Posts

Posted on

McInnes hints at imminent Rangers arrivals

Manager Derek McInnes has suggested Rangers could complete more signings before Wednesday's friendly meeting with St-Etienne at Ibrox on Wednesday.

Rangers, third in last season's Scottish Premiership, have already brought in six new recruits, with Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin following McInnes from Tynecastle to Ibrox.

"The club has done brilliant work at this moment in time to try and bring in the additions that we clearly needed," McInnes said in a club media interview from the club's Spanish training camp.

"We want to make sure we are a more rounded squad when it comes to the bit that we're ready, but the work will be ongoing. We're still looking to try and get a couple of things done ahead of the St-Etienne game.

"We're two weeks away from Dundee United [opening day of the league campaign], and I feel that the fitness of the players is a lot better and stronger to where we want it to be, from when we set off a couple of weeks ago."

Rangers ended their camp with a 2-2 draw against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim, with McInnes calling it "a good test against a team who are well up and running in their season".

Devlin, Ivor Pandur and Thelo Aasgaard will join training on Monday after their involvement at the World Cup and McInnes welcomes the "jag of quality" the trio will bring.

McInnes, who steered Hearts to second place last term, also stressed the importance of team building in the early days of his reign.

"I want us to be more together as a squad," he said. "What we have is a lot of good individuals and we saw signs of that last season - Rangers, at times, were really strong. Individually, players were at a good level, but when it came to it, we needed to be more of a team.

"I really want to build that work ethic, that togetherness that gets you through tough times."

Posted on

Warriors to face Lakers in Summer League playoffs after 87-77 win over New York Knicks

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: LJ Cryer #18 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on July 16, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

LJ Cryer made it to the Final Four twice in his college career, going to the finals each time. His five three-pointers lifted the Golden State Warriors to a date with the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of NBA Summer League on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

The Warriors defeated the New York Knicks, 87-77, on Thursday, behind Cryer’s 17 points and five assists. That raised their record to 3-1 in summer contests, and earned them the No. 4 seed in the summer playoffs thanks to a +6.3 point differential (nine teams went 3-1). The second seed is the Memphis Grizzlies, who rode their roster of 23-year-old and four-year Summer League veterans to a 3-1 record and a +11.5 differential, and the third seed is the Houston Rockets (+11.0), who have gotten huge scoring efforts from No. 31 pick Bruce Thornton.

The Grizzlies handed the Warriors their only loss in Las Vegas with a dominant effort, helped in part by having a team full of players who were born while “Friends” was still on the air. Memphis suffered their only loss when Jaden Springer, who has played in the NBA for five seasons, had a big game for the Dallas Mavericks off the bench. That’s really the best way to win at Summer League: Be too old for the tournament.

That’s especially true for the top-seeded, undefeated Lakers. They overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls Thursday thanks to three three-pointers and five assists from 30-year-old Calgary Surge star Jon Elmore, who debuted perhaps the first baldness-based celebration in NBA history after one huge shot.

How did the rest of the Warriors do? Will Richard appears to have graduated from Summer League after three games, so second-round pick Lajae Jones started in his place and scored 13 points on 6-for-16 shooting, with three steals. He threw down a very nice alley-oop from Yaxel Lendeborg early in the third quarter.

As for the Warriors’ first-round pick, he had only three points and shot 1-for-9, but added six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocks. Two of Lendeborg’s misses came on chasedown blocks from Pacome Dadiet, and in our opinion the rookie gets a pass since he couldn’t see him either time.

But he didn’t get frustrated and kept playing hard, including a number of plays where he swallowed up Knicks players. Dadiet hit the side of the backboard trying to get free of Yaxel on one play.

When Lendeborg finally hit a three in the 4th quarter, the crowd at the smaller Cox Pavilion gym went wild.

Graham Ike continued his solid, unspectacular Summer League with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. He’s averaging 10.3 points and seven rebounds while shooting 45.2%. Malevy Leons had 13 points and six rebounds while Chase McMillian added 11 points and three triples off the bench and is now shooting 8-for-16 from behind the arc for Summer League and 57.1% in his last three games.

Deivon Smith remains a bit of a summer disappointment, going scoreless with two turnovers. He may still be coming back from a right wrist fracture that ended a short-but-stellar season with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Smith had two triple-doubles in nine game for the Sea Dubs, averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. Expect to see him back at Santa Cruz and in training camp, where he’ll be a longshot to earn a two-way contract, based on how Cryer and McMillian have shot the ball in Las Vegas (Cryer has made 13 threes in 100 Summer League minutes, tied for 5th-most in Summer League).

Now the Warriors have to get past first-rounder Cameron Carr, 2025 second-rounder Adou Thiero, and the ageless Elmore if they want to reach the Summer League promised land. As of 2022, they’ll even get rings for winning it all.

We know these are exhibition games. Still, firing up Amazon Prime on Saturday at 5:30 might be your best chance to see a Warriors team make a deep playoff run this season.

Posted on

SF Giants face a gauntlet before All-Star break based on 2027 schedule

The two teams locked in a battle for fourth place in the National League West will renew their rivalry early and late next season. That battle might come down to the bitter end as the San Francisco Giants close the 2027 season with a three-game series at Coors Field.

The season will kick off early, on Thursday, March 25 in San Francisco, before the teams take a well-earned rest day on Friday before continuing the series. The Giants start the season with six games against NL West opponents, then don’t see a division rival for five more weeks, when they travel to UNIQLO Field to face a Los Angeles Dodgers team that will probably have added Robbie Ray, Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and LeBron James in free agency.

They won’t play the San Diego Padres until May 24, to start one of their two 10-game homestands of the season. The second 10-game stretch at Oracle Park will follow the All-Star Break, starting with the A’s, ending with the Padres, and stuffed with a whopping four-game helping of Rockies in the middle. September has a nine-game homestand and jsut two six-game road trips,

Do you like June Swoons? The Giants are set up for one of those next season, with trips to San Diego, Arizona, Philadelphia, and Toronto, and visits from the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, and the New York Mets, who have to be better next season, right?

The reward for making it through the June gauntlet is a 10-game road trip leading into the break, including a stretch of 16 games in 16 days. It could be brutal for the pitching staff, with a four-game series in the launching pad of Arizona’s ballpark followed by three games at the moon base of Coors Field, which is an even better hitters’ park

But things ease up as the season progresses. August begins with the Dodgers, Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Dodgers again, but then the Giants get six games with the Miami Marlins, three each with the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, and the A’s. September has a nine-game homestand and just two six-game road trips, each featuring a strange geographic double: St. Louis-San Diego and Minneapolis-Denver.

After the All-Star Break, the Giants have 34 home games to 30 road games, with 67% of their matchups taking place in California. It’s hard to predict exactly which games will be tough one year out, but it feels safe to say that the Dodgers and Brewers will continue to be difficult opponents, and the Giants play both in separate six-game stretches in early May and early August.

What’s going to be the easiest ticket to buy? The Wednesday, September 1 home game against the Cleveland Guardians, likely to be an afternoon contest. If you really want to catch a foul ball, circle this game on your calendar.

Is it a tough schedule? At a glance, the Giants seem to have easier American League opponents at home and a tougher inter-league road schedule, while the season may vacillate wildly from brutal stretches to easier ones. Generally, this a tougher schedule in the hot parts of summer but starts and ends fairly gently. This team could rack up a lot of wins early, assuming they have a bullpen and not a bunch of weird zealots who don’t believe in evolution or throwing strikes to the leadoff man. And they’re generally less sucky.

But if they don’t get off to a good start, it might be a long, long summer. Specifically from June 14-July 11, hoo boy.

Posted on

Lakers to play Warriors in Las Vegas Summer League Semifinals

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Chris Manon #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Chase Center on July 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Summer League has been a tremendous success for the Lakers. In the California Classic, they went 2-1, and in Las Vegas Summer League play, they’ve won all four of their games, punching their ticket to the Semifinals.

The Lakers are set to play the Warriors on Saturday. The matchup will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center at 5:30 p.m. PT and will air on Prime Video.

Lakers-Warriors is always a compelling game because of the regional rivalry, but add in the fact that LA lost to Golden State in the California Classic, and this game is suddenly even more interesting. The purple and gold can avenge their only loss during Summer League and by doing so advance to the title game.

This year’s Lakers Summer League squad has had a handful of players that have stood out.

Adou Thiero has scored in double figures in each contest in Las Vegas. He’s shown off his athleticism, with some monster dunks. Cameron Carr is looking like a rotational player and has shot with tremendous confidence. Arthur Kaluma has delivered some breakout performances and is making a loud case for a two-way spot.

Lakers coach Ty Abbott has had the Lakers playing well on both sides of the ball in Summer League action. Chris MaĂąon is leading the defense, and LA has dominated in all of their wins in Nevada. Now they are just two victories away from winning their second Las Vegas Summer League championship.

LA won their first Las Vegas Summer League championship back in 2017. That roster was oozing with NBA talent as the Lakers had Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Ivica Zubac, Alex Caruso and Josh Hart on that team.

Time will tell if this team has players that will be around the NBA for years to come, but so far they’ve been an impressive group and an exciting team to watch. With the Lakers aiming to get younger and more athletic all across the board, this Summer League team is an encouraging sign for what this new era of LA basketball will look like.

If the Lakers beat the Warriors, they’ll face the winner of Rockets-Grizzlies on Sunday for a shot at another Las Vegas Summer League title.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Posted on

LeBron James shouts out Bronny, USC medical staff in TIME 100 speech

LeBron James has had a busy summer thus far. While everyone awaits his announcement of which team he will play for next, he was honored with the cover of Time magazine's "TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports."

In his unrehearsed speech, he discussed the importance of sports and how they got him to where he is today. He also took a personal moment in which he spoke on his gratitude for the University of Southern California medical staff that saved his son.

James' eldest son, Bronny, attended USC during the 2023-24 season. James' son suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a summer basketball workout at USC on July 24, 2023.

Bronny was diagnosed with a functionally significant congenital heart defect.

"Shout out my oldest son Bronny. ... We just had the story obviously with Damar (Hamlin), you know, those guys come up here, talk about cardiac arrest and how important that is. Our son went through something like that a few years ago at USC," the 41-year-old James said. "And obviously, if it wasn't for the coaching staff and the medical team and everybody at USC being there in a timely fashion, we'd possibly be sitting here without our son, our oldest son. So thank you to everybody and all the efforts when it comes to cardiac arrest."

Bronny made a full recovery and played his freshman year with the Trojans, albeit in limited minutes. He went on to become the 55th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, with Bronny and LeBron James then becoming the first father-son duo to share an NBA court.

"Guys, take that serious. If you got kids in elementary, you got kids in middle school, kids in high school, colleges. Make sure they have these devices available where you can get them, practice them. It's very important, super, super important. Obviously, we know how important it is to our family, so we're a big advocate of that," LeBron James said.

Although the elder James will no longer play for the Lakers, his firstborn will remain in LA after his contract with the Lakers became fully guaranteed for $2.3 million on June 30. The 21-year-old has a contract that will pay him this year, with a team option to keep him until his deal expires in 2028.

In the 2025-26 campaign, his second NBA season, Bronny James averaged 2.9 points, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals in 8.9 minutes per game. He shot 40.9% from the field, 38.6% on 3-point field goals and 85.7% from the free throw line.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: LeBron James shouts out Bronny, USC medical staff in TIME 100 speech

Posted on

Cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to driving with suspended licence after crash that killed wife

Adelaide-based Olympian was banned from driving for five years over Melissa Hoskins’ 2023 death

Former professional cyclist Rohan Dennis faces a jail sentence after admitting he drove while disqualified over the events leading up to the death of his Olympian wife, Melissa Hoskins.

A judge had previously warned the former Olympian he would be jailed if he drove while banned.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Smoky Mets-Phillies conditions caused ‘burning’ eyes — and felt like ‘you were sitting by a campfire’

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows The sun, with an orange cast from Canadian wildfire smoke, sets above the Philadelphia Phillies scoreboard during a baseball game, Image 2 shows Brett Baty of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a solo home run, Image 3 shows A fan wears a mask due to an air quality warning
Smoky conditions impacted the Mets' game against the Phillies on Monday.

PHILADELPHIA — There have been plenty of nights when people wouldn’t have wanted to see the Mets play.

Access the Mets beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Try it free

On Thursday, they nearly got their wish as the smoke from the Canadian wildfires forced MLB to move up the start of the game and it may have paid off.

“I didn’t think it was bad til the last couple innings,” Brett Baty said after the Mets beat the Phillies 4-1 at Citizens Bank Park.

“My eyes were burning and itching a little bit,’’ Baty said. “[Carson] Benge said it felt like you were sitting by a campfire. It was fun … but it didn’t feel great playing ball with it.”

Despite the adverse conditions, the game didn’t appear to be directly impacted.

Phillies manager Don Mattingly said, “It got almost, like, foggier. Guys didn’t seem to be having trouble.”

The Phillies played the Mets on July 16. AP Photo

Home plate umpire and crew chief Dan Iassogna checked with players and the grounds crew throughout the game and play was never stopped.

Francisco Alvarez, who homered twice, said through an interpreter that “by the end of the game, it was a little more difficult to catch and see.”

Brett Baty celebrates after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning of the Mets’ 4-1 win over the Phillies on July 16, 2026 in Philadelphia. Getty Images

That didn’t make it pleasant, as Christian Scott said it “got a little thick” on the field.

The smoke undoubtedly increased throughout the course of the game, but no one lost any fly balls.

A fan wears a mask due to the smoke during the Mets’ July 16 game against the Phillies. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

As interim Mets manager Andy Green said when asked how the conditions may have affected the game, “I don’t think they really did. It felt like they could have at any moment, especially as visibility got tougher.”

Posted on

St. Louis Blues sign Connor McMichael to a 6-year, $40.5 million contract

NHL: Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals

Apr 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Connor McMichael (24) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Connor McMichael has signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the St. Louis Blues.

General manager Alex Steen, who took over the job from Doug Armstrong on July 1, announced the deal Thursday. McMichael will count $6.75 million against the salary cap through the 2031-32 NHL season.

McMichael joined the team as part of the return from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou trade last month. St. Louis also got a first-round pick and prospect Milton Gastrin.

This long-term contract more than triples McMichael’s salary after he made $2.1 million each of the past two seasons.

The 25-year-old forward is coming off setting a career high with 32 assists and also scoring 14 goals in 78 games with the Capitals. He has 162 points in 333 regular season and playoff games since making his debut in the league in 2021 after getting taken with the 25th pick in the 2019 draft.

Posted on

Marcus Semien sits despite return from IL as Brett Baty has big night in Mets’ win

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Marcus Semien, who returned from the IL, bobbles the ball in an attempt to complete a double play during a game earlier this season, Image 2 shows Brett Baty celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning of the Mets' 4-1 win over the Phillies on July 16, 2026 in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Marcus Semien returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in time for Thursday’s 4-1 win over the Phillies to open the second half of the season, but he wasn’t in the lineup.

It’s an indication of just how poor the veteran second baseman has been in his first season with the Mets, as interim manager Andy Green went with the lefty-swinging Brett Baty against Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola.

Access the Mets beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Try it free

And Baty delivered with a pair of hits, including a homer.

“When my name is called, I’ll be ready,’’ Semien said before the game. “I’m ready to play every single day. That’s what I told Andy.”

Asked if Semien and Baty, who was hitting better before the All-Star break- were in something of a lefty-righty platoon, Green said the team wanted to get Semien a full workout day before he started a game, since he was unable to play in any minor league rehab games during the break.

Green added that Semien was expected to be in the lineup Saturday when the Phillies are scheduled to start lefty JesĂşs Luzardo.

“He’ll figure prominently in our mix going forward,’’ Green said of Semien.

Marcus Semien, who returned from the IL on Thursday, bobbles the ball in an attempt to complete a double play during a game earlier this season. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Semien, a significant part of the offseason overhaul undertaken by president of baseball operations David Stearns, had been sidelined since June 24 with a left hip flexor strain.

Even before the injury, though, the 35-year-old was having the worst season of his 14-year career.

Not only has his offense dropped off for a third straight year, Semien has been a below-average defender at second base.

Brett Baty celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo homer in the seventh inning of the Mets’ 4-1 win over the Phillies on July 16, 2026 in Philadelphia. Getty Images

Baty can play second and third and Green said he might use him at first, where Jared Young — another lefty hitter — has gotten the bulk of the playing time.

“This is who he is as a hitter and what he can do,” Green said of Baty’s recent hot streak. “He presents a lot of defensive versatility … [and] he’s showing the pop in his bat we believe he has.”

Baty acknowledged he’s had a disappointing year up to this point, saying, “I don’t think it’s been good at all. I hold myself to a way higher standard than the way I’ve been playing. I think the last two or so weeks have been the kind of player I am: hitting the ball hard and playing good defense. That’s all I can really control.”

To open a roster spot for Semien, Zack Short was designated for assignment after starting the last three games before the break at second base.

Short had been starting, in part, because Bo Bichette was dealing with right ankle soreness.

MEts merch shop
  • 47 Brand logo cap
  • 1986 eco tote bag
  • Mets fiber beach towel
  • 14-ounce sculpted relief mug
  • Customizable jersey
  • Color block logo backpack
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.

Bichette was back in the lineup at third base Thursday — with Baty at second — and Green noted, “We definitely could have used his bat in the last series,” when the Mets were swept at home by Boston.

Posted on

Penguins Switch Up ECHL Teams, Ending League's Longest-Standing Affiliation

Even if the news doesn't come as a surprise, the Pittsburgh Penguins officially terminated the longest-standing ECHL affiliation in the NHL.

On Thursday, the Penguins announced that they ended their 29-year affiliation with the Wheeling Nailers and subsequently named the Florida Everblades as their new ECHL squad. The news comes a few weeks after the Penguins sale to the Hoffmann Family of Companies became official, when they publicly shared their intention to switch the affiliation to their already-owned franchise in the Everblades.

The Nailers are now without an NHL parent club, while the Everblades were not affiliated with an NHL team at the time of the switch.

End Of An Era: 29 Year Affiliation Has Ended With The Wheeling NailersEnd Of An Era: 29 Year Affiliation Has Ended With The Wheeling NailersA shifting ownership landscape severs the longest active NHL-ECHL partnership, ending a historic developmental pipeline that fueled Pittsburgh’s championship legacy and defined hockey identity in West Virginia.

Wheeling first became the affiliate of the Penguins in 1996, and since then, it helped develop multiple NHL players as well as several top prospects, including goaltender Sergei Murashov, defenseman Finn Harding, and forwards Avery Hayes and Atley Calvert currently. Pittsburgh has long-considered its ECHL affiliate to be a developmental league, and that has only become more true under the current front office regime under president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas.

But, despite the developmental angle, Wheeling's proximity to Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (the organization's AHL affiliate), and the relatively small but cult following Wheeling has, the Hoffmann family made it clear from the jump that Florida was always the endgame.

"100 percent," David Hoffman said of their intention to make the Everblades the ECHL affiliate during the family's introductory press conference on Jun. 25. "I think they would run me out of Naples if they're not. We already have people wearing Penguins' jerseys at our games, so I think there's a high expectation level that's going to happen. We want to do that."

Three Takeaways From Thursday's Hoffmann Family Press ConferenceThree Takeaways From Thursday's Hoffmann Family Press ConferenceThe Hoffmann Family held their introductory press conference on Thursday after buying the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are a few takeaways from it.

The Everblades have been a highly successful ECHL franchise in recent years, as they have won four of the past five Kelly Cup championships, including the 2026 title over the Kansas City Mavericks. They have won more Kelly Cup Championships than any team in ECHL history with five. 

Any player in the Penguins' organization signed to an NHL or an AHL contract can now be assigned to the ECHL affiliate in Florida, if eligible as far as contract terms. Any player signed to ECHL agreements will remain with their current club, meaning any ECHL-signed Penguins' prospect will remain in Wheeling. 

Penguins Netminder Named Among NHL's Best Goalie ProspectsPenguins Netminder Named Among NHL's Best Goalie ProspectsSergei Murashov has received some praise.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

Posted on

Summer squad’s victory still a few points short

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on July 16, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

While they were hoping for a playoff spot, the Summer League Toronto Raptors’ 99-90 victory over the Miami heat tonight won’t clinch them a top-four spot. Sharing a 3-1 record with a number of other teams, the final seeding came down to point differential, which doesn’t fall in the Raptors’ favour. The narrow margin of their previous wins and their victory tonight just won’t cut it.

While disappointing, Summer League isn’t over yet, and Toronto will play their final “consolation” game on Saturday, July 18 at a time that is to be determined.

Allen Graves continues to thrill as he led Toronto with 23-6-4. Seth Lundy also had a strong performance with 19-3-6 and is showing potential to find himself a contract somewhere. Bittle (13), Burnett (10), and Key (11) also scored in double figures. Everyone who checked in made a contribution to the stat sheet. 

Toronto was the first on the board in the first quarter and both teams went blow for blow for the 10-minute frame. Nathan Bittle opened up the scoring in the game with a long range shot. He showed his ability to make decisions  when being run off the line with an excellent start to the game. His rebounding and size continue to be his greatest assets and probably the things that will earn him a spot on the roster this year. 

Without many stoppages, starters began to get winded with the pace of the game and timely substitutions brought back a little bit of the energy. Jamarion Sharp’s size helped create some highlight play as the frame expired:

In the second, Toronto was able to scratch back and build their own lead, with Seth Lundy making some more great shots we’ve become accustomed to. He stayed hot throughout the frame, knocking down shots with every opportunity he got.  

Allen Graves also started connecting from long range after struggling in the first frame from that distance. His court vision is the greatest thing that doesn’t stand out on a stat sheet. Reading who’s open and delivering great passes continue to demonstrate how he will fit in Toronto’s system. This was on full display throughout the entire first half as well

Toronto built a significant cushion by the midway point of the second frame, finding the bottom of the basket on almost everything, spending much of the quarter perfect from the floor. Going to the locker room, they boasted a 10 point lead. 

Miami made adjustments though, and started to fight back early on. Unlike the second, Toronto couldn’t convert anything in the first two minutes, giving up a 12-0 run for the Heat. Seth Lundy spearheading Toronto’s first points of the frame. 

The Raptors were able to stop the bleeding due to his shooting and scoring. Miami continued to charge back led by the tandem of Young and Tre White. Toronto had most of their leading scorers pulled from the floor at this point, once again resorting to a back and forth scoring stalemate. Tyreke Key tried to contribute, but struggled more in this matchup than his last couple games. A couple of incomplete putbacks were the lowlight from this quarter, but in the final minutes Toronto was able to pull back ahead. 

In the final frame, they were able to organize. The uncertainty and pressure to create as large a lead as possible seemed to set in. They finally built it to 10, but poor decision making and turning the ball over quickly made it disappear. This quarter was messy, with everyone making little plays that helped. The urgency wasn’t present for Toronto in the fading minutes of the match and some meandering play meant the game closed with only a nine point lead, a mere five points short of qualifying for the semifinal game.

Posted on

Trevor Zegras becomes highest-paid Flyers player with $36.5 million extension

Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) battle for the puck.
Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) battle for the puck.

Trevor Zegras is getting rewarded for a career season. 

Zegras inked a four-year deal to stay in Philadelphia, the team announced Wednesday. 

The 25-year-old center, who spent the first five years of his career with the Ducks before getting traded to the Philadelphia last offseason, will earn $36.5 million ($9.125 million average annual value) to become the Flyers’ highest-paid player. 

The center was a restricted free agent who had filed for arbitration, which can now be avoided. 

Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras looks on. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

“We’re thrilled to have Trevor committed to our organization for the next four years,” Flyers general manager Danny Briere said in a statement. “The growth he showed this past season, proving that he is the skilled player he entered the league as, reinforced our belief that he will be an impact player for the Flyers for the years to come. He’s the type of player who can help take our team to the next level, and we’re excited to continue building alongside him.”

Zegras, the ninth pick in the 2019 draft, scored 67 goals and tallied 119 assists in five years with the Ducks before joining the Flyers. 

In his first season with Philly, he scored a career-high 26 goals while adding 41 assists, which was one shy of his career best set in 2022-23.

In eight playoff games, Zegras notched two goals with four assists. 

In addition to locking up their core after an overachieving season, Briere has focused on retaining veterans, as he’s signed goalie Dan Vladar and right wing Tyson Foerster to extensions this offseason. 

Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) battle for the puck. Noah K. Murray for NY Post

The Flyers also recently tried to reel in Leo Carlsson of the Ducks with a record-setting offer sheet.

But Anaheim matched it and made him the league’s highest-paid center at $18 million AAV. 

The Flyers are coming off a resurgent 2025-26 season in which they made the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and won a first-round series against the rival Penguins.

Posted on

Bryce Harper gives stunning guess for LeBron James’ next team

Philadelphia is a potential destination for LeBron James this summer, and one of the city’s biggest stars just weighed in on the highly touted free-agent sweepstakes.

The Phillies’ Bryce Harper was asked where he believes James will play next season during the team’s series opener against the Mets on Thursday.

Bryce Harper made his ninth career All-Star appearance in 2026. MLB Photos via Getty Images

“I don’t know. I think he’s going to the Cavs. I think he’s going back home to end his career there. But you never know.

“Obviously, [the Sixers] got a couple guys over there that are fun to play with. They got Jaylen Brown. You wanna come to a crazy city and have some fun? This is it,” Harper said while mic’d up during the game.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!

Harper is a leading figure in Philadelphia sports, so it’s only right he made a free-agent pitch for the 76ers. However, like many speculate, Harper believes the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will return to the place where it all began — Cleveland.

LeBron James made an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York. Ryan Rolo/Shutterstock

James discussed his free-agency decision at Fanatics Fest in New York on Thursday but remained tight-lipped on where he wants to go.

The veteran isn’t immune to the noise as fans began to voice their desired destination for James.

LeBron James is mulling his next NBA destination. AP Photo/Evan Agostini

“Where? Where did I hear?” James said. “I heard Warriors … I heard Philly … Miami … This guy just told me to come to the Yankees.”

The 41-year-old is expected to make a decision soon, and the deal will certainly have implications for the rest of the NBA. As James weighs his options, it remains to be seen whether Harper’s prediction comes to fruition.

Posted on

Returns & Rematches: 5 Most Compelling Games For Golden Knights In 2026-27

On Thursday, the Vegas Golden Knights released the schedule for the 2026-27 regular season, which will have 84 games after a shortened preseason. The regular season begins on September 29th at home against the Chicago Blackhawks and ends on April 10th at home against the Los Angeles Kings.

Every game is important in its own right, but certain ones certainly stand out for their narratives and entertainment value. So, without further ado, here are the five biggest matchups for the Golden Knights during the 2026-27 regular season.

December 21st @ Carolina Hurricanes

Every year, as soon as the NHL releases the regular season schedule, neutral fans scramble to circle the rematch of the most recent Stanley Cup Final. After a truly dominant run to the Stanley Cup Final, the Golden Knights exited the postseason with a whimper on the back of a 22-save shutout from Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi. They’re desperate to get the taste of defeat out of their mouths, and this is the first chance to do so. 

While winning the rematch won’t fully erase the sting of defeat, it might be critical to do so to set the tone for the new season. There’s no question that the Golden Knights will give this game everything they’ve got, and the Hurricanes will as well. 

January 2nd vs Colorado Avalanche

While the Stanley Cup Final rematch promises emotional fireworks, it’s possible that the Western Conference Final rematch could threaten to steal the spotlight in terms of entertainment. And how could it not, after what the Golden Knights did to the Avalanche during those six days in late May? Make no mistake, the Golden Knights thoroughly embarrassed the Avalanche, and their opponent will likely be out for blood. 

The Avalanche are a high-flying offensive team, and after getting shut down for four straight games, they’ll be chomping at the bit to prove it. And, hey, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are always worth the price of admission. This has the potential to be one of the best matchups of the season. 

February 15th vs Detroit Red Wings

The Golden Knights will host several return games during the 2026-27 regular season, but two will stand out from the rest in terms of emotional impact. The first return game will be for Keegan Kolesar, a fan favorite known for his physicality, who was traded to the Red Wings at the start of the offseason. 

Kolesar embraced the Las Vegas community, and they embraced him right back. He’s sure to get a warm welcome from the fans in T-Mobile Arena ahead of what will be an emotional game.

February 19th @ Dallas Stars

Few things are more compelling than an outdoor hockey game. The actual hockey itself is often quite sloppy because of the weather conditions, but we love these outdoor games anyway because of the spectacle they offer. The two teams walk out in themed outfits, there’s usually a musical entertainer, and nothing makes athletes happier than an opportunity to take the game back to the way they played it as kids.

On February 19th, the Golden Knights will play their second outdoor game— and first Stadium Series game— in franchise history against the Dallas Stars at AT&T Stadium. They already used the Elvis outfit back at the 2024 Winter Classic against the Seattle Kraken, so it’s anybody’s guess what they’ll walk out in this year.

March 13th vs New York Rangers

The second and final return game of the season features a rare home-grown talent: Pavel Dorofeyev. Vegas selected Dorofeyev in the third round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and he developed into a dangerous scoring winger. But all good things come to an end– because they couldn’t afford his looming payday, the Golden Knights traded the pending Restricted Free Agent to the New York Rangers during the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Because they prioritize staying in win-now mode, the Golden Knights haven’t made many draft picks and have hit on very few of them. Dorofeyev was perhaps their greatest success story, as he led the team in goals for the past two seasons. Hockey is a business, and there are no hard feelings between the two parties, but the two-time 35-goal scorer’s return game is sure to include some fireworks.