Austin Reaves knows how to get Luka Doncic fired up and he’s willing to go to extreme lengths to ensure the Lakers superstar plays well.
Reaves has thought about hiring fans to talk trash to Doncic throughout games in order to awaken the Slovenian beast inside.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves gestures as he speaks to the media. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
“I’ve thought about paying people in the stands to just talk crazy to him because he goes to that different level,” Reaves said to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
The Lakers have officially kicked off a new era in Los Angeles with Doncic at the helm and the squad enters the 2026-27 campaign with several question marks. How will Doncic acclimate to being the captain of the Lakers?
Can the Lakers be a playoff contender without LeBron James? Will the major roster overhaul by general manager Rob Pelinka pay off?
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers watches his team play against the Golden State Warriors from the bench during the first half of their preseason game. Getty ImagesLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Sacramento Kings. NBAE via Getty Images
While many of these questions won’t be answered until the Lakers take the floor Opening Night, Doncic has already taken action in assuming his role as the leader of the team. For one, the entire roster traveled to Slovenia for a four-day minicamp hosted by Doncic.
The overseas trip was meant for the Lakers to get a feel for one another on court, but perhaps just as importantly, the team got to know one another on a personal level.
Getting to build a rapport with his teammates was important for Doncic and will certainly play a role with how the squad performs on the court together. The pressure heavily lands on the shoulders of Doncic for the Lakers’ success.
Thus, paying fans to talk trash might be Reaves’ solution to ensuring Doncic is at his best every single night.
In what could possibly be his final game in pinstripes, Jazz Chisholm Jr. once again struck the wrong note with a former teammate.
Wednesday night’s 4-3 loss to the Rays eliminated the Yankees from the postseason, but Chisholm found the Yankee Stadium faithful’s booing “confusing,” saying the team needed their support.
Anthony Rizzo, who spent the final 3 ½ seasons of his career in The Bronx, was dumbfounded by the mercurial infielder’s remarks.
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) plays during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Robert Sabo for New York Post
“Jazz Chisholm’s comments after the game just looks like a player who is lost,” Rizzo said in an episode of “Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered” released Thursday.
“He says after the game about being booed, ‘I don’t understand, I was confused why I was being booed.’ It surprises you that you were booed? What do you mean?”
Chisholm, 28, was among several Yankees who struggled during the eventual ALDS sweep, which included a series of misplays in Game 2 and led to his benching for Game 3.
After boldly predicting a 50-home run, 50-stolen base regular season back in spring, the impending free agent finished with 19 bombs and 41 steals during a disappointing, injury-riddled 2026.
Nothing but facts from Anthony Rizzo here . Everyone is sick and tired of Jazz”s act and I’m happy we will never have to see him in pinstripes again. pic.twitter.com/nk2xTnbGRM
Despite those struggles, he said he understood the fanbase but remained perplexed by its reaction.
“I already understand New York fans,” Chisholm told reporters postgame. “They booed Aaron Judge before, who am I?
“It doesn’t hurt, it’s just confusing because it’s the playoffs and we’re trying to win games. So you’re booing a guy that’s playing currently trying to help the team win. You’re hearing boos instead of trying to hype guys up. But at the end of the day, it didn’t hurt me because I’ve seen Aaron Judge get booed here too.”
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after fouling out to first base during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Yankee Stadium. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But Rizzo, who previously ripped Chisholm’s “immaturity” over an ejection during the Yankees’ sweep by the Red Sox in June, once again didn’t let his former teammate off the hook.
“You’ve played there for three-plus years now, you’ve seen [Anthony] Volpe get run out of town. You’ve seen Judgey get booed. You’ve seen Stanton get booed.
“It surprises you that you got booed? That’s just not the right way to answer questions.”
Chisholm will be among several key decisions for the Yankees entering the offseason as the organization looks to build its first championship-winning squad since 2009.
The second baseman, who entered Game 3 as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-2 with a stolen base, made it clear where he wants to continue his career.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 27, 2026: Mason Montgomery #46 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Pirates season has come to a close finishing 82-80. The offense was the big story for the club this season with how dynamic and dominant they were at the plate. The pitching wasn’t terrible, but it also wasn’t the best in the league, let’s take a look at the Pirates bullpen this season.
The Good
Yohan Ramírez served as a reliable workhorse and multi-inning weapon out of the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen. He racked up over a strikeout per inning (102 K in 85.0 IP) with a strong 2.86 ERA across 66 appearances. The bullpen was very questionable for a lot of the season, but Ramirez was definitely one of the more reliable and trusted arms.
Mason Montgomery led the team with 18 saves and had a solid 2.55 ERA. Montgomery was shaky in the beginning of the season, but he looked better in the second half of the year.
Luke Weaver was a big addition for the Bucs at the trade deadline from the New York Mets, and he looked pretty solid at times for the team. Weaver is Under contract through the 2027 season, with his next unrestricted free agency scheduled for 2028.
In the Middle
The Pirates were ranked in the middle in bullpen ERA at 14th with a 4.01 ERA. That’s not bad, but the big thing with the bullpen was inconsistency. As a team, they had 41 total saves on the year, which was an above average state compared to the rest of the league.
Gregory Soto was a name the team called on a good bit this season, pitching in 68 games. He also had the problem of inconsistency, he had a 3.68 ERA and had an issue with allowing the long ball. As a whole, the bullpen allowed 65 home runs on the year, which was on the lower side in the league.
The Bad
For the whole season, the Buccos didn’t have a go to closer. Mason Montgomery was thrusted into that role later in the year, but I’m not sure if he can be a legit long-term closer in the ninth inning for the Pirates next season.
To start the season, Denis Santana was the closer but he was designated for assignment by the Pirates on July 23, 2026, after posting a 6.05 ERA.
Another disappointment was Camilo Doval, who was traded from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline. Doval was supposed to be this big pickup at the deadline, but he was designated for assignment by the Pirates on September 22, 2026 and was later picked up by the San Francisco Giants.
The Pirates need to go out and get a legit closer in the offseason because they need that guy they can fully rely on. I think having Mason Montgomery throw in the seventh and maybe having Luke Weaver in the eighth can work as great set up guys. New closer to follow.
Overall, the Pirates bullpen did okay this season in places, but inconsistency killed them, especially when the Pirates had those rough months in the middle of the year. If the Bucs want to snap their playoff drought for the 2027 season, they should be aggressive in the offseason and spend some money on some guys in the bullpen that can help out.
CHICAGO – There are some atmospheres a young team just has to experience for itself.
Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable acknowledged his team was affected by the magnitude of Game 3 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians. The team's first playoff game at home since 2021. A chance to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time since 1906. A fanbase ecstatic to be in the postseason after three 100-loss seasons in a row.
“This group has always responded well to different atmospheres, whether that's on the road or here. … It was different yesterday,” Venable said Thursday, Oct. 8, ahead of Game 4.
“I'm not sure that there was anything that myself or anybody else could have said to prepare them for that,” Venable added. They had to experience it for themselves.”
The White Sox were routed by the Guardians 9-3 on Wednesday, managing six hits while striking out an MLB postseason-record 19 times.
“You saw us chase a lot more,” Venable said. “I think it was one of our highest chase rates of the year, so I think, yeah, we were a little sped up.”
Added center fielder Tristan Peters, “You play in front of a crowd like that, you get amped up and maybe swing at pitches you wouldn't normally swing at.”
Now that the White Sox have been through it, though, Venable and Peters said they’ll respond better in Game 4.
This has been a team that’s been able to bounce back quickly throughout the season, especially against division foes. They’ve lost back-to-back games against a fellow AL Central team only five times this season, and just once since the All-Star break. (Though that was against the Guardians, when Chicago dropped the last two of a three-game series in Cleveland.)
“That's part of baseball. You’re not always going to play your best game,” Peters said. “I think we've shown all year that we bounce back from those kinds of games really quick. That's what we plan to do today.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 22: Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, right, is seen before a MLB baseball game in Houston, Saturday, August. 22, 2026. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Jim Crane’s reputation for control could make Houston’s search for new leadership far more difficult than anyone wants to admit.
The two most important positions in the Houston Astros organization are either open or facing uncertainty, and the scary part is that they may also be two of the least attractive jobs in Major League Baseball.
Think about that for a moment.
We’re talking about an organization that has enjoyed one of the most successful runs in modern baseball history. A franchise with multiple World Series appearances, two championships, a passionate fan base, and a reputation for winning. On the surface, the opportunity to become the next general manager or manager of the Houston Astros should be one of the most coveted positions in the sport.
But there’s one major problem:
Jim Crane.
With Dana Brown’s departure as general manager and uncertainty surrounding Joe Espada’s future as manager, the Astros should be positioned to attract some of the brightest minds in baseball. Experienced executives and proven managers should be lining up for interviews, while young, innovative candidates should view Houston as the perfect opportunity to establish themselves on the biggest stage.
Unfortunately, I don’t believe that’s the reality.
The biggest obstacle facing the Astros isn’t necessarily the roster, the payroll, or even the organization’s depleted farm system. It’s the reputation of an owner who, in my opinion, has become far too involved in baseball decisions and far too controlling of the people he hires to make them.
Let’s be clear. Jim Crane owns the Houston Astros. He has every right to run his organization however he sees fit. He’s invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the franchise, and nobody can take away the success the Astros have enjoyed under his ownership.
But there’s a significant difference between being an involved owner and being an owner who makes it difficult for the baseball people he employs to actually do their jobs.
That distinction could become the single biggest issue facing this organization moving forward.
Why Would an Established Candidate Want These Jobs?
We will probably never know everything that happened behind closed doors with Dana Brown, Joe Espada, or even Dusty Baker before them. We don’t know every disagreement, every personnel decision, or how much authority each man actually had.
Baseball is a small world. Executives talk. Managers talk. Agents talk. Reputations travel quickly throughout the industry. Does anyone really believe that experienced baseball executives and managers aren’t going to do their homework before considering an opportunity in Houston?
If you’re an established general manager with a proven track record, why would you leave a comfortable situation to take a job where you might not have the final say on the decisions you’re ultimately going to be judged for? If you’re a veteran manager who has spent decades earning the respect of players and front offices, why would you willingly enter a situation where ownership might constantly second-guess your decisions? Look no further than the friction that surrounded Dusty Baker’s final years in Houston.
Baker was a future Hall of Fame manager with a World Series championship and decades of experience. He had earned the right to manage his clubhouse and make baseball decisions based on his knowledge and instincts. Yet even with his résumé, questions persisted about the relationship between the manager and ownership.
If someone with Dusty Baker’s credentials faced those challenges, what does that tell prospective candidates about the environment they’re potentially walking into?
Established baseball people don’t need the Houston Astros job badly enough to surrender the authority and independence they’ve spent their careers earning.
That should concern every Astros fan.
The Risk for Young, Up-and-Coming Candidates
Now consider the other side of the equation.
Maybe Crane decides to go in a different direction and hire younger, emerging talent. Someone with fresh ideas, a modern analytical approach, and a desire to make a name for themselves in Major League Baseball. That sounds exciting, right? However, put yourself in the shoes of one of those candidates.
You’ve spent years working your way through an organization, building relationships, learning the business, and waiting for your opportunity to run a baseball team or manage at the major league level. Your first opportunity could define your entire career. Would you really want that opportunity to come with the possibility of being undermined by ownership, having your authority questioned, or being held responsible for decisions you didn’t necessarily make?
Because here’s the reality of professional sports: When things go wrong, the general manager and manager usually take the blame, regardless of who was actually making the decisions.
For a young executive or manager, one unsuccessful opportunity can dramatically change the trajectory of a career. It’s one thing to fail because your philosophy didn’t work, your personnel decisions were wrong, or your team simply didn’t perform. It’s something entirely different to fail because you were never given the freedom to build and lead the organization the way you believed was necessary.
That’s a risk some of the brightest young minds in baseball may not be willing to take.
Would New Leadership Want to Tear Everything Down?
There’s another question that I don’t think is getting nearly enough attention.
What happens if the Astros do hire a younger general manager with a completely different philosophy? Would that person look at the current roster and see a team that just needs a few strategic additions to compete for another World Series? Would they see an aging core, expensive contracts, limited organizational depth, and an opportunity to completely rebuild the franchise? That’s a massive difference.
The Astros have spent years building a culture where winning the division and competing for championships are expectations, not aspirations. Despite the challenges facing the organization, there is still a foundation of talent capable of competing. A new general manager looking to establish their own identity might prefer to start over rather than inherit a roster and organizational structure built by previous regimes.
That could mean difficult decisions involving established veterans, popular players, and potentially a complete philosophical shift in how the Astros construct their roster. Here’s the bigger question: Would Jim Crane actually allow that person to execute such a plan? Would we simply be right back where we started, with another general manager carrying the title but not necessarily possessing the authority that should come with it?
The Astros Don’t Need Another Figurehead
For years, the Astros were considered one of baseball’s model organizations.
They developed talent, made calculated personnel decisions, embraced innovation, and built a championship culture that other franchises desperately wanted to duplicate.
However, successful organizations don’t stay successful simply because of what they accomplished in the past. They evolve. They adapt. Most importantly, they empower talented people to make difficult decisions.
That’s where I believe Jim Crane faces his biggest challenge as an owner. He doesn’t just need to find the next general manager and manager of the Houston Astros.
He needs to convince qualified candidates that they’ll actually be allowed to do the jobs they’re being hired to do.
If the perception around baseball is that Houston’s front office and dugout are ultimately controlled by the owner’s office, the Astros may discover that their impressive history and championship pedigree aren’t enough to attract the caliber of leadership this franchise needs. If the best candidates decide the potential headaches outweigh the opportunity, Houston could be left choosing from people who are willing to accept the conditions rather than those who are best qualified to lead.
That’s not how championship organizations should operate.
The Biggest Decision Belongs to Jim Crane
The Astros are at a crossroads.
They can build on the talent and winning foundation that still exists, make the necessary adjustments, and position themselves for another championship window, or they can continue down a path where instability, uncertainty, and questions about organizational authority become bigger stories than what happens on the baseball field.
The next general manager and manager will undoubtedly face enormous pressure to win. Before Jim Crane decides who those individuals should be, perhaps he needs to ask himself a much more important question.
Is he willing to hire the best baseball people available and then trust them enough to let them do their jobs?
Until that question is answered, the two most important jobs in the Houston Astros organization might also remain two of the least desirable.
For a franchise that has spent the better part of a decade setting the standard for success in Major League Baseball, that’s a troubling place to be.
As a Houston Rockets writer, I don’t write about Alperen Sengun very often.
Some of you know why. For the uninitiated, here’s a potentially self-indulgent confession.
I have a graphic saved on my phone quoting me as saying the Rockets should trade Sengun (and picks) for Nic Claxton and Mikal Bridges. I know that if you search my name on Houston Rockets Reddit, it won’t take long before the word “moron” comes up.
And…it bothered me. I don’t like being called a moron. But that was a while ago. My life has changed. I am a teacher now, and this is a hobby. I still don’t love being called a moron, but my reaction is softer in my old age. I know that I am neither a genius nor a moron.
I’m not the only variable that’s changed. Sengun’s PR is presently in the gutter. If you don’t believe me, find any post in any corner of social media that mentions Sengun that isn’t from a Rockets-focused account.
Pick One: Alperen Sengun, Lauri Markkanen, Chet Holmgren, or Jaren Jackson Jr. This was a viral (and meaningless) comparison that was making the rounds recently. Here’s what the replies looked like
“Sengun is clearly the worst”
“Definitely not Shampoo”
…Etc.
If anyone answers Sengun, they’re almost certainly a Rockets fan, a Turkish person, or a combination of both. The criticisms are the same that this moron levied against him from a much earlier time. He’s a bit too small to be a five, he’s a defensive liability, and he’s a ball-dominant player who can’t shoot.
Is there any hope left?
Sengun faces pivotal 2026-27 season
The year was 2023-24. Sengun posted an impressive 4.9 Box Plus/Minus (BPM). The numbers people were having a field day. There was a veritable mass of think pieces along the lines of “here’s a list of players in their age-21 season to post a BPM above 4”. Sengun was a poster boy for a certain brand of basketball fan.
The next year, it was 4.4. Then, it was 4.2. Last year, per DataBallr, the Rockets were +3.5 with Sengun on the floor, and +12.3 when he was resting. None of these stats are perfect, but in this case, it has reflected reality. It’s begun to feel like Sengun peaked early.
Unless…
There’s plenty of room for improvement. Take your pick. Better three-point shooting? Better defense? Better interior efficiency?
Yet, isn’t that the point? We’re heading into year six, and there is so much room for improvement.
The Sengun Army is already at arms. Doesn’t Thompson have room to improve? Why are we protecting Jabari Smith Jr.?
Wake me up when Smith Jr. is the highest-usage player in the young core, or when he isn’t making roughly $10 million less per year than Sengun. Smith Jr. is useful even if he’s not a star, which, again, is the point. Sengun doesn’t have those secondary qualities to carve out a secondary role.
Thompson does. A non-shooting role player makes for some roster construction barriers, but at his best, Thompson is a top-5 wing defender. He’s also got two fewer NBA seasons under his belt, and despite their comparable ages, that means two fewer seasons of NBA-level training.
Sengun’s talent is beyond reproach. His footwork, passing creativity, and understanding of the game are all on display every year.
I always remember when the Rockets lost Chandler Parsons and replaced him with Trevor Ariza. Such a downgrade. Ariza is worse in almost every way: ball-handling, passing, isolation scoring…
Well, he’s a better defender. That’s about it, and that’s all that mattered. It was an upgrade, and I came to understand portability in basketball.
Perhaps it’s a lesson I’ve applied too thoroughly to Sengun. If it isn’t clear, I would have likely replaced him with an above-average defensive big years ago, even if they had minimal juice in their offensive repertoire. The Sengun and picks for Claxton and Bridges framework I’d have advocated for would have been a disaster, as Amen Thompson would not have been ready (if he ever will) for the offensive responsibilities he’d have necessarily taken on.
Replacing Sengun with role players isn’t viable. Replacing him with a different star player, rather than pairing him with one, could be the path forward for this roster: Emphasis on “could”.
Speaking of this roster…
It would be fair to assert that it hasn’t been built to optimize Sengun. A playmaking hub operating in the interior should be surrounded by shooters and smart off-ball movers. Sengun is surrounded by non-shooters. Thompson is a great off-ball mover, but he’s the most non-shootingest non-shooter of all the non-shooters.
The counterargument is that Sengun also needs to be surrounded by defenders, and defenders who can shoot are a market scarcity. Fair, but if we’re strictly talking about what would have been best for Sengun, it would have been to maximize the offense and punt on defense.
It’s too late for that. That doesn’t mean it’s too late for Sengun, but the clock is ticking. If the Rockets run into “sure there’s talent here, but they can’t shoot” again in the first round, he’s probably gone next summer.
Maybe you’d prefer Thompson on the chopping block. If you think the front office will trade him before they trade Sengun, I’ll softly recommend not gambling on sports. Tea leaf reading is not your strong suit.
We’re 902 words deep here. That’ll do. You have reached the end of my annual-ish Alperen Sengun piece.
The next one will either be about his on-court improvements or a summary of his time in Houston.
It happened on April 2 in a game against the Thunder last season. It was a measuring stick game against the reigning NBA champions. The Lakers’ momentum was at a fever pitch.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder . Getty Images
The Lakers were on a 16-2 run. Dončić was playing out of his mind, averaging 37.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in March. He had catapulted himself into the MVP conversation and turned the Lakers into a championship contender.
If Dončić led the Lakers past the Thunder, he could have leapfrogged Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the MVP race. He could have made the Lakers considered real threats for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
But the game was a nightmare from tipoff.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Getty Images
The Lakers were being steamrolled. To make matters worse, Dončić felt a tweak in his left hamstring in the second quarter.
Given the implications of this game, he decided to push through it. Even though the Lakers were down by 31 points at halftime, he decided to fight.
Then disaster struck.
Five minutes into the third quarter, the pain worsened. Dončić grabbed at his left hamstring again. He was taken out of the game.
An MRI later revealed that he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Dončić missed the final five games of the season. He was sidelined for the entire postseason.
That moment effectively ended the Lakers’ championship hopes. It put a red slash through his MVP campaign. It marked his team’s postseason demise.
If Dončić could go back, he would.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. Getty Images
“When it comes to my spirit of trying to win, I am just stubborn,” Dončić told Sports Illustrated. “I felt a little bit in the first half that I should have just stopped. I should have come out. I think we had a team that could compete for the championship. I definitely regret it.”
That was Dončić’s first time publicly acknowledging he wishes he would’ve handled things differently in that moment.
It’s impossible to assess fault here.
Sure, Dončić should’ve known better. You don’t mess around with hamstrings. But teams have coaches and training staffs to prevent players from getting in their own way.
Lakers coach JJ Redick could’ve refused to put Doncic back in. The training staff could’ve intercepted. There were a lot of dropped balls in retrospect. Hindsight is 20-20.
But it’s hard not to imagine a sliding doors situation, especially knowing Dončić believes things could’ve easily gone another way.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the floor after a play during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Getty Images
What would’ve happened if Dončić had pulled himself from that game at the first sign of pain?
It’s impossible to say.
The Lakers lost their regular season games against the Thunder by an average of 29.3 points. Maybe they never had a chance of getting past Oklahoma City in the playoffs.
Or maybe they did.
No one thought the Lakers would go on a 16-2 run last spring, including beating the Knicks, Timberwolves, Nuggets and Rockets.
No one thought they’d take a 3-0 lead against the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs without Dončić and Austin Reaves (who suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain against the Thunder on April 2).
The Lakers were on a roll.
Dončić was playing better than anyone in the league last spring. LeBron James had fully bought into being the Lakers’ third offensive option. Austin Reaves looked like an All-Star.
Things were clicking.
In many ways, belief is more powerful than anything in basketball. And the Lakers really believed. Dončić really believed.
But Dončić’s hamstring strain robbed the Lakers of knowing their potential.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic watches his team play against the Golden State Warriors from the bench. Getty Images
James put the Lakers on his 41-year-old shoulders and carried them past the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. But without Dončić, they had no chance of getting past the Thunder in the second round.
Dončić was in the zone. Over a six-game stretch in March he averaged 40.6 points, 6.6 rebounds 6.3 assists and 2.6 steals, becoming the first player to average 40 points over six road games since Michael Jordan in 1986.
Players don’t get into trances like that often. And when they do, it’s powerful.
The Lakers’ potential last season will forever be unknown. At that moment, it felt limitless. It felt as though they could really compete for a championship.
Then everything went up in flames in that one fateful game against the Thunder.
We’ll forever be left with more questions than answers.
And Dončić will forever be left with pangs of regret.
Oct 7, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) catches a ball hit by San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (not pictured) at the wall during the eighth inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Brewers took down the red-hot San Diego Padres in the NLDS, and they’re now set to face off with the Dodgers for the second straight season in the NLCS.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoes in warm ups against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 20, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew A. Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Darnell Nurse scored his first goal in a Sharks uniform to give San Jose the victory — their third win of the 2026-27 NHL season, all of which have come in OT.
The Sharks, battling without their captain, beat the odds on the road in a back-and-forth bout that ended in glory on the national stage.
“It’s a totally different season for us,” Tyler Toffoli told ESPN’s Kevin Weekes during second intermission. “There’s a lot more expectations for us coming into the season, and obviously with Mack going down, missing a couple games here. Hopefully he’s not out for too long, but a little adversity for us, and we’ve got to show that we can play without him for right now.”
Thursday’s contest marked the second consecutive game Celebrini has missed as he deals with a lower-body injury the Sharks are labeling as day-to-day. Celebrini participated in morning skate Thursday but wasn’t on the ice for warmups, though Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters earlier this week the ailment isn’t anything new, and the team has been managing it before his late scratch before Monday’s loss.
“It’s a good test for everybody to step up,” Toffoli told Weekes.
The Sharks did just that against the Blues, with Toffoli leading the charge from the jump. After Connor McMichael put St. Louis ahead 1-0 with a first-period goal, Toffoli answered back with a game-tying wrister in the second that served as the first sign of life from San Jose.
After Dillon Dube scored to push the Blues back ahead in the third period, Collin Graf made it 2-2 with his first goal of the year before Nurse called game in OT.
Toffoli led the Sharks with two points on the night thanks to his assist on Graf’s goal, and Alex Nedeljkovic had a stellar game in net with 24 saves — 10 in the first period alone.
“I think first off, Ned was huge for us in the first period,” Nurse told ESPN after the win. “He made some big, timely saves. I mean, he did it throughout the game, but in that first period, he held that one. And obviously, we had gone through not having our captain last game. You don’t want to have [Celebrini] out, but you’ve got to pick it up by committee. …
“[The Blues] came out hard, and we responded really well. This is a young group, a hungry group, and a very, very exciting group to play with. So this was a big win for us.”
It’s safe to say Nurse is enjoying his new home with San Jose after joining Team Teal in an offseason trade. He certainly won the hearts of Sharks fans with his game-winner Thursday, and now the team will head back to SAP Center to face off against Nurse’s former team, the Edmonton Oilers, on Saturday.
And whether or not Celebrini is back on the ice, the Sharks have shown they’re more than up to the challenge.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Manager Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers relieves JoJo Romero #33 in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Brewers got swept at Petco Park in August, two of the three losses came down, at least in part, to bullpen management.
In the first game, a 3-2 loss, Logan Henderson had thrown six strong innings, but Brewers manager Pat Murphy left him in after he allowed a one-out single to Ty France in the seventh. The next batter, Jackson Merrill, hit a two-run homer to give the Padres the lead.
In the third game, a 4-3 extra-inning loss, Murphy sent Dustin May back out to start the eighth. May walked Xander Bogaerts, and Murphy pulled him for Chad Patrick, who walked the bases loaded. Aaron Ashby then came in to face Jake Cronenworth, who tied the game with an infield single. The Brewers retook the lead in the 11th, but Antonio Senzatela gave up two runs in the bottom half, and the Brewers lost.
In the NLDS, Murphy learned from that series. Reluctant to let any pitcher face the Padres’ lineup a third time, he kept each of his starters on an extremely short leash, which was only possible because of the depth and effectiveness of the Brewers’ bullpen in a short series.
Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski hit the showers after just four innings in Game 1, and Milwaukee’s bullpen threw five scoreless. In Game 2, Henderson went five innings, and the bullpen allowed just one unearned run. In Game 3, May exited after three innings, and the only earned run the bullpen allowed came on a solo homer allowed by JoJo Romero.
In Game 4, Murphy pulled starter Robert Gasser after four innings, even though Gasser had allowed only three hits and one run. Milwaukee’s bullpen then held the Padres hitless over the final five innings. For those of you keeping count at home, Brewers relievers threw 19 innings (compared to 16 by Brewers starters) and allowed just one earned run, the Romero homer. That works out to a 0.47 ERA.
Neither team led by more than two runs at any point in the series, but even without any garbage time, Murphy wasn’t afraid to hold his leverage guys back until he absolutely needed them.
In Game 1, he replaced Misiorowski with Senzatela, who isn’t usually on the shortlist for high-leverage spots. Senzatela allowed two hits but got two outs, and then Murphy brought in Ashby to finish the inning.
After Henderson exited in Game 2, Murphy went to Romero, who got two outs and issued a walk. Then, Murphy brought in Uribe, who got the final out of the inning.
In Game 3, down a run in the bottom of the fourth, the first two relievers out of the bullpen were again Romero and Senzatela, who covered 2 2/3 innings between them.
With a one-run lead in Game 4, Murphy finally went first to one of his most trusted options, Ashby, who responded with three hitless innings. Uribe and Megill, the Brewers’ usual eighth- and ninth-inning duo, closed out the game and sent the Crew to the NLCS.
After four playoff games, Murphy’s playoff bullpen strategy is clear. He’ll hold his leverage arms for the right moment, erring on the side of saving them for a true do-or-die situation. He trusts the depth of his bullpen, and he trusts his guys to show up when the lights are brightest.
Comparing Murphy’s bullpen management to that of Padres manager Craig Stammen, it’s hard not to conclude that the bullpens were the difference in this series. The Padres have what Murphy called “the best bullpen in baseball,” so Stammen, like Murphy, kept his starters on a short leash. Unlike Murphy, though, Stammen didn’t seem to trust his depth options.
In Game 1, Stammen used all of his best relievers except closer Mason Miller: Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui, Jason Adam, and Adrian Morejon. If not for a Contreras homer off Morejon, the only run San Diego’s bullpen allowed in Game 1, it would have worked.
After starter Michael King exited in Game 2, Stammen went to Matsui and Rodriguez again, then brought in Miller to attempt his first six-out save since 2024. After a dominant eighth, Miller looked fatigued in the ninth and lost command. The Brewers worked three walks, setting the stage for Jackson Chourio’s walk-off single on Miller’s 40th pitch.
Miller and Morejon, who threw 31 pitches in the eighth inning of Game 1, were unavailable for Game 3 with what Stammen called “shoulder stickiness.” When Nick Pivetta exited, Stammen didn’t turn first to one of his less-used arms (Randy Vásquez, Joe Musgrove, or David Morgan). Instead, he went to the same three relievers, Adam, Matsui, and Rodriguez, then called on Game 2 starter Michael King for 40 more pitches.
Understandably, King also ran out of steam in the ninth. After getting the first out, he walked two straight batters, then gave up a 107-mph one-hopper to Christian Yelich. Unfortunately for the Brewers, Yelich hit it right into the shift, and Bogaerts turned two to secure the win.
In Game 4, with his bullpen overworked, Stammen pulled starter Walker Buehler, who’d allowed one earned run over three innings, for Game 1 starter Robbie Ray. Ray gave up a triple to Garrett Mitchell, who scored two batters later to give the Brewers a lead they’d never relinquish. After Ray, Stammen went back to Rodriguez, Matsui, Adam, and then Miller, who didn’t look like his usual dominant self but kept the Brewers off the board. Finally, down 3-1, Stammen turned to Joe Musgrove, who looked great in two hitless innings across the eighth and ninth.
The Brewers now head to the NLCS with a bullpen that allowed one earned run in 19 innings and, more importantly, with arms that aren’t running on empty. Only Ashby threw more than four innings, only Uribe pitched in all four games, and nobody threw more than three innings in a single outing. Guys like Romero and Senzatela also proved Murphy can trust them in the middle innings, and Chad Patrick, Shane Drohan, and Kyle Harrison haven’t pitched yet.
That depth will matter even more in a seven-game series. If Murphy keeps trusting it, the Brewers’ bullpen might be the best weapon left in the postseason.
An emergency protective order has been filed against former NBA star J.R. Smith after he was accused of causing “serious bodily injury” to a woman during a violent incident in Texas last month, new court documents obtained by the California Post show.
Smith has been ordered to have “zero communication” with the woman except through an attorney, and he has also been barred from going within 333 yards of the woman’s residence or place of employment, a copy of the EPO states.
Smith also cannot possess a firearm or ammunition, according to the EPO.
An emergency protective order has been filed against former NBA star J.R. Smith after he was accused of causing “serious bodily injury” to a woman NBAE via Getty Images
The order, which was signed by a judge on Sept. 29, is to remain in effect until Dec. 29, the document states.
Smith was accused on Sept. 18 of “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causing injury to a woman who was a member of his family or household or with whom he had a dating relationship, a criminal complaint filed on Oct. 2 states.
Former NBA player J.R. Smith is pictured. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Southlake Police Department.
Smith allegedly hit, grabbed or pushed the woman with his hand during the altercation, according to the complaint.
A warrant for Smith’s arrest was issued by the Southlake Police Department a short time after the alleged incident, and the ex-Los Angeles Lakers guard was taken into custody over the matter during a traffic stop in Royse City, Texas on Sept. 28.
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Smith, who was released on $5,000 bond on Sept. 29, has since been charged with one count of assault causing bodily injury family violence, court records show.
The 41-year-old’s attorney, Justin A. Moore, said in a statement to The Post last week that “JR is eager to see this matter resolved and has full confidence in the legal process.
“He is presumed innocent,” the lawyer added, “and we will address this matter in Court. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process.”
A request on Thursday seeking further comment from Moore on the EPO was not returned.
Smith played in the NBA from 2004 to 2020 and won two NBA championships.
The Buffalo Sabres take on the Dallas Stars at KeyBank Center on Thursday in the third game of their five-game homestand, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen getting the start in goal after backup Colten Ellis started and won 3-2 in overtime over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff made line changes in the third period to provide a spark, and kept those combos at practice on Wednesday, with Jiri Kulich and Peyton Krebs skating with Tage Thompson, and Josh Norris moving down in the lineup.
Injured veterans Jason Zucker and goalie Alex Lyon were on the ice on Thursday for an optional morning skate.
Lyon spoke to the media on Tuesday, and Zucker followed suit on Thursday, providing an update on his status of recovery from core muscle surgery, saying that things are on track and progressing, but there is no specific timeline for when he will be able to return.
" I'm progressing, making sure that it's getting strong enough, going up the way it needs to. I feel good on the ice, feels where it needs to be.” Zucker said. “We're making sure that we are sticking to the timeline and the plan that we put together, and then, we have some stuff in the back of our mind that we're looking at, but it's a very soft date at this point."
The 34-year-old winger had 24 goals last season, but missed 20 games, and struggled to score at a similar rate in the playoffs. Zucker did not have surgery until early August, which kept him out of training camp and the exhibition schedule, but indicated that as much as he wants to get back in the lineup, he knows that he has to be at full strength to avoid re-injury.
"Luckily or unluckily.... I've done this far too many times throughout my career. I know that rushing it never works out in your favor. You're always going to come back. You're going to feel it within a couple of games. You're going to go backwards," Zucker said. "It's just kind of understanding that it's part of the healing process. You need to stick to the timeline and make sure that it's 100% T here's certain things you can play through at 80 or 90%. Then there's other things, t ypically post-surgeries, you have to get back to 100% before you're going to come back and play."
Shohei Ohtani’s struggles at the plate since returning from an injury in September have been well documented. He hasn’t hit a home run since then, has produced one RBI and had a brutal .154 OPS during the Dodgers’ four-game NLDS against the Braves.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) is at bat during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Oct. 4, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Yet, this is Shohei Ohtani — one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
It’s a matter of when, not if, Ohtani is going to turn things around. And this should scare the other teams still playing baseball this season.
“At some point, it’s going to click for him. And the other [teams are] going to be in big trouble when that happens,” Friedman said of Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game four of the National League Division Series at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 7, 2026. Getty Images
All it might take is one pitch or one good swing for Ohtani to begin feeling like himself. Perhaps that will happen in the NLCS against the Brewers. Perhaps it will happen if the Dodgers advance to the World Series.
But Ohtani is too good for this slump to persist much longer. And when he does turn things around, Los Angeles’ already elite offense will get its anchor back.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) stands near home plate during a break in the action against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, Sept. 26, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high five after the game on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics begin their preseason slate with a game against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. The Celtics held the first few days of training camp in Boston and then traveled to South Carolina for 3 days of camp at The Citadel. The Cavaliers traveled a bit farther as they traveled to Andalusia, Spain for training camp from September 30 through October 5.
The Cavaliers kept their core group of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen together. They added a 3&D guy in Peyton Watson, who came over from Denver. They also added Jaylon Tyson and rookie Meleek Thomas, who was the 34th pick in this year’s draft. They lost Max Strus, Dean Wade, Dennis Schroder, Larry Nance, Jr, and Keon Ellis.
The Celtics kept a core group of Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Neemias Queta together. In what was the most controversial trade of the summer, they traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George. They also brought in Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson as free agents. They also drafted Chris Cenac, Jr with the 27th pick of the draft.
The starting lineups are a guess on my part. For the Celtics, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Paul George are pretty much a lock to start. There is a question mark at center where Joe may start either Neemias Queta, who started last season and had a break out season, or new arrival Mitchell Robinson. At Shooting Guard, Payton Pritchard may start, or Joe may choose to start one of the talented wings who have shown improvement in camp.
Boston Celtics Roster Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley Luka Garza Paul George Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Mitchell Robinson Baylor Scheierman Jayson Tatum Jordan Walsh Derrick White 2-Way Players Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams
Exhibit 10 Players Devin Carter Tucker DeVries Hayden Gray Gabe MccGlothan Milos Uzan
Injuries None
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Possible Celtics Starters PG: Derrick White SG: Payton Pritchard SF: Paul George PF: Jayson Tatum C: Neemias Queta
Cleveland Cavaliers Roster Jarrett Allen Thomas Bryant Khalifa Diop James Harden Mario Hezonja Sam Merrill Donovan Mitchell Evan Mobley Craig Porter, Jr Tyrese Proctor Meleek Thomas Nae’Qwan Tomlin Jaylon Tyson Peyton Watson
2-Way Players Tristan Enaruna Riley Minix Ernest Udeh, Jr Exhibit 10 Players Rashaun Agee Zach Austin Curtis Jones Kadary Richmond
Injuries None Head Coach Kenny Atkinson Possible Cavaliers Starters PG: James Harden SG: Donovan Mitchell SF: Peyton Watson PF: Evan Mobley C: Jarrett Allen
What to Watch How Jayson Tatum Plays – Jayson Tatum played in just 16 games last season, plus 6 playoff games. He looked good and averaged almost 22 points and 10 rebounds, however, he didn’t seem to have the same explosion that he did before the injury. He also played along side of Jaylen Brown for the past 10 years and will be playing as the Alpha without him for the first time in his career.
How About the New Guys– How will Paul George’s game fit with Jayson Tatum and how will he play in the Celtics’ system. Does he still have a lot in the tank and can he still play at a high level? Will Mitchell Robinson start or come off the bench and how will his game fit with Mazzulla Ball? Can he hit his free throws? Mike Conley has already proved to be a good signing as he is mentoring the younger players. How much will he contribute on the court? Can Chris Cenac, Jr contribute this season? Improvement from Young Guys – There are reports from camp that Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper, Jr and Hugo Gonzalez are all improved from last season. They are all hungry and want to earn playing time. Which ones have improved the most and will earn a larger role and more playing time? Roster Battles – The Celtics have one regular roster spot and one 2-Way spot open. They have 5 talented and intriguing players in camp on Exhibit 10 contracts. One of them will win the final 2-way spot. The Celtics have kept the final spot open in the past but will one of these players impress enough to earn that final spot. X-Factors It’s the Preseason – The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays. Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. Regardless of whether the Celtics win or lose it will be great to see them on the court again!!
Rust and Chemistry– This is the first preseason game with some new faces for both teams. Even with the same group, the first game always includes shaking off a lot of rust. Hopefully the Celtics can quickly play through the rust and play together as a team right from the start and that the new players can quickly gel with the returning Celtics.
. Everyone is sick and tired of Jazz”s act and I’m happy we will never have to see him in pinstripes again. 
