Deion Sanders has been a master television showman, but his viewership numbers have trended downward significantly this season at Colorado
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Joins NHL On TNT: Chirps Henrik Lundqvist, Praises Isles Fan Base & More
On Wednesday night, New York Islanders No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer appeared on NHL on TNT to answer questions from the panel.
The interview begane with a question from Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender and New York Rangers legend Henrik Henrik Lundqvist about "pinch yourself" moments early on in his career.
Schaefer began his response with a chirp: "First off, it's pretty tough getting a Ranger asking the first question, not the Long Island native here", referring to Williston Park native Liam McHugh.
Enjoy the interview:
The full Matthew Schaefer @NHL_On_TNT interview, including dishin’ some NY rivalry chirps at @HLundqvistpic.twitter.com/sZp0850rGW
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) November 6, 2025
Schaefer has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 13 games this season, as he's off to a fiery start to his NHL career.
He and the team are back in action on Friday nigth at UBS Arena against the Minnesota Wild.
Blue Jackets Roasted By Flames; Lose Sean Monahan To Injury
Kirill Marchenko(6-SHG) scored the only goal for Columbus, and Jet Greaves would give up four goals, including two in the first 1:32 of the game to seal it for Calgary.
The Jackets didn't play too bad after the initial onslaught by Calgary but couldn't overcome those two goals. The Jackets would fall to the Flames in Calgary.
First Period - 2-1 Flames - 13-10 SOG - CBJ Goal - Kirill Marchenko(6-SHG)
Not a good start for Columbus. Just 56 seconds into the game, Morgan Frost put the Flames up 1-0. 36 Seconds later, Blake Coleman scored to make it 2-0. Yeah, not a good start.
Kirill Marchenko cut the lead in half at 6:57 of the first with a shorthanded goal. He went streaking down the center of the ice and took a pass from Boone Jenner to beat Dustin Wolf. That was the CBJ's first shortie of the season. With that goal, which was his 6th, he extended his points streak to six games.
The period slowed after the Marchenko goal, but Columbus was able to pull even on the shot clock and controlling most of the play. The period ended 2-1, and Jackets fans had to feel a lot better in the final 19 minutes of the period.
Second Period - 4-1 Flames - 11-7 - No CBJ Goals
The Blue Jackets came out in the second with some good jump and put some pressure on Flames goalie Dustin Wolf. Unfortunately for Columbus, he's really good.
Nazem Kadri scored 7:47 into the second to push the lead to 3-1. Kadri broke out on a 2-on-1 and beat Jet Greaves in his 1000th NHL game. Both of the Jackets defensemen were too deep and gave up a breakout. Under a minute later, Adam Klapka scored to make it 4-1, which pretty much would put the game on ice. Yet another 2-on-1 breakaway for the Flames.
The Wheels are starting to get shaky on the Blue Jackets bus.
The Blue Jackets actually controlled a lot of the second period, putting some quality shots on Dustin Wolf; they just couldn't beat him. They had more scoring chances and high-danger scoring chances as well. This turned into one of "those" games. By the end of the period, they started chasing the puck more and it was looking like they were going to give up a 5th goal.
Third Period
The Blue Jackets were awarded their first power play at 57 seconds when Kevin Bahl hooked Charlie Coyle. The Flames killed it fairly easily to keep the lead at 4-1.
The Blue Jackets outplayed and outshot the Flames for the first 9 minutes of the third period, pumping 11 shots at Wolf before going to the power play with a little less than 12 minutes to play in the game. Columbus killed the penalty and kept it a three-score game.
The game was played 4-on-4 for two minutes when Ivan Provorov and Rasmus Andersson went to the box with matching minors. Nothing happened and the game would remain 4-1 Flames.
Dean Evason would pull Jet Greaves with around five minutes to go in the game, but again, Dustin Wolf was too good and would stop everything.
The Flames would add an empty net goal with under a minute left to send the Jackets to Vancouver with a second straight loss.
Injuries - Sean Monahan looked to have injure his left hand or wrist. He took three shifts in the third and then left the game. Hopefully, it's just precautionary, and he'll be back for Vancouver on Saturday.
Final Stats
Player Stats
- Kirill Marchenko scored his 6th goal of the season. He extended his points streak to 6 games and is on a point-per-game pace.
- Boone Jenner picked up his 6th assist of the season.
- Ivan Provorov had 6 shots on goal to lead the team.
- Jet Greaves could only make 21 saves on 25 Calgary shots.
Team Stats
- The Jackets power play went 0/1.
- The Columbus PK stopped two Flames power plays.
- Columbus won 58.8% of the faceoffs.
- The Blue Jackets had 22 of their shots blocked by Calgary.
Up Next: They visit the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, Nov. 8th, and then the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, Nov. 10th. They will wrap up their Western swing with a matchup against the Seattle Kraken.
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Phils linked to Angels' sluggers Jo Adell, Taylor Ward in recent report originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Right-handed hitters. Phillies fans might get sick of hearing how much the organization values adding them this offseason.
Wednesday — the day before free agency opened — offered another example. On MLB Network’s Hot Stove, Jon Morosi reported that the Los Angeles Angels are considering trading outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward, adding that there’s a “better than 50-50 chance” one of them gets moved. And yes, the Phillies were the team highlighted that could swing a deal.
Jo Adell’s 2025 breakout
Adell, 26, was the Angels’ first-round pick in 2017 and one of baseball’s most hyped prospects before injuries and inconsistency stalled him. From 2020–23, he never played more than 88 games in a season. In 2024, he finally earned a full-time role in right field, hitting 20 homers among 37 extra-base hits but finishing with a .207 average.
A year later, everything clicked. Adell quietly turned in one of baseball’s most underrated seasons at the plate – 37 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a .236/.293/.485 line for a .778 OPS, finishing fourth in the American League in homers.
The advanced numbers backed it up. His .565 expected slugging, 17.3% barrel rate, and 77.6 mph bat speed all ranked inside the top four percent of MLB. But the swing-and-miss remains a problem – 151 strikeouts, a 25th-percentile whiff rate, and just 33 walks.
Defensively, Adell struggled again. He played 89 games in center and 69 in right but ranked last in Outs Above Average, with below-average arm strength. On a contender like Philadelphia, he’d likely fit best as a corner outfielder or part-time DH, depending on whether Kyle Schwarber returns.
Still, there’s no denying the physical tools. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Adell has real middle-of-the-order power and the athleticism to one day succeed in the outfield.
Sep 3, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Taylor Ward (3) bats during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Taylor Ward’s consistency
Ward, 31, brings a more polished version of that same right-handed power profile. Another first-round pick (2015), he’s hit 23-plus homers in three of the last four seasons, missing only in 2024 after a fastball fractured his nose and orbital bone.
He came back stronger in 2025, hitting 36 homers with 103 RBIs and a .228 average, ranking fifth in the AL in home runs, sixth in RBIs, and seventh in extra-base hits (69). Ward does strike out a ton (175 times last season) but offsets it with strong plate discipline – 75 walks (seventh in the AL) and a 20.7% chase rate, good for the 92nd percentile.
He’s the steadier of the two hitters and could bring much-needed lineup protection for Bryce Harper or potentially whoever occupies Schwarber’s old role. Ward’s plate discipline and ability to grind at-bats make him a strong middle-of-the-order fit. Defensively, he’s played a ton in left field – especially this past season – and a fair amount in right.
Player outlook, trade pieces
Adell is under control through 2027 and projected to make about $4.5 million in arbitration this season. Ward, on the other hand, is entering his final season under contract, set to earn around $11 million. The Angels’ farm system is light on position players and loaded with pitching – just two Top 100 prospects (Tyler Bremner and Ryan Johnson), both arms – which makes the Phillies a logical partner.
Many would suggest sending Justin Crawford – who will compete for an everyday role in Spring Training for the Phils – but he’s not necessarily a fit in Anaheim. The Angels’ top outfield prospect, Nelson Rada, has a nearly identical skill set – left-handed, high-contact, high-speed – making that swap less likely.
After sending Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel to Minnesota for Jhoan Duran, the Phillies’ system is thinner but still offers solid bats. Infield prospects like Aroon Escobar and Keaton Anthony along with outfielders Dante Nori and Gabriel Rincones Jr. could draw interest.
If the Halos aim to stay competitive, Alec Bohm could also fit their needs for 2026; they have an opening at third base after Yoán Moncada hit free agency following a .783 OPS season.
My take
Adell’s upside – and team control – is strong which means his cost will be too. Ward makes more sense – a right-handed hitter with patience, solid-enough defense and one year of control.
Projected deal: Phillies send OF Gabriel Rincones Jr. and 1B Keaton Anthony to the Angels for Ward.
Ward’s name has floated in Phillies rumors before, and the fit remains true. He posted a .918 OPS vs. left-handers in 2025, a skillset that would complement lefty bats like Brandon Marsh and potentially Schwarber, if he’s back.
A new-look Ward–Crawford–Marsh outfield balances the lineup with power, speed and athleticism – giving the Phillies another reliable right-handed bat in an offseason where that is their largest priority.
Missed Opportunity? Ex-Flyers Prospect Reaching Heights of NHL Superstars After Controversial Trade
The Cutter Gauthier saga is well done and dusted at this stage, but some new developments are probably making it hard for the Philadelphia Flyers, and especially their fans, to not feel some type of regret towards the situation.
Gauthier, 21, recorded his first career hat trick for the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, thrusting him into a five-way tie for the NHL lead in goals (10) that includes himself, Cole Caufield, and superstar forwards Leon Draisaitl, Jack Hughes, and Nathan MacKinnon.
The Flyers, too, have a negative connection to Caufield, who was bypassed for defenseman Cam York in 2019.
Overall, though, Gauthier is now on a seven-game point streak that dates back to Oct. 21, and he's already up to 10 goals, six assists, and 16 points in just 12 games with the Ducks.
And, to top it all off, Gauthier, per the Ducks' PR staff, is the first NHL player aged 21 or younger to score 10 goals in his first 12 games of a season since Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews did so in the 2018-19 season.
Between the league leaders in goals and that last stat, Gauthier is in pretty good company.
As for the Flyers, they did get a solid return with the addition of Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick that recently became Jack Murtagh, but that doesn't quite compare to what their former top draft pick is doing over in Anaheim.
Note from Ducks PR:
— Patrick Present (@PatrickCPresent) November 5, 2025
Cutter Gauthier is the first NHL player 21 or younger to score 10 goals in his first 12 games of a season since Connor McDavid in 2018-19 and Auston Matthews in 2018-19#FlyTogether
Drysdale, 23, is starting to look like he's finally coming into his own this season after years of struggles marred by injury. He's now the team's best driver of play on defense, and his five points in 13 games is solid, too.
At the same time, is it enough offense to continue vaulting a player of his 5-foot-11 size into a featured role on a competitive NHL defense?
It's not common, but it isn't like it hasn't happened before, either. Players like Gus Forsling, Alex Carrier, Jared Spurgeon, Andy Greene, Sean Walker, Dante Fabbro, Nick Jensen, Nate Schmidt, and Rasmus Sandin are all not the biggest guys and don't/did not produce crazy offensive numbers, but emerged as reliable top-four defenders at some point in their careers.
Some later than others, yes, but it happened.
Are any of those worth a potential 40-goal-scorer like Gauthier on an ELC? With the exception of Forsling, no, even though Spurgeon and Greene eventually became captains for Minnesota and New Jersey, respectively.
Flyers' Trevor Zegras Gets Big Praise From Canadiens StarTrevor Zegras' great start to the season has gotten the attention of Canadiens star Cole Caufield. Eventually, too, Drysdale is going to have to push his offense and creativity a little further to reach the heights some of those players reached, which means consistent 30- and 40-point seasons.
The former No. 6 overall pick is on pace for 31 currently - one fewer than his previous career high of 32 - and he earns some grace in that the Flyers are the 10th-worst team in the NHL in scoring this season - worse than the Chicago Blackhawks.
At some point, the production may come, or it may not, but the final verdict on the Flyers' controversial trade will depend on it.
They did well enough managing a situation that was never going to work out for them, but it's fair to question why the Flyers drafted someone who would come to spurn them, and question what motivated Gauthier to spurn them to begin with.
Thanks, Maple Leafs! Flyers' Nikita Grebenkin Scores 1st NHL Goal to Help Beat CanadiensFlyers rookie Nikita Grebenkin continues to make a case for more ice time with his assist against the Maple Leafs and first NHL goal against the Canadiens.It's likely those answers won't come until after Gauthier's playing days are over or until after this Flyers regime runs its course, but this discourse will always come to the forefront for as long as Gauthier plays well and succeeds in the NHL.
The same is true of Zeev Buium and Jett Luchanko, and Cole Caufield and Cam York.
The Flyers have no way of running from their recent past, especially as long as the team is not making meaningful pushes for Stanley Cups.
Objectively, though, Gauthier's sudden breakout after a solid rookie campaign represents a missed opportunity on the Flyers' end, but it's too late now. The results are the results.
Panthers in Los Angeles looking to break out of road funk
The Florida Panthers will look to bounce back from a tough start to their road trip when they face the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.
Florida dropped their trip opener to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday by an embarrassing final score of 7-3, a game that the Cats were actually leading 3-2 midway through.
Now they’ll look to get back on the winning side of thins against a Kings squad that, much like the Panthers, are working their way through an inconsistent start to the season.
Los Angeles started the season with only one win over their first six outings, but since then they’ve gone 5-1-2.
Overall, the Kings have only four regulation losses through 14 games, which isn’t bad at all.
As for the Panthers, they got right back to work on Wednesday following Tuesday’s loss to the Ducks.
Florida held a practice at the Kings’ training facility, the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, where the theme seemed to be getting back to the basics.
“We’ve played hard games in LA, and I expect that (tomorrow),” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “I’d like to see us get back to that a little bit. We worked on some things today at practice that we just didn’t have enough of in our game last night.”
A Panthers player who has seen a good amount of success during his career in Los Angeles is the same guy who paces the team in scoring so far this season: Brad Marchand.
Through 12 games, Marchand leads all Panthers with 7 goals and 13 points. He’s currently riding a five-game point streak in which he’s accumulated 4 goals and 7 points.
Over the course of his career, Marchand has racked up 16 goals and 26 points over 23 games in Los Angeles, including a plus-19 on-ice rating. He’s also riding a five-game point streak in Los Angeles, with 5 goals and 10 points during the run.
Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Thursday’s tilt with the Kings:
Carter Verhaeghe – Evan Rodrigues – Sam Reinhart
Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand
Jesper Boqvist – Sam Bennett – Mackie Samoskevich
A.J. Greer – Cole Schwindt – Noah Gregor
Gus Forsling – Aaron Ekblad
Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones
Dominic Sebrango – Jeff Petry
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Photo caption: Oct 16, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Florida Panthers center Evan Rodrigues (17) celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Prudential Center. (Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images)
Draymond clarifies offense vs. defense championship debate with Kevin Durant
Draymond clarifies offense vs. defense championship debate with Kevin Durant originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green vs. Kevin Durant: Pt. 5,431.
As the two former Warriors teammates continue their back-and-forth debate regarding whether offense or defense wins NBA championships, Green shared another in-depth response to clarify his initial stance.
“KD was responding to me saying teams that play defense win championships. I wasn’t saying that teams that play defense don’t play offense. No, the fact of the matter is you have to be top 10 offensively and top 10 defensively to win an NBA championship,” Green said on his “The Draymond Green Show” podcast, which was published Thursday morning. “That’s just the facts of the matter. When KD says the offense was [question mark], well, the offense was incredible. Just like their offense was incredible in Brooklyn, and just like their offense was incredible in Phoenix. It was incredible! Great offense. Very tough to stop.
“But, offense with no defense, we’ve seen that in the NBA in years past, we’ll see that in the NBA for years to come. Teams with offense and no defense. My point was you show me a team that don’t play defense, I’m going to show you a team that don’t win championships.”
The ongoing debate began when Durant, on Netflix’s “Starting 5” series, argued offense wins championships.
“You have to score baskets if you want to win a championship,” Durant said. “Playing defense, we can get any one of y’all in here to bend your legs, not touch the basketball, slide left and right, and contest the shot. That’s easy. But when we’re talking about winning at a high level against the best of the best, you cannot just do that and win a basketball game.”
Green, a defensive mastermind, of course had to respond.
But the Warriors forward re-emphasized that his comments never were targeted directly at Durant, later clarifying that on his podcast.
“My statement was that I mentioned people who believe you don’t need defense to win championships simply don’t win. Kevin Durant has two championships. So I don’t even know why he took my statement as a hit on him when I said people that don’t win championships. You won two championships, so that shouldn’t include you unless you feel that that statement includes you.”
Green also made one more thing clear: despite the back-and-forth, “there ain’t no beef” between him and Durant, rather just a playful debate between two competitors passionate about the game of basketball.
Finally, Green ended his argument on one final note.
“I think the proof speaks for itself. You look at teams that have great defenses and great offenses, and they win championships. Teams that have great defenses and no great offense, they usually get to the playoffs and lose. Teams that have great offense and no defense, they usually get to the playoffs and lose, or don’t even make the playoffs at all.
“So fact of the matter is you need to be top 10 in both.”
There you have it.
At least, until Durant responds.
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Jaylen Brown leaves his mark vs. Wizards with historic performance
Jaylen Brown leaves his mark vs. Wizards with historic performance originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Jaylen Brown came out with his hair on fire Wednesday night at TD Garden.
After a frustrating finish for Brown in Boston’s loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night, the Celtics star was a man on a mission Wednesday against the Washington Wizards. He poured in 24 first-half points — including 16 in the first quarter — and added 11 more in the third quarter to help the C’s pull away from the Wizards in a 136-107 rout.
Despite not sitting the entire fourth quarter, Brown racked up 35 points on 8 for 12 shooting to go along with five rebounds and five assists in just 25 minutes and 53 seconds of playing time. In doing so, he became the first Celtics player ever and just the fifth player in NBA history to post a 35/5/5 line in fewer than 26 minutes.
The only two players who reached 35/5/5 in fewer minutes? Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic.
“We just needed to come out a little bit more focused,” Brown told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin after the game. “We got off to a slow start, but we’ve just got to come out and play basketball. We’ve got to come out like we’re ready to fight. And if we do that, we’ll be all right.”
Brown’s stat line wasn’t the only part of his game that turned heads, however. In the third quarter, Brown was call for an offensive foul when he barreled head-first into Wizards forward Kyshawn George — and left a bit of “residue” on George’s white sleeve.
That wasn’t the first time Brown’s hair product ended up on an opponent’s jersey, as the All-Star wing was roasted on social media after leaving a dark spot on OG Anunoby’s jersey during a Nov. 24 loss to the New York Knicks.
Brown took that incident in stride, even jokingly calling up LeBron James for hair care advice on a recent Twitch stream. And after leaving his latest mark Wednesday night, Brown kept the same energy, joking on X that “AI is getting out of hand.”
Regardless of how Brown chooses to deal with his hair situation going forward, he shouldn’t change what he’s doing on the court: He’s shooting a career-best 53.5 percent from the floor while averaging 27.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
The Celtics are back in action Friday night in Orlando, where they’ll face the Magic in an NBA Cup game at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.
Watch Russell Westbrook drop triple-double on Warriors, lead Kings to home win
Russell Westbrook can still dial up some vintage nights.
Golden State found that out Wednesday, when Westbrook had a 23-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple-double to spark a 121-116 Sacramento win at home.
Russell Westbrook in Sacramento's victory:
— NBA (@NBA) November 6, 2025
23 points
16 rebounds
10 assists
1 CLUTCH defensive play
First 20-15-10 game for Russ since May 16th, 2021! pic.twitter.com/rj65ycHTcR
Those 16 rebounds moved Westbrook in front of Jason Kidd for most rebounds by a guard in NBA history (8,734). That was Westbrook's 204th career triple-double.
This game was seriously lacking in star power due to injuries. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, while the Kings did not have Domantas Sabonis or Zach LaVine.
Dennis Schroder finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, plus knocked down three 3-pointers during an 11-0 fourth quarter run where Sacramento pulled away. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 25, while Malik Monk had 23 off the bench.
Rookie Will Richard led the Warriors with 30 points, while Moses Moody scored 28.
2026 Phillies Offseason Tracker: Follow every move, signing and trade
2026 Phillies Offseason Tracker: Follow every move, signing and trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies enter the 2026 offseason with several key players hitting free agency — including Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez and J.T. Realmuto — as the front office faces major roster decisions following another postseason run.
This tracker will update throughout the winter as players re-sign, move on or have contract options resolved.
Latest Updates
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: The Phillies exercised José Alvarado’s $9 million club option for 2026.
- Tuesday, Nov. 4: Harrison Bader declines his $10 million mutual option and becomes a free agent.
- Sunday, Nov. 2: Free agency official begins. There will be a five-day period before players have the ability to negotiate and sign with organizations.
Current free-agents
Kyle Schwarber, DH
2025: 162 G, .240/.365/.563, 56 HR, 132 RBI, .928 OPS, 4.7 WAR
Schwarber’s contract year was one of the best in recent memory. The slugger led the Majors in homers and RBIs, marking his fourth straight 38-plus homer season — all in Philadelphia. His production and leadership made him a cornerstone of the offense once again.
“He’s a priority for us,” president Dave Dombrowski said entering the offseason.
J.T. Realmuto, C
2025: 134 G, .257/.315/.384, 12 HR, 52 RBI, .700 OPS, 2.6 WAR
The veteran catcher’s seven-year run in Philadelphia could end this winter. Known for his defensive leadership and steady handling of the pitching staff, Realmuto’s offensive numbers dipped in 2025, but the free-agent market for catchers is thin — a factor that could keep him in play for a short-term reunion.
Harrison Bader, OF
2025: 146 G, .277/.347/.449, 17 HR, 54 RBI, .796 OPS, 4.2 WAR
Bader’s energy and defense transformed the Phillies’ outfield after his trade-deadline arrival. His track record of injuries may shape how aggressive teams get in free agency, which could give Philadelphia a window to bring him back on a short-term, affordable deal to anchor center field again.
Max Kepler, OF
2025: 127 G, .216/.300/.391, 18 HR, 52 RBI, .691 OPS, 0.0 WAR
Kepler’s first season in Philadelphia started slow but ended with him settling into a steady platoon role for Rob Thomson. A return seems unlikely, but you could make a case to bring the 33-year-old back as a left-handed fourth outfielder with experience.
Ranger Suárez, SP
2025: 26 GS, 12–8, 3.20 ERA, 157.1 IP, 151 K, 1.22 WHIP
Suárez once again provided stability at the top of the Phillies’ rotation. The 30-year-old left-hander is expected to draw heavy interest across the league, given his steady production. His October dominance only adds to his value entering free agency.
Walker Buehler, SP
2025: 24 GS, 10–7, 4.93 ERA, 126 IP, 92 K, 1.52 WHIP
Before being claimed off waivers by the Phillies, Buehler struggled in Boston, posting a 5.45 ERA. But in 13 2/3 innings with Philadelphia, he allowed just one earned run, showing flashes of his old form. The 31-year-old profiles as a low-risk, high-reward signing candidate this winter.
José Alvarado, RP (Club Option — $9 million)
2025: 28 G, 4–2, 3.81 ERA, 26 IP, 32 K, 1.31 WHIP
Analysis: Even with an 80-game suspension and a late-season forearm strain, Alvarado remains one of the hardest-throwing lefties in the game. The Phils struggled with their bullpen depth down the stretch, so a full season of Alvarado should provide Thomson with plenty of flexibility.
Jordan Romano, RP
2025: 49 G, 2–4, 8.23 ERA, 42.2 IP, 47 K, 1.45 WHIP
Romano never found his rhythm in 2025. Shifting in and out of the closer role, the right-hander struggled to regain the form that once made him a reliable late-inning arm in Toronto.
David Robertson, RP
2025: 20 G, 2–0, 4.08 ERA, 17.2 IP, 22 K, 1.47 WHIP
Robertson rejoined the Phillies for the third stint of his career ahead of the trade deadline. The 41-year-old flashed moments of effectiveness early, but opponents began squaring him up more consistently down the stretch — likely signaling the end of his long career.
Tim Mayza, RP
2025: 15 G, 0–0, 3.78 ERA, 16.2 IP, 15 K, 1.32 WHIP
Claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh to bolster the bullpen late in the summer, Mayza struggled in limited work with Philadelphia (4.91 ERA). The left-hander isn’t expected to be a candidate for re-signing this offseason.
Lou Trivino, RP
2025: 47 G, 3–2, 3.97 ERA, 47.2 IP, 37 K, 1.34 WHIP
Trivino appeared in just 10 games for the Phillies but allowed only two earned runs. After missing two full seasons recovering from injury, the right-hander pieced together a steady 2025 campaign and profiles as a reliable, budget-friendly bullpen option.
How Buddy Hield had ‘out-of-body experience' playing for Steve Kerr, Warriors
How Buddy Hield had ‘out-of-body experience' playing for Steve Kerr, Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
In Buddy Hield’s first season with the Warriors, his best performance came when his team needed it most.
The veteran sharpshooter erupted for 33 points on 9-of-11 shooting from 3-point range, leading Golden State to a Game 7 win in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
That key showing was a product of the way coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors have accepted Hield and allowed him to play freely and authentically, as he explained to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Bonta Hill and Monte Poole on a new episode of “Dubs Talk.”
“Being connected with the Lord and just being locked in,” Hield said when asked what contributed to his massive Game 7 outbreak. “Steve called it my out-of-body experience. I just think the Lord was just with me. Just something I was capable of doing, too, and that’s the reason why Steve put me in the starting lineup to create that spacing for Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green] and Jimmy [Butler]. And he knows that when I get my chance to do that, he knows what I’m capable of doing.
“I appreciate him a lot. He gave me the opportunity to, like, be myself. I feel like every team has not allowed me to be Buddy, and [the Warriors] have embraced me for who I am. As a basketball player, you just want to be yourself and be embraced the right way. … I just love being here. It’s been a blessing.”
Hield was up and down throughout his first Golden State campaign, but the team’s success often correlated with how he performed on a given night. During the 2024-25 regular season and playoffs, the Warriors were 15-0 when Hield scored at least 19 points.
Now in the second season of his four-year, $38 million contract signed last summer, the Warriors hope Hield can continue to succeed within the freedom they have given him.
NBA's last unbeaten record goes as Thunder lose
The Portland Trail Blazers fought back to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder and halt the NBA's last remaining unbeaten record.
The defending champions won their opening eight games of the new NBA season but their streak ended as Portland came back from 22 points down to win 121-119.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 35 points for Oklahoma City and last season's Most Valuable Player has now scored 20 or more in 81 consecutive games, extending the third-longest streak in NBA history.
Luka Doncic got the better of Victor Wembanyama as the Los Angeles Lakers claimed a 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Elsewhere, the Brooklyn Nets became the last team to claim their first win of the season, beating the injury-hit Indiana Pacers 112-103.
Nikola Jokic registered a triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 122-112 win over the Miami Heat, while the New York Knicks scored 83 points in the second half to claim a 137-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.