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NBA (Basketball)

NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic records fifth consecutive triple-double to lead Nuggets past Kings in Denver

Nikola Jokic smiles after scoring

Nikola Jokic scored 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds, and dished out 17 assists in his fifth consecutive triple-double, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night in Denver.

Jokic, who was named an All-Star starter on Thursday, has recorded each of his triple-doubles before the end of the third quarter during this streak. He is the first player since 1996-97 to record five straight triple-doubles before the fourth quarter, and 14 of his league-leading 20 triple-doubles have come in that manner.

Christian Braun contributed 21 points, Michael Porter Jr. had 20, and Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray each added 18 points for the Nuggets, who have won four in a row.

For Sacramento, Domantas Sabonis posted 23 points and 19 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points, and De’Aaron Fox had 17 points. Sacramento’s record is now 10-3 under interim head coach Doug Christie.

Clippers 110, Wizards 93

James Harden posted his second triple-double of the season, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 110-93 win over the Washington Wizards, who have now lost 12 straight games.

Harden finished with 17 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds in his 83rd career triple-double. Norman Powell scored a team-high 22 points, Derrick Jones Jr. added 19, and Kawhi Leonard chipped in 15 points and seven rebounds.

Jordan Poole led Washington with 24 points and nine assists, while Bilal Coulibaly contributed 15 points. Alex Sarr had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas posted 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Bucks 125, Heat 96

Damian Lillard fell one rebound short of a triple-double with 29 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 125-96 win over the Miami Heat.

Milwaukee overcame travel delays to win their fifth consecutive game. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points, and Gary Trent Jr. scored 21 points off the bench, all on three-pointers.

Without Jimmy Butler, who was suspended for two games, Kel’el Ware led Miami with 22 points, and Tyler Herro scored 21.

Raptors 122, Hawks 119

RJ Barrett hit a clutch 3-pointer with 2:51 left, giving the Toronto Raptors a 122-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 25 points, Bruce Brown added 18 points off the bench, and Chris Boucher and Jakob Poeltl each had 17 points. Toronto improved to 2-19 on the road with their fourth win in five games.

Bogdan Bogdanovic led Atlanta with 23 points, while Dyson Daniels scored 22 points and Onyeka Okongwu posted 19 points and 12 rebounds. Trae Young contributed 18 points and 13 assists as the Hawks lost their third consecutive game.

Lakers 117, Celtics 96

Anthony Davis scored 24 points with eight rebounds and three blocks, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 117-96 win over the Boston Celtics.

Austin Reaves added 23 points and six assists, and LeBron James had 20 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists for the Lakers, who won four of their last five games.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 22 points with seven rebounds for the Celtics, who have split their last 10 games after starting the season with 26 wins in 35 games. Jaylen Brown posted 17 points and eight rebounds, and Jayson Tatum added 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Mavericks 121, Thunder 115

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 28 points, and Kyrie Irving added 24 as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-115. The Thunder lost at home for the first time since Nov. 17, ending a 12-game win streak.

P.J. Washington contributed 22 points and 19 rebounds for Dallas, who shot 52.7 percent from the field. Olivier-Maxence Prosper added 14 points off the bench. Dallas finished the season 3-1 against Oklahoma City, who leads the Western Conference.

Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 33 points and seven assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points after a career-high 54 points in a home win over Utah on Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards

Spurs 140, Pacers 110

Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 140-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Paris.

Wembanyama scored 30 points with 11 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks in a standout performance. Nine of his points, six of his rebounds, and four of his blocks came in the third quarter, where the Spurs outscored the Pacers 45-23.

Devin Vassell scored 25 points, Harrison Barnes added 20 points, and Jeremy Sochan posted 13 points and nine rebounds for San Antonio. The Spurs made 18 three-pointers and overcame 20 turnovers. Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin scored 24 points, and Pascal Siakam added 18 points and six assists.

Warriors 131, Bulls 106

Stephen Curry scored 21 points, and Quinten Post and Gui Santos recorded career-highs off the bench to help the Golden State Warriors defeat the Chicago Bulls 131-106 in San Francisco.

Post led the Warriors’ bench with 20 points in just his sixth NBA game, while Santos contributed 19 points, each hitting five 3-pointers. Golden State snapped a two-game losing streak.

Zach LaVine scored 24 points to lead the Bulls, who have lost six of their last seven games. Josh Giddey added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Trail Blazers 101, Magic 79

The Portland Trail Blazers used strong defense to defeat the Orlando Magic 101-79, extending their winning streak to three games.

Franz Wagner, returning from a 20-game injury absence, led Orlando with 20 points, but the Magic struggled with their shooting, making just 17 of 57 shots (29.8 percent). Paolo Banchero had a tough game, scoring only eight points on 1-of-14 shooting, his fewest since Nov. 29, 2023.

Portland had five players in double figures, led by Anfernee Simons with 21 points. Robert Williams III grabbed 12 rebounds, adding eight points and four blocked shots in the win.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

NHL roundup: Seth Jarvis leads Hurricanes to big win over Jackets in Raleigh

Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)

Seth Jarvis scored two goals and led the Carolina Hurricanes’ strong second period in a 7-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday in Raleigh, N.C.

Both Jarvis and Sebastian Aho had a goal and two assists during the Hurricanes’ five-goal second period. Carolina, who has won four straight games, also got goals from Eric Robinson, Jackson Blake, Jordan Martinook, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Martin Necas added two assists.

Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen made 18 saves in his first home game since the season opener in October. He also earned an assist on the tying goal. Andersen improved his record to 5-1-0 and recorded his 300th NHL victory.

For Columbus, Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko, James van Riemsdyk, and Dmitri Voronkov scored. Jack Johnson and Adam Fantilli each had two assists. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov made 36 saves.

Predators 6, Sharks 5

Fedor Svechkov scored a go-ahead goal in the third period and had two points, while Filip Forsberg scored twice in Nashville’s win over San Jose.

Tommy Novak added a goal and an assist, and Gustav Nyquist and Steven Stamkos also scored for the Predators, who have won five consecutive games. Justus Annunen made 30 saves, Brady Skjei collected three assists, and Zachary L’Heureux had two assists.

Mario Ferraro had one goal and one assist for the Sharks, who have lost five straight and eight of their last nine games. Walker Duehr, Henry Thrun, Fabian Zetterlund, and Macklin Celebrini each scored once. Yaroslav Askarov stopped 32 shots, and Mikael Granlund had three assists.

Capitals 3, Kraken 0

Alex Ovechkin scored his 875th career goal with an empty-netter, leading Washington to a victory over Seattle.

Ovechkin logged his 22nd goal of the season in 32 games, despite missing 16 games due to a broken leg, as he chases Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 career goals. Aliaksei Protas and Ethen Frank also scored for the Capitals, who have won six straight and extended their points streak to 12 games (9-0-3). Goaltender Charlie Lindgren made 22 saves for his first shutout of the season.

Seattle’s Joey Daccord stopped 29 of 31 shots but couldn’t prevent the Kraken from ending their two-game winning streak.

Red Wings 4, Canadiens 2

Dylan Larkin scored a power-play goal and had an assist in his 700th career game, helping Detroit defeat Montreal.

Andrew Copp also scored with a short-handed goal, and Jonatan Berggren and Alex DeBrincat found the net for Detroit, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Moritz Seider added two assists, and Cam Talbot made 27 saves.

Kirby Dach had a goal and an assist for Montreal, which had been on a 7-1-1 run before this game. Kaiden Guhle also scored for the Canadiens. Brendan Gallagher, playing in his 800th game, had an assist, and Sam Montembeault made 41 saves.

Rangers 6, Flyers 1

Igor Shesterkin stopped 33 shots, and six players scored as the New York Rangers cruised past Philadelphia.

Braden Schneider and Adam Edstrom scored just 84 seconds apart in the first period as the Rangers extended their points streak to 10 games (7-0-3). Shesterkin improved to 6-0-1 in his last seven starts. K’Andre Miller, Filip Chytil, and Reilly Smith each had a goal and an assist.

Owen Tippett scored for Philadelphia, who saw their six-game points streak (5-0-1) end. Samuel Ersson allowed five goals on 36 shots.

Golden Knights 4, Blues 2

Mark Stone scored a goal and had an assist, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a win over St. Louis.

Stone helped end the Golden Knights’ four-game losing streak, scoring the fastest goal of the season, just 19 seconds in. Victor Olofsson, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Tomas Hertl also scored for Vegas. Ilya Samsonov made 15 saves.

Jordan Kyrou scored his team-leading 21st goal, and Robert Thomas also found the net for St. Louis. Joel Hofer stopped 27 shots.

Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)

Oilers 6, Canucks 2

Zach Hyman scored twice, and Leon Draisaitl added a goal and two assists in Edmonton’s win over Vancouver.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique, and Kasperi Kapanen also scored for the Oilers, who ended a two-game losing streak. Backup goalie Calvin Pickard stopped 24 of 26 shots.

Brock Boeser and Filip Hronek scored for Vancouver, who lost for the fourth time in five games. Thatcher Demko made 28 saves.

Bruins 2, Senators 0

Morgan Geekie scored the game-winning goal, and Joonas Korpisalo recorded a 29-save shutout as Boston defeated Ottawa.

Geekie’s goal at 2:06 of the second period was his fourth in six games. David Pastrnak assisted on Geekie’s goal and added an empty-netter, helping the Bruins improve to 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg made 24 saves in a game where the Senators were shut out for the second straight game and the fifth time in their last 11 contests.

Utah 4, Wild 0

Barrett Hayton scored twice, and the Utah Hockey Club pulled away for a win over the Wild in Saint Paul, Minn.

Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse also scored for Utah, who have won three in a row. Nick DeSimone had two assists, and Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves for his first shutout of the season.

Filip Gustavsson allowed four goals on 29 shots for the Wild, who were shut out for the second time this season.

Flames 5, Sabres 2

Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri each had a goal and two assists, and Calgary used three third-period goals to beat Buffalo.

Jakob Pelletier contributed a goal and an assist, and Yegor Sharangovich and Mikael Backlund scored empty-net goals for the Flames, who have won five of their last seven games. Dustin Wolf made 32 saves.

Mattias Samuelsson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who dropped to 1-2-0 on their four-game road trip. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves.

Ducks 5, Penguins 1

Mason McTavish and Alex Killorn each scored twice, and John Gibson made 31 saves as Anaheim snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over Pittsburgh.

Frank Vatrano also scored, and Troy Terry and Jacob Trouba each had two assists for the Ducks, who are now 18-0-2 when scoring three or more goals.

Michael Bunting scored for the Penguins, who lost their fifth game in seven outings. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 29 shots.

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NBA (Basketball)

Podziemski’s return sparks Warriors’ bench in dominant win over Bulls in San Francisco

Brandin Podziemski takes the ball forward in the 2nd half

Brandin Podziemski made his return to the court after missing almost four weeks due to an abdominal injury, and his comeback came at the same time as one of the best performances by the Warriors’ bench in the team’s history.

Podziemski, who had missed 12 games, contributed in several areas. He scored 10 points and had a plus-22 rating, the second-highest on the team. He also grabbed four rebounds, provided two assists, recorded a steal, and took a tough charge from Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. In the second half, Podziemski scored after a quick pass from Stephen Curry.

His efforts were part of the Warriors’ second unit, which helped drive Golden State to a 131-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

The Warriors’ bench combined for 83 points, which is the third-highest total in the franchise’s history since they started tracking the stat in 1970-71. The record is 94 points, set in 1977.

“All of them played well,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who got strong performances from his bench players. “It was an incredible performance off the bench.”

Quinten Post, who has earned more playing time recently, led the way with career highs of 20 points, seven field goals, and three assists. Post also made five 3-pointers, becoming the first 7-foot or taller player in Warriors history to do that, according to Elias Sports Bureau (although height is not officially tracked).

Gui Santos, who set a career-high in scoring the previous game in Sacramento, set another personal best with 19 points and seven rebounds. He also hit five 3-pointers, tying Post and Curry for the team lead. This was the first time the Warriors had multiple bench players hit at least five 3-pointers in a game.

Brandin Podziemski celebrates after a goal

Moses Moody added 16 points, and Dennis Schroder contributed 11, making five Warriors reserves in double figures.

Santos Statement

“Today felt so great shooting because we were driving, getting to the paint, and kicking outside,” Santos said. “That’s the shot you work on every day. When you have these shots in the game, the confidence that you have is way, way bigger.”

The Warriors’ bench has been a topic of discussion throughout the season.

Before the season, Kerr talked about the depth of his team and all the options it gave him. At times, the bench lived up to the hype, but it lacked the consistency needed from a team with aging superstars and rookies with little experience.

Now that Podziemski is back, along with Santos and Post playing their best basketball of the season, things seem to be improving for Golden State.

“The cutting and quick passing, that’s what’s exciting,” Kerr said. “Quinten has that, Brandin has that, Gui has that. When the game starts to flow and the ball is really moving and the spacing is good, that’s basketball and that’s what we’ve prided ourselves on for years here. It’s really fun to see these young guys picking that up and playing well together.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Steph hits ‘unbelievable’ milestone just hours after being named All-Star Game starter in San Francisco

Stephen Curry in the 2nd half

Stephen Curry’s trophy collection is already filled with awards and NBA records, but on Thursday, he added two more major accomplishments. He earned his 11th All-Star selection, setting a new record for the most in franchise history.

Later, he made history again by becoming the first player ever to surpass 3,900 career 3-pointers. Both milestones happened during a 131-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center, which also ended the Golden State Warriors’ two-game losing streak and marked the start of a six-game homestand.

Curry’s Continued Excellence

Before the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed excitement about Curry being named an NBA All-Star once again, saying, “That’s awesome. Yet another achievement and a fitting one for sure, given that we’re hosting the (All-Star) game. I’m thrilled for Steph.

He deserves it obviously. He’s having another great season.” During the game, Curry made five 3-pointers, pushing his total to 3,903 career 3-pointers. He’s now just 97 shots away from joining the 4,000 club.

At one point, it seemed like Curry’s effort might not be enough. The Warriors had a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings the night before, and they came out slow against the Bulls, trailing by 14 points in the first half. Fans feared it could be another frustrating night. However, Curry’s strong performance, along with help from his teammates, allowed the Warriors to secure the win.

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry (NBA)

A Consistent Superstar

Curry’s achievements are no surprise to anyone who follows the NBA. His elite level of play has been evident for years, and being named an All-Star is almost expected at this point. This marks his 10th start in the All-Star Game, and his 11th selection breaks the Warriors’ previous record of 10, which was held by Hall of Famer Paul Arizin. The All-Star Game will take place at Chase Center on February 16.

In terms of 3-pointers, Curry continues to be the best in the game. He’s likely to go down as the greatest long-range shooter in NBA history, with James Harden currently closest to his record at 3,054 career 3-pointers.

Despite dealing with knee tendinitis this season, Curry has been the one constant for the Warriors. He has scored in double figures in 35 of the 36 games he’s played this season, averaging a team-high 22.6 points. Curry also leads the team in assists and is second in steals.

His teammate Buddy Hield, with 2,042 career 3-pointers, described Curry as “insane,” adding, “He’s very blessed. He’s out of this world. Not human.”

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NBA (Basketball)

In New York, Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns express excitement about starting in the All-Star Game: “It’s truly special.”

Jalen Brunson stands on the field before the game

When the NBA All-Star Game begins on February 16, a few generations of Knicks fans will experience something they’ve never seen before. For the first time in 50 years, the team has two players selected as Eastern Conference starters. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were both chosen for the starting lineup on Thursday.

The last time the Knicks had two starters in the All-Star Game was in 1975, when Clyde Frazier and Earl Monroe played together. At that time, they combined for 39 points. Although the All-Star Game’s format and importance have changed a lot since then, Brunson and Towns were still humbled by the selection and are excited to create new memories.

Brunson and Towns Celebrate Their Achievements

“I knew [starting] was a possibility, but I didn’t get my hopes up too high. Just very thankful,” Brunson said on Friday. “It’s individual, but it’s a team award… I’m thankful to the fans who voted, the players and coaches as well. I don’t take it lightly… You work your whole life for moments like this.”

Brunson, who will be playing in his second All-Star Game with the Knicks, earned his spot as a starter by leading the team with an average of 26.0 points and 7.3 assists in 45 games. His efforts have helped the Knicks stay in the top three of the conference standings. He finished second in both player and media voting, just behind Donovan Mitchell.

Towns, who will make his fifth All-Star appearance, has been dominant on the court, averaging 13.9 rebounds per game, which is the best in the East.

Karl-Anthony Towns (NBA)

He is also scoring 25.1 points per game, his highest since the 2019-20 season, while shooting 54.5 percent. Towns is the first Knicks center to be selected for the All-Star Game since Tyson Chandler in 2013.

“It’s really special to be able to do it with a teammate,” Towns said. “Shoutout to JB and our coaches and teammates because they made it possible. We’re just there to represent our whole team. These guys are the reason that we’re able to go out there and do what we do.”

Towns also expressed how meaningful it was to be mentioned alongside Knicks legends like Frazier and Monroe. “I grew up in this area, for my name to be even close with them is something you just dream about when you’re young.

I’m super honored, to say the least. I’m just really happy I have this opportunity to represent my teammates, because they’re the reason we’re able to do this.”

With nine games left before the All-Star break, the Knicks (29-16) will start a five-game homestand on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings. Brunson and Towns are the first Knicks players selected for the All-Star starting lineup since Carmelo Anthony in 2016.

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NFL (American Football)

Pete Carroll and the Raiders agree to a 3-year deal to become the team’s next head coach in Las Vegas

Pete Carroll speaks to the media

The Raiders’ Bold Past and the Search for Stability

Before moving to Las Vegas, the Raiders were known for being a risky, high-stakes team. Their former owner, Al Davis, often said, “Just win, baby.” But during his later years, and after his son Mark took over following Al’s death in 2011, this approach didn’t always lead to the best results.

The Raiders were known for quickly changing cities, coaches, and quarterbacks. They made bold decisions, like picking JaMarcus Russell as the No. 1 overall pick and hiring Lane Kiffin as a 31-year-old head coach. They took chances on big-name free agents and untested coaches. Unfortunately, these moves didn’t work out, and the Raiders have not won a playoff game in the past 22 seasons.

Pete Carroll: A Steady Choice for the Raiders

Now, facing the task of hiring a new coach, the Raiders made a more cautious decision, possibly influenced by minority owner Tom Brady. They announced that they had hired Pete Carroll, the 73-year-old former Super Bowl-winning coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll is a known and reliable coach, and his hiring came with few surprises. While his age may limit his potential for the long-term, he could still help the Raiders become competitive again.

Carroll is a well-respected coach, having spent 18 seasons with three teams: the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks. He had only four losing seasons and finished with a 170-120 career record. Carroll also reached two Super Bowls, winning one with Seattle in 2013.

His hiring is seen as a safe bet for the Raiders, who wanted to bring in an experienced coach to help guide the team back to success. Hiring a football coach is always uncertain, but Carroll is one of the most reliable choices available.

In Seattle, Carroll led the Seahawks to the playoffs 10 times over 14 seasons. He won more than 60 percent of his games and built a strong team culture.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones celebrates with teammates after an interception

The Raiders likely hired Carroll because they wanted to get serious about competing, especially in the tough AFC West, where teams like Kansas City, Denver, and the Los Angeles Chargers are led by experienced coaches.

The division is full of strong teams, and without a solid roster, even the best young coach might struggle.

While it’s uncertain how Carroll will perform in his 70s, he still has a lot of energy. His positive attitude and passion, which he showed when coaching the Jets, Patriots, and USC, are still very much present.

The Raiders did not expect to hire a coach who will lead them for the next 15 years, but they chose someone who can quickly start improving the team. Carroll is focused on winning now, and he might even bring his former Seattle quarterback, Russell Wilson, to Las Vegas if their relationship improves. If not, he will continue building a strong team culture.

Carroll has always been known for his fun yet competitive coaching style. His drive to create competition within his team helped build Seattle’s legendary defense, known as the “Legion of Boom.” Fans can expect more of that with the Raiders.

This hiring is a smart, stable move for a team that has often taken risks in the past. It’s a sensible decision, and it may turn out to be a great one for the Raiders in the long run.

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NFL (American Football)

Calvin Jones, ex-Nebraska standout and NFL running back, passes away at 54 in Omaha

Calvin Jones (NFL)

Calvin Jones, a former Nebraska running back who gained over 3,000 yards during his college career and was part of the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1996, has passed away at the age of 54.

Jones’ body was found in the basement of a house in north Omaha on Wednesday night. The police have not confirmed the cause of death yet, as they are waiting for an autopsy.

A close friend of Jones, Jo Dusatko, shared with the Omaha World-Herald that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. She mentioned that the furnace in the house wasn’t working, and Jones had been using a generator in the basement.

Jones’ College Career at Nebraska

Before entering the NFL, Jones was a standout player at Central High School, where he earned All-American honors. At Nebraska, he rushed for 3,166 yards and 40 touchdowns, earning All-Big Eight honors in 1992 and 1993.

He teamed up with Derek Brown in the backfield, and together they were known as the “We-Backs,” named after the Cornhuskers’ I-back position.

Nebraska players celebrate in the 1st half

In 1991, Jones was a backup to Brown, but he made a huge impact when he ran for a Big Eight freshman-record 294 yards and six touchdowns in a 59-23 win over Kansas. His rushing total in that game still ranks No. 2 on Nebraska’s single-game rushing list.

Jones declared for the NFL draft in 1994 and was selected in the third round by the Oakland Raiders. He played for the Raiders for two seasons, appearing in 15 games, with 27 carries for 112 yards and two receptions for 6 yards. Jones also spent some time with the Green Bay Packers during their Super Bowl-winning season in 1996, though he did not have any carries in the game.

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NFL (American Football)

Commanders focus on Eagles’ Barkley before NFC Championship in Philadelphia

Saquon Barkley reacts in the 2nd half

The Washington Commanders know they have a tough challenge ahead against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their focus remains on what it has been in the past two meetings: stopping Saquon Barkley. This has been a struggle for Washington and other teams all season.

Barkley’s Impact on Washington

Barkley proved to be a serious threat in both games against Washington. In those two games, he rushed for a total of 296 yards and scored four touchdowns. However, there was a clear contrast in his runs: out of 55 runs, 26 were for 2 yards or less, but he also had three runs for 130 yards and three touchdowns.

Barkley had an impressive regular season, rushing for 2,005 yards and was considered for MVP. In the playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams, he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

Washington’s defense knows stopping Barkley will be a key to their success. Linebacker Bobby Wagner emphasized the importance of staying disciplined throughout the game since Barkley has the ability to break off big runs at any moment.

Washington’s defense has struggled with the run all season. They ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed per game and 28th in yards per carry. In two earlier games against Philadelphia, they allowed over 200 rushing yards in both.

The Commanders understand that the Eagles’ offense has more than just Barkley to worry about. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is also a running threat. In their previous games against Washington, Hurts rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries. However, Hurts did sustain a concussion in the second game and did not return, which may have limited his ability to make plays.

If Hurts is still affected by a knee injury, Washington might be able to focus more on stopping Barkley. But they are preparing for a full-strength Eagles team with Hurts, top receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and a strong offensive line.

Washington Commanders players celebrate a touchdown in the 1st half

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is clear about how Washington will handle Hurts. He mentioned they plan to treat Hurts like a running back and hit him hard, putting the decision in the Eagles’ hands whether to expose him to those kinds of hits.

Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged this approach and said they are cautious in how they use Hurts to protect him. However, Whitt’s main focus remains Barkley.

Past Encounters with Barkley

Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn knows Barkley well, having faced him six times when he was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley had mixed success against Dallas, averaging just 49.3 yards per game against them, with a high of 81 yards in a game.

However, in the Commanders’ game against Philadelphia in November, Barkley showed his explosive abilities. After being held to 70 yards through three quarters, he rushed for 90 yards on 11 carries in the fourth, scoring two touchdowns.

In the next meeting, Barkley rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, with a 68-yard touchdown run. The Commanders did manage to limit him to 27 yards on 16 carries in the second half.

Quinn emphasized Barkley’s unique skill set, noting his combination of quickness and power. “It’s the explosive plays that he can create,” Quinn said, “and his rare change of direction. He has the quickness of a smaller back and the size of a big back.”

When asked about Barkley’s performance with the Eagles compared to his time with the New York Giants, Whitt remarked, “He’s always looked good to me.” Despite switching teams, Barkley remains a key focus for the Commanders as they prepare for the upcoming game against Philadelphia.

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NFL (American Football)

Bucs’ Liam Coen accepts head coach position with the Jaguars in Jacksonville

NFL Rumors: Bucs Interviewing Kentucky OC Liam Coen for OC Vacancy After Canales Exit
Liam Coen in the 2nd half

Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen told the team on Thursday night that he was leaving to become the coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a source told ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

The two sides verbally agreed on a contract overnight, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

This decision came after two days of back and forth. Coen first removed himself from consideration for the Jaguars job, then agreed to a contract extension with the Buccaneers that would have made him the NFL’s highest-paid coordinator.

However, he changed his mind after Jacksonville reached out to ask him to reconsider following the departure of their general manager, Trent Baalke, on Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday afternoon, Coen traveled to Jacksonville and met with owner Shad Khan and interim general manager Ethan Waugh. A source told Laine that Coen contacted Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles earlier that night to inform him of his renewed interest in the Jaguars job, but Coen did not speak with anyone else in the Buccaneers’ front office.

The Jaguars had interviewed Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham earlier Thursday and had a scheduled interview with former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh on Friday. A league source said they hoped to reconnect with Coen after Baalke’s departure, but they were prepared to search further if Coen declined.

While Coen’s decision to initially remove himself from consideration was partly due to an unwillingness to work with Baalke, it was not the main reason, according to the source.

Coen was one of 10 candidates the Jaguars interviewed, with their first discussions taking place virtually on January 15. He will be the eighth head coach in Jaguars history, replacing Doug Pederson, who was fired on January 6 after three seasons.

At 39, Coen will become the fourth-youngest active head coach in the NFL, behind Mike Macdonald (37) of the Seattle Seahawks, Ben Johnson (38) of the Chicago Bears, and Sean McVay (38) of the Los Angeles Rams.

Coen has spent 15 years as an assistant coach, including 10 at the college level. He spent four seasons with the Rams under McVay, working as an assistant wide receivers coach, assistant quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator in 2022. Most recently, he worked as the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers under Bowles.

Liam Coen looks on from the sidelines

Coen was hired by Tampa Bay to replace Dave Canales, who left the Bucs to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. This brought Coen back together with quarterback Baker Mayfield, whom Coen had coached with the Rams in 2022. The two worked together to form one of the best offenses in Buccaneers history.

Mayfield has a franchise record

Mayfield set a franchise record with a passer rating of 106.8, and the Buccaneers were the only team in the NFL to rank in the top five in both passing yards per game (250.4) and rushing yards per game (149.2). The Bucs also ranked in the top five in total offense (399.6 yards per game), scoring (29.5 points per game), third-down conversions (a league-high 50.9%), and red zone efficiency (66.7%).

The Bucs’ offense showed significant improvement in Coen’s first season compared to 2023:

  • 2023: 20.5 points per game, 313 yards per game, 89 rushing yards per game
  • 2024: 29.5 points per game, 400 yards per game, 149 rushing yards per game

Additionally, Mayfield had career highs in passing yards (4,500), passing touchdowns (41), and completion percentage (71.4%), ranking in the top three in each of those categories.

The Rams’ offense struggled in 2022 due to injuries, particularly to quarterback Matthew Stafford, who missed eight games. Los Angeles started four different quarterbacks that season and finished last in total offense (280.5 yards per game) and near the bottom in several other categories.

Coen spent 10 years as a college assistant, including two separate stints as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2023.

This hire is crucial for Jaguars owner Shad Khan as he seeks long-term stability for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence will have his third full-time coach and fourth playcaller in five seasons in the NFL.

The Jaguars had a tough 2024 season, finishing with a 4-13 record. This marked the 10th time in Khan’s 13 seasons as owner that his team posted double-digit losses.

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NFL (American Football)

In Boston, Patriots’ Jabrill Peppers testified that he did not choke or push the person who accused him

Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers (NFL)

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers completed his testimony on Friday in his assault and battery trial, denying accusations that he choked or shoved the woman who accused him.

Peppers, who began his testimony on Thursday, is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The woman who testified on Thursday claimed that Peppers grabbed her by the neck, slammed her against a wall, and pushed her down the stairs after another man repeatedly called her cellphone while they were in bed together.

Testimony and Evidence Presented

During her testimony, the woman explained that Peppers filmed her and taunted her as she tried to gather her belongings and leave his house in Braintree, Massachusetts, after the alleged assault. Prosecutors also presented several videos showing Peppers asking the woman to leave his home.

A police report from the October incident backed up the woman’s account, with officers noting that she declined to go to the hospital but was treated for her injuries at the scene.

Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers (NFL)

The woman emotionally described the alleged assault: “He grabbed me by the neck and slammed me against the wall. My feet weren’t touching the wall and he was holding me up against the wall.”

Defense’s Cross-Examination and Peppers’ Background

During cross-examination, Peppers’ attorney, Marc Brofsky, questioned the woman’s version of events and the severity of her injuries. He also pointed out that the woman had filed a $9.5 million civil lawsuit against Peppers, suggesting she might be “looking for money.”

Since the incident, Peppers has been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, causing him to miss seven games. Peppers, who is in his third season with the Patriots, signed an extension with the team last summer.

He was drafted by Cleveland in 2017, played two seasons with the Browns, and spent three seasons with the New York Giants before joining the Patriots. His current contract with New England runs through 2027.

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NFL (American Football)

In Washington, the Commanders are determined to make a Super Bowl run and create history as long-shot contenders

Washington Commanders players after a pass

The Washington Commanders are just one win away from making history as one of the biggest preseason underdogs to reach the Super Bowl. They will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles are the favorites, listed as 6-point favorites at ESPN BET on Friday. In contrast, the Commanders were considered much bigger underdogs earlier in the season.

The Long Shot Journey to the NFC Championship

At the start of the season, the Commanders were given 150-1 odds to win the Super Bowl. Their odds worsened to as long as 250-1 by Week 3. If the Commanders win on Sunday, they will match the 1999 St. Louis Rams for the longest preseason odds for a Super Bowl participant since the NFL switched to a 16-game schedule in 1978, according to SportsOddsHistory.com.

Few Believed in the Commanders at the Start

Hardly any bettors took a chance on the Commanders in the preseason. A Virginia bettor placed a $500 Super Bowl bet at 150-1 odds on August 17, which is among the largest reported preseason bets on Washington.

Jayden Daniels speaks to the media after the game

During the offseason, 27 teams, including the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and New England Patriots, received more Super Bowl bets than the Commanders at BetMGM sportsbooks. In fact, there was about 10 times more money wagered on the New York Jets to win the Super Bowl than on the Commanders before the season began.

Commanders Now Popular Bet to Beat Eagles

Fast forward four months, and the Commanders are now the most popular bet at BetMGM. More bets have been placed on Washington to beat the Eagles outright than any other outcome in this weekend’s championship games. The Commanders are +240 underdogs to win the game.

In the AFC Championship Game, the Kansas City Chiefs are 1.5-point favorites over the Buffalo Bills at ESPN BET. The second-most popular NFL bet at BetMGM this weekend is for the Bills to beat the Chiefs outright, as of Friday.

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Football (Premier League)

Charlie Adam has accepted a new Premier League coaching role at Everton just a month after being fired by Fleetwood Town

Charlie Adam has accepted a new Premier League coaching role at Everton just a month after being fired by Fleetwood Town

Everton has added former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam to David Moyes’ coaching team. Adam, who was recently dismissed as Fleetwood Town manager after a poor run of results, takes on the role of set-piece coach at Everton. He joins Alan Irvine, a former Everton winger, in Moyes’ backroom team.

Moyes expressed his happiness about the appointments, saying, “I’m delighted to have added Alan and Charlie to our coaching staff. Obviously, Alan is somebody who I have known for a very long time and have tremendous respect for.

His knowledge of the game and his understanding of what is required at Everton – a club that means a lot to both of us – will be invaluable. Charlie is someone I have had several chats with since rejoining the Club.

He will be helping with set-piece situations, an area he excelled in as a player and one I believe he can help us with now as a coach.”

Adam’s Set-Piece Expertise and Return to Merseyside

Charlie Adam gained recognition for his set-piece abilities, especially during his time at Blackpool. His free kicks and corner kicks were highly praised by Sir Alex Ferguson, who said after a match in 2011, “We just couldn’t handle Charlie Adam’s free-kicks and corners.

Charlie Adam is to take up his new position of set-piece coach at Everton

We were all over the place. His corner kicks are worth £10million in themselves. The boy is an incredible striker of the ball.” Moyes will hope to benefit from Adam’s skillset as he tries to improve Everton’s performance in the second half of the season.

Adam’s appointment adds excitement to the upcoming Merseyside derby, which was rescheduled to February 12 after earlier being postponed. Fans will hope Adam’s expertise can lead to another strong result against Liverpool, following last season’s 2-0 win.

Adam, who retired from football in 2022, had a brief spell at Liverpool, playing 37 times and scoring twice. He later moved to Stoke City. Reflecting on his departure from Liverpool, Adam shared that he regretted leaving at the time and wished he had stayed longer to prove himself to manager Brendan Rodgers.

Adam joins a small group of players who have played for both Merseyside clubs, including Nick Barmby, Don Hutchison, and others.