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NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler impresses in his Warriors debut, scoring 25 points against the Bulls in San Francisco

Jimmy Butler and Steve Kerr in the 1st half

Jimmy Butler impressed the Chicago crowd with a backdoor alley-oop dunk in the opening minute of his game, sparking familiar reactions. He later took control during a key run for Golden State while Stephen Curry was off the court. If his first game with the Warriors is any indication, it’s a great start.

Butler finished with 25 points and four assists in his debut, helping the Warriors defeat the Bulls 132-111 on Saturday night, following a trade from Miami after a difficult breakup with the Heat.

“He’s a lion out there,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

It was a particularly emotional night for Butler, as it marked one year since the death of his father. He wore a “Butler III” jersey as a tribute, and he intends to keep that name “forever and ever.”

This was Butler’s first game with Golden State in Chicago, the city where he spent his first six NBA seasons. He hadn’t played since January 2, after being suspended by the Heat multiple times. He admitted that he had lost his passion for the game during that period.

“I knew I was going somewhere, whether they were sending me to Flamengo down in Brazil,” Butler joked, referring to the Brazilian team he said he’d join after his NBA career. “But I’m glad that it is here. I am grateful to be able to play basketball for a top organization like this one.”

Now, Butler looks ahead to a fresh start with the Warriors. Both Butler and Golden State are seeking a championship: Butler hopes to win his first title after two NBA Finals appearances with Miami, while the Warriors aim to add another title to their existing four. Before the win over Chicago, the Warriors were 10th in the Western Conference with a 26-26 record.

“We need each other,” Kerr said.

Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry in the game

Golden State made a significant move to acquire Butler, trading Andrew Wiggins to Miami and signing Butler to a two-year, $113 million contract extension. The Warriors view the investment as worthwhile because Butler is known for being one of the league’s best two-way players, always willing to do whatever it takes to win. The team believes Butler is the perfect complement to Curry.

“They say opposites attract in a lot of ways in life,” Butler said. “I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa. They’re not leaving him ever. Probably two people would never leave him. There’s so much space for everybody else. I get the easy job. I’m playing one-on-one or in so much space.”

Butler had a strong career with the Heat before his relationship with the team soured. He holds the franchise record for triple-doubles and ranks highly in points, rebounds, and assists. Known as “Playoff Jimmy,” he always showed up in big moments, ranking third on the Heat’s postseason scoring list.

“Timing is everything in this league,” Kerr said. “I think we’re getting Jimmy at the right time. His time in Miami expired. It ran out. You could feel it. They felt it, he felt it, so we’re getting him at a time that’s probably healthy for us and healthy for Jimmy.”

Butler hadn’t practiced with the Warriors prior to the game, and he didn’t participate in the morning shootaround because some of the trade details weren’t finalized. Kerr kept things simple for Butler’s debut, giving him just a few plays to run. Despite being tired, Butler still showed his trademark explosiveness.

He took charge in the fourth quarter during a critical 16-1 run, scoring the first seven points, including a three-point play off an alley-oop dunk. With Curry resting, Butler carried the team.

“The game is very, very simple here, and they make it so easy for me,” Butler said.

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College Football

In Iowa’s rural towns, communities unite to support a local hero in football’s biggest showdown

Cooper DeJean takes down Jamison Crowder in the NFC football game

In the small town where Cooper DeJean once drew football plays in elementary school and taught his classmates how to run them during recess, the community is planning a big party to watch the town’s local hero in the Super Bowl.

The Philadelphia Eagles defensive back has lifted spirits in Odebolt, Iowa, a town with a population of just 920 people, which was once known as the Popcorn Capital of the World.

Residents say he has also inspired children in the four towns that make up the local school district in this remote area of Western Iowa, where he played quarterback in stadiums made out of cornfields.

On Sunday, they will gather in the Odebolt Community Building for a Super Bowl watch party they are calling the “Cooper Bowl.” Many people plan to wear special Eagles green T-shirts printed for the occasion, featuring DeJean’s No. 33. It’s also a birthday celebration for DeJean, who turns 22 on Super Bowl Sunday.

“The whole town is just ecstatic,” said Cory Duff, who owns The Bolt Drive-In, a local restaurant.

“I would say it has brought a renewed energy back to the community,” he said. “It has definitely uplifted everybody around here.”

Duff, a lifelong Denver Broncos fan, mentioned, “I even bought his jersey.”

“Everybody around here has their own team, but whenever the Eagles are playing, everyone’s watching,” Duff added.

DeJean’s father, Jason, was moved by a video that school employees made, featuring dozens of children and teachers wishing his son the best in the Super Bowl.

“They all got on the playground and spelled out ‘Cooper,’” Jason DeJean said. The nearly 5-minute video includes scenes of elementary students mimicking birds as they sing the Eagles’ fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly.”

Since DeJean began his football career at the University of Iowa, “the support around this community has been just crazy,” Jason DeJean said. “Now you see Eagle jerseys and 33 and all that stuff. It’s great to see, and you couldn’t ask for any more support than what this community gives.”

After winning back-to-back state football championships in his final two years of high school, DeJean went on to a successful career at the University of Iowa, where he was named an All-American. In the 2024 NFL draft, the Eagles selected him in the second round.

Cooper DeJean in the NCAA college football game

Only a few athletes from the small towns in the Western Valley Activities Conference go on to compete at major universities, making DeJean’s journey from Odebolt to the Iowa Hawkeyes and now the Philadelphia Eagles one of the most remarkable paths in this part of Western Iowa.

“It’s not very often a kid from a town of less than 1,000 people gets to go to the Super Bowl,” Duff said.

DeJean’s hard work is a common link that connects him to other legendary athletes from Iowa, such as former Iowa Hawkeye and WNBA star Caitlin Clark from West Des Moines and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner from Burlington, who played high school football in Cedar Rapids.

DeJean’s journey to the Super Bowl has brought attention to Odebolt, but it was the ground he played on that helped put the town and its surrounding farmlands on the map.

A two-lane highway leads from the Loess Hills on Iowa’s western edge, passing giant wind turbines and fields of corn and soybeans to Odebolt.

A 20-mile stretch of the road, Iowa Highway 175, connects the towns that send students to DeJean’s old high school: Battle Creek, Ida Grove, Odebolt, and tiny Arthur, with a population of 222.

In this vast area, farm animals greatly outnumber the people. The county that includes Odebolt is home to around 46,000 cattle — more than four times the human population of 9,800, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The rich soil surrounding Odebolt was once ideal for growing popcorn, and Chicago’s Cracker Jack Co. chose it to supply popcorn for their snacks.

In 1938, Cracker Jack Co. Executive Vice President E.R. Shields praised the early settlers of Odebolt, calling them shining examples of strength, fortitude, and foresight, which made the town “The Popcorn Center of the World.”

People who know DeJean say they see the same strength and fortitude in him. They admire not just his work ethic in sports but also his character in life.

“The kid is insanely humble, and he’s not going to forget where he comes from,” Duff said.

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NFL (American Football)

The Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and Chiefs features some of the sharpest and most experienced minds

Andy Reid dismisses claims of referee favoritism, focusing on his team's execution and preparation.

This Super Bowl is set to feature some of the smartest — and oldest — minds in the NFL, with Andy Reid and Matt Nagy facing off against Vic Fangio, and Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore going up against Steve Spagnuolo. Reid and Fangio are both 66 years old, while Spagnuolo is 65.

When the Kansas City Chiefs (17-2) try to win a third consecutive Super Bowl in a rematch with the Eagles (17-3) on Sunday, the game will depend on how stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and their teammates perform against Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Jalen Carter, and the rest of the talented Philadelphia team. But the battle will begin with the coaches and coordinators and their strategies. They’ll need to come up with the best game plan and play calls.

The Chiefs had a middle-of-the-pack offense this season, ranking 16th in total yards. However, Reid is known as an offensive genius, having been in the game for 30 years, and Mahomes is always a threat to create magic, especially in high-stakes situations.

On the other side, Fangio took over one of the league’s worst defenses and turned it into the No. 1 defense in the NFL in his first year with the Eagles.

The Eagles had the second-best rushing offense, thanks to Barkley’s amazing season, and Hurts has top receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, making their passing game strong despite finishing 29th in the league.

The Eagles will have to go up against Spagnuolo, who made the perfect defensive plan to stop the Patriots’ perfect season 17 years ago. Spagnuolo won his first Super Bowl as a defensive coordinator for the Giants and added three more rings with the Chiefs.

When the Eagles have the ball:
It all starts with Barkley. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year has 2,447 combined yards and 18 touchdowns, including seven runs of over 60 yards. He’s been outstanding this season and can score every time he touches the ball. But the Eagles have plenty of other weapons. Hurts is a running threat, keeping defenses on their toes, and that allows Barkley to shine.

Even with average passing stats, Hurts has been productive. He takes care of the ball, throwing just five interceptions, and only one in his past 15 games. He had a 103.7 passer rating and played a crucial role in big games, such as against the Commanders in the NFC championship game and the Steelers in December.

Brown is an elite receiver, even when he’s resting on the sideline. Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert are also major targets for Hurts.

Philadelphia’s offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, with tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata leading the way.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has never beaten Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes

Spagnuolo knows how to make life difficult for top offenses. The Patriots found that out nearly two decades ago in the Super Bowl, and Buffalo’s Josh Allen saw it firsthand in the AFC championship game, where Spagnuolo sent a corner blitz on a crucial fourth-and-5.

Kansas City’s defense finished ninth overall and allowed the fourth-fewest points. Jones is an All-Pro interior lineman, edge rusher George Karlaftis led the team with eight sacks and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton had 6 1/2. Cornerback Trent McDuffie was a second-team All-Pro, and the matchup between McDuffie and Brown could be one to watch.

Protecting Hurts will be key for the Eagles, though he has the ability to escape pressure and gain big yards on the ground.

Sirianni handed over the offense to Moore, a first-year Eagles coordinator who is likely coaching his last game with Philadelphia, as he is expected to become the head coach of the Saints.

When the Chiefs have the ball:
The Chiefs had the 14th-best passing offense with Mahomes and the 22nd-ranked rushing attack. The Eagles were the best in total defense, No. 1 against the pass, 10th against the run, and second in scoring defense.

Mahomes is 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses, but teams with the top-ranked defense are 10-2 in the Super Bowl since 1970.

Mahomes is great at making big plays and finding ways to win, especially in close games. He had somewhat average numbers by his standards, with 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 93.5 rating.

Kelce, despite a slight dip in the regular season, becomes a standout player in the postseason. Mahomes also has DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are solid running backs.

The offensive line, led by All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, and right guard Trey Smith, will be important in protecting Mahomes. Thuney is filling in at left tackle.

Braden Mann and Jake Elliott in the 1st half

They’ll need to stop Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith from getting to Mahomes. Brandon Graham, who had a key strip-sack of Tom Brady in the Eagles’ only Super Bowl win seven years ago, could be back to help with the rush.

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun will play a big role against Mahomes, and rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean could have a tough job against Kelce. Cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Slay will be crucial in defending against the pass.

Reid is known for being creative and isn’t afraid to try new strategies. Fangio, on the other hand, hides his coverage and aims to take away big plays.

Mahomes faced heavy pressure in his only Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay four years ago. For the Eagles to win, they’ll need to make him uncomfortable in the pocket.

Special teams:
Eagles kicker Jake Elliott has been inconsistent this season. He made 28 of 36 field goals in the regular season but only made 1 of 7 attempts from over 50 yards. He’s been better in the playoffs, making 6 out of 7 field goals, though he has missed three extra points.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made the game-winning field goal against the Eagles in the Super Bowl two years ago, and also made a tying field goal to send the game to overtime last year. He hit 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missed two extra points. He’s perfect in the playoffs, going 9 for 9 on kicks.

The Eagles averaged 9.2 yards per punt return and 26.5 yards per kick return.

The Chiefs averaged 9.9 yards per punt return and 27.1 yards per kick return.

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NFL (American Football)

The Eagles’ tush push has been nearly impossible to stop, but the Chiefs believe they have a solution

Philadelphia Eagles in the 2nd half

In Philadelphia, there are two words that have become both beloved — by Eagles fans — and hated — by the rest of the NFL: “tush push.”

No other team has made the rugby-style scrum work as well as the Eagles, coached by Nick Sirianni and led by quarterback Jalen Hurts. The play became so hard to stop that the NFL even considered banning it.

Sirianni often says that for the Eagles, every first down feels like first-and-9.

The Eagles showed just how effective the tush push can be in the NFC championship game against Washington. The Commanders jumped offside four times in five plays while trying to stop the tush push, and they were warned that if they did it again, the Eagles would be awarded a touchdown.

It may sound unbelievable, but it’s written in the league’s rulebook. According to Rule 12, Section 3, Article 2, “The defense shall not commit successive or repeated fouls to prevent a score.” The rule also states, “if the violation is repeated after a warning, the score involved is awarded to the offensive team.”

As expected, Hurts scored a touchdown.

“It’s a great concept, great play, hard to stop,” said Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. “If I was them, I would run it, too.”

And the Eagles do — often. According to Next Gen Stats, they succeeded in 28 of 34 tush push attempts this season. Hurts converted 35 of 43 attempts on third- or fourth-and-1 situations and other runs from the 1-yard line.

The surprising part is that even though teams know the tush push is coming, and fans at Lincoln Financial Field go wild when the Eagles line up for it, defenses still can’t stop it.

But the Kansas City Chiefs might have figured out a way to stop it. In the AFC title game, the Buffalo Bills tried a version of the tush push but converted only twice in six attempts. The Chiefs stopped them by using big defensive players inside and having linebackers charge downhill.

“I think they played it well,” said Bills quarterback Josh Allen after the game.

Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate in the 2nd half

Will the Chiefs be able to stop the Eagles in the Super Bowl?

The Eagles lost to Kansas City 38-35 in the Super Bowl two years ago, but the tush push wasn’t the reason. Hurts scored two touchdowns on the play in that game, threw for 304 yards, and accounted for four total touchdowns. He later used the play to score the game-winning touchdown in the 2023 season against the Chiefs.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who is known for his complex defensive strategies and heavy use of blitzes, has had two weeks to come up with a plan to stop Hurts.

“I think the Eagles have perfected this thing over however many years it’s been and that offensive line, I think they’re built for it,” Spagnuolo said. “They’re that big and physical and they’ve really perfected the way they do it. I think it’s really tough to stop.”

Teams that can’t stop the play have started complaining about it. Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy, after his team was eliminated by the Eagles, wrote that the tush push is “bad for the game.”

“There is no skill involved and it is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less,” Murphy wrote. “The series of plays with the Commanders jumping offsides in the NFC Championship Game to try to stop the play was ridiculous. … I would like to see the league prohibit pushing or aiding the run.”

Should the tush push be banned?

Sirianni isn’t worried about the critics.

“The success that we have is not always replicated around the entire league,” Sirianni said. “We saw it last week with the game plan we’re studying with Kansas City against Buffalo. They stopped them in a critical situation. I guess I’m lobbying to never change that rule because we’re successful at it. We’re successful at it because of the guys we have up front.”

The Eagles were nearly perfect with the tush push this season, even after Cam Jurgens replaced the retired Jason Kelce at center. Hurts, who can squat the weight of about three Saquon Barkleys, and a strong offensive line with Pro Bowl players like Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson make it hard to stop.

Whether it’s controversial or not, the Eagles might be able to use the tush push to help win the Super Bowl.

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FEATURED

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham is back from a torn triceps to play in the Super Bowl

Brandon Graham in the Super Bowl 59 Opening Night

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has been cleared to return from a torn triceps injury he suffered 11 weeks ago and will play in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 36-year-old Graham was initially thought to be out for the season after injuring himself during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 24.

He was placed on injured reserve two days later, which seemed to end what he had expected to be his final season. However, as the Eagles continued to win, including all three NFC playoff games, Graham began to hint he might be able to play in the Super Bowl, even considering wearing his No. 55 jersey as a good luck sign after the Eagles scored 55 points in the NFC title game.

Graham returned to practice last week as a limited participant and was listed as a full participant on Friday’s injury report. He was officially added back to the 53-man roster on Saturday.

This week, in New Orleans, Graham shared that he imagined himself running out of the tunnel for Super Bowl introductions.

“It’ll feel great because you worked your butt off to get back,” Graham said. “I know the team worked their butt off to get here and I want to be there for them.”

Graham is one of only two position players and four players remaining from the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning team from the 2017 season.

The Eagles’ first-round pick from Michigan in 2010, Graham had mentioned in training camp that he planned to retire after this season. However, his injury caused him to reconsider, though his retirement decision is still not final.

Brandon Graham runs a drill in the NFL practice

He is remembered for one of the most iconic moments in Eagles history, when he strip-sacked New England’s Tom Brady in the Super Bowl with 2:21 left in the fourth quarter. Derek Barnett recovered the fumble, and the Eagles held on to win 41-33.

Graham missed most of 2021 with a torn Achilles tendon but came back the next season to set a career-high 11 sacks. This season, he had 3 1/2 sacks in 11 games before his injury. He holds the franchise record with 5 1/2 career postseason sacks.

Graham played 18 snaps in the Eagles’ loss to the Chiefs two years ago, without recording a tackle or sack.

The Chiefs elevated linebacker Swayze Bozeman and cornerback Steven Nelson from the practice squad on Saturday. They did not activate wide receiver Skyy Moore, who has been on injured reserve but practiced during the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

Without Graham, the Eagles have found success with a three-player rush combination of Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Jalyx Hunt.

“I don’t want to get in the way of the rhythm of what everybody already has,” Graham said. “If I can just add anything, I want to give everything I’ve got.”

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FEATURED

In Philadelphia, punters Braden Mann and Matt Araiza take on a crucial role as holders

Braden Mann and Jake Elliott in the 1st half

Two players who could play a big role in the Super Bowl might go unnoticed and hope to stay off the field while doing their main job.

Nobody wants to see the punters when the Eagles and Chiefs meet on Sunday.

When Braden Mann of Philadelphia and Matt Araiza of Kansas City go in to punt, it means the team’s drive didn’t go well or stopped.

“The best-case scenario is I don’t play in the game except holding for Jake (Elliott),” Mann said.

If they are called to hold for field goals or extra points, they won’t be mentioned unless they make a mistake. Remember when Tony Romo fumbled the snap on a 19-yard field goal that would have given Dallas a lead in the final two minutes of a 2006 wild-card game against Seattle?

Five Super Bowl outcomes have been decided by a field goal in the final 10 seconds, and last year’s game went into overtime after Harrison Butker made a 29-yard field goal with three seconds left. The Chiefs then won against the 49ers in overtime with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Mecole Hardman.

In 2023, the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35 with Butker’s 40-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining.In 2004, the Patriots beat the Panthers 32-29 with Adam Vinatieri’s 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining. New England had won its first Super Bowl two years earlier with Vinatieri’s 48-yard kick to upset the Rams 20-17.

The Colts beat the Cowboys 16-13 in Super Bowl 5 in 1971 with a 32-yard field goal by Colts kicker Jim O’Brien with five seconds left in the game.

One of the most famous misses in NFL history happened in 1991 when Buffalo’s Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field goal wide right with four seconds remaining, giving the Giants a 20-19 win.

These Super Bowls came down to the kicker, but it all starts with the long snapper. Rick Lovato does that for Philadelphia, and James Winchester does it for Kansas City. The snap has to be perfect. The holder then catches the ball and places it correctly. Finally, the kicker has to make the field goal.

Matthew Wright kicks a field goal in the 2nd half

“Holding is a lot more intricate, and hopefully, it looks easy,” Mann said. “I probably work on holding 40% of the time in the offseason because points matter most in games. Field position contributes to that, but holding directly leads to points.”

Araiza became a holder for the first time this season since he also kicked in college. He quickly realized how important the role is.

“You’re almost better off having a bad punting game than a bad holding game because it’s about points, and the expectation is to be perfect every time as a holder,” Araiza said. “It’s like snapping. One bad snap, and all of a sudden, you have a bad game. It’s the same with holding. We’ve worked on it a lot, especially going back to OTAs, and figuring out exactly how Harrison wants it.”

Every kicker has a different preference for how the ball should be placed. There’s no room for mistakes, especially with rushers trying to block the kick.

“Every kicker is a little different,” Butker said. “They might want the ball more straight down, more leaning forward, or more leaning back, and it depends on the wind. Some kickers want to tilt the ball more in certain conditions. You have to make sure you communicate and tell your holder exactly what you want.”

The conditions for kicking should be perfect inside the Superdome, so the snappers and holders need to execute their roles to give the kickers a chance.

Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Saquon Barkley, and Jalen Hurts are the big names leading up to the game. But it could come down to Winchester-Araiza-Butker or Lovato-Mann-Elliott making the successful kick.

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles and Chiefs offer Super Bowl advice to their younger selves in Phoenix

Patrick Mahomes arrives in New Orleans

With the Kansas City Chiefs preparing for their third Super Bowl in as many seasons and the Philadelphia Eagles returning for their second in three years, Sunday will feature many players with significant experience in big games.

Players from both teams shared what advice they would give themselves before their first Super Bowl appearance, focusing on things like relaxing, staying hydrated, and having fun—without overdoing it.

CHIEFS

PATRICK MAHOMES, quarterback: “We won that first one but I felt I came out too anxious, a little too pumped up, so more than anything just play the game that you love the way you’ve always played it and that will be enough.”

JAYLEN WATSON, cornerback: “Just chill, don’t get too high too early, it’s a long week, don’t wear yourself out, it’s an exciting week.”

NICK BOLTON, linebacker: “The ebbs and flows, the highs and lows of the game, I would’ve let myself know that. It’s such an emotional game, the game goes up and down.”

JUSTIN REID, safety: “Just, throughout the week, try and enjoy the experience a little bit more. I’ve had some fun but you want to make sure with your first Super Bowl that you play well. Secondly, it’s just being prepared for how long the game is. That was different, the extended warmup, instead of a three-hour game it’s a five-hour game, it’s a 30-minute halftime so just having a great plan for that.”

GEORGE KARLAFTIS, defensive end: “It’s just a game. It’s the same game you’ve been playing 19 times that season. Same game, same time, all that stuff.”

HARRISON BUTKER, kicker: “There were a lot of nerves and anxious feelings the entire two weeks and especially the week leading up to the Super Bowl. I remember getting to the game and just feeling exhausted from all of the pressure that felt like it was on my shoulders.”

CREED HUMPHREY, center: “Just enjoy the moment, it’s hard to get to this game, just enjoy everything you can, don’t take it for granted. Enjoy the moment but focus on the mission.”

LEO CHENAL, linebacker: “We’ve had this group of guys that I’ve been around since my first season and we’ve had the experience of getting to places like this and going far in the playoffs. I would tell myself to not get wrapped up in off the football field. You have to appreciate the spectacle of where we are but don’t get wrapped up in it.”

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown

EAGLES

AJ BROWN, wide receiver: “Focus on the game.”

DARIUS SLAY, cornerback: “I would tell myself to not warm up as much, as fast. I was energized and ready to go and not knowing I had to go back in the locker room and sit there for another 45 minutes. I had to re-warm up, so I have to pace myself, a lot more stretching because of the halftime show which feels like an hour long. I don’t want to get tight, so I have to make sure I’m loose and ready to go.”

DEVONTA SMITH, wide receiver: “Just go out there and be you.”

REED BLANKENSHIP, safety: “Have fun, embrace it, don’t get caught up in the lights. It’s another game, we get to play football. It’s the biggest stage in football and the world and it’s an honor to play in it.”

DALLAS GOEDERT, tight end: “Dreams are coming true. Do everything you can to help the team win because winning is the most important thing.”

LANDON DICKERSON, center: “Don’t ride the waves. There’s gonna be a lot of good times and a lot of bad times. Stay level-headed and keep playing.”

LANE JOHNSON, offensive tackle: “Probably hydrate a little more. I was pretty tired out there.”

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FEATURED

Hawks and Wizards aim to feature new players in their matchup in Washington, D.C. on Saturday

Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

The Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards will both look different when they meet for the final time this season on Saturday.

The Hawks’ new players from the trade deadline — Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, Bones Hyland, and Terance Mann — were with the team for the Hawks’ 115-110 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, but they did not play. They traveled with the team and are expected to play against the Wizards.

The Wizards’ new players — Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, Colby Jones, and Alex Len — should be ready to play as well. None of them played in Friday’s 134-124 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. AJ Johnson, another player acquired by the Wizards at the trade deadline, played in the game and contributed two points and four assists in nine minutes.

“Khris is a championship-caliber player whose professionalism will help our organization in multiple ways,” said Wizards general manager Will Dawkins about Middleton.

Washington’s three-game winning streak ended Friday, and they now have a 5-21 record at home, with eight consecutive losses at Capital One Arena.

The Hawks have won two of their last three games after losing eight in a row.

Both teams will play their second game in two nights. Washington is 0-8 in such situations, while Atlanta is 4-6.

Washington leads the season series 2-1, but the Hawks won the most recent game 129-117 in Atlanta on Nov. 15.

Niang is excited to be back playing under Atlanta coach Quin Snyder, with whom he spent four seasons in Utah.

“I’m super excited to get back and get involved with a team that’s coached by him,” Niang said. “I told someone earlier that the way he breathes confidence into his players is second to none. He’s a real problem-solver. He’s real innovative in his ways of coaching, and that’s real beneficial to me.”

Washington Wizards (NBA)

With the new players not yet in action on Friday, Mouhamed Gueye played extended minutes and recorded his first career double-double, finishing with a season-high 15 points, career-high 12 rebounds, and four blocked shots.

“It’s just part of the process,” Gueye said. “I’ve been working my tail off the whole time. I pride myself in bringing the energy whenever I’m on the court.”

For Washington, Jordan Poole had a career-high 45 points in the loss. The 25-year-old guard has scored 19 or more points in 16 of his past 22 games.

The Hawks and Wizards both have top picks from the 2024 NBA draft — Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher (No. 1) and Washington’s Alex Sarr (No. 2). Risacher averages 11.2 points and 3.4 rebounds, while Sarr averages 11.5 points and 6.6 rebounds, although he has missed the last five games due to a sprained left ankle.

Washington may be without Anthony Gill, who sprained his right ankle in the first half against Cleveland and did not return. The Wizards also played Friday without Malcolm Brogdon (injury management) and Justin Champagnie (right rib contusion).

The Hawks expect Clint Capela to be available after missing Friday’s game due to personal reasons. He was on the bench in street clothes.

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FEATURED

In Orlando, the Magic aim to bounce back as they host the San Antonio Spurs

Orlando Magic (NBA)

The Orlando Magic are hoping to stop their recent slide when they host Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

The Magic have struggled lately, losing 10 of their last 12 games, including five out of six on their recent road trip, which ended with a 112-90 defeat to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

The Spurs haven’t been much better, losing eight of their past 11 games. They come into this game after a 117-116 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, in Fox’s second game with San Antonio. Fox, who joined the Spurs from the Sacramento Kings through a trade, had put them ahead 116-114 with a step-back jumper in the final seconds, but Miles Bridges hit a game-winning three-pointer for the Hornets with 1.4 seconds left.

Spurs acting head coach Mitch Johnson expressed frustration about the 16 offensive rebounds the Spurs allowed, which resulted in 27 second-chance points. “I put that under the physicality umbrella, and pretty, pretty disappointing,” he said.

Fox had 22 points and six assists in the loss to the Hornets, following a 24-point, 13-assist performance in his debut with the Spurs on Wednesday, a 126-125 win over the Atlanta Hawks. “He makes tough shots, big shots. He doesn’t shy away from the moment. That’s definitely something that we expect from him and that’s big time,” Johnson said.

“When there’s players that have been in those situations numerous times, there’s a certain level of calm and confidence that they play with, and I think it exudes to their teammates.”

San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors

Orlando, on the other hand, struggled against Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr., who combined for 58 points, outscoring Orlando’s starting lineup by 10. Wendell Carter Jr. led Orlando off the bench with 19 points, matching his season high.

The Magic are starting a stretch of 10 home games in the next 11. “It’s a great opportunity for us to steal a couple games, get our mojo back, our swagger back,” Carter said. “With us being back in the Kia Center, I know our fans are waiting for us back there, I think it’ll be a good thing. Especially these next three going into the (All-Star) break, I think it’ll set our tone for that back half of the season. I think there’s going to be a lot of emphasis on these next three.”

Wembanyama leads the Spurs in scoring with 24.4 points per game and in rebounding with 10.9, while making a huge impact on defense, averaging 3.88 blocks per game. If he keeps this pace, it would be the highest by any player since Alonzo Mourning’s 3.91 blocks per game in 1998-99.

Franz Wagner has been leading Orlando this season, averaging 24.8 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. Paolo Banchero has contributed significantly, averaging 22.3 points and 7.2 rebounds over his 19 games.

Goga Bitadze has had a breakout season, leading the team in rebounds with 8.1 and adding 9.1 points per game, both career highs.

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In Memphis, the Grizzlies take on the Thunder in a clash of top Western Conference teams

Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)

The Memphis Grizzlies have faced injuries to several key players this season, but one constant has been Jaren Jackson Jr. After missing the first two games of the season due to a hamstring injury, Jackson has been a regular starter, consistently contributing in many areas on the stat sheet.

While Ja Morant remains the team’s star, Jackson has taken big steps forward this season. He leads the Grizzlies in scoring, averaging 23.4 points per game, and has become a dominant presence in the paint, especially in isolation plays, making Memphis a strong contender in the Western Conference.

On Saturday night, Jackson will lead the Grizzlies as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder, led by NBA scoring leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages 32.7 points per game, have been at the top of the Western Conference standings for most of the season.

The Thunder enter the game with the best record in the NBA and a 6.5-game lead over the second-place Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are on a hot streak, winning four straight and 10 of their last 11 games, with Jackson playing at a high level. He has scored 30 points in three consecutive games and has scored 20 or more points in nine straight. In a win at Milwaukee on Sunday, Jackson made seven 3-pointers. In Wednesday’s 138-107 win at Toronto, he scored 32 points in just 26 minutes, shooting 10-of-16 from the field. Jackson was named Western Conference Player of the Week in late January, the first time he’s earned that honor.

“It’s awesome to watch Jaren’s evolution as a player, playmaker,” said Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins. “He’s obviously a dynamic scorer. His growth, his seeing the floor, his poise, his patience, his aggressiveness and force have unlocked a lot for him. (If opponents) throw a double team at him, he’s going to find teammates. And if (teammates) make the right decisions on the back side, we get a layup or a 3. Playmaking through him has been awesome.”

Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)

With Jackson playing so well and Morant returning recently from a right shoulder injury, the Grizzlies are in a strong position. Desmond Bane, another key player for Memphis, is expected to return after missing the last two games due to an ankle injury.

Oklahoma City, which has won four straight games, will be playing the second game of a back-to-back after defeating Toronto 121-109 on Friday. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in just three quarters. However, the best news for the Thunder was the return of 7-foot-1 center Chet Holmgren, who had been out since November 10. Holmgren played 22 minutes in his return, contributing four points, five rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. His return came ahead of schedule after recovering from a pelvic fracture.

“That’s a reflection of how his body responded, first of all, which he doesn’t have control over,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “But it’s also a result of how motivated he was through the process to get himself back as soon as possible.”

Holmgren had been averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds before his injury. He started on Friday night alongside Isaiah Hartenstein.

“It’s amazing,” Holmgren said about his return. “I missed it for a long time, and I worked really hard to be able to get back out there. So I’m happy and excited and look forward to continuing to try and help us win and keep improving.”

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Clippers aim to bounce back with a win over the Jazz in Los Angeles

Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers, currently on a three-game losing streak matching their season high, will look to regain control of the game’s pace when they face the Utah Jazz on Saturday night in Inglewood, Calif.

This will be the teams’ first meeting after a trade between them, where the Clippers acquired Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills, and the Jazz got Mo Bamba and P.J. Tucker. Bamba has been waived, and Tucker was traded twice after that.

The Clippers’ recent losses are troubling, with their last two defeats standing out due to being outplayed in key moments.

The team was off to a rough start in a 122-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Then, against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, they couldn’t hold onto a 22-point lead, eventually losing 119-112 after getting outscored in the second quarter and late in the game.

The Clippers have been struggling at home, with a 2-4 record since Jan. 20, after having won six straight games at their new arena, starting with a 144-107 victory over Utah on Dec. 16. They are 2-0 against the Jazz this season, with both wins in Inglewood.

In Thursday’s game against Indiana, the Clippers had a 22-point lead early in the second quarter, but the Pacers took the lead by the time the first half ended. Los Angeles was outscored 42-19 in the second quarter and committed eight turnovers, while the Pacers shot 57.7% from the field during that period.

“Second quarter, turnovers, you know, that kind of killed us,” Clippers center Ivica Zubac said. “They were live-ball turnovers that would lead to the layups, and that kind of killed the whole momentum, man.”

James Harden and Norman Powell each scored 22 points, while Zubac added 18 points and 15 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard contributed 19 points in a season-high 33 minutes of play after starting the season late due to knee soreness.

“I didn’t mind tonight’s game,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “You’re not gonna win every game, but there are some things that we can learn. Just (take) care of the basketball. We had a big lead and turn the ball over, turn the ball over, turn the ball over.”

Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)

The Jazz, who have gone 2-2 after an eight-game losing streak, come into Los Angeles following a tough 135-127 overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday. John Collins scored 21 points for Utah, and Walker Kessler had 19 points and a career-high 22 rebounds.

Utah led 120-116 with 4.7 seconds left before Grayson Allen hit two three-pointers for the Suns to send the game into overtime. Phoenix then scored the first eight points in the extra period to win.

The Jazz are on a seven-game road losing streak, including two losses at Phoenix, and have a 7-20 record on the road this season.

Despite being near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Jazz are staying positive, especially with the trade deadline now behind them.

“I think the chemistry we have as a group has continued to grow as the year has gone on,” said coach Will Hardy. “I know when we got in the plane yesterday, everybody was having that collective sigh of relief that we can just focus on what’s next and move forward.”

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Penguins visit the Flyers in Philadelphia with Sidney Crosby’s status uncertain

Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t played many games without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin over the past 20 years, but they found themselves in that situation on Friday — and passed the test without their two star players. Now, they will look to carry that momentum into a Saturday road game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh is 3-0-1 in its last four games, most recently beating the New York Rangers 3-2 on Friday. Crosby missed the game with an upper-body injury after playing in 229 straight contests. Malkin is out with a lower-body injury and is listed as week-to-week.

It’s unclear if Crosby will return for the game on Saturday.

“Right now, we’re just taking it one day at a time when it comes to Crosby’s situation, but it’s encouraging he was on the ice (Friday) for the optional game-day skate,” said coach Mike Sullivan. Crosby leads the team in assists (41) and points (58). “Obviously, he’s an important player for us. When he’s not in our lineup, he’s a hard guy to replace. He’s the heartbeat of this team.”

Malkin hasn’t had his best season, but he still has 34 points in 47 games.

Without their two superstars, the Penguins have been leaning on players like winger Rickard Rakell, who has scored in the last two games, and goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, who has given up only eight goals in his last five games.

“We’ve put ourselves in a spot to climb back to .500 now,” said Nedeljkovic, referring to the Penguins’ 23-24-9 record. “Gives us a chance to (get there Saturday). So, we’re hoping to get the job done.”

The Flyers are at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, sitting below the Penguins. They’ve lost five straight games (0-4-1) and scored only five goals during that stretch, which included three shutout losses in a row.

Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

Philadelphia fought hard against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Thursday but lost 4-3.

“I thought we played a (heck) of a game. Just a couple breaks here and there,” said Tyson Foerster, who has scored in two straight games.

Flyers coach John Tortorella, who is calmer than in his earlier coaching days, is trying to stay composed despite the long losing streak.

“There’s a lot of encouraging things in this God-awful losing streak we’re in,” Tortorella said. “I still think we have a lot of meaningful games left.”

Saturday’s game will be the final one for both teams before the league takes a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh won’t play again until Feb. 22, when they will face each other twice before the end of the month.

The Penguins won the first meeting of the season 7-3 on Dec. 23. Pittsburgh scored four goals in the first period, three of which were assisted by Crosby, and the Penguins captain added an empty-net goal in the third period.