Record-breaking slugger Harjas Singh is one step closer towards making a long-awaited professional debut, earning a rookie contract with Cricket New South Wales for the 2026/27 season.
Giants activate Harrison Bader, call up Tristan Beck
The San Francisco Giants are kicking off a road trip tonight when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers. And, as expected, there are some reinforcements meeting them in Southern California. On Monday afternoon, a few hours before the start of their four-game set with their hated rivals, the Giants announced that center fielder Harrison Bader had been activated off of the 10-Day Injured List, while right-handed reliever Tristan Beck had been called up. To make space for that pair, right-hander Dylan Smith and catcher Logan Porter were optioned to AAA Sacramento.
Beck, who has a 5.40 ERA and a 3.15 FIP in AAA this year, is called up for the first time this season, after appearing in 31 Major League games a year ago. The move is primarily about getting a fresh arm after a taxing weekend series: during Saturday’s blowout loss, the Giants used five relievers (not counting infielder Christian Koss), who threw 119 pitches; during Sunday’s 12-inning affair, they called on six relief arms (including Smith) to throw 98 pitches. Now they at least get a rested arm up against a deadly Dodgers lineup.
As for Bader, he returns after six rehab games with Sacramento. Bader hit 4-18 during his rehab, with two home runs, three walks, five strikeouts, and one stolen base. The Giants are hoping that full health mixed with his time in AAA will fix Bader’s offense, as he hit just 6-52 with one home run, one double, two walks, and 17 strikeouts before landing on the IL. Watch out, Harrison: that kind of offense will get you shipped out to Cleveland, no matter how good your defense is!
Smith and Porter return to Sacramento after very brief stays with the Giants. Smith pitched in one game, and recorded two outs (while walking a batter), while Porter only appeared as a pinch runner. The Giants are back down to two catchers (Jesús Rodríguez and Eric Haase), though they might go back to three when Daniel Susac is done with his rehab.
Michael Voss quits as Carlton coach after disastrous start to AFL season
Blues confirm departure and appoint Josh Fraser as interim coach
‘We have not seen the intended evolution in our game,’ club says
Michael Voss has quit as Carlton coach following a disastrous start to the AFL season, the Blues admitting the club is in “genuine transition”.
Out-of-contract at season’s end, Voss decided to move on with the Blues 1-8 and effectively already out of finals contention.
Continue reading...New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles: Ryan Weathers vs. Brandon Young
It was an ugly weekend in Milwaukee for the Yankees, as they suffered their second series sweep of the season at the hands of a stout Brewers team that overwhelmed them with some sensational pitching and out-executed them late in games. Let’s chalk it up to revenge from Torpedo-gate.
A new series begins today in Baltimore, as the Yankees look to keep beating on the subpar teams that populate the American League, as they did to the Orioles in a historic four-game sweep last week in the Bronx.
Ryan Weathers makes his return to the mound for the Yankees after being scratched from his last start against the Texas Rangers due to an illness. In his first seven starts as a Yankee, he’s 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA (140 ERA+) and 3.58 FIP with 45 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. Weathers will get another crack at an Orioles lineup that he dominated for five innings in his last start before unraveling with a five-run lead in the sixth (although two runs were unearned due to an error). He’s already thrown more innings than he did last year!
The merry-go-round of the Orioles’ rotation continues with Brandon Young making his fifth start of the season tonight at Camden Yards. He’s improved considerably from his disastrous 12 starts in 2025, pitching to a 4.35 ERA and 4.81 FIP in 20.2 innings with just 14 strikeouts to eight walks. Three of his four starts have been perfectly adequate for the O’s, but he does have a late April blowup against the Astros on his ledger.
Young’s peripherals are mostly below average, particularly his strikeout and whiff rates. He does a good job getting hitters to chase and is solid at limiting barrels, but he gives up too much hard contact for him to be an effective starter. Against lefties, the 27-year-old is a pretty even two-pitch pitcher with fastballs and splitters, but he mixes in considerably more sliders and sinkers against righties with the occasional curveball. The splitter has gotten absolutely hammered in the early going, which doesn’t serve him well against a lefty-heavy lineup.
Trent Grisham leads off for the Yankees in front of Ben Rice, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger. Ryan McMahon has been swinging a hot bat lately and slides up to sixth, as Spencer Jones DHs and bats seventh. Max Schuemann is in for José Caballero, who suffered a finger injury and is due to be evaluated tomorrow.
Taylor Ward leads off for Baltimore, followed by the slumping Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and the warming Pete Alonso. They’d love to get Tyler O’Neill going in the five-hole, while continuing to get production from Samuel Basallo and Leody Taveras behind him. Weston Wilson and Blaze Alexander round out the lineup.
How to watch
Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards — Baltimore, MD
First pitch: 6:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, MASN
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), 98 Rock 97.9 FM, WBAL 1090 AM (BA. L) n
Online stream: MLB.tv (out-of-market only), Gotham Sports App
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PWHL postpones playoff game over illness concerns — symptoms don’t indicate hantavirus
A PWHL playoff game is being postponed by the league “due to player safety concerns related to illness.”
Game 5 of the opening-round series between the Minnesota Frost and Montreal Victoire was supposed to take place on Monday in a winner-take-all semifinal showdown that will now have to be rescheduled.
The PWHL said in its announcement that medical assessment had ruled that the symptoms “are not consistent” with Hantavirus, though the league didn’t say who is ill.
“The decision was made following consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with the league’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of players, fans, staff and all those involved in the competition,” the PWHL said in a statement. “A rescheduled date for the game will be announced as soon as medical guidance determines it is appropriate to resume play. An update will be provided to fans within the next day.”
The Associated Press reported that the illness had been limited to Montreal and The Hockey News’ reporting indicated that at least five players on the Victoire had been dealing with some sort of sickness.
The first-round series between Minnesota and Montreal tied at 2 game apiece, and the winner will advance to face the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup final. The Frost have won the PWHL title during the league’s first two years of existence.
The postponement could create a scheduling headache for the PWHL as it tries to find a date to play Game 5. Place Bell has open dates on Tuesday and Wednesday, but it’s unclear if they would want to schedule a game on the same day the Montreal Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres at Bell Centre in Game 4 of the second-round NHL playoff series.
The league announced earlier in the day that Games 3 and 4 of the Walter Cup final would take place on May 18 and May 20, though that could now change due to the postponement.
Judge allows blood alcohol evidence in trial over Gaudreau brothers' deaths
Sean Higgins is one step closer to facing trial in the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
A New Jersey judge denied a motion Monday that would have sent key evidence back to a grand jury, ruling that blood-alcohol evidence against Higgins can be presented to a jury at trial.
The case will continue as scheduled.
Higgins’ attorney had argued that his blood-alcohol level at the time of the August 2024 crash was improperly collected and actually below the legal limit. Defense lawyers said plasma rather than whole blood was tested, putting his actual blood alcohol level was 0.075. That would be below New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08. Prosecutors put the figure at 0.87.
A trooper at the scene noted Higgins' breath smelled like alcohol, and the driver admitted to drinking five or six beers before the crash. He also failed a field sobriety test.
It is the latest in a string of pretrial defeats for the defense. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Silvano has already denied motions to suppress evidence from Higgins’ vehicle, ruled his statements to police we lawfully obtained and rejected the arguments that the Gaudreau brothers' own drinking contributed to their deaths. An appellate judge also denied a motion to appeal the Miranda ruling in January.
Higgins, who was employed at a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center at the time of the crash, rejected a plea that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence. He faces up to 70 years if convicted on all counts, which include two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, along with evidence tampering and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on the evening of Aug. 29, 2024. It was the eve of their sister’s wedding when Higgins struck them while attempting to pass slower-moving vehicles. Both died at the scene.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, known as “Johnny Hockey,” made seven NHL All-Star teams during his career with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew Gaudreau, 29, played hockey at Boston College and was working as a high school hockey coach. Both left behind wives and children. The Gaudreau family attended Team USA’s gold medal hockey game at the Milan Olympics in February to honor the brothers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge denies defense motion in trial over Gaudreau brothers' deaths
Dodgers first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster René Cárdenas passed away at 96
René Cárdenas, a broadcasting pioneer who became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster for domestic audiences in MLB history when he began working for the Dodgers in 1958, has died at 96 years old.
According to the Astros, one of three teams Cárdenas worked for during his decades-long career, he passed away at his home in Houston on Sunday.
A native of Nicaragua –– where one of his grandfathers was not only president of the country in the late 19th century, but also introduced baseball to the nation –– Cárdenas was hired by the Dodgers shortly after they moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, calling games on AM radio during their years playing at the Coliseum.
In 1962, he moved to Houston to work for the Astros (then known as the Colt .45s), becoming their director of Spanish broadcasting. In that role, he organized and produced the first international radio network in MLB history, which reached 13 countries in Central and South America, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In 1981, Cárdenas was hired by the Texas Rangers as the first Spanish broadcaster in their club’s history.
Then, in 1982, he returned to the Dodgers, where he would remain through 1998 while working alongside Jaime Jarrín –– another Spanish-language broadcasting legend who originally joined the Dodgers a year after Cárdenas in 1959.
Among his many career highlights, Cárdenas was part of several other Spanish-language broadcasting firsts, including the 1959 World Series and 1961 All-Star Game.
He also returned to the Astros in 2008 to call games on TV in the United States for the first time in his career.
“We mourn the passing of René Cárdenas, who in 1958 with the Dodgers became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history and would ultimately spend 21 years behind the mic for Los Angeles,” the Dodgers said in a statement. “We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
Monday night Orioles game thread: vs. Yankees, 6:35
The Orioles will look to pick up their first win over the Yankees tonight. Baltimore found itself on the wrong end of a four-game sweep at the beginning of May.
Taylor Ward will leadoff and play left field. Adley Rutschman will handle the catching duties, but Samuel Basallo will still start as the DH against LHP Ryan Weathers. The lefty opponent will lead to Weston Wilson at third base and Blaze Alexander at second.
Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso will complete the infield. Tyler O’Neill will get a chance in right, and Leody Taveras will play up the middle.
Brandon Young will get the start for Baltimore.
There’s absolutely no benefit to dropping a fifth consecutive game to the Yankees. The Orioles will need their struggling offense to backup Young as he faces Aaron Judge and a talented New York lineup.
You can check out more about the three-game set against the Yankees here.
Edit: Samuel Basallo was scratched with left knee discomfort. MASN’s Roch Kubatko reported that the discomfort was a product of yesterday’s collision at the plate. Additionally, the Orioles selected the contract of LHP Josh Walker. The team optioned RHP Trey Gibson.
Orioles lineup:
- Taylor Ward LF
- Gunnar Henderson SS
- Adley Rutschman C
- Pete Alonso 1B
- Tyler O’Neill RF
- Coby Mayo DH
- Leody Taveras CF
- Weston Wilson 3B
- Blaze Alexander 2B
Starter: RHP Brandon Young
Tottenham 1-1 Leeds: Premier League – as it happened
Mathys Tel scored a wonderful goal and conceded a penalty as Spurs got one more point in the fight against relegation
1 min: Peeeeep! Leeds, clad all in black (well, black and some funny blurry shapes), get the game going.
The players are out! The display of flags was a little underwhelming, only partly because if you’re watching on TV it was mostly covered up by a sequence of graphics.
Continue reading...P&T Interview: Danilo Gallinari on his time with Knicks, the success of international players, making it in the playoffs, and more
Just hours after Knicks fans collectively exhaled at the news that OG Anunoby had avoided a major hamstring injury, I got the opportunity to hop on a call with former Knick Danilo Gallinari.
Before getting into basketball, there was one thing worth acknowledging first: Gallinari had just won a BSN (Baloncesto Superior Nacional) championship. When congratulated on the title, he seemed pleasantly surprised that it was brought up, flashing a brief but unmistakably genuine smile before offering a quick thank you.
For a player whose NBA journey began in New York, it felt only natural to start with his first impressions of the Knicks organization and the city itself. “I didn’t know much about the organization,” Gallinari admitted. Relaxed and candid throughout the conversation, he explained how the franchise laid out its vision for the future after drafting him in 2008 before joking, “Obviously I didn’t stay long,” with a laugh.
His introduction to the NBA, however, came rather brutally. “When most people think about a welcome moment, it’s good,” Gallinari said. His was anything but. Even now, he recalled the week of February 1, 2009 in remarkable detail. First came Kobe Bryant, who walked into Madison Square Garden and dropped 61 points on the Knicks in what was then the highest-scoring game ever by an opposing player at the arena. Two nights later, LeBron James followed with 52 points, 11 assists, and what Gallinari still remembers as a triple-double, despite one rebound later being taken away.
For Knicks fans, those games remain burned into memory for all the wrong reasons. But for Gallinari, the welcome tour still wasn’t over. That Friday, the defending champion Boston Celtics came into the Garden and beat New York 110-100. More than anything, Gallinari remembered the awe of suddenly sharing the floor with the biggest stars in basketball night after night.
That experience, he explained later in the conversation, is part of what makes New York such a difficult place to play. “You got to be strong-minded,” he said. “New York is a tough place to play with tough fans, so you have to be able to take that.”
Because of how the latter stages of his career unfolded, it can be easy to forget just how productive Gallinari was at his peak. Across a 10-season stretch, the 6’10” forward averaged 16.7 points per game while building a reputation as one of the league’s most skilled offensive forwards. A player capable of handling the ball, shooting from deep, posting up smaller defenders, and attacking off the dribble, Gallinari was a very good player for a very long time.
Naturally, that versatility meant drawing some difficult defensive assignments. When asked about that, after pausing for a few seconds, Gallinari gave his answer decisively. “Metta World Peace.” Then came a few more names. “Tony Allen, Kawhi [Leonard], Draymond [Green]. They defended me well.”
The conversation eventually shifted from the NBA Gallinari entered to the one that exists today. At 37 years old and officially retired, Gallinari was asked whether there are any current players who remind him of himself.
“Cooper [Flagg],” he answered immediately before laughing. “He had a few more posters than I did as a rookie.” Gallinari pointed to Flagg’s versatility. His ability to handle the ball, shoot, and play multiple positions were all traits that he resonated with.
That naturally led to an interesting thought: what might Gallinari’s own career have looked like had he entered the league in today’s pace-and-space era? He agreed that today’s NBA may have suited him even more, though he was quick to credit his first NBA coach, Mike D’Antoni, for already implementing an early version of the modern game. That style, Gallinari explained, fit him perfectly.
Still, the funniest moment of the entire conversation came when discussing the differences between eras. “The money,” he said with a grin.
Beyond styles of play, Gallinari also reflected on how much the perception of international basketball has evolved since his initial years in the NBA. As one of the most successful international players of his generation, he has witnessed that change firsthand. “Just the global level has gotten so much higher,” he said. “It’s a bit easier now. When I came into the league, there were stereotypes.”
That comment stood out.
It wasn’t long ago that international prospects, particularly European ones, were often labeled as soft. Since then, though, those preconceived notions have slowly disintegrated, and the league has become increasingly dominated by international talent.
Gallinari has partnered with AT&T for the AT&T Dunk Bus, a traveling game-day experience designed to bring fans closer to the game and the league through live dunk showcases, NBA 2K competitions, and player meet-and-greets.
Gallinari spoke enthusiastically about the partnership and how it creates an interactive experience for fans before revealing one final detail with a laugh.
“I don’t know if AT&T knows this,” he said, “but I’ve been a customer of theirs for 18 years, so it’s a neat opportunity.”
Dine like a Dodger at this elevated Santa Clarita deli owned by Mookie Betts’ former private chef
The latest cult sandwich spot in Los Angeles isn’t tucked inside a trendy strip mall or an influencer trap — it’s hiding in an industrial corner of Santa Clarita, next to warehouses and storage units.
Chef James Dalton — the longtime private chef to Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts — quietly opened Table 504 last week, a low-key sandwich shop that’s already generating quite the buzz.
The star of the menu is the 12-day pastrami sandwich, which, you guessed it, takes 12 days to prep. The process involves a 10-day brine followed by eight hours in the smoker, on bread baked fresh in-house.
Locals are also raving about the 504 Italian, another $20 must-order, made with prosciutto, imported mortadella, sweet soppressata, burrata, red-wine vinaigrette, house-pickled pepper spread and served on house focaccia.
Dalton’s culinary résumé is a far cry from your average sandwich slinger. The Florida-born chef has spent 26 years in hospitality and eventually transitioned into private cheffing for Betts after the MLB superstar moved from Boston to Los Angeles.
After years of working together, Dalton and Betts launched the Table 504 brand.
“Ive been a Dodgers fan all my life and came to try the 504 Italian sandwich but also hoping to bump into Mookie!” Jesse Mark, 30, told The Post while grabbing a bite Monday.
Social media videos showcasing the shop describe it as “hidden in an industrial area behind Public Storage” in a minimalist space serving up items that look more like they’re coming out of a high-end tasting kitchen than a warehouse-district lunch spot.
Betts, one of the most decorated active players in today’s game, is scheduled to return to the Dodgers lineup Monday. He suffered an oblique strain during LA’s 10–5 victory over the Nationals on April 4 and immediately went on the injured list.
His return couldn’t come at a better time as the vaunted Dodgers offense has been ranked among the worst in the major leagues over the past three weeks.
Although Betts struggled to start the season, hitting just .179 in eight games, his mere presence in the lineup balances everything out.
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Yankees’ Jose Caballero to get MRI as finger injury grows more worrisome
BALTIMORE — José Caballero’s hopes of remaining the Yankees starting shortstop hinge on a Tuesday morning MRI.
For now, a right middle finger injury was enough to keep Caballero out of the Yankees lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Orioles at Camden Yards, sustained while diving back into first base in the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Brewers.
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Try it freeAfter Monday’s game, Caballero will travel to New York to undergo an MRI and see team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad and a hand specialist to determine the severity.
“I don’t think it’s a fracture,” Caballero said before pinch-running in the ninth inning and getting thrown out trying to steal second to end a 3-2 loss. “Not worried [about going on the injured list]. I’m just not happy that I have to be out of the lineup today.”
But Aaron Boone, who generally downplays any worries about potential injuries, sounded more concerned than Caballero.
“There’s definitely some concern because Cabby, he’s as tough as they come,” Boone said. “Just had a little hard time when he went to throw today. The good thing is hitting was good. So we’ll see. He’s going to get some tests [Tuesday] morning. See what we have over the next day or two.”
Max Schuemann started at shortstop Monday night, and Boone indicated he would be comfortable with him (and perhaps Ryan McMahon in spot duty) filling the void if Caballero just needs a few days.
If Caballero has to go on the injured list, the recently demoted Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera would be candidates for a call-up from Triple-A.
But first comes the MRI for Caballero, whose strong play on both sides of the ball over the first month-plus of the season forced the Yankees to change their plans for Volpe, whom they initially planned to reinsert at shortstop once he came off the IL last week.
“[Caballero] has been great,” Boone said. “He’s been such a good performer for us here to start the year, on both sides of the ball. He’s been a key part of our team to this point, but again, hopefully it’s just a day-to-day situation. We’ll have a better idea of that [Tuesday].”
Caballero dodged an injury concern last week after he was hit on the left elbow by a pitch, needing only a day out of the lineup Thursday to deal with some swelling before playing all three games over the weekend in Milwaukee.
He is still wearing tape on that left elbow Monday, but now has his right middle finger taped up as well.
The speedy Caballero was trying to steal second base in the ninth inning of a tie game Sunday when he dove back into first base, and while he was wearing a sliding glove on his right hand, it did not fully protect him.
“Didn’t work,” he said. “It’s just the part that is covering that part of the finger, it’s kind of soft, so it doesn’t really help much.”
- CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND YANKEES STATS
And so the shortstop with a 1.6 bWAR — the fifth-highest mark on the Yankees entering Monday — was put on hold.
If Caballero does need to go on the IL, it would set up an interesting decision for the Yankees.
Volpe did not exactly set the world on fire in his first week at Triple-A following his activation off the IL and demotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
In five games, he hit 4-for-24 (.167) with a .472 OPS.
Cabrera, who offers more positional flexibility, had a rough start to the season but has hit better of late, going 14-for-36 (.389) with a 1.032 OPS over his last nine games.
Boone said he had not spoken to Volpe since giving him the news last Sunday that he was being optioned to Triple-A, but has maintained that the 25-year-old is equipped to handle it well.
“Definitely it’s challenging to deal with that, but everyone has challenges they’ve got to deal with and some adversity they’ve got to deal with,” Boone said. “He’s mentally a very tough kid and that’ll serve him well as he navigates this.”
José Caballero injury update: Yankees shortstop to undergo tests on finger
BALTIMORE - New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero will be sent back to New York for tests on his right middle finger after he injured it diving back into a base, manager Aaron Boone said Monday, May 11.
Caballero, who seized the starting shortstop job from Anthony Volpe with his early season play this year, hurt his finger diving into first base on a pickoff attempt in the ninth inning of the Yankees' loss at Milwaukee Sunday. He will need an MRI to determine the extent of the damage, but said he doesn't believe the finger was broken.
"There’s definitely some concern. He’s as tough as they come," says Boone. "So, just had a little hard time when he went to throw today. His hitting was good.
"He’s going to get some tests tomorrow morning. We’ll see what we have the next day or two."
Boone said Caballero will be examined by a hand specialist along with club physician Christopher Ahmad. Max Schuemann will start in place of Caballero Monday and likely Tuesday, Boone said, though he did not rule out third baseman Ryan McMahon making his second start of the season in this series.
Caballero's 1.6 WAR trails only outfielders Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger among Yankee position players. He has a league-average 100 adjusted OPS, batting .259 with four homers and 13 stolen bases in 17 attempts.
While the Yankees do not know if Caballero's injury will require a stint on the injured list, that scenario would generate intrigue about how the club would fill the roster spot. Volpe lost his three-year grip on the starting job when he was optioned to Class AAA after his rehabilitation from offseason shoulder surgery was complete.
Volpe is batting .205 with a .238 OBP through his first nine games at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
"I haven’t talked to Anthony since he went down, since we made that decision," says Boone. "It’s definitely challenging to deal with that. Everyone has challenges they gotta deal with, some adversity they gotta deal with. Whether it’s up here, it’s part of it.
"Anthony’s mentally a very tough kid. That will serve him well as he navigates this."
The club could also promote veteran utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera, who has filled the utility role in past seasons in New York. That would enable Volpe to play every day at Class AAA.
Either way, the club must, at least in this series, navigate life without one of their surprise stars.
"He’s been great. He’s been such a good performer for us this year on both sides of the ball," says Boone. "He’s been a key part of our team to this point. Hopefully it’s a day-to-day situation."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yankees' José Caballero sent home for tests on finger injury
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama escapes NBA playoff suspension after Game 4 ejection over elbow
The Spurs’ loss was punishment enough for Victor Wembanyama.
Following the French big man’s ejection for elbowing the Timberwolves’ Naz Reid on Sunday, he will not face a suspension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
During the Spurs’ Game 4 loss to Minnesota in their second-round series, Wembanyama was tossed with 8:39 left in the second quarter after whacking Reid in the face after fighting for possession.
Status alert: Victor Wembanyama has been ejected Sunday after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul. pic.twitter.com/G02YylonQE
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 11, 2026
The hard contact from the 7-foot-4 center sent Reid to the floor, though he was fine to continue playing and finished the game with 15 points in 31 minutes.
With Wembanyama sidelined for much of the contest, the Timberwolves took their chance to even the series, winning 114-109.
Anthony Edwards finished with a game-high 36 points, while Wembanyama was forced to leave the floor with just four points in 12 minutes.
While Wembanyama will be available to play in a pivotal Game 5, his wallet may take a hit as a result of his actions on Sunday.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he believes “there’s a chance” the reigning Defensive Player of the Year gets fined for his elbow.
Nonetheless, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended Wembanyama for sticking up for himself amid a perceived lack of protection by the referees from the Timberwolves’ physical play.
“I’m glad he took matters into his own hands. Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, I want to be very clear about that,” Johnson told reporters.
“… But he’s going to have to protect himself if [the refs] are not. The amount of physicality that people play with, with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself.”
The Spurs will welcome Minnesota back to San Antonio on Tuesday night for a pivotal Game 5.
Lakers’ Adou Thiero’s postseason opportunity is an audition for next year
As Adou Thiero was standing in front of the scorer’s table at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City early in the second quarter of the Lakers’ Game 2 loss to the Thunder, a familiar face followed Thiero’s path with a message.
Luka Doncic, the team’s star player who’s been sidelined since April 2 because of a strained left hamstring, made the walk from his seat on the Lakers’ bench to the scorer’s table before putting his arm to Thiero.
Doncic was there to give the Lakers rookie pieces of advice before getting his first opportunity of being in the Lakers’ playoff rotation after Jarred Vanderbilt suffered an open right pinky dislocation, opening up playing time.
“He just told me to go out there and play hard, just do what I do and don’t overthink anything,” Thiero said of Doncic’s message. “Just kept it simple and trying to lighten the pressure on me.”
During a loss that didn’t provide many bright spots for the Lakers, outside of Austin Reaves bouncing back from a rough Game 1 to kick off the series, Thiero provided what the coaching staff was looking for.
He had three rebounds in his six-minute shift in the quarter.
He hustled.
He was energetic.
He was physical.
All of the areas the Thunder have had the edge over the Lakers entering Monday’s Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena.
“High energy and physicality,” coach JJ Redick said of what’s expected of Thiero. “Thought he played well.”
The good impression led to more playing time for Thiero in Saturday’s Game 3 loss.
Thiero had a team-high eight rebounds in 13 minutes – five defensive rebounds and three offensive boards – and four points.
“[I] prayed for moments like these and worked for moments like these,” Thiero said, “Just to get that opportunity has been special; go out there and do what I can for the guys.”
Thiero has felt the shift in focus and energy during the 19 combined minutes he played in Game 2 and Game 3 compared to when he’d get playing time in the regular season.
“It’s definitely very intense,” Thiero said. “You got a loud atmosphere. Everybody is into it. Every possession, leave it all out there. It’s very intense. I felt the change in pace and everything as soon as I got out there.”
Thiero’s inexperience showed when he was called for a moving screen while trying to initiate a dribble handoff with Rui Hachimura late in the third quarter.
Or other moments when he passed up shots, with his energy and hustle masking the fact the No. 36 pick in the 2025 draft only played 149 minutes across 25 regular season games before the playoffs.
“They told me I did a lot of good things, but there’s still a lot of things I need to work on, which, granted, I haven’t gotten that many reps. But still gotta be disciplined with what we’re doing as a team and keep picking up our principles.”
But if the Lakers hope to compete with teams like the Thunder, or even the Spurs, in the future, they need to develop players like Thiero into quality rotation players.
NBAE via Getty Images
Thiero, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward who impresses with his leaping ability and athleticism, not only represents what the Lakers lacked for most of the season, but also an advantage the Thunder and Spurs have over the Lakers.
The Lakers have lacked inexpensive, younger talent that they’ve developed who can be counted on to step up when needed.
Austin Reaves was once that player, but is 27, now five years into his NBA career and is set for a big pay day this offseason.
Max Christie, who the Lakers drafted in the second round in 2022, was turning into that type of player before they included him in the trade for Doncic last winter.
Both of the Lakers’ draft picks from 2023, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis, are no longer in the NBA.
Their 2024 picks, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, have only played against the Thunder when the game results were essentially decided. James was in the rotation during the first round against the Rockets while Reaves was sidelined.
Compare that to the Thunder, who have multiple younger players on rookie scale contracts or inexpensive deals (Cason Wallace, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell)) who have contributed to the 3-0 series lead they had going into Monday, and it’s clear the Lakers are missing out on an important factor for team building.
It’s why they need Thiero to get this playing time.
And for the Lakers sake, hopefully grow from it.