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Angels 5, Cubs 4: Matthew Boyd is perfect

The Cubs lost to the Angels 5-4 in Tempe Thursday, but the big story of this one was Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. Boyd had allowed five hits in less than two innings in his first spring start earlier this week.

Thursday afternoon in Tempe, Boyd was much better. He retired all nine Angels he faced — many of them expected to be on their Opening Day roster — and struck out three. He threw an efficient 34 pitches (23 strikes) and here’s how he struck out Mike Trout:

Boyd had seven swings-and-misses and looked really sharp. This is likely his last outing before heading to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Team USA is having a workout next Monday in preparation for an exhibition game against the Giants in Scottsdale next Wednesday. Then they will head to Houston to begin WBC pool play against Brazil a week from tomorrow.

The Cubs took an early lead on doubles by Jefferson Rojas and Dylan Carlson in the first inning, although Carlson got himself picked off second to end the inning.

Then the Cubs added a pair in the second. Chas McCormick doubled and went to third on a single by James Triantos. McCormick then scored on a sac fly by Pedro Ramirez. A double by Justin Dean and walk drawn by Scott Kingery loaded the bases, and the Cubs’ third run scored when Michael Busch was hit by a pitch.

Unfortunately, Jaxon Wiggins got knocked around in an inning and a third of work. He faced 10 batters and six of them had hits. The Angels scored one off Wiggins in the fourth and four in the fifth to take the lead, with five runs overall charged to Wiggins. So Wiggins’ first spring outing was… not one he’ll want to remember, except for learning purposes.

After that a lot of the Cubs regulars departed. Riley Martin took over in the sixth and there was a brief delay while Craig Counsell and the Cubs trainer had a look at Martin after a pitch, but Martin stayed in the game. He threw a scoreless sixth.

Minor league plate umpire Louie Krupa had four calls challenged in this game and all four were overturned.

And that’s pretty much it from this game. Dylan Carlson had two hits and is 4-for-8 in the early spring going with three walks. It’s really hard to tell whether Carlson or McCormick has the “lead” in the fourth outfielder race, given the very small sample size. You can be sure, though, that both will get more opportunities, especially with Pete Crow-Armstrong departing soon for the WBC.

The Cubs return to Sloan Park Friday afternoon to take on the Cleveland Guardians. Game time Friday is 2:05 p.m. CT. Edward Cabrera will make his first spring start for the Cubs, and Logan Allen will go for Cleveland. No TV or radio coverage for Friday’s game.

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Michkov scores two goals, including overtime winner, as Flyers beat Rangers

Michkov scores two goals, including overtime winner, as Flyers beat Rangers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

NEW YORK — The Flyers rallied from a 2-0 deficit Thursday night to pick up a 3-2 win over the Rangers in overtime at Madison Square Garden.

Matvei Michkov buried the game-winner with his second goal of the night.

“He had some confidence yesterday,” Rick Tocchet said. “He’s getting some confidence here.”

This was the 19th overtime for Tocchet’s club. The Flyers improved to 3-8 in OT and 8-11 after regulation.

Trevor Zegras scored the Flyers’ other goal. It was his 21st of the season and it tied the game at 2-2 just 39 seconds into the third period.

“We’ve done it all year where we’ve had some slow starts, give up the first goal and just keep battling back,” Travis Konecny said.

The Flyers (26-21-11) split their back-to-back set out of the Olympic break. They fell Wednesday night to the Capitals, 3-1.

They were able to capitalize on a Rangers (22-29-7) team that is retooling. The Flyers improved to 1-1-1 against New York this season. The clubs have one more meeting in a week and a half at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

• Samuel Ersson converted 23 saves on 25 shots.

He had a huge stop in overtime as the Flyers were on the penalty kill. Michkov was in the penalty box for a tough goalie interference penalty. He was making a play to the net late in regulation.

New York’s game-opening goal in the first period was one Ersson definitely wanted back.

“I think after letting that goal in, him digging in, I think he should have a lot of confidence,” Tocchet said. “We told him, that’s going to happen, those goals like that.”

Sam Carrick threw a shot from the side boards that squeaked through the Flyers’ goaltender. It was a bad one for Ersson, who was pretty sharp at puck drop. He made an outstanding stop on Adam Fox just 27 seconds into the action.

“He was fantastic,” Zegras said. “The save that he made on Fox in the first four minutes, the penalty kill in overtime — he was amazing.

“When that first one goes in, he made so many ridiculous saves that, like, it didn’t even matter.”

The Rangers extended their lead to 2-0 early in the second period. The Flyers had a defensive breakdown when they left Alexis Lafreniere alone in the slot.

But Michkov, Zegras and the Flyers chipped away. Michkov drew them to within 2-1 a little over halfway through the game with a power play goal.

“He had two big goals for us,” Konecny said. “Obviously the overtime one, but I thought the first one was a timely one. It kind of helped us calm down and get us back into it. He’s playing great, he looked fast, he looked confident with the puck.”

New York netminder Igor Shesterkin stopped 21 of the Flyers’ 24 shots.

More: Michkov says he has same goal as Tocchet, but admits ‘new role’ has been adjustment

• With 24 games left and three more to go before next Friday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, the Flyers are eight points back of the third-place Islanders in the Metropolitan Division race.

“All playoff type of games for us,” Zegras said. “We have to do something special down the stretch to get in and we all know that.”

Before the season, the Flyers didn’t want to be in selling mode come the deadline. And while they’re not expected to be major sellers, you’ve got to think they might look to subtract a piece or two.

“We talked to the players today, we want to give people reasons to keep people together, to stay here,” Tocchet said before the game. “I’ve been in the game for 40 years, if you want to be together, then play harder and things like that. That’s the message.”

• The Flyers showed some resolve.

“I thought it was a gutsy effort,” Tocchet said.

This was their 16th comeback, with six of them coming in the third period.

“We’ve been in a lot of these type of games, close games,” Tocchet said. “It’s a big two points for us.”

They badly needed some of their top offensive weapons to start delivering and those guys did.

“To get Matvei and Zegras to score, that’s big for us,” Tocchet said. “We need those guys to score for us.”

• After being a healthy scratch for the last six games, Emil Andrae drew back into the lineup for Noah Juulsen.

The 24-year-old defenseman was solid in third-pair minutes.

• The Flyers are back in action Saturday when they welcome the Bruins (3 p.m. ET/ABC).

“A bunch of must-wins, we’ve got to make up some ground,” Noah Cates said. … “Just huge games everywhere.”

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Anthony Edwards fined $25K by NBA for throwing game ball 'with force'

Minnesota Timberwolves' guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for throwing the game ball "with force" into the stands during halftime of Minnesota's 124-121 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at the end of the second quarter, when Edwards snagged a rebound off a Portland miss, then faked a heave to end the half. After the buzzer had already sounded, Edwards launched the ball toward the basket and struck someone standing nearby.

Edwards did not throw the ball out of anger or frustration, but the ball did clearly hurt the bystander.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards works around Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. during the second half at Target Center.

WATCH: The heave that cost Edwards $25K

You can watch the full video of the incident here, on nba.com.

Has Edwards been fined before?

He's certainly no stranger to fines. Last year, Edwards was fined $420,000 across eight transgressions, mostly for foul language used in interviews with the press following games.

Has anyone else been fined for similar actions?

Funny enough, Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane was also fined $25K for throwing a ball into the stands "with force" during the team's Tuesday night win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Bane's incident occurred at the end of the game.

You can watch that incident here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch the ball toss that cost Anthony Edwards $25K

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Homer happy Dodgers remain undefeated

There were a lot of firsts in Thursday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, and all of them were good and promising.

Tyler Glasnow had his first outing of the season and is just another starter that looks like they are in mid-season form. He struck out the side first inning and had a ground out and two more K’s in the second inning.

Glasnow started the day with a two-inning/30 pitch limit. Since he finished the second inning with 29 pitches, he came out to start the top of the third where he gave up a base hit and called it a day.

Most promising was his fastball velocity. Last year, Glasnow’s fastball velocity averaged 95.7mph. In the first inning of Thursday’s game, it was sitting at a 97.1 average. Overall, for his 33 pitches, he averaged 96.7mph.

After his outing, Glasnow remarked that the uptick in velocity is something he had been working on over the offseason and has been very intentional about it. He feels like his mechanics are in a much better place and is feeling fully healthy. All that and the addition of 20 pounds on Glasnow’s long frame having him looking like he’s in a great spot to start the season.

In his first start of the season, Max Muncy grounded out to third in the first inning, followed by line drive base hit in his next at bat. He ended up going 1-3 on the day.

Muncy talked to reporters after the game and commented on why some of the older Dodgers are taking a slower approach in Spring Training. He noted that there was a conversation with several players, and it was “give your body as much rest as possible” mentality going into the season. The Dodgers have had to start back-to-back seasons with trips across the Pacific and have played more postseason games than any other team in the last two seasons. A slow start for the veterans is well deserved.

Blake Treinen also had first outing of spring where he set the White Sox down 1-2-3, with two strikeouts and a groundout using only 15 pitches.

The team finally broke their home run drought, with Will Smith hitting the first home run of Spring Training. He was followed later in the game by Keston Hiura and Hyeseong Kim who went back-to-back with solo homers of their own.

What the Dodgers did not have their first of, however, was a loss. They beat the White Sox 7-6 to remain the only undefeated team in spring. Does this mean anything? Of course not but it makes it a lot more fun.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will have his second outing of the spring on Friday against the San Francisco Giants, before heading out to join Team Japan for the World Baseball Classis.

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NBA fines Anthony Edwards, Desmond Bane $25,000 each for throwing ball at opposite basket after buzzer

The NBA is sending a message: After a buzzer, don't take the ball and throw it toward the opposite basket (not as a shot, more of a celebration... or just because).

That message is going to cost the Timberwolves Anthony Edwards and the Magic's $25,000 each as both were fined by the league on Thursday "for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands."

What does that look like? Here's what Edwards did at halftime in Portland to earn his fine:

Bane did essentially the same thing at the end of the Magic's dramatic win over the Lakers Tuesday night.

Were those really worth $25,000? The league's concern is that a ball thrown into the stands could hit someone and injure them, but a fine?

Adidas and Ant responded to this perfectly (they must have had this in the can, waiting for the moment).

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Canadiens Have 2 Blue Jackets Trade Targets To Consider

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is just over a week away. With this, trade activity around the NHL is certainly going to pick up.

The Montreal Canadiens are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on, as they should be looking to add to their roster. Due to this, let's look at two players from the Columbus Blue Jackets who the Canadiens should consider targeting if the Metropolitan Division club ends up being sellers.

Charlie Coyle, C

The Canadiens could use another impactful center, and the Blue Jackets have a very solid one in Charlie Coyle. The pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) is an impactful two-way forward who could play in the Canadiens' middle six and on both their penalty kill and power play if acquired. 

Coyle is also having a strong 2025-26 season with the Blue Jackets. In 56 games so far this season, the Massachusetts native has recorded 15 goals, 27 assists, 42 points, 76 hits, and a plus-4 rating. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for the Habs. 

Boone Jenner, C/LW

Boone Jenner is another pending UFA on the Blue Jackets who could be a great addition for the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is well-known for his strong leadership qualities, and it is exactly why he is currently captain of the Blue Jackets. With this, he could be a good mentor for the Canadiens' younger players if they landed him.

Jenner would also give the Canadiens a forward who could play both center and the wing in their top nine. In 42 games this season with Columbus, he has recorded eight goals, 19 assists, 27 points, and 92 hits. 

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Canadiens Have 2 Blue Jackets Trade Targets To Consider

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is just over a week away. With this, trade activity around the NHL is certainly going to pick up.

The Montreal Canadiens are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on, as they should be looking to add to their roster. Due to this, let's look at two players from the Columbus Blue Jackets who the Canadiens should consider targeting if the Metropolitan Division club ends up being sellers.

Charlie Coyle, C

The Canadiens could use another impactful center, and the Blue Jackets have a very solid one in Charlie Coyle. The pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) is an impactful two-way forward who could play in the Canadiens' middle six and on both their penalty kill and power play if acquired. 

Coyle is also having a strong 2025-26 season with the Blue Jackets. In 56 games so far this season, the Massachusetts native has recorded 15 goals, 27 assists, 42 points, 76 hits, and a plus-4 rating. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for the Habs. 

Boone Jenner, C/LW

Boone Jenner is another pending UFA on the Blue Jackets who could be a great addition for the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is well-known for his strong leadership qualities, and it is exactly why he is currently captain of the Blue Jackets. With this, he could be a good mentor for the Canadiens' younger players if they landed him.

Jenner would also give the Canadiens a forward who could play both center and the wing in their top nine. In 42 games this season with Columbus, he has recorded eight goals, 19 assists, 27 points, and 92 hits. 

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The Yankees’ bullpen is benefiting from internal competition

DUNEDIN, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Jake Bird #59 of the New York Yankees pitches during the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark on February 24, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees’ bullpen has a little bit of everything. It has All-Star fireballers, sinker specialists, a splitter maestro, a couple of guys who rely on finesse rather than pure stuff, a pitch-to-contact lefty, and a few flawed, but talented arms vying for a couple of spots. It’s not hard to see that a few guys, barring an unexpected turn of events, have a spot locked up already. This is the case of David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill. One has to think that Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn will be in there, as well.

After that, there are as many as six or seven pitchers with at least an outside chance of making the roster, not to mention the fact that the team usually takes a long look at the post-spring training cuts to add names, as well. The likes of Jake Bird, Cade Winquest, Kervin Castro, Osvaldo Bido, Ángel Chivilli, Brent Headrick, and Yerry De Los Santos are actively competing to see who makes the roster, and most of them are looking good if we combine their offseason, their early-camp work, and the first few days of Grapefruit League games.

It’s still February, though, so it’s too early to even think about who makes the roster of this group and who gets left behind. What we are seeing, however, is that at least a couple of interesting names from that list could be on the outside looking.

Just because of the assets invested in them, one can conclude that Winquest, as a Rule 5 Draft pick, and Bird and Chivilli, as trade pieces that required the organization to give away prospects, could have a leg up in the competition. It’s important not to rule out a guy like Headrick, though, owner of a 3.13 ERA and 30 strikeouts in just 23 innings with the Bombers last year. His swing-and-miss stuff could definitely boost the Yankees’ bullpen and give it another lefty to complement Hill.

Yes, there is still the feeling that the Yankees are one or two quality relievers short of boasting a high-flying bullpen, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t talented hurlers in the organization with enough juice to win a spot and contribute.

Bird himself is a solid bounce-back candidate after last year’s disaster, and he has thrown 2.1 scoreless innings this spring with no walks and three strikeouts. Chivilli has big fastball velocity and two breaking balls, his changeup and slider, that had a whiff rate over 40 percent last year. Sometimes, it’s a matter of bringing in guys one or two adjustments away from unlocking the full extent of their potential, and Chivilli could be that guy.

And if the Grapefruit League ends and the Yankees are still not happy with their group of arms for the bullpen, they can always review other teams’ cuts and bring in a useful pitcher. That’s exactly how they got Yarbrough last year, and he went on to put up a 4.36 ERA in 64 frames in 2025 with long stints of dominance. On top of it all, the Yankees’ relief corps could also get some reinforcements in the form of starters, if and when Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt rejoin the rotation. The first two are expected back in April, while Schmidt is more of a second-half play.

Other unexpected names might join the bullpen mix eventually, such as Carlos Lagrange. Yes, pitching coach Matt Blake revealed on Wednesday that moving him to relief is a possibility later down the road.

There are multiple avenues for a great bullpen, and having several talented guys taking the ball in spring training and showing off the improvements they made in the postseason in a healthy competition is definitely one of them. The Yankees may not have a top-five bullpen this year, but internal competition is strong and that’s always a positive.

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Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' to feature NSFW local institution

Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play and the gentlemen's clubs have the best wings in town.

The Atlanta Hawks are leaning into the city's famed hip-hop culture and history, featuring what the team is calling an "iconic cultural institution" that's definitely NSFW in an upcoming promotional night.

The team announced Wednesday it will collaborate with prominent Atlanta strip club Magic City for a one-night only, in-game celebration of hip-hop called "Magic City Monday" against the Orlando Magic on March 16.

“From the food to the music and the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” Hawks Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Proctor said in a news release.

Magic City Kitchen will serve two versions of their "world famous" lemon pepper wings, Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ, named after Atlanta-native and three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year-winner Lou Williams.

More NBA: Suns owner willing to pay millions to get best NBA players in dunk, 3-point contests

What else is planned for 'Magic City Monday'?

The Hawks' celebration of "Magic City Monday" doesn't stop at wings. Atlanta rapper and entrepreneur T.I. is expected to perform at halftime.

Being that Tip is back home in Atlanta, at the State Farm Arena, it'll be interesting to see if he'll perform any recent cuts including diss tracks toward rapper and entrepreneur Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Keeping it so ATL, the organization tabbed native DJ Esco to provide the pregame tunes.

Before the game, ticketed fans will have a chance to view a recording of the Hawks AF Podcast featuring a conversation with Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney and T.I., hosted by comedian D.C. Young Fly, another Atlanta native.

“We doin’ this one for the city ... Magic City,” T.I. said in a news release.

Why is Magic City famous?

Magic City has become influential not only in Atlanta but as a tourist stop for those who visit the city. Ask NBA players who have a road game against the Hawks about the lore of Magic City wings.

Williams famously couldn't help but visit the spot for its wings in 2020 when he was excused from the NBA Bubble in Orlando to attend a funeral, while everyone was social distancing due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The moment went viral after a photo he snapped with rapper Jack Harlow during the visit that was posted to social media.

"We had our masks on, I thought we did it how we were supposed to do it," Williams said, explaining the incident during a June 2025 episode of Gil's Arena, a podcast hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas with Nick Young, Kenyon Martin, Rashad McCants and Josiah Johnson.

He continued: "I want to put this to bed. I didn't sneak out the bubble to go to Magic City. They excused me from the bubble to go to a funeral. ...The funeral home was a block away from Magic [City]. I've been staying in a hotel [in the NBA bubble in Orlando] eating hotel room service food. Magic got good food, this is my hometown and if you know ATL, we eat in our strip clubs. That's where you can find the best food."

Williams received a 10-day quarantine for violating safety protocols but maintains that the league's focus was on him going to a strip club rather than his real reason for going – the food.

The incident did two things: birthed the nickname "Lemon Pepper Lou" and also cemented Magic City's kitchen's place as the stuff of NBA and Atlanta legend.

But long before Williams's visit, the site was a landmark for Atlanta and its visitors, which is the focus of the documentary "Magic City: An American Fantasy" that discusses the impact of the club on Atlanta music, sports and culture through interviews with Atlanta rappers Big Boi, Killer Mike and T.I., along with other celebrities and artists who they discuss its role in hip-hop and Black culture.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks to feature prominent strip club in upcoming promotion

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Crosby Addresses Injury, Talks Olympic Experience

When the Pittsburgh Penguins took to the ice for practice on Wednesday, they did it without captain Sidney Crosby joining them.

And it will be that way for a while. 

Crosby, 38, sustained a lower-body injury while playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, and he is expected to miss four weeks - a critical four weeks for the Penguins, who have a tough schedule in March and currently rank second in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points. 

But despite the knowledge that he won't be able to help his team on the ice during their stretch run to the playoffs, Crosby was in good spirits as he spoke with Pittsburgh media Wednesday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa. and reflected on his time in Milan. 

"Yeah, it was great. Awesome experience, really, everything," Crosby said. "The hockey, just the setup there, being able to experience the Olympics, it was special.

"Obviously, I was hoping for a different outcome but couldn't be more proud of the team, and just the experience overall was unbelievable."

It comes as no surprise that Crosby is disappointed that his injury will hold him out of the NHL season, and that was the same sentiment in Milan, when he missed Canada's final two games against Finland and Team USA in the medal round and the team came up short, earning the silver medal after an overtime defeat at the hands of the Americans. 

'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate Game'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate GameWith the news that Pittsburgh Penguins' star center Sidney Crosby will miss four weeks with a lower-body injury, his teammates are ready to step up in a big way to propel the Penguins to the playoffs in his absence.

But, even as he weighed whether or not he could play, he admits that playing in the gold medal game was all he had his mind set on - and not necessarily the ramifications for his NHL season. 

"I'll be honest with you... all I cared about was playing that game and focusing on that," Crosby said. "That's not any disrespect to our team or what I feel about this season or anything like that. We all put a lot of work in to try to be as successful as possible here. But, given the opportunity to play in the Olympics and in that game, I think trying to play was all my focus was on." 

He maintains that he made the right decision to hold out knowing that he wouldn't have been able to operate close to 100 percent and that there was a healthy player who could take his spot instead. But, that said, he also mentioned that he was very close to playing. 

"Close. A lot closer than I thought. A day or two after, I thought that I might be... yeah, I didn't think it was necessarily going to be an option, so the fact that I even had a chance or was close to it... yeah, the staff there was unbelievable in trying to go through that whole process."

He added: "If you can't go out there and do a job and be relied upon with the team and the guy next to you, then you can't force it. And that's what it came down to."

Penguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryPenguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryOn Sunday, Sidney Crosby's Penguins' teammates reacted to the captain's inability to appear for Team Canada in their gold medal game against Team USA, which the Americans won, 2-1, in overtime to capture their first Olympic gold medal since 1980.

Given his injury, it's fair to wonder whether he things the risk outweighs the benefit of NHL players going to the Olympics.  But he knows how much it means to the players to have the chance to go represent their countries on the biggest stage and how much it means to himself.

And that is especially true for Crosby, as Milan could very well have been his final Olympic appearance.

So, what about 2030? Is Crosby thinking ahead?

"Yeah, I try not to think that far ahead," Crosby said. "My mind was just on trying to play, and you can't let that creep into your head. When you're trying to overcome something or when you have something that's challenging, I think the worst thing you can do is think of worst-case scenarios... it's still a long ways away, but that wasn't really something I tried to think about too much."

Well, that's just about the answer one should expect from a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion, especially with his team in the midst of a playoff stretch run and his production refusing to slow down. Crosby is still hungry as ever to win, and he has a chance to do so with the Penguins this season. 

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He believes in the group that the Penguins have, especially since they've already dealt with a lot of adversity this season. 

"I'm confident," Crosby said. "I think we've shown all year, we've had injuries, and guys have stepped up. To get to where we're at at this point, I think it's because of our team play. I don't think it's been any one person. It's because, collectively as a group, we've found different ways to win, and different guys have stepped up. So, as long as we continue to do that and understand that, I think we give ourselves a good chance."

And Crosby very much wants to be back in the Stanley Cup playoffs once again. 

"That's why we play," Crosby said. "Obviously, the Olympics was a great opportunity and an experience, but I think you shift your focus to [playing] in the playoffs. It's so special and so fun to be in those big games and play for that.

"So, that's where my mind's at."

New Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchNew Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchThe Pittsburgh Penguins will try to bank two points in the standings against a team that is going through it.
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Crosby Addresses Injury, Talks Olympic Experience

When the Pittsburgh Penguins took to the ice for practice on Wednesday, they did it without captain Sidney Crosby joining them.

And it will be that way for a while. 

Crosby, 38, sustained a lower-body injury while playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, and he is expected to miss four weeks - a critical four weeks for the Penguins, who have a tough schedule in March and currently rank second in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points. 

But despite the knowledge that he won't be able to help his team on the ice during their stretch run to the playoffs, Crosby was in good spirits as he spoke with Pittsburgh media Wednesday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa. and reflected on his time in Milan. 

"Yeah, it was great. Awesome experience, really, everything," Crosby said. "The hockey, just the setup there, being able to experience the Olympics, it was special.

"Obviously, I was hoping for a different outcome but couldn't be more proud of the team, and just the experience overall was unbelievable."

It comes as no surprise that Crosby is disappointed that his injury will hold him out of the NHL season, and that was the same sentiment in Milan, when he missed Canada's final two games against Finland and Team USA in the medal round and the team came up short, earning the silver medal after an overtime defeat at the hands of the Americans. 

'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate Game'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate GameWith the news that Pittsburgh Penguins' star center Sidney Crosby will miss four weeks with a lower-body injury, his teammates are ready to step up in a big way to propel the Penguins to the playoffs in his absence.

But, even as he weighed whether or not he could play, he admits that playing in the gold medal game was all he had his mind set on - and not necessarily the ramifications for his NHL season. 

"I'll be honest with you... all I cared about was playing that game and focusing on that," Crosby said. "That's not any disrespect to our team or what I feel about this season or anything like that. We all put a lot of work in to try to be as successful as possible here. But, given the opportunity to play in the Olympics and in that game, I think trying to play was all my focus was on." 

He maintains that he made the right decision to hold out knowing that he wouldn't have been able to operate close to 100 percent and that there was a healthy player who could take his spot instead. But, that said, he also mentioned that he was very close to playing. 

"Close. A lot closer than I thought. A day or two after, I thought that I might be... yeah, I didn't think it was necessarily going to be an option, so the fact that I even had a chance or was close to it... yeah, the staff there was unbelievable in trying to go through that whole process."

He added: "If you can't go out there and do a job and be relied upon with the team and the guy next to you, then you can't force it. And that's what it came down to."

Penguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryPenguins' Players React To Gold Medal Game, Crosby's InjuryOn Sunday, Sidney Crosby's Penguins' teammates reacted to the captain's inability to appear for Team Canada in their gold medal game against Team USA, which the Americans won, 2-1, in overtime to capture their first Olympic gold medal since 1980.

Given his injury, it's fair to wonder whether he things the risk outweighs the benefit of NHL players going to the Olympics.  But he knows how much it means to the players to have the chance to go represent their countries on the biggest stage and how much it means to himself.

And that is especially true for Crosby, as Milan could very well have been his final Olympic appearance.

So, what about 2030? Is Crosby thinking ahead?

"Yeah, I try not to think that far ahead," Crosby said. "My mind was just on trying to play, and you can't let that creep into your head. When you're trying to overcome something or when you have something that's challenging, I think the worst thing you can do is think of worst-case scenarios... it's still a long ways away, but that wasn't really something I tried to think about too much."

Well, that's just about the answer one should expect from a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion, especially with his team in the midst of a playoff stretch run and his production refusing to slow down. Crosby is still hungry as ever to win, and he has a chance to do so with the Penguins this season. 

With Latest Trade, Kyle Dubas Continues To Create Something Out Of NothingWith Latest Trade, Kyle Dubas Continues To Create Something Out Of NothingPittsburgh Penguins' general manager Kyle Dubas traded for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard on Tuesday, which was the latest in a string of moves that show why he's one of the best in the business

He believes in the group that the Penguins have, especially since they've already dealt with a lot of adversity this season. 

"I'm confident," Crosby said. "I think we've shown all year, we've had injuries, and guys have stepped up. To get to where we're at at this point, I think it's because of our team play. I don't think it's been any one person. It's because, collectively as a group, we've found different ways to win, and different guys have stepped up. So, as long as we continue to do that and understand that, I think we give ourselves a good chance."

And Crosby very much wants to be back in the Stanley Cup playoffs once again. 

"That's why we play," Crosby said. "Obviously, the Olympics was a great opportunity and an experience, but I think you shift your focus to [playing] in the playoffs. It's so special and so fun to be in those big games and play for that.

"So, that's where my mind's at."

New Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchNew Jersey Devils At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchThe Pittsburgh Penguins will try to bank two points in the standings against a team that is going through it.
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Nottingham Forest v Fenerbahce: Europa League knockout round playoff, second leg – as it happens

Two goals from Kerem Akturkoglu put Forest under pressure, but Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal calmed things and they saw out a 4-2 aggregate win

On the telly, they’ve just been discussing James McAtee, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does tonight. City are now in that spot United were under Alex Ferguson, where clubs buy their players because they know the standard can be too high for good ones to make it and respect the managers who keep them around. He’s got a lovely touch and decent vision, but does he have the ability to impose that? We don’t yet know.

Forest actually did pretty well to keep as many players as they did after last season – and getting £52m+£3m for Anthony Elanga was a remarkable piece of business. I’m not sure Anderson will still be around after the summer, whereas Gibbs-White has a contract – but there surely comes a point at which players don’t trust Marinakis with their careers and just want to up sticks from the upheaval.

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Deandre Ayton doesn’t seem thrilled about his role with the Lakers

Oct 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Deandre Ayton has gained a reputation for being something of an enigma during his relatively brief time in the NBA. The latest feature story on him is going to do nothing to change any of that.

On Thursday, a story by Dave McMenamin of ESPN profiling Ayton with the Lakers this season had some of the most insane anecdotes imaginable. While we’ll dive into those shortly, the most notable on-court takeaway from the article was Ayton’s reaction to his role with the Lakers.

When he was finished speaking to the group, Ayton made his way back toward the showers and said what he really felt — loud enough for anyone still in the locker room to hear.

“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said, referring to the Houston Rockets’ now backup center, who a decade ago made his impact as a lob-catching, rim-running big on a team that made it to two conference finals.

“I’m not no Clint Capela!”

Well, Deandre, therein lies the problem.

Luka needs a lob-catching partner at center. He went to the NBA Finals with two of them on the Mavs. Everyone knew the Lakers were searching for one this summer.

Ayton hasn’t ever been that player, even in his college days. No one expected him to become Clint Capela this season. But, like, you understand why they’d want him to be more like that, right?

No only is it beneficial to Luka to have a lob-catching center, but the centers get paid, too! Ask Derrick Lively II and Daniel Gafford about their stats, success and payday playing with Luka.

On one hand, it’s great awareness from Ayton that he sees the Lakers trying to turn him into Capela. On the other hand, it’s incredible awareness to understand why they would do that.

The wild stories of Deandre Ayton

Now, for the real meat and potatoes of this article: the anecdotes about Ayton.

The first one begins with a reference to the shirts the team wore early in the season that donned half of Ayton’s face and half of a lion. But it flows into an insane detail that hardly feels real.

The Lakers have stoked that ego, too: Rob Pelinka, team president of basketball operations and general manager, commissioned a black T-shirt with a gold screen print depicting half of a lion’s face and half of Ayton’s face that he presented to the 27-year-old. Members of the training staff wrap Ayton’s water bottle in athletic tape and write “DA’s Crunk Juice — Drink this to unleash the beast” in black marker on it before games.

DA’s Crunk Juice.

10/10. No notes. I’ve been covering the Lakers for a long time and this ranks near the very top of stories in that time period.

Is this more or less powerful than Michael’s Secret Stuff from Space Jam? The fact the most immediate comparison for this story is an animated movie is really just a perfect summary of the situation.

But on the topic of cartoonish moments…

There was less than an hour before tipoff against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 13 when Ayton entered the Lakers’ locker room.

Just inside the door, Ayton’s breezy walk slowed down and his gait suddenly stiffened for a few awkward steps before the big man hurtled toward the floor.

What would have been one of the more bizarre pregame injuries in NBA history morphed into something else completely: Ayton caught his fall by placing both hands over his head and gracefully executed a cartwheel, followed by a somersault, to land safely on two feet.

Yeah, what needs to happen for us to see Ayton recreate that on the court. Is he saving that for a potential game-winner? A playoff series win? The Lakers aren’t winning a title this year, so it can’t be saved for that. But I absolutely need to see Ayton go full Willy Wonka.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Deandre Ayton isn't Clint Capela. But it's what he and Lakers need | Opinion

There was no need for Clint Capela to catch this stray.

Capela, a 12-year center currently on the Rockets, became the target of a dig uttered by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton. According to ESPN, Ayton was speaking with reporters after a frustrating loss Tuesday, Feb. 24 against the Magic. As the interview ended, ESPN reported that Ayton revealed a candid thought loud enough for anyone in the locker room to hear.

“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said, per ESPN. “I’m not no Clint Capela.”

Ayton is right. He’s not Clint Capela; he’s far more athletically gifted. But, if anything, Ayton should aspire to the consistency and effort Capela has shown in his career. He should embrace the buy-in Capela showed over his stops in Houston and Atlanta. Because that’s just what the Lakers need.

Los Angeles is currently in sixth place in the stacked Western Conference, at 34-23. The Lakers are two games ahead of the No. 7 team, the Phoenix Suns, and it will be essential for L.A. to maintain its position there to avoid the play-in window.

But, going back to games before the NBA All-Star break, the Lakers have lost four of their last six. This comes at a time when Los Angeles is actually enjoying a spell of health, with Austin Reaves returning from a left calf strain. Aside from a few bumps and bruises, the Lakers are as close to full health as they’ve been in some time.

This is where Ayton’s offensive fit becomes an issue. On a team with a pair of ball-dominant playmakers like Luka Dončić and LeBron James, a tertiary option is going to see his usage drop considerably. But, this season, the Lakers have seen the rise of guard Austin Reaves, who’s averaging career highs in points (25.0) and field goal attempts (15.7).

That has reduced opportunities for Ayton, who is 13.2 points on 9.0 attempts per game. Ayton is shooting a career-high 66.7% from the floor and is adding a career-low 8.5 rebounds per game. Often, especially late in games, Ayton becomes more of a threat as a screener than he does as a scorer, which is understandably frustrating.

The question for the Lakers becomes if they feel it’s more efficient and effective to have the offense run through Dončić, James and Reaves (which it is) as opposed to manufacturing targeted touches for Ayton.

At his peak, Capela was a high-effort defensive force in the paint who adapted to his limited jump shot and offensive efficiency, instead becoming an efficient lob threat who found high-percentage buckets by sprinting into position.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) drives to the basket as he is double teamed by Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) and forward De'Andre Hunter (12) Mar 13, 2024 at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The thing is, Ayton is far more athletic than Capela ever will be. A 7-foot big with an absurd wingspan and speed and leaping ability, Ayton has the ability to blow past defenders and outwork and outjump rebounders. It’s his effort that has let him down.

Consider this: Ayton’s best statistical season came in his final season in Phoenix, in 2022-23. Capela’s top year was in 2018-19, with the Rockets.

Ayton: 18.0 points on 58.9% shooting, 10.0 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in 67 appearances.

Capela: 16.6 points on 64.8% shooting, 12.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 67 appearances.

Capela, however, led the NBA in rebounding (14.3) in 2020-21 and led the league in offensive rebounds (4.7) that same season, tied for the league lead in 2023-24 (4.6). Capela was the No. 25 selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018.

Ayton has had a fine, if underwhelming, career. Though his athleticism is undeniable, he often finds himself out of position on defense. When his usage drops, he often becomes disengaged and his effort dips.

Capela hasn’t been perfect, or even stellar, in his own career. But there are plenty of things Ayton could learn from him.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deandre Ayton should embrace Clint Capela-type role | Opinion

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Max Scherzer’s daughter sent adorable letter to Blue Jays before $3 million reunion

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Max Scherzer and his wife Erica Scherzer with their kids, Image 2 shows Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during first inning in Game 7 of the World Series in Toronto, Saturday, November 1, 2025
Max Scherzer's 8-year-old daughter Brooke made a case for the Blue Jays to bring back the veteran pitcher months before reached they reportedly agreement on a one-year, $3 million deal on Wednesday.

Max Scherzer’s 8-year-old daughter got her wish.

After the news that the veteran right-hander and the Blue Jays agreed on a one-year, $3 million deal Thursday, his wife Erica shared a handwritten letter that their daughter, Brooke, wrote to the club, making a case for Toronto to run it back with her dad after their crushing World Series loss to the Dodgers.

“Dear Blue Jays, I am so sorry that you didn’t win the World Series. I hope that you win next time,” Brooke wrote, as seen in an image of the letter shared on Instagram.

Max Scherzer and his wife Erica Scherzer with their kids. Instagram/Erica Scherzer

“I hope my dad is back on the team. My whole family loves spending time in Toronto with our dad. We loved the aquarium, CN Tower and of course, the stadium. I am looking forward to coming back next season. Love, Max Scherzer’s daughter.”

Despite the Game 7 loss, Erica explained that last season with Toronto left a mark on their family.

“Back in December Brooke wrote this letter, put it in an envelope and asked us to mail it to the Blue Jays. Looks like she gets her wish! ☺” Erica captioned her post.

“Last season had an amazing impact on our entire family and we couldn’t be more excited to be back in Toronto!! Season 19 here we go! ��”

The three-time Cy Young winner is returning to Toronto after the club’s 5-4 defeat in 11 innings to the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

Scherzer, 41, posted a 3.77 ERA and a 1-0 record across three starts in the postseason.

He had a 5.19 ERA across 85 innings last season.

Max Scherzer and his wife Erica Scherzer with their kids. Instagram/Erica Scherzer

The Blue Jays and Scherzer had been in communication through the offseason.

“We’ve known him for a while now, and last year, when you meet a guy of that caliber and that personality, you want to take time to get to know them. We know him,” manager John Schneider said of Scherzer.

“He can still help us win games. All of the other stuff that he does, too, everyone appreciates — and I appreciate it.”

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during first inning in Game 7 of the World Series in Toronto, Saturday, November 1, 2025. AP

Scherzer, an eight-time MLB All-Star, won World Series titles with the Nationals (2019) and the Rangers (2023).