When Kawhi Leonard became a Toronto Raptor for the first time in the summer of 2018, he looked shellshocked. "There's just more questions you have to ask me in order for me to tell you about myself," he said, introducing himself to an organization and city he reportedly had no interest in joining.
Leonard had fallen out with his former team, the San Antonio Spurs – one of the most respected franchises in professional sports – due to differences in opinion about an injury that had limited him to just nine games in the 2017-18 season. The Los Angeles native had hoped to end up in southern California, but instead the Raptors risked it all by swapping franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan for one year of an injured, malcontent Leonard. It worked: Leonard led the Raptors to their maiden championship on the back of a historic playoff run, averaging 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 **** ists and 1.7 steals en route. Leonard won his second finals MVP to go alongside the one he had claimed with the Spurs when he helped them to the **** le in 2014.
Related: LeBron James is everything Philadelphia wants. And everything it can't stand | Bryan Armen Graham
"The narrative of not wanting to come to this city is gone," the team's president, Masai Ujiri, said at that 2018 press conference, speaking to insecure Raptors fans who had watched American players like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Chris Bosh leave Toronto since the franchise opened its doors in 1995. "We should move past that. Believe in this city. Believe in yourselves … We are proud of who we are."
But even a historic season wasn't enough to convince Leonard to stay north of the border. After a long and contentious free-agency period managed by his uncle, Dennis Robertson, Leonard spurned the reigning champions in favor of his hometown Los Angeles Clippers. "There wasn't as much anger in 2019 as there was with Vince Carter or some of the other guys who left," says Bruce Arthur, who has covered Leonard since 2018 for the Toronto Star. "I think he was given a little bit of special dispensation because he was going home, because he had delivered a **** le, and because I never felt like there was ever a connection outside of Kawhi the basketball player, with Toronto."

#SPURS #vince #carter #believe

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed a ban he put in place phones during Tottenham's warm weather training camp in Marbella in his latest attempt to improve the camp's spirit.
Spurs committed more than £380million on new signings this summer with 10 players joining, but they will start Monday's home fixture with Coventry at the bottom of the Premier League.
The manager has revealed he banned phones from mealtime during Tottenham's trip to Marbella.
"We worked on the pitch, we stayed together – we removed phones from breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay together because now it is like (phone) all the time," De Zerbi told a press conference.
"We had two or three important meetings speaking about football, our situation and how everyone has to take responsibility. And nothing more. There were some dinners just for the players, some dinners just for the staff.

#SPURS

As a Newcastle United fan, before a ball was kicked this season would you have settled for finishing above Manchester United, Aston Villa, Spurs and Sunderland after the 38th round of 2026/27 Premier League matches are completed?
On Monday morning these are four of the nine Premier League clubs occupying positions 12th to 20th in the table.
In 27 attempts between Manchester United, Aston Villa, Spurs and Sunderland so far this season, they have won four of the 27 Premier League matches. Indeed, one of their four collective victories was Villa winning at Tottenham.
Newcastle United are currently ahead of all four of these teams in the Premier League table, plus another five.
If how the Premier League table looks now (see below), was still the same after the final matches in May 2027, then I am guessing most Newcastle fans would be currently settling for that. Right?

#united #four #manchester

Good news first: it's definitely shrinking. It being 'The Gap'. The Gap being the ***** e between the Women's Super League's entrenched top three and the rest.
It is, though, ***** ailable by pre-match face painting and savvy coaching and, if you're Birmingham City, who snagged a point off ***** nal on Saturday, Oceane Hurtre's left foot.
Of course, The Gap is still there if you're, say, Tottenham Hotspur or Brighton & Hove Albion, the former having suffered a 6-2 defeat to Chelsea before the latter fell 3-2 to Manchester City.
The result leaves Spurs with just two wins from 54 matches played against the WSL's top four (Chelsea, City, ***** nal and Manchester United), Chelsea claiming 13 wins from 13. While Brighton can boast two wins from their 13 meetings with City, Sunday was not one.
"After the first three goals, it was a bit like, 'Wow, are we that good and they are that bad?'" said City head coach Andree Jeglertz after his side's 3-2 victory. "Of course that's not the reality. If you drop a couple of percentages in this league, teams are good enough to punish you. Brighton is this type."

#good #arsenal #three #you 're

With eight different teams the winners over the past eight seasons, it is hard to predict who takes home the NBA's Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.
If there is to be a ninth different name in as many seasons, you might look to San Antonio Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama leading the team to the Finals last season before coming unstuck against the New York Knicks.
Maybe the Philadelphia 76ers off-season moves to acquire Jaylen Brown and sign the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James is an attractive pick, or perhaps the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As the season tips off, the first British-born coach in the NBA, Tim Lewis will be hoping he can ******* ist Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves to their first NBA ******* le.
Lewis has been something of a journeyman in basketball.

#seasons

New York Knicks superfan and actor Anne Hathaway was left in shock when co-star Dakota Johnson claimed she had no idea who OG Anunoby is.
Hathaway has had a blockbuster 2026 with starring roles in movies like Inertia and The Odyssey. She was also a public presence during the Knicks run to the 2026 NBA ******* le, having expressed fandom for OG Anunoby in particular earlier in the season.
While Anunoby's name has been immortalised in sports lore for his contributions to the Knicks' ******* le win, Hathaway could not believe the reaction of her non-sports-knowing co-star Johnson at Anunoby's mention.
In an interview alongside Josh Hartnett and Dakota Johnson, Hathaway is asked to identify previous collaborators through clues. Hartnett and Johnson are visibly stumped when they're asked to describe OG Anunoby, with Johnson asking Hathaway if that was a real person.
Hathaway would then explain Anunoby's legendary tip-in winner in Game 4 of the NBA Finals to help the Knicks take a 3-1 series lead against the Spurs before sealing the series in Game 5 and winning the ******* le.

#johnson #knicks #dakota #star

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is getting the star treatment again after making an Emmys appearance with a "Law and Order: SVU" star.
The NBA champion cannot get away from the spotlight after helping guide New York to success in 2026. Brunson and the Knicks won the team's first championship in over 53 years after beating the San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, Brunson's attention for the evening is shifting to the Emmys alongside Mariska Hargitay of the "Law and Order" franchise. Hargitay is a well-known Knicks superfan and attended many games throughout the team's championship run.
The two have become good friends since Brunson's move to the Knicks in 2022. Now, they're appearing on primetime award shows together.
MORE: Sydney Sweeney claps back with subtle message after backlash for suggestive ad

#york

The Spurs announced Monday that registration is open for its second annual Gregg Popovich Coach to Coaches Clinic.
Set for 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Frost Bank Center before the start of the team's annual Silver & Black Open Scrimmage, the free clinic is open to basketball coaches of all levels and will be headed by Spurs coach Mitch Johnson and members of his staff.
Registration runs through Oct. 2.
More than 800 coaches representing more than 200 schools, organizations and communities from across the San Antonio area participated in last year's inaugural clinic.
"Coach Popovich has always emphasized the importance of teaching, sharing knowledge and helping others grow," Johnson said. "Last year's clinic was a great opportunity to connect with coaches in our community, and we're looking forward to continuing that tradition this year. We're excited to welcome everyone back to Frost Bank Center."

#coach #popovich

Tottenham have James Maddison back. That is the headline, and for a side still trying to find rhythm and continuity early in the season, it matters.
Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the England midfielder is available again ahead of Everton's visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Maddison has returned to training after recovering from the shoulder fracture he suffered on the opening weekend against Brentford. Whether he starts is another matter.
De Zerbi was clear enough when asked about his availability. "Maddison, yes (he will be back)," Spurs boss De Zerbi said. On the prospect of him starting, he added: "I'm happy when all my players are available. It is maybe a problem for me because my decisions are not easy. But I want to manage all players together."
Tottenham will not rush him. That is sensible. Maddison missed most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, then had a limited pre-season, and now returns from another setback. Spurs need his craft and control, though they also need him available beyond one afternoon in September.
Photo IMAGO

#season #available #players #need

Assessing
🚨🇧🇷 Richarlison will not join Vasco da Gama and he’s now ******* sing his options for future after Trabzonspor deal off two weeks ago — it was his priority.

Spurs still consider Richarlison out of the project. pic.twitter.com/h1FLHix7mX
Most
Most chances created on MD1 of the Champions League this season. 🔑 https://t.co/ZOYlDx1GpM pic.twitter.com/6TbMUsckNj
Doubtful but sure

#SPURS

Showing off his jewelry to Jared McCain, Aday Mara is hoping to add more championship rings in the future. Reading the room across the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder realized they needed serious size in the frontcourt to keep up.
You come to that realization when you see Victor Wembanyama beat you in the 2026 Western Conference Finals. The 22-year-old has arrived. He'll keep the San Antonio Spurs in the ***** le picture for the foreseeable future. Which directly conflicts with the Thunder and their ambitions.
In comes Mara. The Thunder drafted the 7-foot-3 giant with the No. 12 pick of the 2026 NBA draft. They hope he can strengthen their frontcourt depth for the foreseeable future and possibly be Chet Holmgren's running mate for the rest of the contending window.
Before we find out the answers to those valuable questions, though, Mara earned some well-deserved reflection on his collegiate journey. He showed off his rings on a recent social media post. After two so-so years at UCLA, his decision to transfer to Michigan completely changed his life for the better. He helped the Wolverines capture the 2026 national championship.
Michigan went a dominant 37-3 in the 2025-26 season. Mara's breakout helped with that. It had a three-headed frontcourt monster — alongside Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. All three went in the lottery range of the 2026 NBA draft. And head coach Dusty Mays joined the Dallas Mavericks in a rare college-to-NBA job promotion.

#michigan

Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract at Tottenham - three months after saying he wanted to leave.
The 20-year-old told the club he wanted a move in the summer, having had limited playing time following Roberto de Zerbi's arrival as manager towards the end of last season.
Brazil forward Richarlison, meanwhile, is currently in a dispute over his contract after a proposed move to Vasco da Gama fell through.
He is understood to be exploring his options, with BBC Sport reporting on Thursday the 29-year-old is keen to be released from the remainder of his current deal, which runs out next summer - but Spurs can also trigger a 12-month extension.
The attacker has been left out of the club's Premier League squad after a proposed deadline-day move to Everton broke down.

#wanted #bergvall #TOTTENHAM

When the NFL released its season schedule in May, the league's calculated risk flashed.
In a vacuum, scheduling the Denver Broncos to face the Kansas City Chiefs for the "Monday Night Football" season opener made perfect sense. Two competitive teams with star quarterbacks and Super Bowl-winning coaches playing a division game? The intrigue was obvious.
But zoom out, and zoom back to May: The schedule-makers were banking on answers yet undelivered. The Chiefs' quarterback, two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, was still rehabilitating from tearing his left ACL and LCL on Dec. 14. The Broncos' quarterback, Bo Nix, had undergone one surgery after a Jan. 17 ankle fracture and another in April to clean up bone spurs.
Neither injury seemed likely to threaten the quarterbacks' careers. But starting Week 1? Back in May, banking on that was more optimistic than certain.
Fast forward to now, and both Nix and Mahomes are on track to start Monday night after fully participating in their respective training camps. Nix dissolved concerns about his limitations early in camp when throwing a 48-yard pass on the run, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told Yahoo Sports. Nix also played in the preseason.

#chiefs #season #quarterbacks

Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract at Tottenham - three months after saying he wanted to leave.
The 20-year-old told the club he wanted a move in the summer, having had limited playing time following Roberto de Zerbi's arrival as manager towards the end of last season.
Brazil forward Richarlison, meanwhile, is currently in a dispute over his contract and De Zerbi did not provide any update on his future.
"I don't know," said the Spurs boss in a news conference. "It's not my job."
Richarlison is understood to be exploring his options, with BBC Sport reporting on Thursday the 29-year-old is keen to be released from the remainder of his current deal, which runs out next summer - but Spurs can also trigger a 12-month extension.

#richarlison #contract #lucas

San Antonio has already seen its young core make a deep playoff run, but the work behind that rise does not stop when the game ends. The Spurs have built a system in which young players can learn from coaches, veterans, and former stars who understand what it takes to win in San Antonio.
That connection matters even more for Stephon Castle, who went from a rookie trying to find his place to one of the team's main guards in just two seasons. Now, he is starting to see what the Spurs' history can mean for the group trying to build the next chapter.
Castle views playing for San Antonio as more than a chance to wear one of the league's most recognizable jerseys. The franchise has produced generations of stars, and many of those players still stay close to the organization and its current roster.
"It's a blessing to play for an organization like that," Castle said, describing what it means to play for the Spurs. He also pointed to the people who came before him and the way they continue to stay involved with the team.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) holds the ball as New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

#SPURS #stephon #young #game

Your daily dose of Everton news and rumours
Today, we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and all those whose lives were forever changed. Never forget.
The Blues continue their training ahead of a road test against Spurs tomorrow. [EFC]
"We've made a decent start and we want to keep that feeling going. We've made some really good signings in midfield, which gives us good, healthy competition. In the short-term I'm just looking to get fully fit. It feels horrible not being up to my 100 per cent. I'm working every day to get there, because I want to show the consistency levels again where I was last season. If I do that, I'll be happy and I know that will put me in good stead to help the team – and also for things like England," says James Garner. [EFC]
The players look great in the new third kit.

#we 've #lives #made #september

Stephon Castle showcases his gratitude for the Spurs legends' impactful support originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Across the NBA, there are plenty of iconic franchises. One of them is the San Antonio Spurs, a team with a history of success. They have won five championships in their time in the NBA, and their legends continue to stick around and help the next generation.
People like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, David Robinson, and many more are always present for the Spurs. This has helped the younger players because they know that they have some mentors to go to when they need help.
For any Spurs player, they will become familiar with the older figures within the organization who have been there for a long time. Of course, Gregg Popovich is probably the most recognizable one, as he is still the team president.
Mitch Johnson might have taken over as the head coach, but Pop still has an impact and influence on the players. Youngsters like Castle and Dylan Harper are benefiting from this because they know they have mentors to look up to.

#sporting #team #Help

The Austin Spurs announced Thursday the hiring of the 12th head coach in franchise history.
Chris Kent will guide the Spurs' G League team in 2026-27 after serving as ******* istant coach and director of player development at Florida State during the 2025-26 season. Kent helped the Seminoles to an 18-15 finish that included a 10-8 showing in ACC play.
Kent also has experience in the G League, most recently spending two seasons from 2023-25 as an ******* istant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers' Rip City Remix, according to an Austin Spurs press release.
Kent began his coaching career as an intern with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the former G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, from 2013-15 before joining Florida State as a graduate ******* istant. He also served as director of player development at South Florida during the 2017-18 season before joining the Chicago Bulls in 2018 as an intern.
The Bulls promoted Kent to video coordinator in 2019. He spent three seasons in that role before serving as an ******* istant coach with the G League's Windy City Bulls during the 2022-23 season.

#austin

For today's Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Raj Chipalu from Lakers Screen & Roll to continue the NBA Entertainment rankings with Luka Doncic's Lakers. Who's the fifth starter for Los Angeles? Can Luka win MVP with this roster?
Then, KOC reviews the young Spurs fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. What will they do with Dylan Harper?
Plus, EV + tech guru Sawyer Merritt joins to talk about Tesla's new Cybercab.
01:01 Entertainment Rankings No. 4 with Raj Chipalu: Los Angeles Lakers
28:26 Entertainment Rankings No. 3: San Antonio Spurs

#luka #kevin #show

Emmy-winning US actress Mariska Hargitay and one of Taylor Swift's longtime friends recently revealed how Swift made her change her ways while the duo cheered for the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals.
The Knicks gave New York fans a reason to keep cheering when they won this year's NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs to lift the third NBA ****** le in franchise history. It was the Knicks' first ****** le since 1973, as Jalen Brunson led the way for the team to secure a 4-1 win over the Spurs.
Among the many Knicks fans in attendance were Swift and Hargitay, who were spotted cheering and dancing during Game 4 of the Finals. Months after the game, Hargitay revealed how she made her way to Madison Square Garden that night and what Swift did to turn her into a proper Knicks fan.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, the Law & Order: SVU star revealed that she had to run all the way from the theatre to Madison Square Garden, as she was performing in a play at the time.

#revealed #york

Charles Barkley, a former NBA player, believes the San Antonio Spurs have a promising future. The Spurs already have Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 superstar who is at the center of the team's foundation. They also have De'Aaron Fox, a promising backcourt star veteran. In the franchise's recent postseason run, however, two youngsters took the spotlight.
Along with Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper demonstrated that they can contribute to the Spurs' promising future. During San Antonio's playoff run, Castle averaged 18.2 points, the second-most points on the team. Harper, meanwhile, averaged 14.1 points per game, the most from a player off the bench.
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV ***** yst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Charles Barkley issued a stern warning to other NBA backcourt players regarding their postseason performance during his recent appearance on "The Bill Simmons Show". Barkley also compared the Spurs' young guards to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Those two guards, I don't want to see them for the next 10 years if I'm a guard in the NBA," Barkley said. "Harper and Castle, if I'm a guard in the NBA, I do not want to see them boys for the next 10 years. They're gonna be the new Steph and Klay."

#SPURS #charles #castle #points

Victor Wembanyama has a gargantuan task ahead of him as he looks to bring the San Antonio Spurs back to basketball glory. He is entering his fourth season, and so far, he has done a good job.
Most recently, he willed the Spurs to an NBA Finals appearance, although they ultimately lost to the New York Knicks. The 2026 season marked the first time since 2019 that the Spurs made the playoffs, and they went all the way to the NBA Finals.
On a personal level, expectations are also high. Many believe Wembanyama can go down as one of the best players ever to grace the NBA. So far, he is exceeding the lofty standards set for him. He won the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award unanimously and was named to the All-NBA First Team. He also came close to winning the Most Valuable Player award.
All eyes are on Wemby as he steps into greatness.
A member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team is also closely watching his development, believing the French star is carrying the torch for the next generation.

#wembanyama #team #award

Tottenham have their first Premier League point of the season, but the bigger issue is obvious. Three matches in, no wins, no goals and too many key attackers still working their way back.
The 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest stopped the immediate bleeding after defeats to Brentford and Newcastle, yet Roberto De Zerbi still has a squad short on cutting edge. Savio and Destiny Udogie both continued their managed returns at the City Ground and both were taken off around the hour mark. There is no fresh injury concern there, which matters because Spurs do not need another problem.
Photo IMAGO
James Maddison remains out after injuring his shoulder against Brentford on the opening day. He had already been eased back into action after last year's ACL injury, and Tottenham have clearly been careful with him.
He missed the trip to Forest, but there is now encouragement around his recovery after returning to team training. For a side lacking control and invention between the lines, that matters. Spurs need a player who can slow the game down, pick a pass and connect midfield to attack. Right now, they do not have enough of that.

#SPURS #matters

Charles Barkley has often made bold NBA predictions and comparisons, but his most recent one is especially noteworthy. During an interview with Bill Simmons, the NBA legend claimed he has found a duo that could be the NBA's next Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
"First of all, those two guards, I don't want to see them for the next 10 years if I'm a guard in the NBA," Barkley said on The Bill Simmons Podcast about the Spurs' young backcourt in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
"If I'm a guard in the NBA, I do not want to see them, boys, for the next 10 years. They're going to be the best. They're going to be the new Steph and Klay."
Stephon Castle ended 2025-26 averaging 17.0 points, 7.1 ******* ists, and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 46.8% from the field and 33.7% from behind the three-point line in 91 games (including the playoffs).
Meanwhile, Dylan Harper averaged 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 ******* ists in 2025-26 while shooting 50.7% from the field and 34.0% from beyond the arc, including the playoffs, in 92 games, mostly coming off the bench.

#castle

Victor Wembanyama gets a big shout-out from French UFC fighter Ciryl Gane originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Over the past decade, it has become clear that basketball is one of the biggest sports in the world. The rise of international players is a testament to this because there has not been an American regular-season MVP since James Harden's MVP in 2018.
Players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been dominant as non-American players. However, it seems San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama is ready to carry the torch moving forward as the best player to come out of France, a country that's well-known for producing some elite athletes.
As the current UFC interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane knows what it's like to succeed. He is, in fact, a two-time holder of that **** le, so he is quite successful in his mixed martial arts career. The orthodox heavyweight striker stands out in the UFC with his natural talent and light feet despite being a 6'4" fighter.
Just like Gane, Wembanyama shares some traits with his fellow Frenchman. Being a giant who can move light on their feet is certainly a good trait to have, but it matters the most in a sport like basketball.

#ciryl #fighter

Iliman Ndiaye has explained why he turned down Tottenham to join Manchester City by saying his determination to play Champions League football counted against Spurs.
The Senegalese winger completed a £60m move from Everton to City on deadline day but only after Tottenham were the first to bid for him.
Spurs were discussing a £60m move for Ndiaye – with Richarlison returning to Everton for £35m in a separate deal – but as soon as City showed an interest, the former Sheffield United player decided not to join a club that finished 17th in each of the last two seasons.
"For me it was always going to be City," he said. "I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I'm not saying Tottenham is not, but when Manchester City comes through, you don't say no.
"This is where I think I belong. I've worked hard to get to this point. When I was speaking with my wife, I was telling her if I had to leave Everton it would be somewhere where I know I would be playing Champions League."

#champions #league #ndiaye #join

Richarlison's situation at Tottenham has become increasingly complicated after a proposed move to Trabzonspor failed to materialise before the Turkish transfer deadline. As first reported by The Standard, the Brazil forward is now facing a shrinking market, with several possible routes already closed and very few obvious solutions left before the season moves on without him.
The key issue is straightforward. Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad, a significant indication that Roberto De Zerbi does not see him as part of the immediate plan in north London. Everton had been linked earlier in the window, but that avenue went nowhere. Trabzonspor then emerged as a credible option, yet that deal also fell away before Friday's deadline.
That leaves Tottenham and Richarlison in an awkward position. Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands are no longer open markets, while MLS is also off the table. The realistic alternatives are now fewer and more specialised.
Saudi Arabia stands out as the clearest remaining possibility, with its transfer window open until October 12. For players who have fallen out of the picture at Premier League clubs, that pathway has become increasingly common. Portugal could also hold some appeal, both stylistically and linguistically, with Primeira Liga clubs able to sign players until September 15.
Photo SpursOfficial on X

#premier #league #transfer #deadline

Deuce McBride realized ***** ody could stop the Knicks during the series against the Hawks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
During the 2026 Playoffs, the New York Knicks went on a magical run all the way to winning the championship. It all started with the first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, when they were tested the most. However, it seems that the Knicks players treated that series as a big lesson.
As an important rotation player, Miles "Deuce" McBride knows how much momentum matters for his team. Considering that the Knicks struggled early on during the series against the Hawks, turning that around was a big part of their success.
CJ McCollum was playing at a high level during the first-round series against the Knicks, which was enough for him to become the biggest opponent for the fans. Fortunately for the Knicks, they managed to swing the momentum in their favor with the 114-98 win in Game 4.
They never turned back, as they won 126-97 in Game 5 and finished the series off with a 140-89 victory in Game 6. After that win, they only lost one more game, which was during the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. It was a magical run that is on par with some of the best teams of all time.

#hawks

As the calendar flips to September, we're officially in the quiet zone of the NBA year. Not much will go on until the final days of the month. All of the major offseason moves have already happened. Teams across the league enjoy some serenity before the marathon starts back up again.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will enter the 2026-27 season as co-title favorites — alongside the San Antonio Spurs. Even with their offseason departures, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren should keep them in the middle of the ***** le hunt.
With nothing else happening, Thunder Wire will regularly conduct Thunder Mailbags over the remainder of the offseason. In this edition, a social media user asked in the DMs — could Alex Caruso's regular-season role change with so many departures?
The Thunder added Caruso in a rare one-for-one player trade with the Chicago Bulls in June 2024. It was one of two offseason moves made that summer that signaled their readiness to take the next step as a serious ***** le contender. Safe to say the win-now move paid off. OKC won the 2025 NBA championship in his first year there and almost won another this past year.
In those two playoff runs, Caruso has been one of OKC's five most important players. Especially when you compare his pedestrian regular-season numbers. He's averaged 6.6 points on 43.3% shooting, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 ***** ists in the regular season. He's shot 32.2% from 3. And in the playoffs, those numbers jump up to 9.9 points on 46.2% shooting, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 ***** ists. He's shot 42.7% from 3.

#regular

September has arrived. The offseason is almost over. Right now, these are the final weeks of serenity until the 2026-27 regular season arrives. Once the marathon starts, the next nine months will be packed with games on an almost every-night basis.
Now that the summer is about over, we can safely say the Philadelphia 76ers had the brightest fireworks that rival the 4th of July night. They completely transformed their team with the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese and VJ Edgecombe, it's easily the most star-studded starting five in the league.
The Sixers were part of arguably the two biggest moves of the offseason. First, they shocked the NBA world with a blockbuster deal. They landed Brown from the Boston Celtics for Paul George and four future draft picks. Fresh off a career year that saw him gain MVP buzz, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP joins an arch-rival.
Later on, Philadelphia eventually — to everybody's surprise — became the winner of the final James sweepstakes. The 41-year-old showed last season that he still has mileage left on his tires. He left the Los Angeles Lakers and left the Cleveland Cavaliers at the altar of a potential third reunion. Looks like he wants to compete for a ring in the final years of his all-time career.
Remains to be seen if that translates to wins, but the NBA schedule-makers have gone all out to parade the Sixers on the national stage. They're tied with the Lakers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs for most national TV games at a maximum of 34 appearances. One of those is at OKC.

#final #Lakers #almost