.
Now things are going wrong for coach Adi Hütter’s team.
In late October, Monaco’s 5-1 win over Red Star Belgrade extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games, including a significant win against Barcelona. This led to high praise for Hütter and his team’s bold playing style.
Things have changed a lot since then.
Monaco is now far behind in the Ligue 1 title race and is trailing Benfica in their Champions League playoff, with the second leg coming up next week.
Monaco is also out of the French Cup, making it unlikely they will win any trophies this season. The pressure is growing as they prepare for their home match against Nantes on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain, who are leading the league without a loss, are now 16 points ahead of Monaco, who are in fourth place. Monaco is also watching out for Lille, who are two points behind in fifth, and Lyon, who are four points behind in sixth.
After a strong start to the season, with a defense that allowed only four goals in the first eight games, Monaco is now struggling with defense, letting in goals far too easily.
Hütter’s team has lost six of their last ten games, including a defeat to the bottom team Montpellier. Monaco has kept only one clean sheet in their last 12 games and conceded 23 goals during that time, including 12 in their last five matches. Neither goalkeeper has been convincing, with Radoslaw Majecki making errors after taking over from Philipp Köhn.
Monaco no longer looks like the strong title contender it seemed to be earlier in the season.
Lyon is still aiming for a European spot next season and will start Sunday’s matches at Montpellier.
Adi Hütter reacts in the game
After taking charge, Fonseca promised to play a more attacking style, and Lyon has scored six goals in his two games so far, including a 4-0 win over Reims last weekend with four different players scoring.
Former France midfielder Corentin Tolisso, who won the World Cup in 2018, has regained his form and scored in both of Lyon’s games. Attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki played a role in all four goals against Reims.
“When you have Cherki at this level, it’s difficult for us to lose,” said Tolisso.
However, Cherki has been inconsistent in the past, and maintaining this form will be crucial for Lyon’s hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Fonseca’s other challenge is to help captain Alexandre Lacazette return to his goal-scoring form. After two strong seasons where he scored 46 goals in 64 matches, the former Arsenal forward has only scored six league goals this season.
But he should have chances to score against Montpellier, whose defense has allowed a league-worst 48 goals.
Ousmane Dembélé is in the best form of his career and will aim to score in his 11th straight game when his team travels to Toulouse on Saturday.
The France forward is the top scorer in Ligue 1 with 16 goals, three more than Marseille’s Mason Greenwood.
Marseille will host Saint-Etienne on Sunday with no visiting fans allowed due to the risk of clashes between rival supporters.
Liverpool is currently in a strong position to win the Premier League, holding a seven-point lead at the top. However, Wednesday’s Merseyside derby ended in chaos, reminding everyone that with 14 rounds still to play, things could change.
Everton’s last-minute equalizer, which made the score 2-2, denied Liverpool the chance to extend its lead to nine points over second-place Arsenal. The intense emotions after the match, especially the on-field altercation, were a result of Liverpool’s frustration at losing the win so late. Even coach Arne Slot was sent off after using abusive language.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed disappointment at the late goal, saying, “To concede an equalizer that late is always disappointing…it was disappointing for us.” Despite the frustration, Liverpool still managed to keep its lead at the top.
With Arsenal struggling with injuries in attack and Manchester City’s title defense faltering, Liverpool remains the favorite to win the title for the 20th time.
Liverpool’s recent draw with Everton used up its game in hand, but they still have a significant advantage. At this time last year, Liverpool was only two points ahead but ended up finishing nine points behind Manchester City, who went on to win the title. Arsenal, who had a two-point lead last year, lost to City by five points in the end.
Liverpool players speak to Micael Oliver in the game
Liverpool’s next match is at home against Wolverhampton on Sunday, followed by tough away games against Aston Villa and Manchester City before they host Newcastle.
Arsenal’s chances of catching up with Liverpool took a hit this week when Kai Havertz suffered an injury during training in Dubai. The full extent of his injury hasn’t been confirmed, but reports suggest it could keep him out for the rest of the season. This adds to Arsenal’s injury crisis, with Gabriel Jesus already out for the season and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined. Arsenal will face relegation-threatened Leicester on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Manchester City has distractions of its own. Before their Champions League second-leg match against Real Madrid, City faces a crucial game against Newcastle. City is in fifth place, just ahead of Newcastle on goal difference.
Their lineup could be affected by their upcoming Champions League match, where they lost 3-2 in the first leg. If they don’t manage to overturn that result, they will be out of the Champions League before the round of 16 for the first time since 2012. With domestic struggles, Pep Guardiola can’t afford to rest key players ahead of the crucial European match.
Aaron Rodgers reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the 1st quarter
Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets started with high expectations and dreams of a Super Bowl win.
However, it ended in disappointment less than two years later.
The Jets officially ended any chance of Rodgers returning when new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey issued a joint statement on Thursday. They told Rodgers last week that their plan was to “move in a different direction at quarterback.”
Rodgers will likely be released after June 1 for salary cap reasons, and he could be let go once the new NFL league year starts on March 12.
The four-time MVP has not made up his mind about whether he will keep playing for a 21st season or retire. He has said several times recently that he will take some time to think it over.
While his future is uncertain, one thing is clear: If Rodgers wants to keep playing, it won’t be with the Jets. However, several teams in need of a quarterback might be interested.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and could choose a quarterback, like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Bringing Rodgers in could help them focus on other needs in the draft. But with a new general manager, Mike Borgonzi, and a young coach, Brian Callahan, the Titans may not want an older quarterback while they might be rebuilding.
Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson might miss all of the 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon for the second time in a few months, and his future with the team was already in doubt. The Browns hold the second overall pick, so they could have the chance to draft Sanders or Ward. Even if they do, bringing in Rodgers could give the rookie quarterback a year to sit and learn.
New York Giants
Daniel Jones is gone, and Tommy DeVito is the only quarterback under contract for the Giants next season. New York has the No. 3 pick, so they could choose Sanders or Ward. But coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have little time to make improvements. They were kept for another season, but co-owner John Mara has made it clear that progress is needed. Bringing in Rodgers could be a last-ditch effort to stabilize things, and Rodgers wouldn’t need to move far since he’s familiar with MetLife Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders
Rodgers’ friend, Davante Adams, had wanted to leave Las Vegas to reunite with Rodgers in New York. But this is a new regime, with coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. The Raiders’ possible starters for next season could be Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew, especially with the No. 6 pick, which may rule out picking one of the top quarterbacks. However, the combination of Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady could be appealing to Rodgers, as he would help guide the Raiders while they groom a young QB.
Aaron Rodgers leaves the field after the game
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have made the playoffs for the last two seasons and four out of the last five under coach Mike Tomlin but haven’t advanced past the wild-card round. Owner Art Rooney II said it’s unlikely both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will stay, preferring the Steelers to pick one. Rodgers might change things since he could step in as a veteran quarterback for a team looking for its first postseason win since 2016.
San Francisco 49ers
Rodgers grew up in the Bay Area as a 49ers fan and wanted to play for the team when they had the No. 1 pick in 2005. But they chose Alex Smith instead, and Rodgers was drafted 24th by the Packers. Now, with Brock Purdy up for a contract extension, the 49ers could view Rodgers as the missing piece to help them return to the playoffs after missing out this season.
Minnesota Vikings
Could Rodgers follow the same path Brett Favre did when he left Green Bay, played for the Jets, and then moved to Minnesota? Sam Darnold might be a free agent after leading the Vikings to the playoffs, though he could be given the franchise tag.
Jones is still there after leaving the Giants, and J.J. McCarthy is recovering from a knee injury. Rodgers could step into a strong offense with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and running back Aaron Jones, his former Packers teammate.
New Orleans Saints
New coach Kellen Moore spoke positively about Derek Carr in his introductory press conference but didn’t say Carr would be the starting quarterback next season. This has led to some speculation that the Saints might move on from Carr, who still has two years left on his contract. Rodgers could take over for Carr, who was the Jets’ backup plan when they tried to get Rodgers in 2023.
Jeff Ulbrich and Aaron Rodgers hugs in the 2nd half
Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets has come to an end, and the team’s only Super Bowl victory still stands as the lone championship in their history.
The Jets announced on Thursday that they have informed the 41-year-old quarterback that they are moving forward without him next season.
While Rodgers has not revealed if he plans to play a 21st NFL season, the Jets, now under new general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn, have decided against bringing him back.
In a joint statement, Mougey and Glenn mentioned that they met with Rodgers last week and told him, “that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback.”
They added, “It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.”
Rodgers, who has won four MVP awards, is the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes in the regular season. He still has one year left on his contract, which is worth $37.5 million but is not guaranteed.
The Jets will take a $49 million dead money charge next season unless they designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, which would spread the charge over two years. If they do that, Rodgers would stay on the roster with a $23.5 million salary cap charge until the start of the NFL’s new league year on March 12.
In April 2023, Rodgers was traded to the Jets after spending 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He was brought in to help end the franchise’s long Super Bowl drought, which goes back to the days of Joe Namath and the 1968 season.
At his introductory press conference, Rodgers commented that the team’s only Vince Lombardi Trophy looked “lonely” in the lobby, with hopes that he could change that.
However, the reality of Rodgers’ time with the Jets was less successful. His first season in New York ended just four snaps into his debut due to a torn left Achilles tendon, which ended the Jets’ Super Bowl hopes. He worked his way back to the field this past season and started every game but struggled with consistency as the Jets finished with a 5-12 record.
Rodgers had six wins, including the one where he was injured, in 18 starts with the team.
Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement, “I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets. His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career.
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after the loss
From Day 1, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here.”
Rodgers’ 28 touchdown passes and 3,897 yards passing both rank third for a single season in franchise history. But he struggled early in his return and faced additional leg injuries, including a hamstring issue. The Jets’ offense with Rodgers was inconsistent, and the defense lost its previous dominance, leading to the firing of general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh midseason.
In his last appearance with the Jets, Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in a victory over Miami on January 5, which was his best performance of the season.
Rodgers’ brief time with the Jets also included some controversy. Last offseason, he missed mandatory minicamp to take a trip to Egypt while recovering from his injury. He was also mentioned by Robert Kennedy Jr. as a potential vice-presidential candidate, although Rodgers focused on football and his comeback, including the Jets trading for his former Packers teammate Davante Adams.
Now, the Jets will be in search of a new quarterback, while Rodgers is considering his future. He said after the season that he planned to take a mental break before deciding whether to continue playing.
Fox Sports reported that Rodgers met with the Jets in New Jersey, where he was informed of the team’s plans.
Veteran Tyrod Taylor remains on the roster, as does Jordan Travis, who spent his rookie season on the non-football injury list, and Adrian Martinez, who was on the practice squad and signed to a reserve-future contract last month.
The Jets may also explore the free-agent market for a quarterback next month and hold the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Rodgers has thrown 503 regular-season touchdown passes, ranking fifth in NFL history behind Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508). He is seventh in passing yards with 62,952 and led the Packers to their most recent Super Bowl title in the 2010 season. Despite reaching the NFC Championship Game four times since then, he hasn’t played in another Super Bowl.
If Rodgers decides to keep playing, he will likely want to join a team with a chance to contend for another title, giving him one last shot at winning another championship.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther will be part of All-Star weekend after being selected to the Rising Stars event as an injury replacement.
Strawther replaces Portland guard Scoot Henderson, who recently injured his ankle. The league announced the change on Wednesday, just before Denver’s game against Portland.
The 22-year-old Strawther has played in 54 games this season, averaging 9.6 points per game. He leads all second-year bench players in total points (479), minutes played (1,112), field goals made (170), and 3-pointers made (79).
Recently, he’s been moved into the starting lineup with Russell Westbrook out due to a hamstring injury. Strawther becomes the 17th Nuggets player to be selected for the Rising Stars game. The last player from Denver to be chosen was Bones Hyland in 2023.
“He fully deserves to be there. The guy is asked to do a ton for a team that is third place in the Western Conference as a second-year player,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said about Strawther. “He’ll have a chance to enjoy it and go out there and show the world what he’s capable of doing. Really excited for Julian, a well-deserved honor.”
Strawther, from Las Vegas, was a first-round pick by Indiana in 2023 after a strong career at Gonzaga. The Nuggets acquired him in a draft-night trade.
Julian Strawther and Toumnai Camara in the 1st half
Denver is 26-8 when Strawther plays more than 20 minutes. He’s also 3-0 when he starts.
“To be around some of the best young players in the NBA, in the world, you look at yourself a little bit differently,” Malone said. “Hopefully he can take some confidence. As I told him when I found out, I said, ‘Hard work pays off.’ That kid works his butt off.”
The Rising Stars game will be held on Friday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The event will feature a tournament with four teams of seven players. Teams will play semifinal games where the first to 40 points wins, and the winners will then compete in a championship game, with the first team to 25 points winning.
The Rising Stars tournament winner will be the fourth team in the All-Star Game, alongside three NBA player teams.
Strawther will be on “Team M,” coached by Mitch Richmond. His teammates include Houston’s Amen Thompson, Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, Portland’s Toumani Camara, New Orleans’ Yves Missi, and two players from Washington, Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly.
Jalen Brunson takes the ball forward in the 1st half
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 40 points in back-to-back games for the first time in his career and was worried he might have ruined the chance for a win.
His turnover on an inbounds pass under the basket had helped the Knicks lose a six-point lead with just 10 seconds left in regulation, and the game was heading into overtime against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
“I would have needed a therapist if that had ended up in an ‘L,’ I’m not going to lie to you,” Towns said.
But the Knicks won, with Jalen Brunson hitting a game-winning jumper with 11.1 seconds left for a 149-148 victory. New York improved to 36-18, its most wins before the All-Star break since the 1972-73 season, which was their last championship year.
Now Towns’ biggest concern might be having to stop playing when he’s on such a roll.
He heads to San Francisco as an All-Star starter after scoring 40 points on Tuesday in a win over Indiana, then adding 44 more points along with 10 rebounds on Wednesday. He made seven 3-pointers, his most in his first season with the Knicks.
“Who wants to stop now?” he said.
“I’m just happy we got ourselves going into the break with momentum,” Towns said. “But it is true, it’s the worst time, right, to have something working right now.”
Towns had struggled recently after injuring the thumb on his shooting hand but appears to be back on track. The back-to-back 40-point, 10-rebound games gave him five such games this season, second-most by a Knicks player behind only Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing’s eight in 1989-90.
Karl-Anthony Towns drives past in the 1st half
Towns now joins Ewing, Bernard King, Carmelo Anthony, and Brunson, who did it at the end of last season, as Knicks players to score at least 40 points in consecutive games.
Brunson had 36 points on Wednesday, and it seemed early on that he would be the one to lead the Knicks, scoring 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the first quarter. But Towns took over after that, scoring 15 of the Knicks’ first 17 points in the second quarter, and another 15 points in the third quarter.
Brunson, also an All-Star starter, scored six of the Knicks’ 12 points in overtime. However, he said there was no plan to focus on Towns when he was hot and then switch back to himself later.
“There’s no set time of whose turn it is or what. I mean, we don’t really play like that,” Brunson said. “I just think that we were reading, we’re playing and reacting, and just whatever it takes to win.”
Towns joked that he wanted to match Anthony Edwards, his former teammate in Minnesota, who had scored 40 points in three straight games.
“But no,” Towns said, “I’m just happy that those kinds of nights resulted in wins.”
Jamal Murray looks to pass the ball in the 2nd half
The only thing hotter than Jamal Murray’s shooting on Wednesday night might have been his temper.
The Denver guard was still upset with the Portland Trail Blazers after being ejected for trash-talking on Monday. When he faced them again two days later, Murray let his play do the talking, scoring a career-high 55 points to lead the Nuggets to a 132-121 victory.
“They (the Trail Blazers) shouldn’t have done that,” said Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji about the trash talk. “When he’s mad, there’s no one that can stop him.”
Murray brought out his “Playoff Murray” form in Denver’s last game before the All-Star break. He was tough to defend when he helped the Nuggets win their first NBA championship in 2023, and he was just as hard to stop on Wednesday. He hit one long-range shot after another, scoring 30 points in the first half. When the Trail Blazers adjusted their defense in the second half, Murray made changes, too, attacking the basket.
Murray finished the game 20 of 36 from the field, including seven 3-pointers. His 55 points are the third-highest in franchise history, only behind David Thompson’s 73 points in 1978 and Nikola Jokic’s 56 points in 2023. In the ABA, Spencer Haywood had a 59-point game for the Denver Rockets in 1970.
“He was just ultra-aggressive tonight,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “As a coach, watching one of your players have that type of game, just so proud of him and happy for him. He’s been playing at a high level for us, and tonight was his best game ever from a numbers standpoint.”
Murray was fired up after his ejection in Denver’s 146-117 win over the Blazers on Monday. He got a technical foul in the third quarter and another in the fourth after trash-talking following a three-point play with a free throw.
Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
That ejection gave him motivation for Wednesday’s game.
“It’s just all competitive spirit,” Murray said. “I came ready to play. Especially just being used to the playoffs and playing the same team over and over, they know your plays, and things get chippy when you have to see them again. That factor made me ready to go. I was truly prepared today.”
For his big performance, Murray received the game ball signed by all of his teammates. He brought it to the postgame press conference.
“It’s just years of chemistry with those guys,” Murray said. “They know me. I know them, and tonight was just them looking out for me. I know I shot the ball well, but I brought the ball up here just because I couldn’t do it without them. That’s why we’re such a good team.”
His performance took the spotlight, but Nikola Jokic also had a great game, with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 25th triple-double of the season.
Murray showed he could do it all, even though he’s been dealing with nagging injuries this season, such as left knee and hamstring inflammation and a sprained right ankle.
“I feel the same,” he said. “I’ve been the same person, same player, for years now. I came in ready to go today. I was hopping before the game started, and that’s just because of the last game.”
Victor Wembanyama celebrates a basket in the 1st half
Victor Wembanyama attended All-Star weekend in Indianapolis last year as a major attraction. The San Antonio star participated in the league’s Tech Summit, played in the Rising Stars event, and took part in the Skills Challenge.
He left the event with a clear objective.
“Next year, hopefully, the big game,” Wembanyama said.
That time has arrived. The big game — or games — are here.
Wembanyama, as expected, is a first-time All-Star who will compete in the NBA’s new All-Star mini-tournament this Sunday in San Francisco. He’ll join these seven players: Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Atlanta’s Trae Young, and another first-timer, Houston’s Alperen Sengun.
Wembanyama’s selection seemed almost guaranteed. The reigning rookie of the year has become a global sensation. The NBA mentions that Wembanyama’s social media content is among the most viewed of all players, and his jersey ranks No. 5 in global sales.
“I’ve been talking to a few people about a moment he had when he was in New York,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “He played the Knicks on Christmas Day and then played the Brooklyn Nets a few days later. He spent some time in New York, and Victor, who plays chess, went to a famous park, Washington Square Park, and set up his chessboard and started playing games. Within a few days, about 100 million people saw that on social media.”
“It just shows the popularity of Victor and the huge interest in the lifestyles and hobbies of players. That was remarkable.”
This year, six rookies have made the All-Star game: Wembanyama, Sengun, Miami’s Tyler Herro, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams. Among them, Wembanyama is the youngest (just turned 21), the tallest (officially 7-foot-3), and will likely attract the most attention in San Francisco this weekend.
“I think that was one of the most active days in our group chat since the summer when Vic made the All-Star Game,” Spurs forward Harrison Barnes said. “It’s a testament to who he is. He works incredibly hard. He gets so much attention, but he always tries to keep the focus on the team and not on himself.”
Out of the six rookies, Herro is the oldest and the most experienced in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.5 points this season.
Cade Cunningham in the 2nd half
“I’m truly proud of him because a lot of media has criticized him,” Heat captain Bam Adebayo said. “His name has been thrown in trade rumors, people said he’s not good enough, that he can’t do certain things. It’s a real testament to him.”
For Williams, the All-Star appearance is like a homecoming. The Thunder guard played college basketball at Santa Clara, which is about an hour from Chase Center, where he’ll play on Sunday night.
“What am I most excited about? Honestly, I haven’t seen my parents in a while, so I’m excited to see them. I’ll be so close to my school, so I think it’ll be cool. I’ll see people I haven’t seen in a while.”
Cunningham is leading one of the NBA’s surprise teams this season. The Pistons, who struggled last year, are now in the playoff race, with Cunningham’s 25.4 points per game being a key reason for the turnaround.
“It feels amazing. It’s hard to put into words,” Cunningham said. “There’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of wins, losses, lessons, everything leading up to this moment. I’m just grateful for it.”
Sengun is part of the Rockets’ revival. While they missed the playoffs last year, they are now in position to secure home-court advantage for Round 1 in a competitive Western Conference.
“Thank you to my team, my country, the city of Houston, and all the fans for believing in me,” Sengun said. “This is just the beginning.”
Mobley’s All-Star selection highlights the value of defense and rebounding in the NBA. He is a key player for Cleveland, which enters the break with the best record in the Eastern Conference, tied with Oklahoma City for the best record in the NBA.
“I worked really hard to get to this point,” Mobley said. “I hope there’s more to come.”
Jamal Murray scored a career-high 55 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 132-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to eight games.
Murray’s 55 points is the third-highest in Nuggets history. David Thompson set the franchise record with 73 points in the 1977-78 season, and Nikola Jokic’s 56 points against Washington this season ranks second.
Murray made 20 of 36 shots, including 7 of 15 from 3-point range. Jokic contributed 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Christian Braun added 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Nuggets.
Anfernee Simons scored 26 points for Portland, which lost its third game in a row after a six-game winning streak. Rookie Donovan Clingan had 17 points and a career-high 20 rebounds, and Jabari Walker also scored 17 points for the Trail Blazers.
Knicks 149, Hawks 148 (OT)
Jalen Brunson made the game-winning shot with 11 seconds left in overtime to give New York a 149-148 victory over Atlanta, which had a five-point lead in extra time.
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 44 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for New York, which has won nine of its last 11 games. Brunson finished with 36 points and 8 assists, while Josh Hart added 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Trae Young scored 38 points and recorded 19 assists for Atlanta, who forced overtime with a 3-pointer from Georges Niang in the final 10 seconds. Onyeka Okongwu contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Caris LeVert had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Bucks 103, Timberwolves 101
Brook Lopez hit two free throws with 10.9 seconds left to help Milwaukee beat Minnesota 103-101.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 21 points for the Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (hamstring). Kyle Kuzma had 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Anthony Edwards scored 28 points but missed 23 of 33 shots for Minnesota. He also missed two key shots in the final moments. Naz Reid recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert added 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Celtics 116, Spurs 103
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 116-103 win over San Antonio.
Kristaps Porzingis added 29 points and 6 rebounds for the Celtics, who have won 7 of their last 8 games. Derrick White contributed 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Al Horford grabbed 10 rebounds. The Celtics were missing starters Jaylen Brown (knee) and Jrue Holiday (shoulder).
De’Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 23 points, while Victor Wembanyama had 17 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks.
Pacers 134, Wizards 130 (OT)
Obi Toppin scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench to help Indiana defeat Washington 134-130 in overtime.
Bennedict Mathurin added 28 points, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed 20 points and 7 assists. Pascal Siakam scored 15 points, and T.J. McConnell finished with 10 points and 9 assists. Indiana ended a two-game losing streak with the win.
Jordan Poole led Washington with 42 points, while Corey Kispert had 21 and Carlton Carrington added 18. The Wizards have lost four straight games.
Rockets 119, Suns 111
Tari Eason scored 25 points, Jalen Green added 22 points, and Dillon Brooks hit two key 3-pointers to help Houston defeat Phoenix.
Amen Thompson recorded his fourth career triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Alperen Sengun added a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Houston scored 28 points from Phoenix turnovers and added 19 second-chance points.
Kevin Durant scored 37 points and led Phoenix with 9 assists. The Suns were missing Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen.
Jalen Green and head coach Stephen Silas shake hands after a score and a foul by Green against the New York Knicks during the first half
Magic 102, Hornets 86
Paolo Banchero scored 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished 6 assists to lead Orlando to a 102-86 victory over Charlotte.
Banchero made 4 of 9 3-pointers. The Magic broke open a close game by outscoring the Hornets 33-19 in the third quarter. Anthony Black contributed 18 points off the bench.
Miles Bridges scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for Charlotte, which was without LaMelo Ball (ankle). The Hornets have lost 9 of their last 10 games.
Cavaliers 131, Raptors 108
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 21 points as the Cavaliers defeated Toronto 131-108, winning their fourth straight game.
De’Andre Hunter scored 18 points, Sam Merrill added 16, and Darius Garland contributed 15 points and 8 assists. Cleveland completed a four-game season sweep over Toronto.
RJ Barrett scored 27 points for the Raptors, who have lost 5 of their last 6 games.
Thunder 115, Heat 101
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to help Oklahoma City defeat Miami 115-101.
The Thunder went on a 24-0 run to start the fourth quarter, with six 3-pointers, two of them from Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe. Gilgeous-Alexander also had 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Jalen Williams added 18 points, and Luguentz Dort scored 17 points.
Bam Adebayo led Miami with 27 points, 13 of them in the first quarter.
Nets 100, 76ers 96
D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points to lead Brooklyn to a 100-96 win over Philadelphia.
Russell made 9 of 15 shots after struggling in his previous four games. Trendon Watford scored 18 points, including 8 in the fourth quarter, to help Brooklyn win its third straight.
Joel Embiid (knee) did not play, and the 76ers were also missing Tyrese Maxey (knee).
Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets
Pistons 128, Bulls 110
Cade Cunningham scored 29 points and added 7 assists to lead Detroit to a 128-110 win over Chicago.
Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris scored 19 points each, while Jalen Duren recorded 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. Detroit won its fourth consecutive game and will enter the All-Star break with a winning record.
Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 23 points and 6 assists, while Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Kings 119, Pelicans 111
Keon Ellis scored 27 points, and DeMar DeRozan added 24 to lead Sacramento to a 119-111 win over New Orleans.
Zach LaVine scored 23 points and added 7 assists. Domantas Sabonis recorded 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Malik Monk contributed 17 points. Sacramento has won three games in a row.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Jazz 131, Lakers 119
Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points to lead Utah to a 131-119 win over Los Angeles.
Jordan Clarkson added 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Keyonte George contributed 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. The Jazz ended a three-game losing streak.
Rui Hachimura scored 19 points for the Lakers, who saw their six-game winning streak come to an end. LeBron James scored 18 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
Mavericks 111, Warriors 107
Kyrie Irving scored 42 points, including a season-high 7 3-pointers, to lead Dallas to a 111-107 win over Golden State.
Irving made 7 of 10 from beyond the arc and grabbed 7 rebounds. Klay Thompson and Max Christie each scored 17 points.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 25 points and 8 assists.
Clippers 128, Grizzlies 114
Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points in 34 minutes, James Harden added 18 points and 10 assists, and Los Angeles defeated Memphis 128-114.
Norman Powell scored 18 points, and Ivica Zubac recorded 12 points and 13 rebounds. Harden passed Hakeem Olajuwon to move into 13th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 23 points, while Jaylen Wells scored 18. Memphis played without Ja Morant (knee).
Usain Bolt is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. His name is synonymous with speed and his performances have left an indelible mark on the sport of athletics. As a Jamaican sprinter, Bolt has achieved legendary status due to his unmatched dominance on the track.
Known for his explosive starts, tall physique, and trademark “To Di World” pose, he has become an icon both on and off the track. Bolt’s legacy, built on a foundation of speed, resilience, and determination, has forever changed the face of athletics.
Bolt’s rise to global prominence began at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he made a statement to the world. In a spectacular display of raw talent, Bolt won the 100 meters in a time of 9.69 seconds, breaking the world record.
This race was more than just a victory; it was a moment of athletic brilliance that shocked spectators. He was already a dominant force in sprinting, but this performance proved that he was on a different level altogether.
What made it even more remarkable was the fact that Bolt eased up in the final few meters, suggesting that there was more to come. In the same Olympics, Bolt went on to break the world record in the 200 meters as well.
His time of 19.30 seconds shattered the previous mark and solidified his status as the fastest man alive. These two performances in Beijing were just the beginning of a career that would see Bolt rewrite the record books time and again.
Usain Bolt poses after the win
He was untouchable on the track
His explosive speed, combined with his relaxed running style, made him almost untouchable on the track. He was able to glide past his competition, leaving a trail of broken records in his wake.
The 2009 Berlin World Championships marked another milestone in Bolt’s storied career. In this competition, he set the bar even higher. Bolt obliterated his own world record in the 100 meters, clocking a time of 9.58 seconds. This achievement further cemented his place in history, as no one had ever come close to his time.
He followed up this remarkable feat with another world record in the 200 meters, finishing in 19.19 seconds. In one competition, Bolt had solidified himself as not just the fastest man alive, but the fastest man in history. These performances are widely considered to be among the greatest in track and field history.
Usain Bolt’s dominance continued throughout the 2010s, with several more Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles added to his collection. His victories were often marked by his unique combination of strength and grace.
He was able to accelerate with power and maintain a smooth, effortless stride, making him nearly impossible to beat. His confidence on the track was matched by his playful personality off of it, making him a favorite among fans and media alike.
Despite his playful demeanor, however, Bolt’s focus and drive were unmatched. He consistently pushed himself to be better, striving to improve upon his already flawless performances.
One of Bolt’s most remarkable qualities was his ability to perform under pressure. At the 2012 London Olympics, Bolt was heavily favored to win the 100 meters, but the competition was fierce.
A wax figure of Usain Bolt is seen at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
One of the greatest Olympians
Many believed that the pressure of the event could affect his performance, but Bolt rose to the occasion, delivering a blistering 9.63-second run to claim the gold medal. This victory, paired with his success in the 200 meters, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time.
His performances in London were nothing short of spectacular, and they added to his ever-growing list of achievements.
The 2016 Rio Olympics were supposed to be the final chapter in Bolt’s illustrious career. At this point, he had already secured his place as the greatest sprinter of all time, but he still had one more goal in mind: to leave on top. In Rio, Bolt faced new challengers, but his composure and experience helped him hold off the competition.
He won the 100 meters with a time of 9.81 seconds, earning his third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the event. His victory in the 200 meters was equally impressive, making him the first man to win the event at three consecutive Olympics. Bolt’s success in Rio solidified his status as one of the most dominant sprinters in history.
However, Bolt’s legacy is not just defined by his Olympic victories and world records. His influence extends far beyond the track. Bolt’s charismatic personality and infectious smile have made him a global ambassador for the sport of athletics.
Usain Bolt in an interview
Inspiration across the world
He has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams and push the limits of their own abilities. His work ethic and dedication have set a standard for future generations of sprinters, and his success has brought attention to the sport of track and field in ways that few others have.
Even after his retirement from competitive athletics, Bolt remains a figurehead in sports. He has transitioned into other ventures, including business and entertainment, but his impact on track and field will never be forgotten. Bolt’s legacy as the fastest man alive is one that will continue to inspire athletes for generations to come.
Usain Bolt’s record-breaking legacy is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for his craft. His extraordinary career has made him a global icon and has left an indelible mark on the sport of athletics.
From his world record performances to his Olympic gold medals, Bolt’s achievements are unparalleled. He has inspired millions with his athleticism, personality, and perseverance, and his place in history is secure. The name Usain Bolt will forever be synonymous with speed, greatness, and a legacy that will stand the test of time.
Mike Tyson’s Boxing Return Against Jake Paul and Formula One's Next Chapter Shake Up Sports Entertainment
Mike Tyson, the name that once struck fear in the hearts of opponents and fans alike, is one of the most legendary figures in the history of boxing. His rise to fame was meteoric, his fall was dramatic, and his redemption has been nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Tyson’s journey is a powerful story of raw talent, destruction, and, eventually, personal growth.
Born on June 30, 1966, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Tyson grew up in an environment where crime and poverty were rampant. His father abandoned the family when he was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him alone.
Tyson’s troubled youth was marked by run-ins with the law, and he was sent to juvenile detention facilities multiple times. It was during his time in one of these facilities that Tyson’s boxing career began. There, he met a trainer named Cus D’Amato, who would go on to become his mentor and father figure.
Under D’Amato’s guidance, Tyson’s natural talent as a fighter blossomed. He quickly became known for his ferocious punching power, lightning-fast reflexes, and aggressive fighting style.
By the time he was 20 years old, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. His victory over Trevor Berbick in 1986 for the WBC Heavyweight title was just the beginning of a dominant reign that saw him claim multiple championship belts.
Tyson’s rise to the top of the boxing world was nothing short of extraordinary. His speed and power in the ring were unmatched, and his intimidating presence struck fear in the hearts of seasoned fighters.
Mike Tyson gestures at an event
In his prime, Tyson was a force to be reckoned with
He dominated opponents with a combination of raw power, unrelenting aggression, and a style that was both unpredictable and lethal.
However, Tyson’s success in the ring did not translate into stability outside of it. His personal life was filled with turmoil, fueled by his troubled upbringing, poor decisions, and a series of bad influences.
His relationship with D’Amato, his mentor and protector, ended when D’Amato passed away in 1985. Tyson was left without the guiding hand of his most trusted advisor, and his life began to spiral out of control.
Tyson’s marriage to actress Robin Givens in 1988 became a public spectacle, with the couple’s tumultuous relationship playing out in the media. This added pressure to Tyson’s already chaotic life. During this time, Tyson’s focus began to shift away from boxing, and he made several poor decisions, both personally and professionally.
In 1992, Tyson’s life took a darker turn when he was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison. This conviction shocked the boxing community and the world. Tyson’s fall from grace was swift and brutal.
The man who had once been the most feared fighter in the world was now a prisoner, stripped of his titles and reputation. Tyson’s time in prison marked a pivotal moment in his life, and he spent his time reflecting on his mistakes.
After his release from prison in 1995, Tyson made his comeback to the boxing ring. However, he was no longer the dominant force he had once been. His boxing skills had diminished, and his personal problems continued to haunt him.
In 1997, Tyson made headlines again, but this time for a bizarre and shocking reason. During a fight with Evander Holyfield, Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear, a move that led to his disqualification and a further tarnishing of his reputation.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul (NETFLIX)
Tyson’s troubles didn’t end.
His financial mismanagement, combined with his ongoing personal issues, led to him declaring bankruptcy in 2003. The former heavyweight champion was now broke and facing a number of legal battles.
His fall from the heights of boxing stardom was complete, and many wondered if Tyson would ever recover from the damage he had done to his career and his life.
However, Tyson’s story didn’t end with his fall. In the years following his bankruptcy and legal troubles, Tyson began to rebuild his life. He sought therapy and found a new sense of purpose. His journey toward redemption was not easy, but it was meaningful.
Tyson began to focus on his mental and emotional health, and his transformation became one of the most talked-about stories in sports.
In 2009, Tyson made a appearance in the movie The Hangover, where he played a comedic version of himself. The role was a significant departure from his previous image, and it showed a side of Tyson that had rarely been seen by the public before. This lighthearted portrayal allowed Tyson to connect with a new audience and begin to rebuild his public image.
Since then, Tyson has continued to evolve. He has become a popular public speaker, offering insights into his struggles and triumphs. Tyson’s vulnerability and honesty about his past have made him a relatable figure for many who have faced their own challenges.
Mike Tyson (NETFLIX)
“The Undisputed Truth”
In 2013, he released his memoir, Undisputed Truth, which chronicled his tumultuous life and career. The book was well-received and showcased Tyson’s growth as a person.
Tyson’s redemption has been far from conventional, but it is a testament to the power of self-reflection and change. While he may never fully escape the controversies of his past, he has managed to find peace and stability in his personal life.
Tyson now focuses on his family, his health, and his role as an advocate for mental health. He has found a new purpose in life, one that extends beyond boxing.
Iron Mike may have been the baddest man on the planet in his prime, but his story is far from one-dimensional. It is a story of triumph, failure, and, most importantly, redemption.
Tyson’s journey is a reminder that even the most fearsome individuals can fall, but with effort and perseverance, they can rise again. His story continues to inspire those who face their own struggles, proving that it is never too late to change and reclaim one’s life.
